Activities & Trips

Assisi

On the slopes of the Monte Subasio, Assisi glistens soft pink and white in the Umbrian sunshine. Built out of the rock of the mountain, the town blends perfectly into the surrounding countryside. The Basilica of San Francesco has breathtaking frescoes. Early spring or late autumn are great times to visit when there are less tourists and you can really appreciate the works of art. Don’t miss the Eremo (hermitage) further up the Monte Subasio, where Saint Francis used to meditate with his followers.

Umbertide

Umbertide was once an important trading centre on the Tiber river for the ancient Umbri anEtruscans and is now a busy market town. Although it suffered a lot of damage in the Second World War, the “Rocca” still stands in the middle of the town. The main square with the town hall is lovely and over the road is the Piazza San Francesco which has three ancient churches in a row and a museum with paintings by Pomarancio and Signorelli.

Montone

Voted one of the 10 prettiest hamlets in Italy, Montone is an absolute jewel! This medieval hilltop town is beautiful preserved with stunning views over the Upper Tiber Valley. It is host to the annual Umbrian Film Festival when a huge silver screen is hung in the centre of the piazza and films are watched in the warmth of a summer evening under the Umbrian skies.

Gubbio

Fabulous medieval town situated on the slopes of Monte Ingino, it is one of the most beautiful and best preserved medieval towns in Italy! There are incredible views from the Piazza Grande and a cable car can be taken up to the basilica of Sant’Ubaldo high up on the mountainside. In the Palazzo dei Priori are the famous Eugubian tables, 7 bronze tables dating back to 300BC written in ancient Etruscan and Umbrian language.  Take the cable ride “funivia” up Monte Ingino and enjoy the view.  Everyone will be fascinated by the corpse of Sant’Ubaldo in a glass coffin in the church.

Citta di Castello

A thriving Umbrian market town, Città di Castello has a charming historic medieval centre. Cobbled streets wind their way to the main square where there are restaurants, shops and cafès. At dusk, the pedestrianised Corso (High Street) comes alive as the locals walk up and down for their daily passegiata, meeting friends and family. Famous artists Raffaello and Signorelli worked here and some of Raffaello’s graffiti can still be seen on some of the towns palaces!

Monte Santa Maria Tiberina

A long name for a tiny hamlet found on the top of the hillside near Città di Castello. The Rocca (castle) can be seen in every direction for miles around. Carefully restored this 11C village has incredible views and a fantastic restaurant called “Oscari” right in the centre, reknowned for its truffle and porcini dishes!

Corciano

A typical medieval walled hilltop village, Corciano has been maintained to a high standard. Dating back to the Etruscan era it offers a small museum with artifacts from the past. Around 1200 Corciano had an independent council, where their own laws were passed in the “Palazzo dei Priori”. During the month of August the town of Corciano holds a beautiful festival with displays of various kinds, concerts of typical music and a parade in medieval costume, accompanied with men bearing flags and music.

The Christmas season is famous for the Nativity scene but with a difference: the whole town becomes a living Nativity and is loved and known throughout Italy.

Perugia

The capital of Umbria, Perugia is an incredible network of cobbled streets and twisting alleyways! It’s easy to get lost here, but as long as you follow up hill, you will always arrive at the main street, Corso Vanucci and the famous fountain, Fontana Maggiore, in front of the Palazzo dei Priori. With a fascinating and bloody history, Perugia has many buildings of great beauty and historical importance and part of the city is underground where you can still walk the original medieval streets. Home to the international jazz festival in July, Umbria Jazz, the capital comes alive to the sound of blues, gospel, rock and jazz and the streets are packed with fans. Later, in October, there is the Festival of Chocolate (Eurochocolate) which brings chocolate lovers from all over the world to indulge in a week of pure chocolate bliss!!!

Take a ride on the mini metro with a start point near San Marco, the kids will enjoy the ride and it is less stressful than having to find parking.

Make sure you visit the underground city as you walk around, it is amazing to see and so well maintained in its original state.

Some ideas for a quick trip: Ideas

Cortona

Although it is just over the border in Tuscany, Cortona is less than an hours drive away.  This sleepy medieval town has been made famous by the film and book of Frances Mayes “Under the Tuscan Sun”. It has tremendous views and the windy cobbled streets still have loads of character. Just down the hill from Cortona is “Le Celle” an ancient monastery which has immense peace and calm and is well worth a visit.