Is Umbria the most underrated region in Italy? We think so, and by the end of this guide, we will hopefully convince you why it should be the next place you visit in Italy! Think Tuscany without the tourists or the price tags! Umbria is the region located north and inland from Rome, and south of Florence. The capital of the region is Perugia, but there’s a lot more to explore and see beyond the big city. This guide will canvas the Umbria road trip itinerary that Ky undertook as he worked his way up from Rome to Florence. This article shows a perfect 3 or 4 day Umbria itinerary, with options to add on to make it a 1 week Umbria road trip if you are looking for more! Note: You will notice a distinct lack of ‘Tess’ in these shots.. as she unfortunately had to stay in Australia to work her physio job.
Umbria road trip itinerary guide
This is the road trip that Ky undertook, with the locations detailed on a map below, and then explained further. We have also included a few of the locations that were missed (but could be included), along with some key considerations for your visit to the region.
Stop 1: Narni
This little town is often overlooked, but it shouldn’t be. This is the perfect stop on the way up from Rome, located 1-2 hours north of the city/airport. The town of Narni has excellent views, cute cafes, and a few good places to sit and people watch. Fun fact.. it also inspired the Chronicle of Narnia!
Stop 2: Marmore Falls
This was a surprise, and definitely something unexpected in Umbria. Think towering cascading waterfalls that feel like something more akin to Norway than Italy. The waterfall park can get busy, but due to the many trails in the park, it doesn’t feel that crowded. You will have to pay entry, which can be upwards of 12 euros per person, however we think it’s worth the cost due to the unique nature. A visit in spring offers the best time to see the waterfalls with pleasant weather.
Stop 3: Todi
This is a must visit location in Umbria, and forms a good option as your ‘base’ for your time in the region. It’s close to many other towns, and has enough vibe to be a good place to stay. Think charming streets, exceptional views, excellent restaurants and a cute main square. Even if you don’t stay, definitely visit Todi for a few hours! You can see our detailed Todi guide here!
Stop 4: Montefalco
This is tiny town located north of Todi. Know for it’s winemaking, Montefalco is the definitely of sleep town. Be aware there’s not much happening in the morning, and Montefalco represents a better option in the afternoon or evening. Additionally, we don’t recommend staying in the town, but it is a decent day trip option. The views, like many of the hilltop towns, are excellent.
Stop 5: Trevi
This is another must visit town in Umbria, and a true hidden gem. You will see Trevi long before you arrive at the town, such is the impressive nature of this hilltop location. Perched right on the edge of the hill, Trevi offers spectacular views. While the town itself is small, quaint and medieval, the real drawcard are the views and impressive location. Another town that is worth visiting, but probably not as a base to stay, as there’s less happening than towns like Todi, Assisi, Orvieto etc. See highlights from Trevi here!
Stop 6: Assisi
Assisi is the ‘busiest’ of the small towns, possibly due to it’s proximity to Perugia (the ‘capital’ of Umbria). While many of the southern Umbrian towns had minimal tourists, Assisi had a few more tour busses, but it was still nothing on the tourist season chaos that can be Tuscany. Home to some seriously impressive architecture and views, a quick wander down a side street will see you leave the tourists behind, and discover some hidden gems. One of these gems is the Michelin star restaurant, Trattoria Da Erminio, which Ky stumbled upon at lunch time and had it all to himself. For 13 euros he had one of the best pastas of his life.. without the tourist crowds. Be aware, this gets busy at night, and lunch is the perfect time to visit.
Walk for 5-10minutes up the hill to the fortress – Rocca Maggiore for excellent views of the town below. This is definitely worth the effort! Assisi also has a bit more ‘vibe’ than some of the smaller Umbrian towns, making it a good location to base yourself. See the Assisi guide here!
Stop 7: Monte Castello De Vibio
Another tiny little town located close to Todi that is worth adding to your road trip itinerary. While the town itself it small, the real charm comes from its ‘untouched’ nature. You will likely have the old streets to yourself. Home to a tiny theatre which you can tour, one bakery, and a coffee shop (which is closed Tuesdays FYI), this town doesn’t have a lot of ‘attractions’. However, the streets are lined with flowers and the views are excellent. Don’t stay here, but it’s an easy add to your road trip.
Stop 8: Deruta
This small town is conveniently located near the highway, making it an easy stop on your road trip. Known for their hand painted pottery, this town is cute, and worth adding to your itinerary. Like many of the small towns, don’t stay here, but a visit is worth it.
Stop 9: Passignano sul Trasimeno
This lakeside town is situated on the edge of the Umbrian-Tuscany border, and offers something unique. The lakeside vibes are relaxed, reminding us a little of Lake Ohrid. A small hilltop town offers great views, and the promenade is perfect for a walk, run or cycle. While many visit for the day, it offers a good spot to stay the night on your road trip through the region. See our little guide to Passignano Sul Trasimeno here!
Where we missed in Umbria?
While we spent 5 days in Umbria, we didn’t get close to ‘completing’ the region. There were many towns we researched but didn’t get time to visit. We have listed some of the highly rated options below which we think are worth considering:
- Orvieto: A highly rated hilltop town located similar proximity from Rome as Todi. We decided in the end to stay in Todi instead of Orvieto, but it comes highly recommended and could be worth exploring.
- Spello: This is another Umbrian town that appears on many itineraries. Filled with flower lined streets, this town is likely a day trip option rather than a base to stay. We didn’t make it to Spello but it is well recommended.
- Rasiglia: Another tiny town that could be added to your road trip. Expect great views and a tiny historic town. Again, not the best option to stay the night.
- Spoleto: This small town situated in the middle of Umbria and could easily be added to your road trip!
- Gubbio: Situated in the north of Umbria, this town is a great option as a base for those wanting to explore the north of Umbria. We didn’t make it up this high, opting to head west to the lake town of Passignano sul Trasimeno instead, but it was high on our list to consider.
- Arezzo: Another town located in the north of Umbria that is well regarded. Pending your time in the region, it might be hard to fit in the south, middle and north of Umbria, but if you visit the north then this is under consideration.
- Motone: Another norther Umbrian town which could form part of your road trip. This is a small town and better as a day trip option than a base to stay.
- Others to consider.. the tiny Massa Martana or Bevagna, the flower fields of Castelluccio (2-3 hours east of Todi), or the busy capital of Perugia.
A few things to know before visiting Umbria:
- You need a car! The region is huge, and while public transport exists, it isn’t sophisticated and will take a significant amount of time to get around. Driving is generally easy, roads a quiet, and the views are spectacular. Alternative transport options like tours or taxis are often quite expensive, but possible.
- Speaking Italian helps..or get your Google translate ready! The Umbrian region definitely had less English speakers than other parts of Italy. This adds to the experience, but is definitely something to consider when you visit.
- Umbria is budget friendly! Compared to big tourist cities like Rome, Florence, or even popular Tuscany towns like San Gimignano.. Umbria is relatively budget friendly! You get good value for money with accommodation, restaurants and buying drinks.
Convinced that Umbria is worth visiting? Well you should be! The region is seriously stunning, and offers everything that Tuscany does without the pricetag or crowds. However, it may not stay underrated for long as others like us stumble upon it’s beauty and charm. But for now.. it remains a hidden gem worth exploring!
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