Discover Umbria: Culture, Nature and Regional Experiences

Umbria combines forested peaks, valleys shaped by rivers, lakes and waterfalls, and hills crowned by villages and castles. Historic routes cross this varied landscape, making the region appealing both for cultural trips and for active days in nature.

Ancient Buildings and Franciscan History

In Gubbio, the Roman Theatre still preserves the lower order of its two-tiered arcades and several arches of the upper gallery. The cavea is divided into four wedges; the orchestra, paved with limestone slabs, was used to collect rainwater in a large cistern beneath the pulpitum. During conservation work, the remains of a large Roman domus building were discovered in the Antiquarium near the theatre.

The World Heritage Site “Assisi, the Basilica of San Francesco and Other Franciscan Sites” is known for medieval masterpieces associated with Saint Francis and the Franciscan Order. Assisi remains a spiritual centre of the Franciscan Order and an important Christian pilgrimage destination. In Spoleto, the National Archaeological Museum traces human presence from the Neolithic and Bronze Ages through the Umbrian settlement phase to the Romanisation of the city. Monumental inscriptions, fragments of large honorary statues, decorated plaster and mosaic fragments illustrate the municipal and imperial development there. The Lex luci spoletina is also presented through two cippi bearing archaic Latin text on sanctions against the possible desecration of a sacred grove dedicated to Jupiter.

Lakes, Waterfalls and Biodiverse Landscapes

The Regional Park of Lake Trasimeno covers just over 13,000 hectares. It includes the islands of Maggiore, Polvese and Minore, while also preserving an area of particular natural-scientific and historical-artistic interest. The approximately 160-kilometre-long Via del Trasimeno follows a circular route through the villages in the area and offers views of the lake from the surrounding hills. Boat trips to Isola Maggiore and Isola Polvese are also available on the lake. The La Valle nature oasis offers opportunities for birdwatching and observing bird ringing.

The Nera River Park extends along the middle and lower course of the Nera River from Terria to the Cascata delle Marmore. Olive groves and deciduous forests shape the mountain slopes; the habitats there are home to trout, birds of prey, wildcats, martens and bats. The Cascata delle Marmore was artificially created in 271 BC by diverting the waters of the Velino into the Nera, and has a drop of 165 metres. The river park offers rafting, canoeing and kayaking, trekking on routes of varying difficulty, as well as caving in the grottoes of the Cascata delle Marmore.

Routes for Active Days and Flexible Planning

The exploration tour through the Grotta del Monte Cucco takes a total of two to three hours. It includes the outward and return route from Pian di Monte at an altitude of 1,197 metres, as well as the cave visit through the 27-metre-deep Pozzo Miliani to the three large chambers Cattedrale, Sala Margherita and Sala del Becco. Monte Subasio has an extensive network of routes for hiking and trekking; mule tracks and gravel roads are suitable for mountain biking and horse riding, and the Via di Francesco also runs there.

Mobility can also play a role in planning your regional trip: the Bus&Bici Umbria service allows bicycles to be carried on intercity buses, including on route E401 between Norcia and Spoleto. In Umbria, integrated tourist bus and rail services connect historic centres, landscape attractions and airports; the bus routes are coordinated with rail connections at nearby stations. Depending on whether museums, pilgrimage sites, lakeshores, caves or hiking trails are the focus, you can choose the location of your hotel or accommodation to suit your personal travel profile.

Olive Oil and Wine as Part of the Journey

One culinary experience includes a walk through olive groves, a guided tour of an olive mill with explanations of production stages and machinery, and a sensory tasting. Another experience combines a visit to a wine cellar and an old vineyard with a wine tasting accompanied by products from the farm.

For further regional orientation, you can also discover Perugia and Terni.

More About the Destination

Relevant information for planning your trip:

Umbria, landscapes of Umbria, typical features of Umbria.

More Destinations

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Molise, Lake Maggiore, Sicily.