A Week In Assisi
 

At a recent charity auction, myy husband and another couple won a week at an apartment in Assisi for June, 2017. Suggestions needed for things to do in and around Assisi, including some hiking, kayaking and other active pursuits.

My favorite towns within easy driving of Assisi are Spello, Montefalco, Gubbio, Deruta (if you like ceramics) and Bevagna. Spoleto and Perugia are good options, too, although I didn't take to them as enthusiastically. We loved Norcia, too, but I'm not sure what state it's in following last year's earthquakes.

We've done wine tours with Gusto that we've really enjoyed. There's good hiking near Assisi, but I don't have specifics for you unfortunately. We did a long walk/hike along a Roman aqueduct from Spello. Views were very nice. I'm not aware of kayaking in the area.

While we haven't biked in the area, I imagine the cycling on backroads is good. Motorists seemed respectful of cyclists from what we could see.

Enjoy! We love Umbria!

We found Spoleto and Perugia were great bases to explore Umbria, but I can understand indyhiker putting them in a sort of second tier list. Both towns have several interesting things to see, but the others mentioned are more charming mostly because they are smaller.

To the list, I'd add Todi and, a bit farther away, Orvieto and Marmore Falls. There is rafting at Marmore Falls.

I believe there are kayak rentals at Lago Trasimeno, and there are some interesting and picturesque towns along the lakeshore and a little inland, esp. south of the lake. Lace-making is a local craft, and there is a little bit of glass-making.

Cortona is an easy drive, but not everyone likes the town. I'm 50/50. One of our favorite drives is to Norcia, Castelluccio and loop back through the Parco Monti Sibillini, but like indyhiker I wonder about the post-earthquake situation.

I must be a city slicker at heart, because I stayed in Spello for four night June this past summer and absolutely loved Spoleto (bigger, more going on).

I've done overnights in Assisi a few times in the past. Lots to do in Assisi itself, including the lower town, and you should be able to easily find hiking once you are there--plenty of parks nearby. Visit the tourist office and you will get all the info you need. The Michelin Green Guide is good for this area. They have a bit about Umbria online too:
http://travelguide.michelin.com/europe/italy/umbria

We went to Cascata delle Marmore (mentioned by Jean) this summer; I was with my 10-year-old niece and it was a fun little trip for kids and adults. Also drove--on the way to Ascoli Piceno--through the Sibllini and the Piano Grande and did some walking there. Very beautiful area. Unfortunately I think Castelluccio is no more.

The park nearest to Assisi is Monte Subasio. I have done some easy walking there, but it was 10+ years ago.
http://www.parks.it/parco.monte.subasio/Eindex.php

I think Castelluccio was more or less destroyed from the latest big quake. So sad. I think the road from Norcia sustained substantial damage, too.

We spent several days near Lake Trasimeno this past May. While we enjoyed the area, it didn't compare scenically to the area nearer Assisi, although the towns themselves were charming. I'm an avid kayaker and kayaking on the lake would hold little appeal to me. I'd personally stick to hiking in Umbria, maybe cycling or horseback riding.

Jean, part of the problem for us with Spoleto and Perugia is that we saw them on rainy days. No fault of the towns, but it does color one's impression. That said, the Duomo in Spoleto is outstanding. That alone is worth the trip.

Oh, and I don't know when in June you will be in Assisi but Bevagna has a fun little Medieval Festival in June. Some good restaurants in Bevagna.

indyhiker, our feelings about Spoleto were greatly influenced by the experiences we had in two family-run restaurants and by a few locals (one American and a small Italian family) with whom we became acquainted while there. It all goes to show that everyone sees a place with different eyes, under different circumstances.

FWIW, I would add the aqueduct, Rocca and Roman theater to the Spoleto sightseeing list.

In Bevagna, be sure to see the mosaic floor of the Roman baths and, if possible, the interior of the opera house.

Leely2, I smiled at your comment about Spello vis-à-vis Spoleto. I prefer to stay in slightly larger towns for the variety of restaurants, evening strolls, etc. (We once eavesdropped on a wonderful choir practicing one evening in Spoleto; it was like a dream.) I knew Spello was way too small for us to stay in.