8-day tour of Umbria | Italy Itinerary

Route

Fratta Todina as a fixed base with trips to Perugia, Gubbio, Lake Trasimeno, Cortona, Assisi, Spello, Spoleto, Città di Castello, Sansepolcro, Todi and Orvieto.

Rhythm

A new town every day, returning to the same hotel in the evening. Culture in the morning, terrace in the afternoon.

Highlights

The Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi, the Fontana Maggiore in Perugia, medieval Gubbio, the mosaics in Orvieto, Lake Trasimeno and the art of Piero della Francesca in Sansepolcro.

Accommodation

A small-scale hotel in Fratta Todina as a fixed base. Quiet location, far from mass tourism.

Profile

For travellers who want to explore Italy without the crowds. Those who prefer to discover Gubbio rather than San Gimignano and see frescoes without queuing.

Day 1: Departure to Florence - Fratta Todina

After landing, pick up your hire car at Florence Airport. You will spend seven nights in a small-scale hotel.

Day 2: Perugia

The charming city of Perugia is known for its Piazza 4 Novembre, with Pisano's Fontana Maggiore and the impressive Palazzo dei Priori, which houses the Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria on its top floor, featuring works by Piero della Francesca and Fra Angelico, among others.

Day 3: Gubbio

Surprising Gubbio, with its Palazzo dei Consoli, its Duomo, its Fountain of Fools and its charming narrow streets, is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Italy.

Day 4: Lake Trasimeno and Cortona

Via Lake Trasimeno with its mini island “Isola Maggiore” and the tourist town of Passignano, you will travel to the enchanting Cortona, birthplace of painter Luca Signorelli. His paintings hang alongside masterpieces by Lorenzetti and Fra Angelico in the “Museo Diocesano”.

Day 5: Assisi – Spello - Spoleto

Don't miss the Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi, with its beautiful frescoes by Cimabue and Giotto. Stop off in the charming town of Spello, which has remained untouched for 1000 years. Continue on to Spoleto with its 13th-century “Torri” bridge and its “Piazza del Duomo”.

Day 6: Città di Castello and Sansepolcro

Città di Castello has a beautiful historic centre in Renaissance style. Don't miss the contemporary art collection of Alberto Burri in the Palazzo Albizzini. Continue to Sansepolcro, birthplace of Piero della Francesca, whose works can be admired in the “Museo Civico”.

Day 7: Todi - Orvieto

You will visit the small and charming Todi, situated high on a hill, with the centrally located Piazza del Popolo and the beautiful San Fortunato church. Then you will drive on to Orvieto, beautifully situated on a volcanic rock and with an incredibly beautiful cathedral.

Day 8: Return home

Your holiday is over. You drive back to Florence Airport, where you return your hire car and catch your flight home.

Frequently asked questions about this tour of Umbria

Do I need a hire car for this tour of Umbria?

Yes. With a hire car, you can easily reach smaller towns such as Spello, Gubbio and Todi. Umbria is not a region with train connections between villages.

When is the best time to visit Umbria?

May, June and September are ideal. Pleasant temperatures and less crowds in Assisi and Orvieto.

What makes Umbria different from Tuscany?

Umbria offers the same art and medieval towns, but it is quieter. Fewer buses, more space. The green heart of Italy without the feeling of being on a stage.