Umbria Tours: Exploring the Green Heart of Italy’s Country side
What is your idea of the perfect vacation? Would it involve you visiting all the famous tourist spots in the country, such as the Colosseum in Rome, Italy, or the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France? Or do you prefer using the holidays as a time to relax, spending your days lounging around the beach or drinking a glass of wine? If the latter suits your fancy, there’s one vacation idea that will give you the best time of your life: Umbria Tours.
How to plan the perfect Umbria tour with your friends and family
Umbria can be found right in the center of Italy, giving it the nickname “the Green Heart of Italy.” This is not just because of the region’s central location but also due to its geography. Umbria is both hilly and mountainous, filled with fertile land nourished by the River Tiber.
Because of its unique geography, the weather in Umbria can vary depending on where you are. For instance, summers along the coast and throughout the valleys are quite hot, while the hills and mountains are much cooler.
So, the best months to visit the region would be from April to June and from September to October, when the weather is much more manageable. In addition, these months tend to see fewer crowds. You can reach Umbria via three airports: Rome, Pisa, and Florence. Rome is the most convenient option if you want to save time. From there, you can travel to the capital city of Umbria, Perugia, within a couple of hours by car.
Umbria tours – The beauty of visiting the Italian country side
Why should you decide to visit Umbria? It is not the most popular tourist destination in central Italy—that title belongs to its neighbor, Tuscany, which welcomes millions of tourists each year.
But don’t let Umbria’s less-glitzy image fool you. Its peacefulness is a blessing in disguise, making it perfect for tourists who wish to travel off the beaten path. Not to mention, the region has no shortage of beautiful sites and landmarks, including, but not limited to:
• Spoleto
You may begin your tour at Spoleto, an ancient city in the province of Perugia. This charming town, once surrounded by medieval city walls, is the site of the yearly Due Mondi Arts Festival.
Found in the heart of the city is La Rocca Albornoziana, a hilltop fortress built in the 14th century. You can also visit Towers Bridge and the Duomo, which houses frescoes painted by Pinturicchio and Fra’ Filippo Lippi.
• Perugia
Spoleto can be found in Perugia, so while you’re in the area, make sure to explore the rest of the province. The capital city, which is also named Perugia, is a must-visit, impressing tourists with its size and architecture. Like Spoleto, Perugia has deep roots in history, featuring historical landmarks like the Fontana Maggiore and the Palazzo dei Priori.
To learn more about the local culture, head on over to the National Gallery of Umbria, where you’ll find masterpieces dating back to the Renaissance. Then, consider visiting the National Archaeological Museum, which is home to artifacts from various periods, including the Etruscan, Umbrian, and Roman civilizations.
• Orvieto
Orvieto is filled with personality, from its narrow streets to its charmingly ancient houses. This old settlement is definitely a must-visit for anyone in Umbria and is widely loved for its vast, serene countryside and exquisite selection of wines.
A short drive away from Orvieto is the magical hilltop village of CivitaBagnoregio, where you can visit the Church of Saint Donato and explore the winding streets.
• Gubbio
Want to go somewhere even more secluded? Gubbio is the perfect place for you. Hidden in the corners of northern Umbria, this small but picturesque town sits just right along the border of the Marche region.
Gubbio was built along the slopes of Mount Ingino and is the site of the Corsa deiCeri, a religious celebration that honors the city’s patron saints. There is a lot to explore inside the town, such as the Palazzo deiConsoli, Palazzo Pretorio, and Palazzo del CapitolodeiCanonici.
• Assisi
If there’s one place in Umbria that sees the most tourists, it’s Assisi. This town is best known as the birthplace of St. Francis, making it a top spot for pilgrims and religious groups. Moreover, Assisi is home to the saint’s tomb, which is found in the local basilica.
• Spello
Umbria is a place filled with hilltop towns, and Spello is just one of the many examples. Beautiful and quaint, this small village is frequently visited for its stunning stone houses and flowering plants. Here, you will also discover ancient Roman fortifications, the towering Consular Gate, and the Collegiata di Santa Maria Maggiore.
Visiting all these towns during your trip can be quite draining, but luckily, Umbria is also known for its mouthwatering cuisine. The green heart of Italy won’t disappoint, no matter if you are craving food or wine.
Here are some Umbrian specialties you should try during your stay:
• Prosciutto di Norcia and Porchetta
You can’t leave Italy without trying its famous cold cuts. In Umbria, prosciutto and porchetta are the highlights of cheese plates, loved for their savory flavor and incredible quality.
• Imbrecciata
Eating vegetables may not be the first thing on your mind when trying Italian cuisine, but you’ll regret not tasting Umbria’s famous grains and legumes. The imbrecciata is a colorful soup dish featuring lentils, beans, corn, chickpeas, and cicerchie.
• Chocolate
In the mood for dessert? Don’t leave Umbria without trying some of the region’s chocolate. You can head to local shops to buy Umbrian chocolate liqueurs and shop for a few bars of packaged chocolate to take back home.
Do you want to discover the hidden treasures of Italy? Wait no longer to schedule your Umbria tour.This central Italian region has so much to offer, from amazing food and wine to well-preserved reminders of history.
If you’re looking for a travel provider, consider booking with Italy Luxury Tours. The company has years of experience planning trips across the country, tailoring each tour according to the client’s unique requirements.
Not to mention, booking a trip with Italy Luxury Tours will give you access to the best hotels in Umbria, private transportation methods, professional guides, and world-class customer service.