Umbria is often called the “green heart of Italy,” with rolling hills, dense forests, and medieval towns that seem unchanged by time. Unlike its more famous neighbors, it has no coastline and no major cities drawing in crowds, and this region doesn’t try to impress—it doesn’t have to. This is a region where history isn’t staged for visitors, where traditions continue because they matter to the people who live here. Far from the crowds of Tuscany, Umbria moves at its own pace, shaped by its landscapes, its food, and the communities that have called it home for centuries.
This makes it one of the best regions to explore if you are on the search for authenticity and immersion into Italian culture. If you’re looking for a more meaningful connection to place, visit Umbria—and go beyond the obvious.
This part of Italy has truffle hunters roaming the forests, artisans practicing their craft in workshops that have been around for generations, and local festivals aren’t just for show—they’re a part of everyday culture. These eight towns are a great place to start exploring this scenic region, getting the best of its food, history, and natural landscapes, offering a deeper, more grounded way to experience Italy.
1. Assisi – For the History and Culture Enthusiasts
Assisi is one of Umbria’s most well-known towns, recognized both for its historical significance and its magical atmosphere. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is best known as the birthplace of St. Francis, whose legacy is woven into the town’s identity. The Basilica of St. Francis, with its stunning frescoes by Giotto and Cimabue, draws visitors from around the world, but Assisi offers more than just its religious sites.
Beyond the basilica, the town remains deeply connected to its heritage. Local artisans craft ceramics, textiles, and leather goods much as they have for generations, and family-run trattorias serve traditional Umbrian dishes. Assisi is a place that encourages slow, reflective travel—whether wandering its mediterranean streets, taking in panoramic views of the valley below, or simply experiencing the quiet sense of history that lingers in its piazzas and monasteries.
2. Perugia – For the City Lover and Arts Aficionado looking to visit Umbria
As the capital of Umbria, Perugia offers a dynamic blend of history, art, and contemporary culture. Its Etruscan origins are still visible in its ancient gateways and underground passages, while its medieval center is lined with some of the region’s best museums. The Galleria Nazionale dell’Umbria houses an impressive collection of Renaissance art, while the city itself feels like a living gallery, with frescoed churches, historic cafés, and winding streets that open onto sweeping valley views.
Perugia is also a hub for cultural events, drawing visitors for festivals like Umbria Jazz, which brings world-class musicians to the city each summer, and Eurochocolate, a celebration of the region’s deep-rooted chocolate-making tradition. Its large student population keeps the energy high, and the food scene reflects the best of Umbrian cuisine, with options ranging from a casual plate of strangozzi pasta with truffle to a leisurely meal at a traditional osteria. For those who want history with a side of city life, Perugia delivers.
3. Spoleto – For the Architecture and Performing Arts Enthusiast
Spoleto is the ideal spot to explore the way art and history intersect in Umbria. It is well-known for its Festival dei Due Mondi, an internationally renowned celebration of music, dance, and theater that has long been a gathering place for artists and performers. Each summer, its piazzas, theaters, and open-air stages come alive with performances that range from classical to contemporary, making it one of Italy’s most important cultural events.
Beyond the festival, Spoleto’s streets draw in lovers of history and architecture, and put the city’s layered history front and center. The Rocca Albornoziana, a 14th-century fortress perched above the town, offers panoramic views and a glimpse into its medieval military history. Below, the Ponte delle Torri, a grande aqueduct-turned-bridge, spans the gorge, connecting Spoleto to the surrounding hills. Roman ruins, medieval churches, and Renaissance palazzi add to the town’s distinct character, making it the ideal destination that for those drawn to both architectural beauty and a thriving arts scene.
4. Norcia – For the Foodie and Nature Lover
Norcia is where Umbrian cuisine and the great outdoors come together. Famous for its black truffles, cured meats, and rustic yet refined dishes, the town has a deep-rooted food culture that revolves around the land. Norcia’s butchers, or norcini, have been renowned for centuries, producing some of Italy’s best prosciutto, salami, and sausages. Truffle hunting remains a way of life here, and many restaurants celebrate the prized ingredient in simple, flavorful dishes that highlight its earthy richness. For anyone hoping to experience the truffle hunt firsthand, this is the place to start.
