13 June 2025
Journey Through the Green Heart of Italy: An Itinerary to Discover Umbria
Discover local products, history, and the customs of ancient villages that have endured through the ages, told by those who love this land.
Teritoria has planned a four-step itinerary for your trip to Umbria: discover the green hills, traditions, castles, and peaceful villages of this lesser-known Italian region. Immerse yourself in nature in one of Italy’s greenest corners. Get inspired for your next journey.
Welcome to Umbria, the green heart of Italy!
First stop: Montone, La Locanda del Capitano
Nestled in the green hills of the Upper Tiber Valley, the medieval village of Montone, perfectly preserved to this day, is an ideal destination for anyone looking to spend a relaxing weekend in close contact with nature.
As you stroll through its narrow streets, you’ll have the chance to trace the history of this magnificent place, once home to Captain Braccio Fortebracci, Lord of Montone.
Here you will find a unique address: La Locanda del Capitano, the former residence of the family of Captain Braccio Fortebracci. The authenticity of this place is evident in every detail, from the restaurant rooms to the balcony, the perfect place to enjoy a moment of reading.
A C T I V I T I E S
On site: tasting at the La Locanda del Capitano restaurant
A journey to discover the authentic flavours of Umbria with chef and owner Giancarlo Polito. In his cuisine, innovation enhances tradition, most notably with his invention of the “savoury cappuccino,” created to satisfy Anglo-Saxon tourists’ habit of drinking cappuccino even after lunch (unlike in Italy, where it’s reserved for breakfast). The ingredients? A fondue of local cheeses, quail eggs, and truffles.
Partner activity: the Montone “Forest Festival”
From 22 October to 1 November, the village of Montone hosts the Forest Festival, an event celebrating the Umbrian terroir and its local products. The festival offers visitors the chance to tour open wineries, explore the surrounding countryside on horseback, and taste seasonal “forest products”..
Departure for the second stop – approximately 30 minutes by car, without breaks.
Second stop: Gubbio, Tenuta Borgo Santa Cecilia
Gubbio, also known as the “city of stone” due to its distinctive architecture, is one of the most beautiful medieval towns in the world. Located at the foot of Mount Ingino, it offers visitors the ideal combination of history, tradition and natural beauty.
In Gubbio, Tenuta Borgo Santa Cecilia is much more than just a hotel and restaurant: it is a veritable green oasis covering 320 hectares and home to a wide variety of wild animals. At the heart of the estate lies an 18th-century village, carefully renovated to retain its original charm. It now houses a hotel, a restaurant, and a working farm that produces natural cured meats, cereals, and organic legumes.
A C T I V I T I E S
On site: Onorato Salumi Experience
Onorato Salumi is the farm at Tenuta Borgo Santa Cecilia, named after its owners. It all began in Calabria, where pig farming was a part of everyday life for every family, and now continues in Gubbio. On the menu: a visit to the wild pig farm, followed by a stop at the magnificent cured meat cellar, and to top it all off, a tasting of cured meats paired with a glass of fine wine!
On site: hiking on the estate
For those who love nature and breathtaking views. Explore the estate’s 20 km of marked trails using the Google Earth app. The staff at Tenuta Borgo Santa Cecilia will be happy to prepare a picnic basket for you to enjoy in the countryside.
Partner activity: Castiglione Aldobrando equestrian centre
Visit the equestrian centre founded by the renowned Columbu family of jockeys, and enjoy a horseback ride along scenic trails and through magnificent valleys, accompanied by an expert guide. Take in views of the mountains and the town of Gubbio.
Head to the third stop – about an hour by car, without breaks.
Third stop: Assisi, Castello di Petrata
Assisi, the town of Saint Francis, lies at the foot of Mount Subasio near Perugia and is a must-see stop on this itinerary. Known for the Basilica of Saint Francis, the Mole of Rocca Maggiore, and the warmth of its people, this town will win you over with its food, wine, nature, and culture.
A few kilometres from Assisi, Castello di Petrata is a 14th-century fortress surrounded by magnificent gardens, offering breathtaking views of the town and valley. The colours and scents of this magical place create a deeply relaxing atmosphere.
A C T I V I T I E S
On site: truffle hunting
Spend two hours immersed in nature, searching for black truffles in the woods. On the grounds of Castello di Petrata, you’ll find a truffle farm where you can try your hand at truffle hunting, accompanied by an expert hunter and a trained dog. This activity is available from May to September and from December to February, during the summer and winter black truffle seasons.
Partner activity: guided tour of Assisi
Discover the history of Assisi with the help of an expert guide.
Partner activity: visit to Cantina Di Filippo
30 minutes from the Castello di Petrata. Horse-drawn carriage ride to discover the winemakers of the “One Goose Revolution” project. Afternoon tea in a horse-drawn carriage with local and organic products, wine tasting at the winery.
Head to the fourth stop – about an hour by car, without breaks.
Don’t miss on the way:
Visit Rasiglia, the village of waterways.
Fourth stop: Postignano, Castello di Postignano
In Valnerina, Castello di Postignano is a medieval village steeped in history, which has regained its former glory after years of abandonment. Listed as a historic monument in 2004 and restored in 2007, it is now a true gem.
Here, Castello di Postignano is a charming hotel nestled in green hills, offering a unique opportunity to slow down and savour the moment. You’ll fall in love with the surrounding nature, the library, the wine bar, the spa, and the peaceful walks you can take.
A C T I V I T I E S
On site: cooking classes with chef Vincenzo Guarino
The Tavola Rossa offers a double experience. In the morning, notebook in hand, you’ll take a personalised cooking class with internationally renowned chef Vincenzo Guarino. In the evening, you’ll have the privilege of dining as the chef prepares your dishes before your eyes, sharing his secrets, ingredient pairings, and the stories behind them. Wine pairing is included, or you can choose your own.
Partner activity: visit to the Massimiani farm
In Apagni, a small village 15 minutes from the Castello di Postignano, visit the Massimiani farm to discover their cheese-making techniques, with tasting.
Credits: Valeriia Titarenko
How to get to Umbria?
- By plane: Umbria International Airport ‘Francesco d’Assisi’ (PEG) or Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO)
- By train: Perugia S. Anna station or Perugia S. Giovanni station
- By car
- – Departure from Rome: 230 km, 2.5 hours by car.
- – Departure from Florence: 140 km, 2 hours by car.
For more travel inspiration, sign up for our newsletter. To give your loved ones an unforgettable experience, visit our gift shop.
Read also
Less than an hour from Paris, Val-d’Oise holds many surprises. Between charming villages, sunlit forests and valleys, this land of Impressionist inspiration also hides castles steeped in history, some open to visitors, others transformed into places of life, culture, and hospitality. Here are five essential stops to discover this discreetly elegant region in a new light.
