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Day Trips & Excursions

Day Trips & Excursions

Umbria And Le Marche, Italy

Nearby Destinations within 1-hour drive/train

Several captivating Umbrian towns close by, offering a variety of experiences. Consider booking day trips through GetYourGuide.

Perugia, Spello, Gubbio, and Deruta are all within easy reach, each with a distinct character and sights to discover.

Nearby Towns

  • Perugia: Famous for chocolate and historical sites.
  • Spello: Medieval town adorned with flowers.
  • Gubbio: Dramatic hill town with unique architecture.
  • Deruta: Renowned for hand-painted ceramics.

Natural Escapes & Cultural Excursions

Umbria's landscapes offer serene natural beauty and opportunities for outdoor enjoyment. Expand your historical and spiritual journey to other significant sites in the region.

Lake Trasimene

Italy's fourth-largest lake, located west of Perugia. Its shores dot with picturesque lakeside towns and activities.

Lake Activities

  • Cycling along extensive bike paths.
  • Boat trip to Isola Maggiore or Isola Polvese.
  • Swimming in summer or lakeside relaxation.

Orvieto

A dramatic hill town perched atop a massive volcanic tufa rock, famous for its magnificent Duomo.

Orvieto Sights

  • Orvieto Cathedral with Gothic facade.
  • Pozzo di San Patrizio (St. Patrick's Well).
  • Orvieto Underground labyrinth.

Norcia and the Valnerina

Norcia's Offerings

  • Rich local food products, truffle-based goods.
  • Traditional cured meats ("norcineria").
  • Valnerina valley for scenic mountain views.
  • Rebuilding efforts ongoing post-2016 earthquakes.

Travel Considerations

  • Best reached by car (approx. 1 hour 15 minutes from Assisi).
  • Bus service to Norcia is limited.
  • Allocate a full day for Norcia and scenic driving.
  • Some historical structures under restoration.

Multi-Day Extensions

  • Rome (2-4 days):2-3 hours by train from Assisi.
  • Florence (2-3 days):2.5-3.5 hours by train from Assisi.
  • Siena / Tuscany (3-5 days):Best explored by car.
  • Spring visits:Calendimaggio, wildflowers, Spello's Infiorata.
  • Autumn visits:Truffle season, grape harvest.
  • Christmas visits:Magical, contemplative, fewer crowds.
  • Combine Assisi & Rome:Spiritual tranquility with imperial grandeur.
  • Combine Assisi & Florence/Tuscany:Renaissance art, rolling hills, wine.

Travel Tip

Consider purchasing train tickets a day in advance, especially for early morning departures. This saves time at the station.

More Day Trip Destinations

Assisi truly positions you for a broader exploration of Italy's heart. Expanding your horizons beyond the immediate vicinity can make your journey more fulfilling.

Montefalco

Known for Sagrantino wine. Vineyard tours and tasting. A pleasant drive from Assisi.

Bevagna

A charming town with a well-preserved medieval atmosphere and artisan shops.

Regional Markets

Explore local markets in nearby towns for regional produce, cheeses, and crafts.

Perugia Exploration

Perugia, the regional capital, rich in art, history, and culinary delights, specifically chocolate.

Must-See in Perugia

  • Piazza IV Novembre & Fontana Maggiore.
  • Palazzo dei Priori & National Gallery.
  • Underground city of Rocca Paolina.

Spello's Charm

Spello, a beautiful medieval hill town, famous for its floral displays and Roman remnants.

Spello Attractions

  • Wander flower-filled streets.
  • Santa Maria Maggiore for Pinturicchio frescoes.
  • Explore ancient Roman gates like Porta Venere.

Gubbio & Deruta Travel

Gubbio highlights:Palazzo dei Consoli, Roman Theatre.
Gubbio unique ride:Funivia Colle Eletto cage lift.
Gubbio transport:Bus or 45-60 min drive from Assisi.
Deruta highlights:Ceramics Museum, artisan workshops.
Deruta transport:Bus (via Perugia) or 30 min drive.
Time for Deruta:A half-day trip typically.

Additional Excursion Ideas

  • Consider a cooking class in a rural setting for an authentic Umbrian experience.
  • Explore more hidden gems of the Monte Subasio Regional Park on foot or by mountain bike.
  • Visit a local olive oil mill for a tour and tasting, especially in autumn.
  • Attend a local festival or sagra (food festival) for a taste of regional traditions.
  • Discover ancient archaeological sites scattered throughout Umbria, beyond the main towns.

Multi-Day Journey Ideas

Adding extra days to your Umbrian itinerary unlocks opportunities to explore more of central Italy or combine your visit with other iconic destinations.

Rome Extension

Combine Assisi's spiritual and tranquil focus with Rome's ancient and imperial grandeur.

Rome Travel Details

  • Direct trains from Assisi (2-3 hours).
  • Spend 2-4 days exploring Rome.
  • Vast historical and cultural offerings.

Florence / Tuscany

Explore more of Tuscany's iconic rolling hills, medieval towns, and world-class wine regions.

Tuscan Journey

  • Trains to Florence (2.5-3.5 hours).
  • Best explored by car for countryside.
  • Visit Chianti, Montalcino wine regions.

Siena / Tuscan Hill Towns

Discover Siena with its Piazza del Campo, or the tower-filled San Gimignano, and renowned wine regions.

Tuscan Exploration Tips

  • Best by car for countryside views.
  • Ideal for longer central Italian trips.
  • Plan 3-5 days for towns and vineyards.

Return Visit Suggestions

Different seasons bring unique experiences to Assisi and Umbria.

Seasonal Highlights

  • Spring for Calendimaggio & wildflowers.
  • Autumn for truffle season & grape harvest.
  • Christmas for magical contemplative atmosphere.

Broader Exploration Tips

Consider enriching your trip with specific activities and dives into the region.

Cooking Classes

Learn Umbrian cuisine from local chefs. Many farm stays offer these experiences.

Truffle Hunting

Join a guided truffle hunt, especially in the fall, for an unique culinary adventure.

Countryside Drives

Rent a car to explore charming villages and panoramic routes off the beaten path.

Travel Flexibility

Do not overschedule your days. Assisi's charm rests in its atmosphere. Time to simply wander, sit in a piazza, and soak it all in remains rewarding. Consider GetYourGuide for easily bookable experiences.