This Underrated Italian Region Is Home to Rolling Hills, Flower Festivals, and Iconic Frescoes-Here's How to Plan Your Trip

"Cradled between Tuscany, Lazio, and Le Marche, Umbria is often called Italy's green heart-not only for its rolling hills, but for the quiet beauty and authenticity it offers. With no coastline and little fanfare, it's a region that reveals itself slowly: through sacred sites, medieval villages, and traditions that have stood the test of time. As native Italians and travel advisors, here are our best tips for planning a trip to Umbria."

"Assisi, the birthplace of Saint Francis, an iconic Italian friar and the founder of the Franciscan Order, is a great place to start your Umbrian adventure. The Basilica of San Francesco, a UNESCO-recognized site, holds Giotto's famous frescoes and features divine views across the Umbrian valley. Continue to Perugia, a lively university city with winding streets, Etruscan walls, and Renaissance treasures found within its Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria."

"Just south of Assisi, in the historic town of Spello, you can stroll cobblestone alleys lined with flowerpots. Perhaps the best time to visit is from May to June, when the Infiorata flower festivals arrive in Italy; Spello in particular becomes a canvas of petals. In the southwestern corner of Umbria, Orvieto rises dramatically on a volcanic rock cliff, home to a dazzling Gothic cathedral and a labyrinth of Etruscan tunnels beneath its streets."

Umbria sits between Tuscany, Lazio, and Le Marche, characterized by rolling hills, sacred sites, medieval villages, and longstanding traditions. Assisi houses the Basilica of San Francesco with Giotto frescoes and valley views; Perugia offers a lively university atmosphere, Etruscan walls, and Renaissance art in the Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria. Spello's cobblestone alleys and Infiorata flower festivals peak in May–June. Orvieto perches on volcanic rock with a Gothic cathedral and Etruscan tunnels. Gubbio and Spoleto preserve medieval grandeur and layered Roman-to-contemporary heritage. Travel in Umbria favors slow exploration by foot, bike, or unhurried drives, including pilgrim routes like the Via di Francesco, Valnerina hikes, and Norcia truffle hunting.

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