Can you believe I’ve had my final trip of the year? Honestly, visiting Italy was a bit of a weird one as I had no plans to travel there until six weeks ago, but I think it might have overtaken New York as my favourite place I’ve been this year which is wild. My boyfriend and I are getting married in Tuscany next year and hadn’t intended on flying out to see the venue before the big day so when his parents offered to take us we jumped at the chance.
If you haven’t read about our wedding venue, I’ll link the post here but we’re putting our trust (and our bank balances!) into the hands of a wedding planning team who actually own the villa we’re getting married at. We flew over there for a couple of days at the start of October to have a nose around and to have a meeting with the coordinators, staying on the outskirts of Perugia and I’m so glad we did. Not only did we fall in love with Umbria and Tuscany, but it’s definitely made it feel a bit more real!
Perugia had never been a travel location that was on my radar but it’s now one I would recommend to anyone. From incredible architecture and cobbled streets to some of the most delicious risotto I’ve ever had, find out how I spent my morning in Perugia below.
The villa that we were staying at, Villas Panorama Bello, was on the edge of Castel Rigone. When we arrived on Thursday night, we had no idea that in the morning we would wake up to the most incredible views out over Lake Trasimeno but honestly, I could’ve stood on that balcony for hours. The villa itself is set in a complex with other holiday apartments but it was a ghost town for the whole time we were there. Most of the villas there are yet to be sold, so whilst it may seem eerie at night, it makes for a peaceful stay!
The drive into Perugia only takes about 20 minutes but beware, the drivers in Italy do not give a shit. I am such a nervous passenger and whenever we’re driving abroad, my brain doesn’t seem to translate that the speed is shown in kilometres rather than mph. Regardless of who was driving, you best believe I was clinging on for dear life.
One thing that I learnt from my morning in Perugia is to never underestimate the height of the hill you’re climbing up – they’re misleading! It appears as though you’re at the top but then you turn a corner and you’re faced with another steep ascent. After comparing the mile-long walk with 15 minutes on a Stairmaster, we headed to Piazza Italia for a browse of the shops and for me to fall in love with a Napapijri jumper.
The shops surrounding the piazza are fantastic, but the espresso is even better. You best believe that I was going to try as much coffee as possible whilst we were travelling! I’d love to say I accompanied this with some food at this point, but the morning was such a whistle-stop tour that I didn’t get the chance! Although, if you’re looking for a great place to head for lunch, jump in the car and head down to Passignano Sul Trasimeno and sit beside the river.
Have you ever visited Umbria or Tuscany? I’m trying to put together a list of places to visit on my next trip but the list seems to grow longer by the day! If so, send me your recommendations please!
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