Gubbio and Perugia in a weekend
If you are visiting Pisa or Florence on a multi-center vacation in Italy, then we highly recommend enjoying a few days in Gubbio and Perugia, which sit in the heart of Umbria (south of Tuscany). If the rolling fields of green and vibrant vineyards aren’t enough to make you fall in love with the region, then the creamy Perugina chocolate from Perugia will surely have you visiting again and again!
Gubbio sits in the heart of Umbria, which is widely regarded as the greenest region of Italy and features colourful fields decorated with charming farmhouses and ancient churches. The town is one of the settings for a popular Italian TV series, called Don Matteo, which stars Terence Hill and depicts the stories of a crime-fighting priest (a little like an Italian version of the Father Dowling Mysteries). Gubbio is one of those small Italian cities where it’s a joy to get lost amongst the network of piazzas and alleys as it is full of charming sights and Italian culture. We highly recommend seeking out Piazza Grande, which boasts pretty views of the countryside and Monte Igino, and you should also not miss Palazzo dei Consoli – visit inside to see archaeological findings from the local ancient Roman Theatre – and then there is, of course, the Duomo, which looks modest from the outside but hides an interior full of bright frescoes and rare paintings.
After discovering Gubbio’s hidden gems, you can head to Perugia, a university town that is just a few kilometres from Gubbio. Here you can sample local delicacies, such as crescia, which are stuffed flatbreads, and visit the historic centre, where you’ll find interesting architecture, artistic treasures and cultural monuments. Among the most photographed places is the Maggiore Fountain in Piazza IV Novembre, which was designed by Nicola and Giovanni Pisano. It is a symbol of the city and is fed by water from the aqueduct at Monte Pacciano. We also recommend visiting the National Gallery of Corso Vannucci, which houses works of great artistic value, and also the ancient Rocca Paolina. Chocolate lovers should also head just outside the historic center to visit Perugina Casa del Cioccolato, which was named by CNN as one of the Top Five places to visit if you love chocolate and is frequently listed by the New York Times as a must-see. Here you can learn about the history of Perugina, who make the famous Baci chocolates, and also sample iconic Italian chocolates. Yum!
Are you thinking about a multi-centre vacation to Italy? Why not stop a night or two in Umbria to sample local wine and taste the famous Perugina chocolates? We can create a personalized itinerary for you, with transfers between cities and pre-arranged tours so that you can simply relax and look forward to your vacation! Call a member of our dedicated team today on (UK) 01223 637331 or (US) 1-347-594-5500, or click here to send an online enquiry.
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