Umbria Hilltowns Exploration Self-Drive

Upon arrival at Fiumicino, Ciampino or Perugia Airport, collect your hire car and drive to your hotel in Spoleto for check-in. Spend the remainder of the day exploring this charming town. We recommend starting at Piazza del Duomo to admire the Cathedral of Spoleto, noted for its Romanesque façade and frescoes by Filippo Lippi. Continue to the Rocca Albornoziana, a medieval fortress offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside, and visit the Museo Nazionale del Ducato housed within. Other notable sites include the Ponte delle Torri aqueduct, the Church of San Salvatore, the Roman Theatre and Archaeological Museum, and the Basilica of San Pietro. Take time to relax in Piazza del Mercato, a lively square filled with cafés and shops, ideal for a coffee or gelato break. Overnight in Spoleto.

After breakfast, we travel to Orvieto, a striking hilltop town renowned for its dramatic setting and rich history. We begin at the Orvieto Cathedral, one of Italy’s finest Gothic cathedrals, celebrated for its intricate façade decorated with mosaics and sculptures. Inside, we visit the Chapel of San Brizio to admire Luca Signorelli’s remarkable frescoes, as well as the Chapel of the Corporal. Opposite the cathedral, we explore the Etruscan Museum, which houses an extensive collection of artefacts including pottery, sculptures and jewellery from the ancient civilisation. Nearby, we visit the Pozzo di San Patrizio, a 16th-century well featuring a double-helix staircase descending 248 steps to a depth of 53 metres—an impressive feat of engineering. We then stroll through Piazza del Popolo, home to the historic Palazzo del Popolo. You may choose to pause for lunch at a local enoteca or winery, sampling regional dishes and renowned white wines. We return to Spoleto for the evening.

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and begin your journey with a visit to Montefalco, often called the ‘balcony of Umbria’ for its sweeping views over the valley. Start in Piazza del Comune, the town’s main square, surrounded by medieval buildings. Explore the Palazzo Comunale, home to the civic museum showcasing local history and art. Nearby, visit the Chiesa di San Francesco, now a museum famed for its frescoes by Benozzo Gozzoli depicting the life of St Francis, alongside works by Umbrian artists and archaeological finds. Take a walk along Montefalco’s well-preserved medieval walls, enjoying panoramic views and observing the ancient gates and towers that once defended the town. Wander through the charming streets, stopping at artisanal shops offering local crafts, olive oil and textiles. Don’t miss a visit to Cantina Scacciadiavoli, one of Montefalco’s oldest wineries, where we enjoy a guided tasting of the renowned Sagrantino di Montefalco and other local wines, learning about the winemaking process and the unique grape variety. Afterwards, continue on to Perugia for your overnight stay.

After breakfast, spend the day exploring Perugia, famously known as the city of chocolate. Begin at Piazza IV Novembre, the city’s vibrant centre, where you can admire the medieval Fontana Maggiore and the impressive Palazzo dei Priori. Visit Perugia Cathedral in the same square to appreciate its Gothic architecture and the Chapel of the Holy Ring, said to house the Virgin Mary’s wedding ring. Explore the Rocca Paolina, a Renaissance fortress built by Pope Paul III, including its underground passages and remnants of medieval streets. Stroll along Corso Vannucci, lined with shops, cafés and historic buildings, perfect for soaking up the city’s lively atmosphere. Discover the Etruscan Well, an ancient water reservoir from the 3rd century BC, and descend to see its remarkable construction, reflecting Perugia’s Etruscan heritage. Visit the Arco Etrusco, one of Italy’s best-preserved Etruscan arches, and the Church of San Pietro, renowned for its frescoes, paintings and wooden choir. The adjacent garden offers a peaceful spot with lovely views. Overnight in Perugia.

After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely day at Lake Trasimeno, known for its charming villages and lush surroundings. Begin in Castiglione del Lago, where you can explore the medieval Rocca del Leone and take in panoramic views of the lake. Wander through the historic centre and visit Palazzo della Corgna, home to notable frescoes and further scenic outlooks. From here, take a ferry to Isola Maggiore. Stroll around the island, visit the 14th-century Church of San Michele Arcangelo, and explore the Irish Franciscan Monastery. Pause for a traditional lunch at a local trattoria. Return by ferry to Tuoro sul Trasimeno, the site of the historic Battle of Trasimeno between Hannibal and the Romans. Walk part of Hannibal’s Route, a marked trail with informative panels recounting the battle, and enjoy the views from Punta Navaccia. Overnight in Perugia.

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and take the opportunity for some final chocolate shopping in Perugia. Before arriving in Todi, visit Deruta, renowned worldwide for its ceramics. Wander through the historic centre’s charming streets, admiring medieval architecture and browsing boutiques offering local crafts and ceramics. Explore the Regional Ceramic Museum, housed in the former convent of San Francesco, which displays an extensive collection of historic and contemporary maiolica pieces. Next, visit the adjacent Church of San Francesco to appreciate its Gothic architecture and interior frescoes in a tranquil setting. At Maioliche Originali Deruta, observe skilled artisans demonstrating traditional pottery techniques, with some tours including a kiln firing demonstration. Enjoy lunch in Piazza dei Consoli, the town’s main square, and visit the Palazzo dei Consoli, which often hosts art exhibitions. Before continuing to Todi, spend some time shopping in Deruta’s numerous ceramics shops, where you can find unique plates, vases and decorative items to take home.

After breakfast, spend the morning exploring Todi at your own pace. Begin in Piazza del Popolo, the lively centre of town, surrounded by historic buildings including Palazzo del Popolo, Palazzo del Capitano, and Palazzo dei Priori. Enjoy a coffee at one of the cafés and soak up the medieval atmosphere. Visit the cathedral at the end of the square, notable for its Romanesque-Gothic façade and impressive interior featuring a rose window and frescoes. Continue to the Church of San Fortunato, dedicated to Todi’s patron saint. Climb to the terrace for panoramic views of the town, and inside, see the tomb of the poet Jacopone da Todi alongside remarkable frescoes. Explore the Roman Cisterns, an extensive underground water system from the Roman era, to appreciate the town’s ancient engineering. Finally, stroll through Parco della Rocca, the site of the old fortress, offering sweeping views of Todi and the surrounding countryside—a perfect spot for a leisurely walk or picnic. Overnight in Todi.

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a day at leisure in Todi to relax or explore at your own pace. In the afternoon, drive to Fiumicino, Ciampino or Perugia Airport, allowing sufficient time to return your hire car before your departure.