Sis-in-law and I will be exploring Tuscany and Umbria this summer (for 18 days altogether), basing ourselves with a car in Assisi for several days in July. We would like to venture north out of Assisi one day, and our research has brought us to these three hill towns, each with its own charms. I am drawn to Gubbio for scenery, ceramics, and the funicular up the hill. Pictures of Anghiari show it to be a beautiful smaller medieval hill town. My sis-in-law is drawn to Urbino for the Palazzo Ducale. Our interests are strolling beautiful streets with lovely views, photography, medieval and Renaissance architecture, and ceramics and other local crafts. If we only have one day for this particular day-trip, do you have any experiences in any of these three villages that could help us with our dilemma? Could we logistically visit two of these three without a hectic rush? Thank you for your advice!
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
I have been to all three. Gubbio has what you want, and there is a well-preserved Roman arena just outside the town. The funicular goes to the Sanctuary of Sant'Ubaldo.
Posted by
Boston
1816 posts
I enjoyed Anghiari, but it's not in the same league as Gubbio and Urbino. I'd go for Urbino.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
If the Palazzo Ducale is a deciding factor, then Urbino's is more impressive than the one in Gubbio (built by the same duke). The inlaid wood cabinet (room) at Gubbio is smaller and is a reproduction. But I think of the town of Gubbio as more beautiful; maybe I just spent more time looking at it. Assisi and Urbino also have a couple of worthwhile ceramics shops to check out.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16240 posts
You can easily visit both Gubbio and Anghiari on the same day as both are small and not far from Assisi (about one hour from Assisi to Anghiari, the farther of the two, and Gubbio is in between but a bit of a detour to the east). I'd go to Gubbio first then Anghiari and finally return to Assisi (sort of a counterclockwise tour). That is because in case you come back from Anghiari in the evening after dark, the drive is easier in the dark from Anghiari since it's all freeway whereas the road from/to Gubbio is curvy and narrow.
I would not go to Urbino, simply based on the road. It's not that close. It will be at least 2 hours each way
Posted by
Vignola, MO, IT
711 posts
We spent 3 nights in Assisi recently and visited several beautiful small towns. We had wanted to go to Urbino. The road is very windy and very slow going. After going for about 30 minutes we turned around and went to another place. It is too far for a day trip in my opinion it takes much longer than you think due to the road. I decided I'd rather spend more time walking around towns than sitting in the car. We will approach Urbino on another trip from a different city.