Hilltowns of Umbria, Self-Drive

Upon arrival at Fiumicino, Ciampino or Perugia Airport, reach the car hire office to collect your car and drive to your hotel for check-in. Spend the rest of the day exploring Spoleto. We suggest visiting Piazza del Duomo with the stunning Cathedral (Duomo di Spoleto), known for its beautiful frescoes by Filippo Lippi and the stunning Romanesque façade. Proceed your visit to the Rocca Albornoziana, a medieval fortress offering panoramic views of the city and the surrounding countryside. Visit the Museo Nazionale del Ducato inside the fortress for a historical overview. Other highlights are Ponte delle Torri, the Church of San Salvatore, the Roman Theater and Archaeological Museum and the Basilica of San Pietro. Don’t miss a visit to Piazza del Mercato, a bustling square with cafes, shops, and a fountain. It is the best place to take a break and enjoy a coffee or gelato.

Overnight in Spoleto.

After breakfast, we suggest visiting Orvieto, a small city perched on a rock cliff. Start your visit with the Orvieto Cathedral (Duomo di Orvieto), one of Italy’s most beautiful cathedrals. The Duomo is renowned for its stunning Gothic façade adorned with intricate mosaics and sculptures. Inside, see the Chapel of San Brizio with frescoes by Luca Signorelli and the Chapel of the Corporal. Just opposite the Duomo you can find the Etruscan Museum. Explore its extensive collection of Etruscan artefacts, including pottery, sculptures, and jewellery. Not far from there, take a stop to the Pozzo di San Patrizio (St. Patrick’s Well), a 16thcentury well with a double-helix staircase. Descend the 248 steps to appreciate its ingenious design and the impressive depth of 53 meters. Stroll through Piazza del Popolo, home to Palazzo del Popolo, a historic palace. Take a break for lunch in a local enoteca or winery to taste some local dishes and renowned white wines.

Overnight in Spoleto.

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and we suggest visiting Montefalco before reaching your next destination: Perugia. Montefalco, often referred to as the “balcony of Umbria”, offers a rich tapestry of history, art, and wine culture. Start your visit in the middle of the city, Piazza del Comune, the main square surrounded by medieval buildings. Visit the Palazzo Comunale, which houses the civic museum with exhibits on local history and arts. Not far from the main square, don’t miss Chiesa di San Francesco, now a museum, renowned for its stunning frescoes by Benozzo Gozzoli depicting the life of St. Francis. The adjacent museum features work by Umbrian artists and archaeological artefacts. You can also stroll along Montefalco’s well-preserved medieval walls. The path offers panoramic views of the Umbrian valley. Observe the fort field gates and towers that once protected the town. Wander through Montefalco’s quaint streets, visiting artisanal shops selling local crafts, olive oil and textiles. Take some time to purchase handmade ceramics and traditional Umbrian linens. Don’t miss a visit to Cantina Scacciadiavoli, one of the oldest wineries in Montefalco. Enjoy a guided tasting of the famous “Sagrantino di Montefalco” and other local wines. Learn about the winemaking process and the unique characteristics of the Sagramentino grape.

Overnight in Perugia.

After breakfast at the hotel take your time to explore Perugia, the city of the chocolate! Start your tour from Piazza IV Novembre, the heart of the city. Admire the Fontana Maggiore, a beautiful medieval fountain, and the impressive Palazzo dei Priori. Step into the Perugia Cathedral, located in the same square. Check out its gothic architecture and the Chapel of the Holy Ring, which supposedly contains the wedding ring of the Virgin Mary. Wander through the Rocca Paolina, a Renaissance fortress built by Pope Paul III. Explore its underground passage and the remains of medieval streets and buildings. Walk down Corso Vannucci, lined with shops, cafes, and historic buildings. It’s the perfect place for a stroll and to get the feel of the city’s vibrant atmosphere. Visit the Etruscan Well, an ancient water reservoir dating back to the 3rd century BC. Descend into the well to see its remarkable construction and learn about Perugia’s Etruscan roots. Head to the Arco Etrusco, one of the best-preserved Etruscan structures in Italy. Also explore the San Pietro Church, known for its stunning interior decorated with frescoes, paintings, and a beautiful wooden choir. The adjacent garden offers a peaceful retreat with great views.

Overnight in Perugia.

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel. We suggest having a relaxing day at Lake Trasimeno with its characteristic villages and luxuriant nature. Start visiting Castiglione del Lago with its medieval Rocca del Leone for panoramic views. Wander through the historical center and visit the Palazzo della Corgna, which houses frescoes and offers more scenic vistas. Take a ferry from Castiglione del Lago to Isola Maggiore. Walk around the island, visit the 14thcentury Church of San Michele Arcangelo and explore the Irish Franciscan Monastery. Enjoy a typical lunch at a local trattoria. Take a ferry back to Tuoro sul Trasimeno, the site of the historical Battle of Trasimeno between Hannibal and the Romans. Visit the Hannibal’s Route, a series of marked paths and informative panels detailing the battle. Also, enjoy the scenic views from Punta Navaccia.

Overnight in Perugia.

After breakfast at the hotel check out and enjoy some last chocolates’ shopping in Perugia. Before reaching Todi, the last stop of the trip, we suggest visiting Deruta, famous for its ceramics which are exported worldwide. Stroll through the charming streets of the historic center. Admire the medieval architecture and explore small shops and boutiques selling local crafts and ceramics. Visit the Regional Ceramic Museum located in the former convent of San Francesco. Explore its extensive collection of historical and contemporary ceramics, including beautiful maiolica pieces. Steps into the Church of San Francesco, next to the museum and admire its gothic architecture and interior frescoes and take a moment to appreciate the serene atmosphere. Head to the Maioliche Originali Deruta, a local ceramics workshop. Watch artisans at work, demonstrating traditional pottery techniques. Some tours may include a demonstration of kiln firing. For lunch, relax in Piazza dei Consoli, the main square of Deruta. Visit the Palazzo dei Consoli, the town hall which often hosts art exhibitions. Finally, take some time to go shopping in the numerous ceramics shops and boutiques. Look for unique pieces to take home, including plates, vases, and decorative items.

Overnight in Todi.

After breakfast take some time to explore Todi. Start your tour in Todi’s main square, the vibrant heart of the town: Piazza del Popolo. It’s surrounded by historical buildings such as Palazzo del Popolo, Palazzo del Capitano and Palazzo dei Priori. Enjoy a coffee at one of the cafes and take in the medieval atmosphere. Visit the town’s main cathedral and admire the Romanesque-Gothic façade located at the end of Piazza del Popolo. Step inside to see its impressive interior, including a beautiful rose window and frescoes. Walk to the Church of San Fortunato, a Gothic church dedicated to the patron saint of Todi. Climb the steps to enjoy the panoramic view of the town from the terrace. Inside, see the tomb of the poet Jacopone da Todi and admire the frescoes. Visit the Roman Cisterns and the extensive network of underground water tanks from the Roman era. Learn about their engineering and significance in providing water to the town. Walk to the Parco della Rocca, the site of the old fortress which offers panoramic views of Todi and the surrounding countryside. It’s a great place for a picnic or a stroll.

Overnight in Todi.

Breakfast at the hotel and a day at leisure. In the afternoon drive back to Fiumicino, Ciampino or Perugia Airport and reach the car hire office to return your car.