Enjoy the ultimate Umbria itinerary to help you get the most out of a week in the green heart of Italy.
For many years, our team at Bookings For You has had a bit of a soft spot for Umbria. So coming up with a 1 week Umbria itinerary has been more of an indulgence than anything else. Having spent many years in Tuscany’s shadow, we feel like Umbria is now having its moment to shine and we can’t wait to share our must-do activities for a week-long Umbria itinerary. We love Umbria’s slightly slower pace of life and we are sure you will too.
This Umbria Itinerary is loosely based on a stay in one of our stunning Umbria villas or apartments. However, if you have a rental car everything can be reached easily, wherever you choose as a base for your holiday in Umbria.
Umbria Itinerary Day 1: Perugia
Where better to begin your Umbria itinerary than in its Capital, Perugia? And when we think of Perugia, we think of two things: jazz and chocolate! As home to Italy’s much-loved Baci chocolate brand, Perugia offers many opportunities to enjoy chocolatey delicacies at any time of year. However, if you happen to be visiting during March or October, you’re in for a real treat! Perugia’s world-famous- Eurochoclate festival is Europe’s biggest chocolate festival and attracts nearly 1 million cocoa-loving visitors to Perugia’s ancient piazzas. There are chocolate art exhibitions, chocolate sculptures and even a chocolate day spa. Of course, there is also a lot of chocolate eating! The delicious legacy of this festival can be felt all year so don’t despair if you love chocolate and can’t plan your trip during the festival.
Not only is Perugia the capital of Umbria (and perhaps chocolate!) it is now also the capital of Jazz. As the main host city of Umbria Jazz each summer, Jazz can be felt all year round with concerts and performances taking place regularly. To read more about Umbria Jazz, Eurochocolate and many more Italian festivals and events click here.
Away from the chocolate and the Jazz, Perugia is a rich tapestry of art, history and culture. One of our favourite things to do in Perugia is to walk along the raised medieval walkway Via Dei Priori. This is a wonderfully immersive experience – it feels like you’re walking back in time amongst the ancient buildings.
Art lovers should also make visits to Palazzo dei Priori, home to the National Gallery of Umbria and Sala Del Cambio where you can admire the stunning frescos – decorated by Pietro Vannucci. With so much art and history to take in, joining a walking tour with a local guide is the best way to get the most out of your day in Perugia. These can prove popular, especially in the summer months, so click here to book your tickets in advance.
Umbria Itinerary Day 2: Cascate delle Marmore
As the largest man-made waterfall in the world, Cascate delle Marmore is a magnificent sight. It was actually built by the Romans, so it’s had plenty of time to settle-in to the nature around it. And it’s far from anything that springs to my mind when I think of something man-made! At a staggering 165 metres high, the falls are a must-see destination if you’re visiting Terni. We even consider it to be worth the journey if you’re staying in Spello (55 min drive) or Orvieto (1hr drive).
While the falls are split across three levels, there are many viewing platforms from which to enjoy the wonderful vistas and take some fantastic photos. Outside of Italy, Cascate delle Marmore are still fairly unknown, so be prepared for Instagram comments asking where you are!
Entrance to the falls is 10 euros. This gives access to all the hiking trails and amenities in the park. Tickets can be bought at the entrance. There are well-maintained facilities including toilets and a nice little cafe where you can enjoy a coffee and a bite to eat with the most stunning backdrop.
Umbria Itinerary Day 3: Assisi
Is any Umbria itinerary complete without a trip to Assisi? As the birthplace of St Francis, Assisi is world-renowned for being the central stop on the Via di Francesco Camino from Florence to Rome. St. Francis remains a patron saint of Italy and in 2000, UNESCO designated the Franciscan structures of Assisi as a World Heritage Site.
Therefore, it will come as no surprise to hear that Assisi is steeped in history. And much like many towns in Umbria, there are some turbulent tales built into its magnificent architecture. Highlights for us include Rocca Maggiore; the town’s largest medieval castle. This structure has dominated Assisi for more than eight hundred years. But we mustn’t forget the Roman Amphitheatre. Built in the early 1st century AD, today it is a public garden. While there is a limited amount of the original structure remaining, it’s still well worth a visit.
Finally to St Francis Basilica. In fact, it would almost be a bit rude to come to Assisi and not add this to your plans! As one of Italy’s most important Christian buildings, it has been carefully cared for and preserved over time. The church can be seen for several kilometers across the Umbrian hills, as it sits perched on the slopes of Mount Subasio.
Unless you are a very well-versed historian, having a guide to help you understand Assisi’s history is the best way to get the most out of your visit. There are many on offer, from self-guided audio tours to small-group and private experiences. Always book your tickets in advance – Assisi is popular all year round. Click here to see what’s on offer.
Umbria Itinerary Day 4: Spello
Often described as a stunning splash of colour amongst Italy’s green country – Spello is an essential part of any Umbria itinerary. Famous for winding alleys, dressed in flowers in all seasons. In fact, every garden, step, facade and windowsill in Spello is lovingly decorated with floral delights. What’s more, the residents celebrate their love of all things floral every year at the infiorata.
Dating back to 1831 the event takes place on the ninth Sunday after Easter (usually in June) and commemorates the Corpus Domini feast. Although Spello is filled with flowers all year round, during the Infiorata, the town’s streets are literally paved with more than sixty large flower murals. These are constructed using flower petals and completely carpet Spello’s narrow alleys.
Next, Food! While food is the highlight of any day in Italy, we think it’s especially so in Spello. The smells of traditional Umbrian fayre fill the streets, while families prepare to share their evening meal and restaurants begin to fill up. To get a truly authentic experience why not join a local for dinner in their home? This is a wonderful experience – book here through our trusted partner Viator.
