The Umbria region, in the center of Italy, has many Etruscan sites and medieval hill towns. Umbria is often called Italy's green heart for its nature parks. Umbria also has one of Italy's largest lakes, spectacular waterfalls, and an interesting mummy collection. A little less expensive than neighboring Tuscany, Umbria is becoming more popular as a tourist destination.
Here are the top places to visit on a vacation in Umbria. Find the locations on Europe Travel's Umbria map.
Perugia
Perugia Etruscan Arch © by James Martin, Europe Travel
Perugia, Umbria's capital and largest town, is a lively hill town with Etruscan and medieval roots. There's a lot to do and see in Perugia and since it's well served by public transportation, it makes a good base for exploring many of Umbria's hill towns. Perugia has a good Italian language school, a world famous jazz festival in July and a chocolate festival in fall. Chocolate lovers might want to try Perugia's Etruscan Chocohotel (book direct) where there's a restaurant with chocolate menu.
Perugia Pictures | Perugia Map
Perugia Pictures | Perugia Map
Orvieto
Martha Bakerjian, licensed to About.com
Sitting atop huge tufa cliffs, the hill town of Orvieto makes an impressive sight. Inhabited since Etruscan times, Orvieto's monuments and museums cover milleniums of history. Its stunning duomo (cathedral) with its mosaic facade is one of the best medieval monuments in Italy. Orvieto is easily reached by car or train and makes a good Rome day trip or a good base for exploring southern Umbria and Tuscany. A funicular connects the station and lower town with the medieval center above. The area around Orvieto is dotted with Etruscan tombs and vineyards.
Orvieto Pictures | Orvieto Hotels
How to Get to Orvieto from Rome
Assisi
Assisi Picture © Photos of Old America
Assisi is famous as the home town of Saint Francis, or San Francesco, the patron saint of Italy. The Saint Francis Basilica in Assisi holds the tomb of Saint Francis and is a popular tourist and pilgrimage destination. Assisi also has several other interesting churches, Roman ruins, medieval sites, museums, and shops in its walled medieval center. There are good walks from town into the nearby countryside. See Assisi Walks on Europe Travel.
Where to Stay in Assisi
Where to Stay in Assisi
Spoleto
Ponte delle Torri picture © by James Martin, Europe Travel
Spoleto is a walled hill town and one of the largest towns in southern Umbria. Spoleto has Etruscan, Roman, and medieval sites. Above Spoleto is a medieval Rocca and spanning the deep gorge to one side of the Rocca is Spoleto's most famous sight, Ponte delle Torri or Bridge of Towers (shown in the photo). The world famous Festival dei due mondi, two worlds festival, is held in Spoleto in late June through early July.
Spoleto Hotels | Spoleto Pictures
Spoleto Hotels | Spoleto Pictures
Todi
© by James Martin, Europe Travel
Todi, one of my favorite hill towns, is a picturesque walled village with good views over the countryside. Sights are close together so Todi can be easily explored in a couple of hours but there are good places to linger, enjoying the views or the ambiance. Todi or the surrounding countryside would make a peaceful base for visiting southern Umbria, especially if you're traveling by car.
Todi Hotels | Todi Pictures
Todi Hotels | Todi Pictures
