Umbria, the green heart of Italy, is an amazing destination with wonderful authentic experiences.
Touring Umbria is often overshadowed by touring its more famous neighbor, Tuscany. However, when you tour Umbria, you’ll discover the art of truffle hunting, visit wine gardens, cook authentic Italian dishes, and explore medieval towns.
Let’s look at this blog post on the top things to do when you tour Umbria.
Key Takeaways:
- If you’re planning to tour Umbria, here are the top things to do in Umbria, focusing on THREE must-try activities: indulging in Umbrian food, cycling through picturesque landscapes, and exploring the region on foot.
- Below all the Umbria Tours, you can find the best tours offered by Meravigliosa Umbria offers amazing authentic Umbrian tours that take you through the culinary history or show you what the best cycling paths can offer.
Location
Located in central Italy, Umbria is a landlocked region bordered by Tuscany to the west, Marche to the east, and Lazio to the south.
Its terrain is a harmonious mix of rolling hills, fertile valleys, and medieval towns. SPOILER ALERT: this is one of the most beautiful regions in Italy for culinary and cycling tours!
The region is easily accessible from major cities such as Rome and Florence (by train, car, bus, and flight), making it a convenient destination if you wish to escape the busy Italian city life.
Tour Umbria: A Food Journey
The first top thing to do when you tour Umbria is delve into the culinary food. The food here is rooted in Italian culture and tradition, with recipes passed down through generations, often centered around local produce and seasonal ingredients.
Start your culinary journey with a visit to a local trattoria, where you can enjoy regional specialties like torta al testo, a savory flatbread stuffed with various fillings such as prosciutto, sausage, or chicory. Another must-try is umbricelli, a thick, hand-rolled pasta typically served with rich meat sauces or truffles.
Speaking of truffles, Umbria is famous for its black truffles, which add a luxurious touch to many dishes.
Join a truffle hunting tour in Umbria to experience the thrill of finding these culinary gems in the wild, followed by a delicious truffle-themed meal. See below for more information:
Activity: Wines of Montefalco & Truffle of Norcia Tour
- Truffle Hunting Experience:
- Location: Norcia, renowned for its exquisite black truffles. Norcia is a town in the province of Perugia, in southeastern Umbria.
- Activity: Join expert truffle hunters and their specially trained dogs to search for black truffles in the forests around Norcia.
- Highlights:
- Learn about the history and techniques of truffle hunting.
- Experience the thrill of finding truffles in their natural habitat.
- Enjoy the beautiful Umbrian countryside during the hunt.
- Culinary Delight:
- After the hunt, savor a truffle-themed meal featuring freshly foraged truffles.
- Taste local dishes enhanced with the unique flavor of black truffles.
- Additional Activities:
- Cooking Classes: Participate in cooking classes to learn how to prepare traditional Umbrian dishes, incorporating the truffles you’ve found.
- Wine Tasting: Explore the vineyards of Montefalco and taste the region’s renowned wines, such as Sagrantino and Rosso di Montefalco.
BOOK THIS 5-DAY TOUR HERE FOR 1080 EUROS.
BTW: if you have extra time in Italy, make sure to explore Perugia, such an amazing city!
Cooking Classes
Another popular activity is a cooking class. This is one of the best Umbria tours to offer you the opportunity to learn how to prepare local specialties, such as porchetta, a slow-roasted pork dish seasoned with herbs and spices.
During the cooking class, you’ll also learn about the importance of using high-quality ingredients, like olive oil from the region’s groves or Pecorino cheese made from sheep’s milk. Locals often lead these cooking classes, giving you insights into the preparation of traditional dishes. We still talk about these insights when we make an Italian dish at home. You should see this as an investment in your cooking skills!
As you explore the charming towns and villages of Umbria, be sure to stop by the markets to purchase fresh produce and artisanal products.
One market not to miss is the weekly market in Perugia, where you can find everything from local cheeses and cured meats to truffles and handmade pasta.
Activity: Cooking Lesson, Cycling & Wine Tasting Umbria Tour
This cooking class offers a fantastic deep dive into Umbrian culinary traditions. Under the guidance of chefs, you’ll master the art of creating delicious local dishes, making it a perfect complement to the tour’s cycling and wine-tasting activities.
Activity: Engage in a hands-on cooking class focused on traditional Umbrian cuisine.
Highlights:
- Learn to prepare authentic regional dishes using fresh, local ingredients.
- Receive expert instruction from chefs.
- Create a complete meal, primo, and secondo dishes.
- Enjoy the fruits of your labor, paired with local wines.