Alternatively, enjoying a cooking class is a great way to learn about traditional recipes and culinary methods. What’s more, you will get to know a little about Spello’s hugely interesting history and culture too by spending time with a local. One of the best chefs we have the pleasure of working with is Alessio Berionni. Learn more about his cookery classes at www.abpersonalchef.com. Quote ‘Bookings For You’ to receive a free gift with every booking.
Even just the centre of Spello can take some time to explore and joining a walking tour or hiring a guide is the best way to get the most out of your time here. There are even e-bike and tuk-tuk tours! It is no surprise that many of our guests chose to stay in Spello itself. To see our Spello villas and apartments click here.
Umbria Itinerary Day 5: Lake Trasimeno
Lakes often feature in an Italy itinerary. However, some might be surprised to see an Italian lake on an Umbria itinerary. While the most famous lakes are indeed in the north of the country, Lake Trasimeno is somewhat of a hidden gem. At 128 square kilometers, it is only slightly smaller than Lake Como. Yet at just 5 metres deep, it keeps a wonderfully mild temperature for swimming and water activities well into the shoulder seasons.
The lake offers an abundance of water sports to keep everyone in the family busy. Kayaks and paddle boards are available to rent. However, we always recommend using a guide to help you stay safe while also getting the most out of your time on the water. The best place to begin your experience is on Tuoro Beach. Click here to see what’s on offer from our partner Viator.
If you’re looking for a more relaxing experience, you can opt for a boat tour to explore the picturesque islands of Polvese and Maggiore. And if you fancy a real treat, you can even enjoy an onboard aperitivo and finish the evening with an exquisite meal in one of the lake’s wonderful restaurants. To make a reservation click here.
Away from the water, the lake’s main towns are Passignano sul Trasimeno, Castiglione del Lago and Tuoro sul Trasimeno. However, the small village of Castel Rigone is also well worth a visit. For the more adventurous and active travelers, there are also a number of hiking and cycling tracks in the countryside surrounding the lake. To book a cycling tour click here.
Umbria Itinerary Day 6: Trevi
Perched on Monte Serano, Trevi towers over the rolling green hills of the Spoleto valley. Like many of its neighbours, Trevi has a rich history peppered with different rulers. During Roman control, it was a key town situated on the Via Flaminia. This is an ancient Roman road leading from Rome to Rimini on the Adriatic Coast. What’s more, Trevi still boasts a spectacular view over the Via Flaminia today.
Nowadays, Trevi is divided into two parts: Borgo Trevi and the Centro Storico. If you only have one day in Trevi, we would not necessarily recommend spending much time in Borgo Trevi. While you can still get a great view of Via Flaminia, and there are still some impressive Roman remains, much of this area is now modernised. Therefore it can be a little underwhelming compared with the ancient beauty of the old town.
Many visitors begin their time in the historic centre – just outside the city walls. From here, enter through the city gates: Porta del Bruscito, Porta San Fabiano or Porta del Cieco. These masterpieces date back to the medieval period. Inside, this part of the town sits on a level plateau with spectacular views down to the valley below. If you follow Via Roma, you will reach Piazza Mazzini – Trevi’s central square. This is where the town’s main events take place. These include a farmer’s market – every fourth Sunday of the month. It is also the setting for the abundance of festivals that Trevi hosts each year. Our favourite is the Black Cellery Festival! Read more about them and everything Trevi has to offer here here.
Umbria Itinerary Day 7: Orvieto
Nestled in the South West of Umbria (close to the border with Tuscany), Orvieto is one of Umbria’s most beautiful cities. Famous for its wine, Umbricelli pasta, black truffles and olive oil. Also rich in art and architecture, Orvieto is a real gem.
You can easily spend a day in Orvieto simply enjoying getting lost in its ancient streets. However, there is so much to see, that it’s a good idea to have a shortlist of must-see sights. Top of everyone’s list will undoubtedly be the 14th-century Duomo. Quite possibly one of the greatest Gothic buildings in the whole country, its facade will take your breath away. A series of mosaics tell the story of the Virgin Mary, including the nativity, presentation of Mary in the temple, and assumption into heaven. This is just a snapshot of the stories that have been lovingly created on this masterpiece. Inside, there is yet more stunning architecture and art to accompany it. A highlight is the statue of Pietà by Ippolito Scalza, created from one single block of marble.
Next, it’s time to head underground! Orvieto’s stunning beauty above ground is matched by its wonderfully preserved history underground. Grotta della Rupe is a succession of caves, cellars, aqueducts, tunnels, and quarries. These date back as far as the Etruscan period and can be best enjoyed by joining a tour with a local guide. What’s more, it is now possible to book a combined ticket for both the Duomo and the Grotta della Rupe. Click here to get yours.
Finally, and still underground, Orvieto has two incredible wells. Both served as an emergency water source for the papacy should the town become under siege. They are incredible feats of engineering. The smaller of the two Pozzo della Cava was dug by hand and if you happen to be visiting during December, is home to a wonderful nativity scene. The second, Pozzo di San Patrizio, is 175 feet deep. Visitors can use the 465 steps to reach the bottom of the well where the access bridge to the water still remains. Book tickets in advance to tour the wells here.
Orvieto is a great base for a holiday in Umbria. Our guests love everything it has to offer, as well as its proximity to so many other places on this Umbria itinerary. If you’d like to see our stunning apartments right in Orvieto’s historic centre, click here or contact us at Bookings For You.
Where to stay in Umbria?
Would you like some help finding the perfect villa or apartment for your holiday in Umbria? Contact the Bookings For You Team here. We can’t wait to share our wonderful portfolio of hand-picked apartments and villas in Umbria with you.
