Exploring Umbria: The Perfect Italian Getaway
Planning a trip to Italy and wondering how long to stay in Umbria? Look no further. Umbria, known as the "Green Heart of Italy," offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. As a region starting to gain recognition among travelers, Umbria remains a hidden gem, making it an ideal time to visit before the crowds arrive. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a food and wine lover, or a nature seeker, Umbria has something for everyone. In this blog post, we'll guide you on how long you should stay in Umbria, the best times to visit, the must-see attractions, and why Poggio Belvedere should be your accommodation of choice.
How Long to Stay in Umbria?
To fully experience the charm and beauty of Umbria, a stay of at least 5 to 7 days is ideal. This timeframe allows you to explore the major towns, immerse yourself in the local culture, and enjoy the scenic landscapes without feeling rushed. Here’s a suggested itinerary:
Day 1: Perugia - Explore the capital city of Umbria, with its medieval architecture, breathtaking piazzas, and renowned chocolate shops.
Day 2: Montefalco and Bevagna - Visit the vineyards of Montefalco for wine tastings and explore the charming medieval town of Bevagna. Book an immersive tour with our friends at Greenways Italy - experts of the Bevagna/Montefalco area.
Day 3: Assisi and Spello - Visit the birthplace of St. Francis in Assisi, marvel at the Basilica of San Francesco, and stroll through Spello's flower-filled alleys and impressive Roman mosaics. Book a panoramic private tour in a classi ‘Ape’ three-wheeled tuk-tuk to see Assisi the right way!
Day 4: Orvieto - Discover the stunning Duomo and the intriguing underground city including a stop at Saint Patrick’s Well.
Day 5: Deruta and Todi - Explore Deruta's exquisite ceramics and enjoy the medieval architecture and beautiful views in Todi. Book an incredible behind-the-scenes tour with our beloved Ceramic Producers: Tassi and see Deruta from the eyes of an artist.
Day 6: Solomeo and Panicale - Shop for high-quality cashmere in Solomeo and take in the stunning views and local cultural scene in Panicale. Don’t miss lunch at Lillo Tatini in Panicale.
Day 7: Spoleto - Experience the ancient Roman theater, the stunning Rocca Albornoziana fortress, and perhaps attend the Festival dei Due Mondi if your visit coincides with the event. Lunch at La Lanterna is a must!
Of course, there’s so much to explore and it’s hard to pick what to do. If you want to have an extended stay, you can consider these attractions too.
Freebie: Top 5 Towns to Visit in Umbria
Must-See Attractions in Umbria
Perugia - As the region's capital, Perugia offers a wealth of historical and cultural attractions, including the Palazzo dei Priori, Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria, and the annual Umbria Jazz Festival in July.
Assisi - Known for its spiritual significance, Assisi is home to the Basilica of San Francesco, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Eremo delle Carceri, a peaceful hermitage in the hills.
Spoleto - Famous for its ancient Roman theater and the stunning Rocca Albornoziana fortress, Spoleto also hosts the Festival dei Due Mondi, an annual celebration of music and arts each summer.
Todi - A charming hilltop town with beautiful views, Todi is known for its medieval architecture, including the impressive Todi Cathedral and Piazza del Popolo.
Solomeo - Known as the "Cashmere Village," Solomeo offers a unique shopping experience for high-quality cashmere clothing. Visit the Brunello Cucinelli factory outlet for luxurious Italian fashion.
Montefalco - Famous for its Sagrantino wine, Montefalco is a must-visit for wine enthusiasts. Enjoy wine tastings at local vineyards and explore the town's medieval architecture.
Norcia - Renowned for its truffles and cured meats, Norcia is a culinary haven. Don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in the region's gastronomic delights.
Rasiglia - Often called the "Little Venice of Umbria," Rasiglia is a picturesque village with charming canals and historic mills.
Deruta - Known for its exquisite ceramics, Deruta is the perfect place to shop for handcrafted pottery and learn about the town's rich artistic heritage.
Panicale - This enchanting hilltop village offers stunning views of Lake Trasimeno and is known for its vibrant cultural scene, including theater performances and art exhibitions.
Best Times to Visit Umbria
Umbria is a year-round destination, but certain times of the year offer unique experiences:
Spring (April to June): The region comes alive with blooming flowers, and the weather is perfect for exploring. Don’t miss the Infiorate of Spello in June, where the streets are decorated with intricate flower carpets.
Summer (July to August): While the weather can be quite warm, summer hosts the famous Umbria Jazz Festival in Perugia, drawing music lovers from around the world.
Autumn (September to October): This is arguably the best time to visit. The grape and olive harvests create a buzz, and the countryside is painted with autumnal colors. Enjoy fresh truffles, new olive oil, and seasonal vegetables. The crisp air, clear blue skies, and the smell of wood fires make autumn in Umbria truly magical.
Winter (November to March): Although quieter, winter in Umbria offers a peaceful retreat with the opportunity to enjoy hearty local cuisine and cozy fireside evenings. The weather is mild and the fields are a neon green - possibly the greenest part of the year!
