Nestled in the heart of Italy’s charming Umbria region, Perugia is a city that enchants with its rich history, artistic heritage, and stunning landscapes. Often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors, Rome and Florence, Perugia offers a unique and authentic Italian experience that promises to captivate every visitor. The moment I stumbled upon this viewpoint while researching Italian destinations, I was instantly captivated. I fell in love with its breathtaking beauty and knew I had to experience it firsthand.

We originally planned to spend four nights in Florence before heading to Bologna. Although we wished we could have stayed longer in each city, our schedule was tightly packed between the World Travel Market in London and the European Travel Agent Conference in Senigallia. Still, with Umbria so close, how could we resist a visit? Years ago, while backpacking through Europe with my college roommate, we met lifelong friends on the Island of Capri. One of them spoke passionately about Umbria’s unique beauty, and ever since, I’ve wanted to experience it for myself. So, after enjoying a few amazing days in Florence, we hopped on a direct train to Umbria for a day trip.

Although we usually wouldn’t recommend such a brief visit to our clients, our tight schedule between two conferences and our years old desire to explore this region prompted us to make the most of the opportunity. And it was absolutely worth it! The journey alone offered stunning views of the Umbrian countryside, setting the stage for an unforgettable day.

We arrived into Perugia, the charming capital of Umbria, just before noon and hopped on a bus to the city center, an 8-minute ride up a steep incline that made us grateful we hadn’t tackled the climb on foot. And here’s an important little tip: Navigating the bustling bus system can be a bit of a puzzle, so keep a sharp eye out for the correct bus. And don’t rely on English for assistance. Practicing a bit of Italian prior to your departure will definitely come in handy!

Perugia is amazing and I believe we have found a new favorite destination that rivals Bruges! As soon as we reached the city center, we were greeted by breathtaking views that made every moment of travel worthwhile. Here are a few snapshots we took, capturing the stunning scenery and the enchanting atmosphere that makes Perugia so special. If you’re considering a trip, just know that a longer stay would be more than worth it!

Breathtaking views in every direction!

Charming Streets and Delicious Treats
Perugia’s streets are exciting to explore, with each turn revealing charming piazzas and picturesque alleys. Stroll through the vibrant Corso Vannucci, the city’s main street, where you’ll find boutique shops, cafès, and lively street performers. And no visit to Perugia is complete without sampling its tasty treats. The city is renowned for its exquisite local cuisine, from hearty Umbrian stews and artisanal cheeses to its famous Torta al Testo – which was on our list of things to try at Testone in Perugia.

Above is the Tora al Testo, an Italian sandwich made on focaccia-like flatbread, cooked on cast iron or an open fire, and then filled with your choice of meat. We took the chef’s recommendation and went with the most popular option, pork. It was absolutely delicious, mouthwatering and perfect after a long train ride. Below is the quaint, very rustic, casual, and comfortable Café Testone – with a little sneak peak into the kitchen.

We treated ourselves to gelato and coffee, requirements for every trip. Our gelato was from Augusta Perusia, a spot known for both its delectable gelato and its fine chocolates.

We savored our coffee at the sweetest, most beautiful café, named Sandri. Don’t miss taking a sneak peak at the amazing artistic ceiling! It was a masterpiece. The atmosphere here was one of my absolute favorites in all of Italy.

And of course, if you are a true chocolate lover, be sure to savor the famous Perugian chocolate, produced by the esteemed Perugina company, whose chocolate factory offers fascinating tours and tastings. But Perugia has so much more to offer than amazing food and cafès. There are so many charming stairways, winding through the city, begging to be explored! We were genuinely surprised by how picturesque they were.

Just a couple of explorers, strangely captivated by the stunning stairways of Perugia, with their delightful mix of brick, stone, and ivy. Truly a photographer’s paradise!

Seriously, for most of the day, Ryan saw only the back of my head as I feverishly tried to capture even a fraction of the beauty around us as I wished, for the millionth time, that we were staying a night or two. But in my defense, Ryan was doing the same! Guilty!

And the doors, oh the beautiful doors! I could have photographed them all day!

A Journey Through History and Culture
Perugia’s ancient streets are a living testament to its storied past. As you wander through the city, you’ll encounter well-preserved medieval architecture, including the imposing Etruscan walls and the magnificent Palazzo dei Priori. This historic palace, adorned with intricate frescoes and statues, houses the National Gallery of Umbria, where you can marvel at masterpieces by Italian greats like Perugino and Pinturicchio.

I may have mentioned this earlier, but I really wish we had had additional time in our schedules to stay in Perugia for a few nights. We are hoping to return one day, and would definitely love to share this place with our clients – so of course, we visited a few hotels and met with the sales managers. The real jewel of our favorite hotel was the heated indoor swimming pool with a whirlpool built under Etruscan vaults with a transparent foundation that reveals ancient walls. So cool!

Until We Meet Again
As our exploration of Perugia comes to a close, we are left with a deep appreciation for this hidden gem of Italy. Its rich history, delicious dining options, and vibrant culture have left a lasting impression. Arrivederci, Perugia! We look forward to returning and uncovering even more of your treasures in the future.

Let me know if you love Perugia as much as I did! For more information on our itineraries, feel free to email us at dtgainor@gmail.com or visit Global Getaways to learn more about who we are and how we work.