Perugia is a city that invites exploration beyond its famous chocolate festivals and medieval streets. Instead of merely wandering, why not dive into a local cooking class, soar over the Umbrian countryside in a hot air balloon, or uncover the secrets of its underground ruins? The variety of tours available makes it clear that this city has a lot to offer—whether you’re a foodie, history lover, or adventure seeker. For example, the Hands on Italian Cooking Classes give you hands-on experience with traditional Umbrian recipes, making it a perfect choice for foodies. Meanwhile, a hot air balloon ride offers a breathtaking perspective of the rolling hills and historic towns. Whatever your interests, Perugia’s tours promise a memorable way to discover this charming city.
Quick Overview
Perugia’s best tours cover a broad spectrum—from culinary experiences such as food tastings and cooking classes to adventure on E-bike tours and cultural insights through walking tours. Unique options include underground archaeology visits and wine tastings. The following list covers some of the most highly-rated experiences that showcase Perugia’s rich landscape, food, and history.
1. Hands on Italian Cooking Classes
At number 1, this cooking class is a standout for its practical approach to learning about Umbria’s traditional cuisine. Led by an English-speaking chef, you’ll spend about four hours making a five-course meal from scratch, including pasta, sauces, and regional specialties. The setting is a working farmhouse, which means you’ll taste locally produced wines and enjoy the meal you create. Reviewers mention the personal touch and the chance to learn new techniques—plus, a recipe book is included to recreate your dishes back home. This tour is ideal if you love hands-on experiences or want a real taste of Umbrian cooking magic. The price reflects the quality, and the reviews suggest it’s a thoroughly enjoyable, authentic experience.
Bottom Line: If you want to take a piece of Italy home with you—literally in the form of recipes—this engaging class offers a local, home-style cooking adventure.
2. Balloon Adventures Italy, hot air balloon rides over Assisi, Perugia and Umbria
Number 2 on our list is a bucket-list experience: a hot air balloon ride that offers panoramic views of Assisi, Perugia, and the picturesque Umbrian hillsides. Starting early in the morning, you’ll ascend in the company of experienced pilots, gaining a unique perspective on the landscape. After your flight, you’ll land at Cantina Dionigi, a local winery where you can enjoy a breakfast with wine tasting—a perfect way to wind down after your aerial adventure. Guests rave about the breathtaking scenery and the personal touches of the crew. It’s a pricier experience but well worth the cost if a scenic, peaceful escape above Italy’s rolling countryside appeals to you.
Bottom Line: For a memorable, scenic experience that combines adventure with local flavors, this hot air balloon ride is hard to beat—especially for romantic or special occasions.
3. Taste Perugia Food Tour Led by Local
Coming in at number 3, this food tour is a perfect way to explore Perugia’s culinary gems. Led by a passionate local guide, the tour includes stops at historic cafes and shops, where you’ll sample local cheeses, charcuterie, olive oil, and truffles. The itinerary’s small-group setting ensures a relaxed atmosphere, with around ten tastings that can replace your lunch. Guests consistently praise the guide’s knowledge and enthusiasm, often describing it as “the best food tour in the city.” It’s an ideal choice for food lovers and travelers who want to understand more about Umbrian flavors while strolling through the medieval streets.
Bottom Line: If you’re after an immersive, delicious introduction to Perugia’s local produce and history, this tour hits the mark.
4. Perugia: Old Town Walking Tour, Piazza IV Novembre
For those eager to get a good overview of Perugia’s rich past, the Old Town Walking Tour is a practical choice. Lasting about 1.5 hours, it takes you through landmarks like Piazza IV Novembre and Rocca Paolina. Your guide, Giovanni, provides engaging stories about the city’s history, including its Etruscan roots and medieval highlights. Guests compliment the knowledgeable guide and the opportunity to see key sights without any hassle. It’s an affordable, quick introduction that suits travelers with limited time or those who want a solid foundation before exploring more on their own.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a concise, informative introduction to Perugia’s main attractions and history, perfect for first-time visitors.
5. Perugia: Entry Ticket and Guided Tour of Perugia Underground
Number 5 features an extraordinary journey into Perugia’s subterranean past. The Underground Tour explores archaeological remains dating back 2,500 years, from Etruscan to medieval times. You’ll walk through the complex beneath Saint Lawrence Island, marveling at ancient walls, tunnels, and artifacts. The virtual reality experience at the end adds a modern twist to this deep dive into history. Reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides and the fascinating sights underground, making it a must for history buffs or curious travelers interested in Italy’s ancient civilizations.
Bottom Line: For a unique, immersive experience of Perugia’s long history, this underground tour is both educational and memorable.
6. Organic Cooking Class with a Sommelier in an Olive and Wine Farm
Number 6 transports you to the Umbrian countryside for a farm-to-table cooking experience. Taking place at Il Fontanaro, the organic farm includes tastings of award-winning olive oil and wine, a cellar tour, and a pasta-making class with ingredients you pick yourself from the garden. The class concludes with a buffet lunch of what you’ve made, paired with local wines. Guests love the authentic setting and the chance to learn about organic farming and traditional recipes. It’s suitable for families or anyone wanting a relaxing, hands-on day away from the city.
Bottom Line: Perfect for foodies who want to combine culinary skills with rural charm and tasting local farm products.
