The Best Things to Do in Italy's Umbria Region

Enjoy the scenic views from the Ponte delle Torri, an ancient bridge in Spoleto, Italy
Enjoy the scenic views from the Ponte delle Torri, an ancient bridge in Spoleto, Italy | © Photogilio / Alamy
Toni DeBella

Umbria is sometimes overshadowed by its famous next-door neighbour, Tuscany. All the better for tourists keen to experience the Italy of yore: medieval hilltop towns, rustic food and beautifully preserved art in a lush, green landscape.

Once off the radar for many holidaymakers, Umbria is now a popular destination that attracts millions of travellers each year. From beautiful nature parks to delicious cuisine, world-class wine to vibrant cities and charming hilltop villages, here’s our list of some of the best things to do and see in Italy’s Umbria region.

speech icon man in bubble

Destinations Unlocked:

Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture trip

Looking for an expert's perspective?

Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
speech icon man in bubble
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

Go underground at Narni Sotterranea

Architectural Landmark, Archaeological site

Italy, Umbria, Narni, the underground church of San Domenico
© Hemis / Alamy

Beneath the winding streets of Narni – a hill town in southern Umbria – are a tangle of subterranean remains of Roman homes (domus) and preserved ancient frescoes. Take the one-hour tour of Narni Sotterranea for a unique insight into the city’s fascinating history. You’ll visit a jail cell where heretics were once imprisoned, see a cistern that dates back to the Middle Ages and walk through a section of a Roman aqueduct built during the reign of Tiberius.

Visit the Basilica di San Francesco in Assisi

Church

One of the most revered churches of the Christian world, the Basilica di San Francesco in Assisi draws a steady stream of pilgrims and tourists each year. Frescoes by artists of the 13th and 14th centuries, such as Cimabue, Simone Martini and Pietro Lorenzetti, line the walls and Gothic arches of the upper and lower church. The most celebrated among them is Giotto. His masterpiece, the Life of St Francis, is a must-see depiction of the humble friar’s time on earth, in 28 panels.

Take a ride on the Funivia Colle Eletto in Gubbio

Sports Center, Natural Feature

Soar above the rooftops of Gubbio in the Funivia Colle Eletto, a standing cableway that whisks you from the heart of the city to the summit of Mount Ingino in just six minutes. Somewhat bizarrely, each cable car resembles a human-size birdcage, so as long as you can keep the vertigo at bay you can enjoy almost-open-air views of the city and surrounding countryside. When you get to the top, pay a visit to the Basilica of St Ubaldo, a 16th-century church that houses the relic of the patron saint of the city.

Marvel at the Duomo in Orvieto

Architectural Landmark

Orvieto (Italy) - The beautiful etruscan and medieval stone town in Umbria region, with nice historic center, Pozzo di San Patrizio well.
© Valerio Mei / Alamy

Sit on one of the benches opposite the Duomo di Orvieto and you might lose yourself in the intricate rose window and delicately mosaiced and carved façade of this majestic cathedral. Enter the basalt and travertine striped interior, and head directly to the Cappella di Madonna di San Brizio, where you’ll find artist Luca Signorelli’s illustrious 16th-century masterpiece, The Last Judgment. Then sit and absorb the building’s peaceful energy.

Drink local wine at Orvieto wine bar Bottega Véra

Bar, Wine

This adorable little wine shop is located on Orvieto’s main pedestrian jaunt, Via del Duomo. It’s a third-generation business from proprietors Cesare and Sabrina, who serve a wonderful selection of local wines paired with an array of traditional Umbrian nibbles (think olives, cured meats and aged pecorino cheese). Nab a chair under the canvas umbrellas for the best seat in the house for sitting and watching the world go by.

Visit the Palazzo dei Priori in Perugia

Architectural Landmark, Historical Landmark

View of Palazzo dei Priori, historical building in the city centre of Perugia, Italy
© Marco Rubino Photography / Alamy

Marked by fanned steps leading to a Gothic portal that’s guarded over by a lion and a griffin, the impressive Palazzo dei Priori in Perugia is the seat of municipal government. Inside, the Sala dei Notari hall is wonderfully frescoed with vibrant scenes of the Bible’s Old Testament, and the upper floors house the Galleria Nazionale dell’Umbria: one of Italy’s most important art collections, displaying work from the 13th to the 18th centuries.

Have an aperitivo with local students

Bistro, Bar, Italian

Climb to the top of the stairs to Perugia’s Kundera Caffè Bistro and quench your thirst with a refreshing aperitivo, flanked by local young’uns doing just the same thing. A cosy and casual haunt that’s frequented by study-weary students (the city is host to two universities), this joint is always hopping thanks to its central position, prolific drinks menu, outdoor seating and tasty stuzzichini (little bites).

Splash out on a fancy meal

Restaurant, Italian

Head to the town of Norcia for a meal you won’t forget in a hurry (nor will your wallet). Located inside the 16th-century Palazzo Seneca hotel, Ristorante Vespasia earned a Michelin star in 2014. Dedicated to sustainable and ethical ways of cooking, the restaurant’s innovative tasting menus offer land- and sea-based dishes that are firmly grounded in traditional local cuisine. Opt for the dishes showcasing local specialties, like black truffles and lentils.

Take the ferry from San Feliciano to Isola Polvese

Natural Feature

Isola Polvese, medieval castle, Lake Trasimeno, Umbria, Italy. Image shot 03/2008. Exact date unknown.
© Mauro Toccaceli / Alamy

Set sail to the peaceful Isola Polvese, one of two accessible islands on Umbria’s Lake Trasimeno. From the pier at San Feliciano, board the ferry for a short, 10-minute cruise. Once you arrive, step off the boat and onto a naturalist’s paradise that offers a series of nature paths, beaches for bathing, museums, a science park and plenty of green spaces for relaxing and unwinding. Ferries depart daily (every 40 minutes), and parking at San Feliciano is free.

Cross the Ponte delle Torri bridge in Spoleto

Architectural Landmark

The so-called “bridge of towers”, Ponte delle Torri is a former aqueduct that measures 230m (755ft) long and 80m (262ft) high and connects Spoleto’s historic city centre with the town of Monteluco. Enjoy sweeping views of Rocca Albornoziana, the papal fortress, from the walkway on the north side of the bridge. Crafted from local limestone, the bridge is supported by nine pillars tethered to one another by ogival arches. And no one knows exactly how long ago it was built.

Discover where’s best to stay in Umbria or the hotels we recommend in Gubbio, with many places to stay now bookable via Culture Trip. Explore Perugia’s top restaurants, or what there is to see and do in Assisi. For those visiting more of Italy, find out what the must-see attractions are in Florence.

culture trip left arrow
 culture trip brand logo

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

women sitting on iceberg

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

culture trip logo letter c
group posing for picture on iceberg
group posing for picture on iceberg

Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

map of volcanic iceland trip destination points
culture trip brand logo
culture trip right arrow
landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

X

Holiday Sale Offers on Our Trips

Incredible Savings

Edit article