Perugia Day Trips: Explore Umbria’s Top 5 Gems

Perugia, that hilltop charmer in Umbria, is a pretty ideal spot to use as a launching pad for adventures. Very nearby you have some totally awesome towns and gorgeous scenery practically begging for you to come explore. I figured, why not share five super cool spots you could day trip to? From spiritual hubs to lakeside chill spots, that is if you fancy stepping outside the city’s bounds. These places make experiencing the heart of Italy very easy, very worthwhile. Oh, and the food? Forget about it! But keep reading!

1. Assisi: A Pilgrimage to Peace

Assisi, the home of St. Francis, very often it feels like stepping into a postcard. It’s really only about a half-hour drive from Perugia, that too, with the route alone giving you really lovely views of the Umbrian countryside. This place isn’t just a spot for religious pilgrims; apparently the artistic richness and that, sort of serene vibe it has just draws everyone in.

When you arrive, the Basilica di San Francesco is the main draw, of course. This impressive complex, I have to say, consists of two churches built one above the other, basically both covered in crazy amazing frescoes painted by big-deal artists from the 13th and 14th centuries. That’s what gives you such a sense of the history around there. Viewing those artworks that’s basically like traveling back in time. Oh, and you might want to wander around the Piazza del Comune, because there are ancient Roman ruins to marvel at and some delightful cafes where you might want to just take a load off. Just sip some cappuccino and eat some of those wonderful cookies or treats that Italy offers, it’s almost the greatest.

A tip for travelers, I’d almost recommend starting your visit super early. That is so you can avoid the bigger crowds, and also maybe catch the sunrise over the valley; apparently, it’s breathtaking. And too, don’t skip the Basilica di Santa Chiara, because that is where St. Clare, a follower of St. Francis, is buried. So it’s another spot steeped in that history.

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2. Gubbio: Medieval Charm and Thrilling Views

Gubbio, now that is a bit of a hidden gem, so located in the slopes of Mount Ingino, but it offers an experience so completely different than Assisi. Driving north from Perugia takes maybe about an hour, but I guess the roads wind a bit, but that’s pretty reasonable, alright? What really sets Gubbio apart is its distinctly medieval feel, seemingly very intact, and you have some pretty wild attractions to look forward to.

Piazza Grande is basically the heart of Gubbio, providing amazing panoramic views of the valley. You can explore Palazzo dei Consoli there, which is an impressive example of Gothic architecture. You can also see the Tavole Eugubine, which I guess are ancient bronze tablets inscribed with Umbrian language. From what I remember, Gubbio’s craziest thing might just be the Funivia Colle Eletto. Now, it’s basically an open-air cable car that brings you up to the top of Mount Ingino. So it’s there that you’ll find the Basilica of Sant’Ubaldo, but I suppose getting up there that way could be alarming for some!

That would be my top recommendation for what to do, especially if you’re looking to stretch your legs a bit, but maybe just take a stroll down Via dei Consoli. Basically, it’s that picturesque main street, or enjoy a hearty lunch featuring regional Umbrian cuisine. I believe you’ll really love the Crescia, this kind of flatbread that is pretty typical, and I can suggest maybe tasting it with some local cheeses and cured meats; that’s almost always what I would prefer. Very tasty.

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3. Lake Trasimeno: Lakeside Relaxation and Island Escapes

Lake Trasimeno, just only a hop, skip and a jump from Perugia, only takes about 20 minutes by car, is a very pleasant break from all that architecture and hilly landscapes. Basically it’s the fourth-largest lake in Italy, seemingly perfect for anyone wanting to just unwind, take in some water views, and do a little exploring on those little islands that pop up in the water. That’s pretty unique I have to say.

Castiglione del Lago is that charming town on a promontory over the lake that might just be the perfect starting point for your visit. So you have that Rocca del Leone, that fortress offering panoramic views. If you’re looking to see how some people lived back in the day, the Palazzo della Corgna displays amazing Renaissance-era frescoes. One thing you could definitely do, might be hop on a ferry to Isola Maggiore, I would say because is is the only inhabited island on the lake. Seemingly there, you can wander its quiet streets, because there are a couple of very tiny restaurants, plus some walking paths to discover the natural setting. And you can have a fish meal too, pretty sure they will be from the Lake!

That’s just something you might want to bear in mind. The lake’s perfect for water sports lovers as well as anyone looking to kick back at those lakeside restaurants that very often boast a good sunset view. The pace of life just is slower here. This is very welcome in that little vacation!

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4. Spello: A Floral Masterpiece

Spello, almost situated right smack in between Assisi and Perugia, actually, I mean it only takes about 30 minutes to drive there, that small medieval town definitely stands out. What for? Probably because it is renowned for all those crazy beautiful flower displays. So in the spring and summer months, the balconies and streets are all bursting with blooms; this creates an experience which, some have said, is visually stunning.

Wander the streets I mentioned before, and make certain you take a good look at the Infiorate. I mean, these flower displays, that, too, during the Corpus Domini festival in June are a huge attraction. Apparently, artists just cover the streets with elaborate pictures made from flower petals. So yeah, really amazing to look at. Even at times outside the festival, those little, winding alleyways are really something to behold, alright? Take that time, it might not seem like you need it, to find some cool artisan shops and family-run trattorias because that’s really special, too.

You have so many must-sees when you’re moving around Spello, I feel it’s worthwhile making a point of it. Basically, it means seeing the Roman Walls and Gates, like the Porta Consolare. It means seeing the Collegiata di Santa Maria Maggiore with its Baglioni Chapel, complete with frescoes painted by Pinturicchio. Just keep your eye out, alright? Also, consider this: the town isn’t only beautiful to look at. It even has some pretty delicious, locally-sourced food!

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5. Orvieto: A Cliffside Wonder

Orvieto might just be a little farther out than some of those other day trips, about an hour and a half’s drive from Perugia. Yet, its stunning location sitting way up on a volcanic rock makes that longer drive quite worthwhile, basically. Very well-known for its magnificent cathedral and that mysterious underground city it has; it very often just creates for something of a compelling contrast.

As I had said, that Orvieto Cathedral (Duomo) might just be something that is something to see! People almost visit just for that, okay? It has this amazing Gothic facade decorated with mosaics, it can be easily claimed. So you might like, when you get there, that the Cappella di San Brizio that you see with those frescoes by Luca Signorelli may not grab you, alright, so just take your time there. That’s a tip! I’d actually also suggest going for the “Orvieto Underground” tour, which shows those centuries of history underneath the city. I assure you it’s quite an experience, alright.

Then I’d also make it a point, right, because these things need doing, that when you wander the city you go by way of Corso Cavour. Because there, the shops line up on that pedestrian boulevard, alright? As to what is good there: basically the local ceramics, the wood products are great to remember. And I have to say the restaurants offer some awesome Umbrian dishes, but some from even around the Rome region as well. The white wine that I would be wanting would be Orvieto Classico; it really matches that amazing scenery!

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So there you have it: day trips that provide everything you might desire from Italy’s cultural, historical and outdoors scenes. Whatever takes your fancy, you might be wanting to start off now. In the meantime, hopefully this all makes planning the best, very greatest, Italian adventures a thing that you can handle very easily!

• Assisi: Is there if you are into the serene spot where St. Francis used to roam
• Gubbio: Seemingly, an extremely preserved slice of the Middle Ages.
• Lake Trasimeno: It gives those laid back, beautiful lakeside breaks.
• Spello: Flowers for everyone. Also, nice buildings!
• Orvieto: Very stunning high-up spot loaded up on history.