I am planning my next trip to Italy and have decided to stay a few extra days in order to go to Perugia and partake of the annual chocolate festival there (WOO HOO!). If you've stayed in Perugia, where did you stay, and what did you think about it? If you've gone to the chocolate festival, can you fill me in? I'm having a hard time finding exactly where this will take place (it seems to be in several different locations all around town, but that doesn't make sense to me). We will NOT be driving; only walking or taking public transportation, so we'd like to be in town. It appears that a few things in the festival will be taking place in or near Piazza Italia.
Thanks!
Posted by
The Hague, NL (AMS)
2207 posts
We've been to the Perugia chocolate festival a few times - but always for day-trips from Rome. The "festival" is spread through the upper level (the old town). It runs throughout the city for a number of blocks. If you take public transportation, as we did a couple of times, you'll arrive at the train station in the "new" or lower part of town. RIDE THE BUS - don't even think about walking up that hill to the "old town." We've also drove and there is parking up near the city center but it fills up very quickly. We've been with friends with CD Plates so we were "fortunate" to have other parking options. I think the train and bus would be the best combination for most visitors! You might look at these pictures from our 2008 visit: Perugia - Chocolate Festival 1 and Perugia - Chocolate Festival 2
Posted by
Bromley, Kent,, UK
1829 posts
You can use the Minimetro (monorail) from the rail station to the historic centre. http://www.minimetrospa.it/immagini/map_web.pdf Video clips of system. http://www.minimetrospa.it/galleria-video.php It was built after our last visit so have not used it ourselves. We have always driven there.
Posted by
OP
Florence, OR, US
267 posts
thanks so much for the replies! I can't wait to go! I ended up getting us a place in Perugia and the person who replied to my email said it's "not far" from where they are. They have a shuttle also that will take me "into the center", so I hope that'll do!
Posted by
OP
Florence, OR, US
267 posts
Great pictures, Ron!! That's one BIG chunk of chocolate!!!
Posted by
Ballwin
833 posts
If you are near the train station, there are buses for one euro each way that will take you to the top of the town and drop you off in the festival. As you have mentioned, it is spread throughout different locations in the city, but I wouldn't worry about that aspect too much. When I arrived I just started exploring and wandering throughout the festival - the different parts are close together or connected. You won't get lost (probably) in exploring the festival, but you should be able to find most of it and enjoy all the chocolate you wish. (I did not stay in Perugia, by the way, came by train from a different city.)
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
1363 posts
Robyn, I liked Perugia, especially for the chocolate. I was there in May 2010 and missed the festival, so cannot comment on it. Perugia is an easy city to navigate. Another poster suggested the mini-metro. I was able to travel on the mini metro and found it quite enjoyable and easy. The entry is just up a short walk from the train. At the time, I stayed in Assisi and made Perugia a day trip. All in all, a very pleasant afternoon. BUT. I loved Assisi. If you have time, try to make it to Assisi.