Italy's Umbria Region: Experience the Renaissance in Perugia

• Rocca Paolina: A Renaissance fortress built for Pope Paul II in the 1540s. It later became the Baglioni family's Palazzo. Now open to walk through and discover its underground secrets and learn about the history of Perugia.

• Nobile Collegio del Cambio: A small gem of a museum built by the money lenders inside the Palazzo dei Priori in 1457. Houses incredible woodwork, ancient coins and works of the great artist Perugino.

• National Museum: The Galleria Nazionale dell’Umbria houses one of the richest art collections in Italy. It is a treasure chest of history for the city of Perugia. It houses more than 3,000 works, including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, textiles and goldsmith’s art. This includes the most rich and complete collection of the works of the master Perugino. Like the Uffizzi in Florence, the architecture and design of the gallery itself is a work of art.

• Perugia Underground: The Sottoterraneo Tour: A 50-minute tour of the ancient undergound below the city that most locals don't even know about. See the history of Perugia starting from the Etruscans to the Romans, then as the Papal residence.

• Piazza XII Novembre: This central piazza is between the comune building and the church. Both buildings are beautiful inside and out and open for free tours. In the center of the piazza is the Fontana Magiore. This historic fountain was the first of its kind, and the raised sculptures on the panels tell of life at the time.

• Walk the Acquedotto Medievale: One of Perugia's most fascinating historical landmarks! Originally built in the 13th century to supply the city with water, this medieval aqueduct is now a pedestrian walkway. It offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and cityscape. The aqueduct once carried water to the Fontana Maggiore, a beautiful fountain in the heart of Perugia's historic center.

• Market Day: Most Saturdays in the Piazza Italia, dozens of vendors line the streets and the park with a variety of goods.

• The Etruscan Arch: Built in the 3rd Century BC by the Etruscans and later renovated by Augustus Caeser. This gate into the city is still in use today.

Day trips

• Perugina Chocolate Factory Tour: Perugina is based in Perugia (who knew). You can schedule a tour of the Perugia chocolate factory and learn how it's all made. If you just want to buy their famous chocolates, there is a wonderful Perugina shop in the center of Perugia's historic district.

• Deruta Pottery: Deruta pottery is famous worldwide for its designs and vibrant colors. It all comes from the small village of the same name. Don't ever pay the asking price as there is a lot of room to negotiate. Always negotiate with respect and only if you truly intend to make a purchase.

• Aperitivo by the water in Passignano Sul Trasimeno: Just outside the city of Perugia lies Lake Trasimeno. If you want to get away from the city and sit along the water sipping on a Spritz, there are many lovely spots along the lake in Passignano sul Trasimeno.

• Assisi's Basilica di San Francesco: Assisi, the birthplace of the Franciscan order, is a breathtaking ancient city filled with historical treasures. One of its most iconic landmarks is the Basilica di San Francesco, a masterpiece of art and architecture. Just outside the basilica, you'll find a beautifully maintained garden with peaceful pathways extending beyond the city walls. At the heart of Assisi, in Piazza del Comune, stands the ancient Temple of Minerva, a remarkable relic of Greek and Roman history. The city is wonderfully walkable, and you can easily spend a day exploring its charming streets and historic sites from one end to the other.

• La Taverna: Down a dark stairway off the main drag in the historic center is this traditional Umbrian restaurant. Indoor and outdoor dining. Make a reservation as it's almost always booked.

• L'Acciuga (1 Michelin Star): Perugia's (city) only current Michelin-starred restaurant. It is pricey, but it is also a meal you will never forget.

• Il Giardino: Our favorite 'secret' restaurant. Hard to find, but this Italian-Asian fusion restaurant is worth the search for off an alley near the University district. The food is as excellent as the menu is interesting!

• Pinturicchio Cafe+Kitchen (breakfast and best chocolate cake ever): Founded by a New York chef who moved to Umbria. If you want good bagels (no really) or the best chocolate cake anywhere, this is your place. In downtown Perugia.

• Al Mangiar Bene (Pizza): If you want real Napolitan style pizza in Perugia, this place is great! They also have many excellent pasta dishes.

• Camiano Piccolo (Montefalco): Now this is off the beaten track! This is an agriturismo about 40 minutes outside the Perugia city center near the ancient city of Montefalco. The food is exceptional and the views, peace and quiet and service are all amazing!