Day Trips & Excursions: Perugia

Nearby Destinations

Umbria holds many stunning hill towns and historical sites, often within an hour or two of Perugia. Assisi, Gubbio, Orvieto, Spoleto, Lake Trasimene towns, Deruta, Montefalco & Bevagna are accessible locations.

Assisi, about 30 minutes from Perugia, is a world-renowned pilgrimage site and birthplace of St. Francis, featuring the Basilica di San Francesco. Gubbio, around 1 hour away, presents a medieval hilltop town, with its Palazzo dei Consoli and a funicular to Sant'Ubaldo.

Travel Methods & Timeframes

Trains connect well to Assisi, Spoleto, Orvieto, and Lake Trasimene.
Buses serve Assisi, Gubbio, and Deruta, sometimes with more direct routes.
A car offers flexibility for exploring multiple towns, specifically Montefalco and Bevagna.
Full days for Assisi, Orvieto, or Gubbio. Half-day for Deruta.

Natural Escapes

Umbria's "green heart" holds many chances to connect with nature, with serene landscapes and outdoor activities.

Lake Trasimene Park

This regional park covers the area around Lake Trasimene. It includes walking and cycling paths, plus birdwatching spots near marshy areas.

Nature Points

Parco del Monte Subasio: Near Assisi, ideal for hiking and nature walks.
Rolling hills, olive groves, and vineyards define Umbria's picturesque countryside.
La Fioritura di Castelluccio: A spectacular "flowering" event (1.5-2 hours from Perugia by car).

Cultural Excursions

Extend your cultural journey beyond Perugia to uncover more of Umbria's historical and spiritual heritage.

Famous Sites

Etruscan Necropolis of Crocifisso del Tufo (Orvieto): Ancient burial ground.
Tempietto sul Clitunno (near Spoleto): A preserved early medieval temple, UNESCO site.
Rural villages around Montefalco: Taste local wine and olive oil.

Heritage Highlights

Historical Context

Explore charming rural villages nestled in Umbria's agricultural heartland.
Visit areas central to Umbria's wine and olive oil production.
Directly engage with local producers for tastings.
Assisi is a famous pilgrimage site, dedicated to St. Francis and St. Clare.

Spiritual Significance

Assisi: The most famous pilgrimage site in Umbria.
Dedicated to St. Francis and St. Clare.
Focus on the Basilica and other Franciscan sites in Assisi.
Experience the serene atmosphere of pilgrimage towns.

Travel Logistics Overview

Train AccessibilityGood connections for day trips by train.
Bus AccessibilityUseful for towns where train stations are outside centers.
Car FlexibilityMost freedom for countryside exploration.
Independent TravelMore flexible pace, own choices.

Organized ToursPre-planned itineraries, logistics handled.
Full Day TripsAssisi, Orvieto, Gubbio (6-8 hours).
Half Day TripsDeruta (3-4 hours).
Combined TripsMontefalco and Bevagna (full day by car).

Tip for Day Trips

Consider if independent travel or an organized tour better suits your interests. Independent travel offers more freedom, while tours remove logistical worries. Book tours via GetYourGuide for convenience.

Multi-Day Extensions

For those with more time, integrating Perugia into a longer regional itinerary enables exploration.

Umbria Loop

After Perugia, consider a night or two in Assisi, then head south to Orvieto. This sequence provides a comprehensive taste of Umbria's highlights.

Tuscan Border Exploration

Extend your trip north into southern Tuscany. Towns like Cortona, Montepulciano, or Siena are accessible from the Umbria border.

Coastal Escape to Marche

Head east to the neighboring Le Marche region. The Adriatic coast, especially the Conero Riviera, offers a change of scenery with beaches.

Next City Connections

Perugia connects well to other major Italian cities for onward travel.

Connections

Rome: Easy access by train or bus for world-class sites.
Florence: A short train journey away for Renaissance art.
Siena: A stunning Tuscan medieval city, combinable with Florence.

Suggested Driving Routes

Renting a car unlocks the Umbrian countryside and seamless regional travel.

Scenic Itineraries

Umbrian Hill Towns Trail: Perugia - Assisi - Spello - Montefalco - Bevagna - Spoleto - Orvieto.
Umbria & Tuscany Loop: Perugia - Cortona - Montepulciano - Siena - Florence.
Combines distinct landscapes and cultures of both regions.

Travel Logistics

Efficient Train NetworkConnects Perugia to suggested next destinations.

Long-Distance BusesAlso provide connections.

Maximum FlexibilityRenting a car grants this for regional exploration.

Regional ExplorationExplore diverse landscapes and cultures with a car.

Seamless TravelCombine distinct Italian regions easily by car.

Onward JourneysFacilitates onward journeys across Italy.

Extend Your Journey

For longer trips, consider renting a car. This grants maximum flexibility for discovering hidden gems and less accessible villages across Umbria and neighboring regions.

Perugia Itinerary Components

Crafting an itinerary for Perugia can match various durations and interests, letting you maximize your experience in this beautiful Umbrian city.

Customizable Journey Pillars

1

Historic Center Discovery

Begin your day at Piazza IV Novembre, explore Fontana Maggiore, and visit the Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria.

2

Underground History & Views

Explore Rocca Paolina's passages and stroll Corso Vannucci. Seek panoramic views from Giardini Carducci.

3

Aperitivo & Local Dining

Enjoy a classic Italian aperitivo, then dine at a restaurant offering traditional Umbrian specialties.

Weekend Getaway 2-3 Days

Day 1: Thorough exploration of Perugia's historic core.
Day 2: Day trip to Assisi and Spello by train.
Day 3: Last-minute souvenir shopping or a final coffee before departure.
Provides a taste of both city and regional highlights.
Encounters both urban charm and serene hill town beauty.
Captures diverse photographic opportunities.

One-Week Comprehensive Experience

Days 1-3: Deep immersion in Perugia, including museums and cooking.
Day 4: Train trip to Orvieto for Duomo and underground history.
Day 5: Bus trip to Gubbio for medieval center and funicular views.
Day 6: Relaxation at Lake Trasimene, with boat trips or water sports.
Day 7: Relaxed morning or last-minute shopping before departure.
Explore culinary delights across the region.

Extended Stay Considerations

Perugia Deep Dive

Explore more specialized museums and Perugia's hidden streets.

Rural Umbria by Car

Rent a car for Montefalco wine tasting, Bevagna, and Spoleto.

Neighboring Regions

Extend to southern Tuscany (Cortona, Siena) or Le Marche coast.

Adapt Your Journey

These suggestions offer a framework. Customize them to match your interests, pace, and the season of your visit. Book bookable experiences via GetYourGuide.

Day Trips & Excursions