THE GLORY OF THE PAST
PERUGIA
Many fell in love in this city, maybe because of its famous chocolates called "Kisses" with love messages hidden inside.
19,08 km
FROM ASSISI
202.4 km
FROM ROMA FIUMICINO
500,9 km
FROM MILANO MALPENSA
Young and cosmopolitan atmosphere
As Vittorino Andreoli said, "here time has a different rhythm because all the clocks always mark the eternal and the useless". So, like a Grand Tour traveler of other times, we will plunge into the viscera of the city, where life has seemingly stopped as in a snapshot. We will walk on the thread of its history, starting from the Etruscan origins and then moving on to the medieval and Renaissance period up to our days.
Here you can breathe a young and cosmopolitan atmosphere: Perugia is home to one of the oldest universities in Italy and to the first University for Foreigners; we will walk along its most important street as many students do every day until we reach its main square, witness to the period of maximum splendor.
What to see in a half day (2,5 h)
Rocca Paolina
imposing fortress, symbol of papal power.
Corso Vannucci
with the gothic Priors Palace and the breathtaking Notaries' Room.
Porta Marzia
one of the most important Etruscan gates of the city.
Piazza IV Novembre
with the Major Fountain, absolute masterpiece of the 13th century sculpture by Nicola and Giovanni Pisano.
Carducci Gardens
a privileged panoramic terrace.
Cathedral of St. Lorenzo
with its remarkable stained glass windows, an exquisite altarpiece by Barocci and the relic of Virgin Mary's wedding ring.
Piazza Italia
with its Risorgimento palaces.
Panoramic terrace of Porta Sole
with spectacular views over some of the city's outlying areas and the surrounding hills.
Augustus Gate
monumental Etruscan gate.
Other things to see with more time at disposal
National Gallery of Umbria
one of the most important museums in Italy with masterpieces painted by Perugino, Pintoricchio, Piero della Francesca, Beato Angelico and many others.
Archaeological Museum of Umbria
with a large collection of Etruscan cinerary urns, the famous Cippus from Perugia, one of the most important inscriptions of the Etruscan language and the reconstruction of the Cai Cutu Tomb.
Academy of Fine Art
it is the second in Italy after the one in Florence, displaying important works by artists such as Canova.
Collegio of the Cambio
considered the most beautiful bank in the world, it preserves the absolute masterpiece by Perugino in Umbria.
Collegio della Mercanzia
seat of the Merchants Guild, a magnificent room entirely decorated with carved and inlaid wood.
Borgo Bello
St Peter's district will unveil its art treasures preserved in St Dominique Church and in St Peter's Abbey.
Gourmet Corner
Chocolate Tasting.
FROM THE BLOG
Special Tours
ON THE PATH OF BACCHUS. WINE TASTING AND VISIT TO THE MOST IMPORTANT WINERIES OF UMBRIA.
In our beautiful region we produce two red DOCG (this is the highest quality level) wines and nine DOC wines, most of which are white. If you are curious to know the story behind each of them, we can visit the most prestigious wineries, where you will taste the precious nectar paired with tasty local delicacies - unforgettable wine and food experience.
THE ART OF STAINED GLASS MAKING.
Recommended for children.
If you want to learn about stained glass making, I will show you an extraordinary laboratory where you will be shown the traditional techniques of medieval stained glass windows. We will enter the fascinating world of the museum-laboratory Moretti Caselli, today in the hands of a woman, heiress to generations of glassmakers who created luminous masterpieces for important churches, such as the Basilica of St. Clare in Assisi or a huge 120 sq.ft brilliant recreation of Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper at Forest Lawn in Glendale, California.
JEWISH PERUGIA, FROM ITS “GHETTO” TO THE FIRST “MONTE DI PIETA”.
Come and discover with me the intriguing maze of narrow alleys in the district, not far from the Etruscan Gate, where some Jewish families lived for many centuries. During this pleasant stroll you will have the chance to get to know interesting stories about the important Jewish presence in Umbria.
KITCHEN WITH A VIEW.
Try your hand at cooking real Umbrian recipes in a tranquil hideaway farmhouse overlooking the splendid Basilica of St. Francis. Learn the secrets of authentic Italian home cooking under the expert guidance of a chef and author of two wonderful cookbooks.
PLOTS OF WOMEN.
Perugia is famous since the Middle Ages for its Perugian-style tablecloths/altar pieces, requested by high prelates and aristocratic families, still preserves a treasure trove of textile craftsmanship. Let me take you to a famous weaving atelier, where an extraordinary woman still makes those fine hand-woven textiles using ancient looms. Recently her talent has been internationally recognized by fashion designer Fendi.
SOLOMEO, THE VILLAGE-FACTORY.
It's considered an excellent example of the Italian entrepreneurship in the world. In 1985 the enlightened Brunello Cucinelli began restoring this 14th century tumbledown castle in the hamlet and made it into his corporate headquarters. The dwellings have become factories and warehouses, while a room of Medici taste has been turned into a canteen, la Piazza della Pace is an open-air theater. Solomeo also pleases very much the powerful of the Silicon Valley, such as Jeff Bezos founder of Amazon. Among its recent achievements we can mention the winery and the monument "Tribute to the Dignity of Man".
ON THE TRACES OF THE ETRUSCANS IN PERUGIA.
If you are passionate about the Etruscan civilization don't miss a stop in Perugia and in its area with its great Etruscan heritage and the numerous well-preserved archeological sites. We will enter the city through its beautiful Porta Marzia that the founders of Phersna built in the III century BC and which was later embedded in the papal fortress. Walking through the ancient Piazza del Sopramuro, built on top of the Etruscan walls, we arrive in a few minutes at the Etruscan Well, an Etruscan masterpiece of hydraulic engineering. From one of the most beautiful panoramic points of Perugia, we will go downhill to the imposing Augustus Gate recently restored by the "prince" of cashmere. This III century BC gate is considered the most important Etruscan artifact in Italy. From there we will walk uphill towards the historical center, walking along a stretch of the mighty Etruscan walls with breathtaking views of Via Appia, the ancient city aqueduct. Our trip can end with a visit to the National Archaeological Museum of Umbria, which preserves finds of great importance such as the Cippus from Perugia and the reconstruction of the tomb of Cai Cutu. If you have more time I will let you discover the monumental tomb of the Hellenistic Age, the Hypogeum of the Volumni along with many other tombs form the Necropolis of the Palazzone.
TOUR WITH A PERSONAL PHOTOGRAPHER.
If you would like to be immortalized in the places you visit and make your memories unforgettable, you can live a unique experience with an expert photographer at your entire disposal. You can take home digital photos or have an actual album delivered to your home.