Visitors come to Italy for various reasons. Be it the art, the countryside, the food or the wine, there is no shortage of things to see and do. Here are a few suggestions...
Convene with Spirituality

The Basilica di San Francesco in Assisi - the superb Umbrian hilltown may become horribly packed with tourists in peak season, but choose your times well because you have to see this monument to St Francis. The Basilica is one of Italy`s most important Renaissance churches, with frescoes by Simone Martini and Giotto. And the approach to hilltop Assisi across the valley below is a stunner.

Walk along Via Francigena of St. Francis

A charming route following in the footprints of the region`s most celebrated citizens, St. Francis of Assisi, St. Clare, and St. Benedict of Norcia. Walking along the Via Francigena of St. Francis, you will see boundless landscapes through an intimate perspective, and enjoy the company of other pilgrims at the same time.

Visit the Cascate delle Marmore Waterfalls

Near Terni, offers possibilities to canoe and kayak, and child-friendly itineraries that include exciting tours through the Umbrian terrain.

Visit the Valnerina

This valley being arguably the loveliest spot in Umbria. The valley heads relentlessly up to the peaks of the Monti Sibillini, as you approach Abruzzo. The pretty fortified village of Vallo di Nera is well worth a stop, as is Norcia. On to Terni, birthplace of St Valentine, and then to the Cascate delle Marmore waterfall. One of Italy`s prettiest if lesser known lakes, Lago di Piediluco is nearby, surrounded by thickly wooded slopes. Also see the Abbazia di San Pietro in Valle, the abbey high on the hill.

Visit Olive Oil Presses

The opportunity to appreciate the olive oil culture of this region, the pride of all the grove cultivators and oil presses producing Umbrian quality olive oil.

Visit Gubbio

A picture book of pink houses with orange terracotta roofs, the Apennines rising majestic behind. And head away from the crowds to Citta di Castello, with a lovely medieval `centro storico` yet unknown to most tourists.

Visit Montefalco

The medieval village of Montefalco fully earns its tag as `the balcony of Umbria`. Ensure you try the local wine, the blackberry-tinged Sagrantino Passito.

Visit Monte Peglia

Head out from Orvieto into Monte Peglia, the triangle of land rising up between the Tevere river in the east and the Chiani Valley in the west. Little villages, olive groves, vineyards and wild unspoiled countryside. This area is a haven for wildlife, particularly birds and native otters.

Visit more intimate villages

There`s a second tier of charming and even more intimate towns and villages which are well worth a visit: Montefalco, Bevagna, Spello, Trevi, Narni, Bettona, Città di Castello, Città della Pieve and more.