BOOK THE 8-DAY UMBRIA TOUR HERE FOR 969 EUROS.
Wine Tasting Tours
A wine tastings tour is also a popular activity in Umbria, where you can visit local wineries and taste some of the best wines in Umbria. A tour guide will provide insights into the wine-making process and the history of each winery.
You will experience gastronomic and sightseeing adventures paired with local wines and an understanding of the rich Umbrian history and culture.
Activity: Food & Wine Tour Through the Valle Umbra
This wine-tasting experience offers an amazing exploration of Umbrian wine culture.
Activity: One of the best Italian wine tours at famous wineries and hotels in the Valle Umbra.
Highlights:
- Visiting vineyards and wineries famous for their exceptional wines.
- Taste a variety of regional wines, including Sagrantino di Montefalco and Trebbiano Spoletino.
- Learn about the winemaking process and the unique characteristics of Umbrian wines from local experts.
- Pair tastings with delicious local appetizers to enhance the flavors.
BOOK THE 5-DAY UMBRIA TOUR HERE FOR 699 EUROS.
INSIDER TIP: Don’t forget to sample at one of the local markets some of Umbria’s famous wines, such as Sagrantino di Montefalco or Orvieto Classico.
Let’s now take a look at cycling in Umbria.
Cycling in Umbria: Pedaling Through Paradise
Cycling enthusiasts will find Umbria a paradise of scenic routes.
The region’s rolling hills, picturesque valleys, and charming medieval towns provide the perfect backdrop for a cycling adventure.
One of the best ways to explore Umbria on two wheels is by joining a guided cycling tour. These tours take you off the beaten path, along quiet country roads and through vineyards, olive groves, and forests. You’ll have the chance to visit historic towns like Assisi, Spoleto, and Orvieto, where you can pause to admire ancient architecture and enjoy lunch in the piazza/square.
Best Cycling Holiday to discover Umbria
After researching, we found this to be the best cycling tour in Umbria for discovering the region. Meravigliosa Umbria designed this with the help of experts to get the most out of the beautiful landscapes, cultural activities, and cities.
Activity: Embark on a self-guided cycling tour to explore the diverse landscapes and cultural treasures of Umbria.
Highlights:
- Cycle through picturesque villages, rolling hills, and lush valleys.
- Visit historic towns such as Assisi, Spello, and Montefalco, rich with medieval architecture and cultural heritage.
- Experience the natural beauty of Umbria, from verdant vineyards to serene olive groves.
- Enjoy stops at local attractions, including ancient churches, monasteries, and scenic viewpoints!
BOOK THE 8-DAY UMBRIA TOUR HERE FOR 658 EUROS.
Walking in Umbria
Walking in Umbria is a deeply immersive way to experience the region’s natural beauty and historical sites. With a network of well-marked trails, from easy strolls to more demanding hikes, there’s something for every level of walker. Don’t miss a walk through the historic center of Perugia, where you can explore Etruscan remains and enjoy the city’s famous chocolate.
Activity: Assisi & Spoleto Walking Tour
This walking tour is ideal for you if you seek a physically challenging adventure amidst Umbria’s most beautiful spots.
As you hike the scenic trails between Assisi and Spoleto, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views over the area, historical landmarks, and the region’s natural beauty.
One of the most popular walking routes is the Franciscan Trail, which follows in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi.
This spiritual journey takes you through some of the region’s most beautiful landscapes, including the sacred woods of the Carceri Hermitage and the lush countryside around Assisi.
Activity: Participate with a local guide in a physically demanding walking tour through the stunning landscapes connecting Assisi and Spoleto.
Highlights:
- Explore the historic town of Assisi, with its breathtaking Basilica of St. Francis and charming medieval streets.
- Hike through Monte Subasio Park, enjoying panoramic views of the Umbrian countryside.
- Visit the picturesque village of Spello, renowned for its beautiful, flower-adorned streets and ancient Roman mosaics.
- Walk through the lush Valnerina valley, encountering serene rivers, dense forests, and tranquil meadows.
- Conclude your journey in Spoleto, admiring the majestic Spoleto Cathedral and the Ponte delle Torri, a striking medieval aqueduct.
BOOK THE 7-DAY UMBRIA TOUR HERE FOR 432 EUROS.
Conclusion
Umbria Tours offers a rich tapestry of experiences, from its authentic Italian kitchen to its cycling routes and hiking trails.
Each activity allows you to connect with the region’s authentic charm and beauty, making your visit an amazing experience.
Let us know about your experience in the comments!
