Umbria base

We have stayed in Perugia and Spello over the years, and visited Spoleto. All are fine, depends on what you're looking for.

Spello is a small town, not a whole bunch going on but some nice restaurants are there and at nite when you walk around it feels almost like you're back in the 15th century. Perugia is a larger town with a really nice piazza, and a lot of restaurants will set up tables there or in the vicinity for dinner. It is a regional bus hub and also has a private rail line running from almost the top of town to a few outlying towns. Also they have a funicular of some kind since we last visited from the main train station up to town. Spoleto is a bit larger than Spello but not as big as Perugia.

If you're relying on public transit I'd go with Perugia (although public transit from hilltowns is never great). If you have a car, all are fine but be careful of the ZTL.

I haven't visited those three. As noted, we don't even know if you have a car. But nearby, we did love Cortona and especially Orvieto. In hot summer or with children, it might be worth considering a lakeside town, like Castiglione del Lago. Not as sophisticated as the others.

If you want a small town with rail options, Spello is between Assisi and Trevi, a beautiful place. Perugia is easiest to get to, but that's not saying much.

If you don't have a car and plan to rely on public transportation only, choose PERUGIA.

If you have a rental car and you intend to drive, choose any place BUT Perugia. Assisi or Spello are good with a car, just be aware of ZTL in all those historical centers.

I rented an apartment in Spoleto for a week in July 2014 and loved it. I didn't rent a car, so took public transit when I visited Assisi which was an easy daytrip. I also visited Spello and Gubbio on 2 other day trips using public transit. Book far in advance if you are planning to stay in Spoleto during the Festival dei Due Mondi in mid-July. It's a great town with a good number of interesting sights and restaurants. I spent 2 full days just exploring Spoleto, but wasn't able to cover it all. On the last day of the festival (sunday), the main square was open to anyone who wanted to wander in and watch the closing concert rehearsal (orchestra & singers), which was fantastic.

Orvieto is really lovely. Especially in the evenings when any day trippers are gone. The station is at the foot of the town with a funicular to take you to up to the most charming walled hill town with amazing views across Umbria.

Want a small town in Umbria, try San Gemini. You can Google accommodations and you can stay in town. It is a good location for day trips and not bad train service at Narni for Rome.