Perugia is a city that practically wears its past on its hills and alleyways. Unlike many Italian towns that are famous mainly for their art or cuisine, Perugia offers a layered history that you can experience firsthand — whether through ancient monuments, charming streets, or local traditions. One of our favorite ways to soak in all this history is via guided tours that bring the city’s stories alive. For example, the guided bike tour of Perugia’s historic center (see here) combines the city’s beauty with an active experience, allowing you to see its famed monuments while pedaling through scenic streets. We also love the small-group wine tour in Montefalco, which offers a relaxed, flavorful peek into regional wine-making. And for those who want a more personal and immersive experience, the cooking class in Spoleto with Chef Stefano (link) makes the culinary history of the area feel alive.
In this article, we’ll explore three top-rated historical tours in Perugia, each offering something different: an engaging city walk, a culinary journey, and a wine-focused experience. Whether you’re interested in uncovering medieval streets, tasting regional wines, or cooking local dishes, these tours provide a well-rounded look at Perugia’s heritage.
1. Guided tour of the historic center of Perugia
At number one, the Guided tour of the historic center of Perugia combines cultural highlights with a fun, active approach. This tour lasts about 1 to 2 hours and is perfect if you want a quick yet insightful overview of Italy’s art-rich city. It includes a bike tour with certified guides, which allows you to cover much more ground than a walking tour. You’ll pass by the Etruscan Arch, a symbol of the city’s ancient roots, and admire treasures inside the Basilica di San Pietro, home to masterpieces by Caravaggio, Raphael, and Perugino. The Church of San Domenico impresses with its enormous stained glass window — second only in Italy to Milan Cathedral — and the Chiesa di San Francesco al Prato offers a glimpse into the city’s religious art.
What makes this tour stand out is its combination of history, art, and local flavor. The bike allows you to explore hidden alleys and viewpoints that are hard to reach on foot, all while learning about Perugia’s medieval past. Plus, the tour includes a taste of Perugia’s renowned chocolate, which is a sweet ending to a rich experience. The reviews rate it a perfect 5.0, and at just over 80 dollars, it offers excellent value for an authentic, guided introduction to the city.
Bottom line: If you’re short on time but want an engaging, active way to see Perugia’s top sights and learn their stories, this bike tour is a winner.
2. Walk through Spoleto’s historic center & lunch with Chef Stefano
For travelers who love combining history with local life and food, the Spoleto walk and cooking experience is a standout. This 4.5-hour tour starts with a scenic walk through Spoleto’s historic streets, revealing landmarks and stories behind the city’s medieval architecture. Then, instead of just looking, you’ll participate in a hands-on cooking class at Chef Stefano’s home — an authentic taste of Umbrian culture. The menu features dishes like tomato bruschetta and burrata with regional wines, making this a flavorful journey into local culinary traditions.
The experience is highly personalized, with Chef Stefano and his wife Barbara creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. The reviews highlight how fun and educational the meal preparation is, with one caller saying, “The four-course meal we prepared was both educational and fun—and delicious.” The price is higher, at around $226, but it includes not only the meal but an immersion into Umbrian life and cuisine.
Bottom line: If you’re passionate about food, want a genuine local experience, and enjoy cooking, this tour offers a memorable blend of history, social culture, and culinary delight.
3. Montefalco: Historic cellar and vineyard tour with wine tasting
Wine lovers will find the Montefalco wine tour a perfect fit, especially if they want to combine history with tasting. This small-group tour lasts about 1.5 hours and takes you into one of the smallest wine cellars in the Montefalco area. Your guide will share insights into Umbrian wine-making traditions while you taste seven different wines paired with regional foods like cheese, ham, bruschetta, and even chocolate.
What sets this tour apart is its intimacy and focus on quality — you won’t be in a crowded bus, but in a cozy setting where you can chat with your guide and really learn about the local wines. The tour is offered at two different start times, giving you flexibility, and the reviews mention how the guide’s knowledge brings the wines to life. Priced at just over $43, it’s a budget-friendly way to indulge in regional flavors without compromising on depth.
Bottom line: For wine enthusiasts looking for a relaxed, personal experience that combines history and tasting, this tour provides a real taste of Umbrian wine-making traditions.
How to Choose
When deciding among these tours, consider what kind of experience you value most. If you want a quick, active overview of Perugia’s key sights, the bike tour (see details) is perfect. For those eager to explore local food and culture deeply, the Spoleto cooking class (more info) offers a personal, hands-on experience. And if your passion is wine, the Montefalco vineyard tour (check it out) combines regional history with tastings in an intimate setting.
Consider your travel style and interests: Are you pressed for time but want highlights? Go with the bike tour. Want an immersive cultural and culinary experience? The cooking class is ideal. Love wine and regional traditions? The vineyard tour fits perfectly. Budget also matters — the wine tour offers exceptional value, while the cooking experience is more premium.
Booking early is wise, especially for popular activities, and check the weather — some tours are outdoors and best enjoyed in clear skies.
Final Thoughts
Perugia offers a variety of ways to explore its history, art, and culture, from active city explorations to intimate wine tastings and culinary adventures. For a quick but comprehensive introduction, the guided bike tour is hard to beat. If you prefer a more personal, hands-on experience in local food traditions, the cooking class with Chef Stefano offers memorable storytelling through flavors. And for wine lovers, the Montefalco vineyard provides a relaxed, educational tasting.
No matter which you choose, booking early guarantees your spot in these popular experiences. Each tour offers a unique lens into Perugia’s past and present, helping you make the most of your time in this charming hilltop city.