7. Bevagna E-Bike & Wine Tour
Number 7 combines cycling, history, and wine. This E-bike tour takes you through medieval Bevagna, riding along Greenways to reach an organic winery for a tasting. The tour includes a picnic lunch and the use of trekking bikes and helmets. With reviews praising Danielle’s friendly guidance and the exceptional food and wine, it’s ideal for active travelers who want to explore and enjoy local wines without the hassle of traffic or large groups. The 6-hour duration makes it a full but rewarding day.
Bottom Line: If you enjoy cycling and wine, this tour offers a balanced mix of scenic beauty, cultural insight, and delicious food.
8. Taste Perugia: A Full Meal Walking Food Tour by Do Eat Better
Number 8 is a culinary walk through Perugia’s streets, with enough food to serve as a full meal. Led by local guide Giorgia, you’ll explore spots like San Fortunato Church, Arco Etrusco, and local trattorias—sampling local torta al testo, fresh pasta, chocolates, and more. Reviewers mention how this tour combines culture and cuisine, offering insights into local life and food traditions. It’s a good fit for travelers who want an informal, tasty, and educational experience, especially for those with limited time but a hearty appetite.
Bottom Line: For a well-rounded yet relaxed introduction to Perugia’s flavors, this walking tour delivers a satisfying taste of Italy.
9. Winery Tour and Private Tasting in Montefalco
Number 9 takes you into Montefalco’s renowned wineries. Guided by a family member of Valentini, the winery tour includes a walk through vineyards, a cellar visit, and a private tasting of artisanal wines. The owner’s passion shines through, and the reviews emphasize the genuine experience and the quality of the wines. This tour is suited for wine enthusiasts looking for an intimate, educational experience with authentic local producers.
Bottom Line: A must for wine lovers wanting to experience family-run wineries and taste some of Italy’s finest boutique wines.
10. Private Perugia Walking Tour with Official Guide
This private tour offers tailored exploration of Perugia’s landmarks, including the Rocca Paolina and city streets. Your guide personalizes the experience, sharing stories about Etruscan walls, Renaissance architecture, and local festivals. Reviews highlight the guide’s expertise and the chance to ask questions in a relaxed, private setting. It’s ideal for travelers seeking a flexible, in-depth experience with fewer travelers.
Bottom Line: For a customized, in-depth tour of Perugia’s highlights, this private experience is hard to beat.
11. Private Visit to the Brugnoni Winery with Tasting of 4 Wines
Number 11 offers an intimate visit to a family farm in Pieve Pagliaccia. The winery tour includes walking through vineyards, a cellar visit, and tasting four wines paired with local foods. Reviewers mention the warm hospitality and the generous pours. It’s a good choice for those wanting to learn about small-scale, artisanal wine production and support local families. The price is reasonable for a private, guided experience.
Bottom Line: An authentic, friendly introduction to Umbrian winemaking tradition for wine aficionados.
12. Bevagna E-Bike Farm to Table
This full-day e-bike tour takes you through olive groves, vineyards, and medieval towns. It includes a farm visit and a multi-course farm-to-table lunch at a family-owned farm. Guests enjoy the scenic ride and the chance to learn about local agriculture while sampling fresh food and wine. The reviews highlight the personalized care of guides and the enjoyment of real countryside life.
Bottom Line: Ideal for active travelers wanting a full-day immersion into Umbrian food, wine, and rural scenery.
13. Umbria Wine Lovers Tour – Montefalco & Bevagna
Number 13 combines visits to two boutique wineries with a leisurely lunch. Led by knowledgeable winemakers, the small group tour includes tastings of Sagrantino Montefalco DOCG and Montefalco Rosso. Guests appreciate the personal attention and the chance to sample award-winning wines in a relaxed setting. This tour is best suited for those who want to learn about local wine production and enjoy a gastronomic experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for wine connoisseurs eager to explore Umbrian wines in a friendly, small-group environment.
14. Family Cooking Class
Number 14 offers an interactive family experience in the Italian countryside. The family cooking class includes making fresh pasta or gnocchi and a dessert, with ingredients from a nearby farm. Kids and adults alike love the hands-on approach, and the final meal is served outdoors with local wines. Reviewers mention how fun and educational it is for children, making it a great family activity.
Bottom Line: A delightful, family-friendly way to learn and enjoy authentic Italian cuisine together.
15. Spello E-Bike Tour with Lunch and Wine Tasting!
Rounding out the list is a full-day e-bike tour, exploring Spello and Collepino. The tour includes pedal-assisted e-biking along backroads and the Olive Path Trail, with stops for lunch and wine tastings at a local winery. Guests praise the balance of activity and relaxation, with the added benefit of visiting hilltop towns. The small group keeps things personal and engaging.
Bottom Line: The perfect choice if you want a leisurely day of biking, sightseeing, and tasting in an authentic setting.
How to Choose the Best Tour in Perugia
When selecting a tour, consider your budget, your interests, and your fitness level. For instance, if you love cooking and food, the Hands on Italian Cooking Classes or full meal food walks are excellent options. If you’re after scenic views and adventure, the hot air balloon or e-bike tours will give you a memorable perspective. For history buffs, underground tours or private guided walks provide in-depth insights. Book early during peak season to secure your preferred times, especially for popular experiences like hot air balloon rides.
Final Thoughts
Perugia offers a diverse array of tours that showcase its culinary delights, ancient secrets, and scenic landscapes. For a culinary adventure, the cooking classes or food tours are perfect. History lovers will appreciate the in-depth underground and private walking tours. Active travelers can enjoy bike and e-bike excursions with scenic stops. No matter your preference, booking early ensures you won’t miss out on these highly-rated adventures.