umbrian towns

Highly recommend Anne Robichaud for a guide all over Umbria.

I like Spello and Trevi, but Trevi is a little more difficult to reach without a car. Spello can be combined with Assisi (one train stop further).

For a wine tour in Umbria, I strongly recommend Gusto Wine Tours. My friends and I had a wonderful day's outing with Mark In late June this year. We visited 3 small wineries in the Montefalco area, plus had a delicious lunch in an agriturismo just for us. Lunch, pickup at our villa, and all tastings with snacks was included. Mark was a knowledgeable and friendly guide, and he drove the van so we could taste without worry. It was really first-rate. Because crowds were smaller throughout Italy while I was there, we called and booked just the day before, but I recommend booking in advance if you can. He also offered us "post-trip service". He said to write him with any Umbrian wines we find at home and he'd offer his input on them. Unfortunately for me, now that I've discovered I love Sagrantino, I've discovered that it's almost impossible to find any in Calgary. Sigh.

P.S. just read your note more carefully. Mark doesn't leave from Perugia, as he lives near Montefalco. But he agreed to pick us up from quite a bit further south, so if you're interested in a tour, send him a note and see what he can do about meeting you at a convenient location.

I second the recommendation for Gusto Wine Tours!

Perugia is a city. Just saying in case you expect a quaint little town.
Without a car, it's probably the best choice for public transportation purposes.

Love, love Gubbio. A dear friend (sis-in-law) and I recently returned from three weeks in Tuscany/Umbria/Veneto and we spent a very lovely day in Gubbio, daytripping as we drove between Montepulciano and Assisi. Beautiful ceramics, very beautiful old town, and a delightful ride up the "mountain" on the funicula (or whatever it's called)... basically a ski lift type basket that you step into as it slows down, a guy closes the gate behind you, and up the beautiful mountain you ride to the top. We particularly enjoyed having sandwiches and cold drinks up top in the cafe looking out over the valley (don't stop at the coffee shop right by the funicular exit; keep walking another five minutes up the path to the cafe just left past the church). There is easy parking in the town center, about one block from the TI in the center, and then there is also an elevator (yes!) a couple of blocks past the TI to help get you to the upper, more historic level. We also really enjoyed the cheesy but fun "train" that runs around town from the Grand Piazza (or whatever it's called) that runs you through the old town and also down around the Roman Coliseum ruins. One strong vote for Gubbio, here.

Glad to know the funicular still works as it did when I first went to Gubbio. You also jump off as it slows down. Sant'Ubaldo is buried at the church, the Ceri race is held every year on his feast day.

Also visit the Roman ruins near the town.

I echo the recommendation for Gubbio and do not miss the lift to the top of the mountain. Also, the story of St. Francis and il Lupo di Gubbio is charming. The many mementos related to the story (from notepads to statues) make wonderful gifts to carry back for friends and family. Gubbio was the highlight of my time in Umbria and is an easy trip from Perugia by bus if you want to pass on navigating the winding roads.