toni_g_b

I can't comment on the other two, but Orvieto has my vote. We stayed in the old town at the top of the hill a few years ago (August 2001), and it was magical - especially at night when it was less crowded. The hotel had it's own parking so that wasn't an issue. The only time driving into town was a problem was when they were having a parade for the Feast of the Assumption and a road we took to the hotel was closed. When the police realized we were staying there, they let us through. Exploring the area without too much back tracking we took a loop to the east - Todi, Spoleto, Assisi, Deruta. It even passes Perugia, but we didn't take the time to stop. It really was a charming town - history, religion, lots of shops, welcoming people, terrific food. I want to go back!

maitaitom

Spello. Palazzo Bocci. Central location to visit Umbria. Great little hill town. Great hotel. Perfect base!

maitaitom

Laurielou,

Here is my trip report from Sept. 2005. Pictures of Spello, Assisi, Perugia, et al. Spello is so central to see the area and not as crowded as Assisi and Perugia. Have fun.

http://travelswithmaitaitom.typepad.com/travels/

tower

Laurie: I second all the motions for Perugia...very unique Umbrian town/city. Parking, as Ness suggested, is available at several gargaes...with a series of escalators leading you to the city's top level and main street (Corso Vanucci). The garage at Piazza Partigiano is ideal...and easy access in and out of town.
If you can't find an apartment, consider the very nice Hotel Fortuna topside. 360-degree views of the surrounding Umbrian countryside.

Just a block off Vanucci, there is an excellent mom and pop "Antica Trattoria del Volte"..reasonable and tasty menu offerings.

Also, that Sandi's Chocolate/Pastry shop (mentioned by Nessundorma) is a "killer"!! Enjoy!

Stu T.

isabel

I've stayed in both Perugia and Orvieto, and visited Assisi. I agree with those who say Assisi would be my last choice - too touristy. In both Perugia and Orvieto we stayed in the lower "modern" town because we wanted easy access for driving to other places, and wanted easy parking. In both cases getting into the old, upper parts of the towns was easy enough when we wanted toa go in, but staying out slightly closer to the highway made our day trips easier. How long are you going to be there? Perhaps it would make more sense to spend a few days in each of them to visit the surrounding areas. That's what worked best for us. If I had to pick just one it would probably be Perugia.

annabelle2

I also like Perugia very much. It has a different feel from many of the other cities in Italy that I have visited. I agree with nessundorma that a college town often has a vibe that is fun, even if you are past the college age (I teach at a college, so maybe that has something to do with it!). Of course, as mentioned, this most likely includes drug transactions, but we sat in the main piazza at 1 am and enjoyed the friendly and international mix of people around us. Just use your common sense...

Umbria has many wonderful towns to vist, as others have listed here. Definitely go to Assisi; yes, there are many others visiting, but it is a special place. Take the hike (or you can drive) from town up to Mt Subasio to visit the quiet and beautifully located hermitage where St Francis lived in tiny rooms and meditated, along with some of the other Brothers, in small caves that you can visit. There are Franciscan friars there now, too (and a tad friendlier, in my opinion, than the ones we encountered in Assisi proper).

Montefalco is charming and has good restaurants and wine shops around its main piazza. Spello is a perfect little hilltown. Bevagna is a nice change from the hilltowns -- a little walled city in the valley. The choices are endless.

I also stayed at Le Case Gialle that Tracy mentions (hi Tracy) and second it as an option if you want a country stay within reach of all of the above and more...