Two Weeks in Umbria — Medieval Towns, Green Hills, and a Rich History

From 29 September to 12 October 2025, I had the pleasure of leading a small group of five wonderful travellers through Umbria — that serene, landlocked jewel at the heart of Italy.

This tour was particularly special: our mornings were dedicated to Italian language classes (Monday to Friday), while our afternoons unfolded into leisurely excursions through some of Umbria’s most captivating towns and landscapes.

Our home for two weeks was Cesi, a quiet hilltop village near the border of Umbria and the Marche region — peaceful, authentic, and perfectly placed for exploration.

Throughout the two weeks, we visited:

• Spello, with its Roman origins, flower-filled lanes, and medieval walls

• Assisi, the spiritual heart of Italy, including the serene Eremo delle Carceri, the 15th-century hermitage where Saint Francis once retreated

• Norcia, birthplace of Saint Benedict and famous for its truffles and cured meats

• The Frasassi Caves, one of Europe’s largest and most spectacular cave systems, discovered by young speleologists in 1971

• Foligno, a lively town rich in medieval and Renaissance architecture

• Spoleto, an elegant hill town known for its ancient fortress and world-renowned Festival dei Due Mondi

• Todi, a picture-perfect medieval town overlooking the Tiber Valley

• Gubbio, all stone and mystery, with winding alleys that whisper of the Middle Ages

• Orvieto, a city of Etruscan origins crowned by its breathtaking Gothic cathedral

• Perugia, Umbria’s capital, famous for its historic centre, university life, and delicious chocolate

The weather was glorious — golden days, soft evenings, and the kind of light that makes every photograph look like a painting. We returned to Australia with full hearts, countless memories, and a renewed love for

this timeless land.

Join us on our next small-group journey through Umbria — and experience its quiet magic for yourself.