My husband and I would like to go to Umbria towards the end of April or early May, possibly basing ourselves in Perugia. We would prefer not to hire a car but just take trains for day trips. But what's the best way to get there from London? We've investigated but not come up with an obvious answer. Does anyone know?

I think I would fly to Florence or Ancona and take the train, but if you don't mind buses, flying to Rome's Fiumicino airport is another possibility, with a direct bus from there (about 4 hours).

I thought Ryanair flew there? But maybe only certain days of the week...

I meant to add that there are trains from Rome as well, I think both Termini Station and Tiburtina.

Even if a non-stop Ryan Air flight doesn't work for you, taking a connecting flight through Rome on another airline probably is a lot shorter travel time and may not be all that more expensive.

Perugia is a great place to establish a base. In May. 2014 we spent 4 nights there staying at the Hotel Fortuna, located about 50 meters from the two attached, main squares.

We took the local bus to Assisi for a day trip. We also had a car and went to Gubbio, which we really liked. The town is a medieval spot and still retains its character. They have an unusual funicular, Funivia Colle Eletto, that takes you up the Basilica di St. Ubaldo. The funicular is a round cage device that you hop on as it passes. You must be quick! In the basilica you will find St. Ubaldo lying in repose in a glass coffin. My non-Catholic was freaked and ran out of the church.

http://www.funiviagubbio.it/home.asp

Buon viaggio,

I think I'd fly into Perugia if possible. Getting there either from Ancona or Florence would be complicated and take three hours or more. Rome would be less complicated, if you can take the bus. By train it would be no better than Ancona or Florence.