We will be in Italy this summer for 13 days. Wondering if a side trip to Perugia is worth it?

Thank you

RKogel; Absolutely, but there is so much more in this area. So a lot depends on your itinerary. Iris

What's the rest of your itinerary?

Well worth seeing, though not sure where your particular interests lie. The main town in Umbria.

It's a charming town - but what else are you doing - and what are your other choices for this time? Have you seen any of Italy before? What are your interests?

Thank you for your comments to date.

We are considering it as a side trip. We are mainly visiting Rome, Venice and Florence.

We are from the Grand Rapids, MI area and Perugia is Grand Rapids's sister city.

We wouldn't spend more than a 1/2 day is my guess. Perhaps more, but not overnight.

Are you travelling by train? If so, Perugia doesn't make the best "side trip" from Rome, Florence or Venice. But, if it's something you really want to do, it is possible. There is baggage storage at the main Perugia train station if you decide to stop for the day between main destinations.

The approximate length of the train journeys (one way):

Rome to Perugia -- 2.5 to 3.5 hours
Florence to Perugia -- 2 to 2.5 hours
Venice to Perugia -- 5+ hours

You can check train schedules at:

http://www.trenitalia.com/en/index.html

If you are trying to add a hilltown experience to your trip, an easier hilltown to reach for a daytrip or sidetrip is Orvieto--it's on the train line between Florence and Rome. Orvieto is about an hour from Rome on frequent trains.

Another possibility is to visit Siena from Florence. This is most easily done from Florence by bus.