Perugia Holidays

Rising from the countryside in a jumble of medieval buildings, Umbria’s capital city offers an enchanting blend of history, culture and lively student energy. The tower of the 15th-century San Domenico Basilica stands tall above the city’s centro storico, while across town lies the historic University of Perugia.

Rocca Paolina fortress is one of the city's top attractions, offering miles of underground passages and an impressive history entwined with revolt and war. From acclaimed museums to ancient churches, and from rambling streets to spacious piazzas, the city is an oasis of authentic Italian sights and sounds.

If you only visit one part of the town, we recommend the Piazza IV Novembre and surrounding area. Illuminated prettily at night and bustling throughout the day, this historic square is right at the heart of Perugian life. The adjacent Palazzo dei Priori is also worth a look in – it contains some of the city’s best galleries, including the Umbrian National Gallery.

Your plans, our expertise

Start planning your Citalia holiday by getting in touch with one of our Personal Travel Planners.

Lines open: Monday to Saturday 09:00 to 17:30 (Wednesdays from 9:30), Bank Holidays 10:00 to 16:00.

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Handpicked hotels in Perugia

Discover the real Perugia while staying in one of our carefully selected hotels

Perugia, Umbria

Sina Brufani

Located in the heart of medieval Perugia close to historical sites
Splendid views over the Umbrian valley below

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Things to do in Perugia

Things to doBasillica di San FrancescoThe Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi is one of the most important sites of Christian pilgrimage in Italy, and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. Find out more about the Basilica di San Francesco

Things to doLake TrasimenoLake Trasimeno is the fourth-largest lake in Italy at 128 square kilometres; only slightly smaller than Lake Como. Situated on the border of Umbria and Tuscany, it's surrounded by sunflower fields, vineyards and olives groves; along with the main lakeside towns of Castiglione, Magione, Passignano and Tuoro. Find out more about Lake Trasimeno

Flight Information

The majority of international flights arrive into Rome Fiumicino airport (FCO). Direct flights to Fiumicino are available from Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Jersey, Leeds Bradford, London City, London Gatwick, London Heathrow, London Luton, Manchester and Newcastle and take approximately 2 hours 30 minutes.

Direct flights to Perugia (PEG) depart from London Stansted and take approximately 2 hours 30 minutes.

When to go

Umbria is predominantly a summer destination, with the season generally running from April to early November. The spring and autumn months are warm and have less crowds, making May, June and September the ideal months to visit. Temperatures are at their hottest in July and August and this is also when Umbria is at its busiest. However, Umbria also enjoys a mild climate in spring and autumn with temperatures rarely going beneath 20 degrees which makes it perfect for visiting at the beginning or end of season too.

Visa Information

At the current time, British citizens do not require a visa to visit Italy.

Tipping

Whilst tipping isn’t embedded into Italian culture it is always appreciated as an acknowledgement of good service. Nowadays people generally round up a bill in a bar or cafe and leave 5-10% extra on a restaurant bill. Taxi bills are usually also rounded up.

On guided tours/excursions, it is customary to leave a token of appreciation for the driver and guide.

On small group escorted tours, it is customary to leave a token of appreciation for the driver and guide at the end of the tour.

Introduction to languages

The official language of Italy is Italian. English is widely spoken too, so getting by is easy.

Umbria Specialities Umbrian cuisine is often rustic in nature, using locally sourced ingredients. Pork, cured meats, handmade pastas, mountain cheeses, truffles and olive oil, all produced in the region, are regularly on the menu.

An ancient fresco, now in Orvieto’s National Archaeological Museum, provides evidence that wine was an important part of Etruscan life in the region, as it was for the Romans who followed. Today Orvieto produces both red and white wine using a variety of grapes, including Sagrantino, Grechetto and Procanico. They are the perfect accompaniment to freshly baked bread with a caciotta cheese, infused with black truffle. A locally produced salami also pairs very well.

Umbria Specialities Rocciata di Assisi, a traditional Umbrian dessert, is tinged with a little controversy by those who associate it with Turkish or Austrian dishes. This scrumptious sweet treat is made simply from an impossibly thin, crunchy and spicy pastry filled with pine nuts, raisins, apples and walnuts. Just roll into a tube then bend to form a horseshoe shape and bake. You will find it served in many of Umbria’s restaurants and small, family run trattorias.