Where to Stay in Umbria? Poggio Belvedere is the Answer
For an unforgettable stay in Umbria, Poggio Belvedere is the perfect choice. Nestled in the heart of the Umbrian countryside, Poggio Belvedere offers stunning panoramic views, luxurious accommodations, and a serene atmosphere. Here’s why Poggio Belvedere should be your home base:
Breathtaking Views: Enjoy the picturesque landscapes of rolling hills, vineyards, and olive groves right from your window.
Comfort and Luxury: Poggio Belvedere provides elegantly furnished apartments offering the perfect balance between Italian Farmhouse charm and modern amenities, ensuring a comfortable and relaxing stay.
Authentic Experience: Experience true Umbrian hospitality with personalized service and locally-sourced meals. Take advantage of Vero’s customizable all-inclusive packages.
Insider Knowledge: Gain priceless insight into the region, including off-the-beaten-path wineries, restaurants, and cultural experiences that will elevate your visit.
All the Best Tips: Receive an in-depth shopping, touring, and eating guide when you book our estate, ensuring you experience the very best of Umbria.
Convenient Location: Situated close to major attractions, Poggio Belvedere allows easy access to the best of Umbria while providing a peaceful retreat.
Activities and Amenities: Take advantage of the on-site amenities, including a swimming pool and curated guided tours of the surrounding area.
Do You Need a Car in Umbria?
Yes, we highly recommend renting a car to fully experience Umbria. The region is best enjoyed slowly, allowing you to explore its hidden gems and breathtaking landscapes at your own pace. Driving through the Umbrian countryside is a pleasure, with scenic routes and charming villages waiting to be discovered. You can take the train to Perugia and rent a car at the station with Avis or Sicily By Car, providing a convenient way to start your journey.
Best Area to Stay in Umbria?
The best area to stay in Umbria is undoubtedly the central region, with easy access to all the major attractions. Poggio Belvedere, located in the heart of Umbria, is the perfect jumping-off point for your adventures. Its central location makes it convenient to visit Perugia, Assisi, Spello, Orvieto, Deruta, Todi, and more, all within a short drive. Even top Tuscan villages like Cortona, Montepulciano, Montalcino, Chiusi, and Arezzo are all within a 1 hour drive from the Estate.
Enhance Your Stay
For the ultimate experience, book an all-inclusive package or add on a few excursions to your stay, carefully curated by owners Kaila and Ludovico Terraneo.
Better yet - elevate your visit by renting the entire estate.
Enjoy seasonal produce, meet local winemakers and artisans, swim amongst the vines and olive groves, and dine at home overlooking jaw-dropping vineyards. Here are some exclusive experiences available at Poggio Belvedere:
Private Chef: Indulge in gourmet meals prepared by a private chef, featuring local and seasonal ingredients.
Cooking Class: Take a cooking class poolside at our outdoor kitchen and learn to prepare authentic Umbrian dishes.
Umbrian BBQ: Experience our signature Umbrian BBQ, learn to cook a hearty steak the Umbrian way, complete with a meet-the-winemaker experience and live local music.
Getting To and From Umbria
Umbria is conveniently located within a couple of hours from major Italian cities:
Florence: Just two hours away, Florence is a great start or end to your Umbrian adventure.
Rome: The Eternal City is also two hours from Poggio Belvedere, making it easy to combine these two destinations - also our preferred International Airport.
Siena: A smaller yet vibrant city, Siena offers rich history and charm, just a 1.5 drive from Poggio Belvedere.
Naples: If you're planning on visiting the Amalfi Coast, we highly recommend spending a night or two in vibrant Naples, easily accessible from Umbria.
Did you know Umbria has its own airport too? The Perugia San Francesco d'Assisi – Umbria International Airport connects to major cities and islands in Italy and beyond, making it even easier to include Umbria in your travel plans. Additionally, you can take the train to Perugia and rent a car at the station with Avis or Sicily By Car, providing a convenient way to explore the region at your own pace.
Tuscany on the Way
Coming from Florence, Cinque Terre, or Milano? Consider stopping in Siena, Montepulciano and/or Cortona on your way to or from Umbria. These Tuscan gems offer rich history, stunning views, and delicious wines, making them perfect additions to your itinerary.
Why Umbria?
Umbria is a destination that promises to captivate your senses and leave you with unforgettable memories. Whether you’re exploring historic towns, savoring local cuisine, or simply relaxing in the countryside, Umbria offers a unique and enriching travel experience. By staying at Poggio Belvedere, you'll enhance your visit with exceptional comfort and breathtaking views. Start planning your Umbrian adventure today, and immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Italy's green heart.
For more information and to book your stay at Poggio Belvedere, visit our website or get in touch here.
The only problem with Umbria is that the longer you stay, the more you discover there is to explore.
Explore, experience, and enjoy the best that Umbria has to offer!
Umbria is waiting for you. Are you ready?
