I am planning to stay in Spoleto for a week (probably mid-July after the Spoleto festival) and use it as a base to explore Umbria. Or should I go during the festival?? I'd like to visit the following as day trips by train or bus: Gubbio, Assisi, Deruta, Todi and Spello. I speak Italian and have travelled through much of Italy, so communication is not a problem. Your feedback on ease of travel, distance from train/bus station to historic town centre, favourite sights, restaurants, cafes, etc, would be appreciated. I don't mind walking up and down hills, but prefer to stay out of the sun, especially in July! Suggestions for lodging in Spoleto would also be most welcome! Grazie!
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
Buses would probably be a more convenient way to get to the cities you mention. Spello is only seven kilometers from Assisi (I would consider an overnight in Assisi and a daytrip to Spello). Spello has an annual flower festival when streets and houses are decorated with flowers (Spello Infiorita). Within walking distance of Gubbio is a Roman theatre, worth a look. The town itself is beautiful and the main piazza has a good museum and stunning views of the valley. You can take the funivia up to the crypt of Sant'Ubaldo, the destination for the city's Festa dei Ceri (giant wax sculptures are carried up the hill by very strong guys). Todi is a jewl of a medieval town that manages to seem light and graceful. The main piazza has several sights of interest, all up long flight of stairs. The bus stop is in the city center and it's interesting to watch it make a 180-degree turn to head out of town as people crowding the street slowly back away from it's path. Deruta is great for ceramics as you probably know.
Posted by
OP
Kamloops, BC, Canada
484 posts
Thank you for the info. Does anyone have any suggestions for a hotel in Foligno? I would be willing to splurge a bit if it's in a quiet location.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32402 posts
Susan, Your best to find a hotel is probably Trip Advisor, as I don't think Spoleto or Foligno are covered in the RS Guidebooks (although there may be listings in the Lonely Planet, DK Guides or others). It's great that you can speak Italian. I've been working on that for a few years, but not fluent yet. Hopefully there will be more courses at the College this fall. Buon Viaggio!
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
You can also check booking.com, the reviews of hotels are written by guests who have recently stayed in the hotels.