Set against the backdrop of the Sibillini Mountains, Norcia also has some incredible opportunities for outdoor exploration. Hiking trails wind through valleys and alpine meadows, with commanding views and quiet moments in nature. The town’s strong sense of place comes from this connection between food, landscape, and tradition, making it a hidden gem for anyone wanting to immerse themselves in Italian culture.
5. Orvieto – For the Best Scenery and Wine
In a region with no shortage of spectacular views, Orvieto may have the very best. Sat atop volcanic cliffs, its dramatic setting results in a birds-eye view of the Umbrian countryside. The city’s history stretches back to the Etruscans, who carved an intricate network of tunnels and caves beneath the city. Today, these underground spaces add another layer to Orvieto’s rich heritage, with ancient cellars, wells, and passageways, showcasing the ancient history of the town.
At street level, the Duomo di Orvieto is an architectural masterpiece that is the town’s defining landmark. It has an intricate Gothic façade and frescoed chapels that many believe rival those of Florence.
Beyond this, Orvieto is also known for its local wineries. The surrounding vineyards produce wines like Orvieto Classico, a crisp, mineral-driven white wine that has been cultivated here for centuries. Many of the local wineries also embrace sustainable viticulture, making this a great place to experience sustainable agricultural practices and centuries-long traditions at the same time. This is truly the ideal destination for those who are hoping to experience both history and a good glass of wine, all with a view.
6. Spello – For the Art and Flower Lover
Spello is a well-preserved medieval town known for its ancient stone streets and tradition of floral displays. Each year, during the Infiorata di Spello, the town’s public spaces become canvases for intricate flower designs, bursting with color and showcasing just how much can be created with petals alone.
The town is also a repository of Renaissance art, most notably within the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, where Pinturicchio’s frescoes are the perfect window into the region’s rich artistic legacy. Spello also provides a more intimate alternative to larger tourist centers. Local artisans, thoughtful wine bars, and a focus on farm-to-table dining let visitors experience a genuine slice of Umbrian life, where art and nature are interwoven into everyday existence.
7. Todi – For the Best of Slow Travel
Todi is a hilltop town that embodies the principles of slow travel. Its well-preserved medieval center, defined by Piazza del Popolo and the towering Tempio di San Fortunato, creates a setting where history and daily life coexist without the pressures of mass tourism. The town’s layout, a result of centuries of careful urban planning, prioritizes walkability and sustainability—factors that have led some to call it one of Italy’s most “livable” towns.
Beyond its architecture, Todi encourages an unhurried approach to exploration. Its quiet streets lead to family-run enotecas serving Grechetto, the region’s signature white wine, while small trattorias highlight local ingredients. The surrounding countryside, with rolling vineyards and olive groves, reinforces the town’s connection to the land. Todi is one of the best places to experience Umbria at a different pace, valuing quality over speed.
8. Rasiglia – The Small Venice
Rasiglia is a village shaped by water. Its network of natural springs and canals once powered textile mills that sustained the local economy for centuries. Though small in size, Rasiglia has retained its character, with stone houses built along flowing streams that still run through the village today.
Unlike larger Umbrian towns, Rasiglia remains a quiet retreat. Its clear waters and pedestrian-friendly streets make it an ideal place for a slow, reflective visit—perfect for photography, or just a peaceful walk. Beyond the village, nearby hiking trails are another great way to experience the surrounding landscape, making Rasiglia a worthwhile stop for those who want to feel like they have found their own secret haven in central Italy.
Experience Umbria with Intention
Umbria’s appeal lies in its variety, with the artistic heritage of Spello, the culinary traditions of Norcia, and the sweeping views from Orvieto, each town has a distinct identity. Traveling here is about more than just sightseeing; it’s about connecting with local culture, supporting small businesses, and embracing a slower, more thoughtful way of exploring.
Our small group trip to Tuscany and Umbria highlights this authentic side to the region. It takes place when the area is at its most vibrant—during the wine harvest season, when the countryside is alive with activity. We love sharing Italy’s best spots with travelers and this small group trip is an opportunity to experience this area authentically, through its food, traditions, and landscapes. And for those who prefer a fully customized journey, our personalized itineraries ensure that every detail is tailored to your interests, crafted by travel designers who know Italy inside and out.
