Perugia, perched high on a hill in Italy’s Umbria region, is a city that rewards curiosity. Its winding alleys, ancient Etruscan walls, and lively food scene make it a perfect place to explore through guided tours. Among the many options, our favorites include immersive cooking classes like Hands on Italian Cooking Classes, which offer authentic culinary experiences, and breathtaking hot air balloon rides over Assisi and the Umbrian countryside, such as Balloon Adventures Italy. These showcase Perugia’s vibrant culture from a local’s perspective, making each tour special.
From exploring underground relics to tasting world-class wines, Perugia’s tours cover a wide range of interests. Whether you’re a history lover, a foodie, or an outdoor enthusiast, there’s something here to make your visit memorable. Below, we’ve compiled the top 15 experiences, each offering a unique slice of Italy’s most charming hill town.
1. Hands on Italian Cooking Classes
At number 1, the Hands on Italian Cooking Classes delivers a true taste of Italy. Led by an English-speaking instructor, you’ll spend about four hours crafting a five-course meal from scratch, including pasta, sauces, and dessert. The setting is a working farm, which adds an authentic rural charm. After cooking, you sit down to feast on your creations paired with homemade estate red wine. The included recipe book makes it easy to try your hand at these dishes back home. Reviewers love the personal touch, with many praising the chef’s passion and the warm atmosphere. This tour is ideal for food lovers eager to learn regional recipes and enjoy a relaxed, hands-on experience. Bottom line: A fantastic value for those who want to bring a piece of Italy back with them through cooking skills.
2. Balloon Adventures Italy, hot air balloon rides over Assisi, Perugia and Umbria
Number 2 on our list is the Balloon Adventures Italy, offering a sunrise hot air balloon ride. For about three to four hours, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of Assisi, Perugia, and the lush Umbrian hills from above. The flight is led by experienced pilots, ensuring safety and a memorable experience. After landing, you’ll transfer to Cantina Dionigi, a local winery, for breakfast and wine tasting—an experience that combines adventure with culinary pleasure. The reviews highlight the trip as “breathtaking” and “a trip of a lifetime,” with travelers loving the unique perspective on Italy’s countryside. This tour is perfect for those looking to see Italy from a different angle. Bottom line: A once-in-a-lifetime adventure that combines scenic beauty with local flavors.
3. Taste Perugia Food Tour Led by Local
Number 3 is the Taste Perugia Food Tour, a walking excursion through the city’s best food spots. Over about three and a half hours, your local guide takes you to ten tastings, including cheeses, charcuterie, truffles, and chocolates. Stops include historic cafes and family-owned shops, giving you real insight into Umbrian cuisine. Guests rave about the friendly guide and the rich variety of samples, like fresh pasta and local wines. The tour’s small-group format allows for personal stories and an authentic experience. It’s especially suited for foodies who want a relaxed, day-long tasting without missing the city’s sights. Bottom line: An immersive, delicious way to explore Perugia’s culinary scene and local culture.
4. Perugia: Old Town Walking Tour, Piazza IV Novembre
Number 4 offers a Perugia Old Town Walking Tour, which lasts about 1.5 hours. It’s a quick but rich introduction to Perugia’s medieval streets, main piazzas, and landmarks like the Etruscan Arch and Rocca Paolina fortress. Led by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll hear captivating stories about the city’s transformation through the ages. Travelers mention the guide’s enthusiasm and the engaging stories that bring the city’s past to life. This tour is excellent for first-time visitors who want a snapshot of Perugia’s history with some local insights. It’s affordable, too—just $34 per person—making it a good value for a brief overview. Bottom line: A concise, informative introduction perfect for fitting into a busy sightseeing day.
5. Perugia: Entry Ticket and Guided Tour of Perugia Underground
Number 5 is the Perugia Underground Tour, which explores the subterranean ruins beneath the city. In about 50 minutes, you’ll wander through Etruscan, Roman, and medieval remains within the Saint Lawrence Island complex. The guided tour is highly rated for its engaging storytelling and access to hidden layers of the city’s past. Reviewers appreciate the virtual reality exhibits and the opportunity to see relics dating back 2,500 years. It’s an excellent choice for history buffs interested in seeing beneath the surface of Perugia’s charming streets. Bottom line: A compact, fascinating glimpse into the city’s long history underground.
6. Organic cooking class with a sommelier in an Olive and wine farm
Number 6 features the Organic Cooking Class with a Sommelier, held at Il Fontanaro. Over roughly three hours, you’ll pick fresh ingredients directly from the farm’s garden, then learn to make pasta and other dishes with a professional chef and sommelier. The farm’s olive oil and wine tastings add a special local touch, and a buffet lunch completes the experience. Reviewers love the authentic farm atmosphere and the chance to learn regional recipes in a relaxed setting. Suitable for all ages, it’s perfect if you want a hands-on culinary experience with beautiful countryside views. Bottom line: An engaging, farm-to-table experience ideal for foodies seeking real Umbria flavors.
7. Bevagna E-Bike & Wine Tour
Number 7, the Bevagna E-Bike & Wine Tour, blends outdoor activity with wine tasting. Over about six hours, you’ll cycle through the medieval town of Bevagna, along the Greenways from Assisi to Spoleto, and visit an organic winery for a tasting. The guided ride includes a picnic lunch in a scenic setting, making it ideal for active travelers. Recent reviews mention the excellent guide Danielle and the food and wine at the winery as highlights. Because it combines culture, scenery, and delicious food, this tour appeals to those with a moderate fitness level who want a full-day adventure. Bottom line: Perfect for active travelers who want to combine sightseeing, cycling, and local wine in one outing.
8. Taste Perugia: A Full Meal Walking Food Tour by Do Eat Better
Number 8 is the Full Meal Food Tour, a relaxed 3-hour stroll through Perugia’s culinary hot spots. Led by a passionate local guide, you’ll visit five stops, sampling everything from local charcuterie to traditional pasta and chocolates. With enough food to serve as a complete meal, this tour is ideal for those who want to taste many dishes without planning lunch or dinner. Reviewers highlight the guide’s enthusiasm and the variety of authentic flavors. It’s suited for travelers who want a leisurely, social experience that combines food, culture, and city sights. Bottom line: A satisfying, tasty way to explore both Perugia’s streets and its flavors.
9. Private Perugia Walking Tour with official guide
Number 9 offers a Private Guided Tour tailored for up to 15 people. Over approximately two hours, a personal guide will introduce you to the city’s highlights, including the town walls, Rocca Paolina, and main piazzas. This tour is perfect for travelers who prefer a customized experience, with flexible departure times. Reviewers praise the guide’s knowledge and ability to answer questions, often mentioning how much they learned about Perugia’s art and architecture. For those wanting an intimate, in-depth look at the city’s secrets, this is a strong choice. Bottom line: A personalized tour for those who want to ask all their questions and get tailored insights.
10. Winery Tour & Tasting near Lake Trasimeno & Perugia
Number 10 is the Winery Tour & Tasting, a quick 1.5-hour visit to Cantina Berioli. You’ll taste six wines, ranging from sparkling to reds and whites, paired with local bruschetta, cheeses, and cured meats. The guided walk through the vineyards and cellar gives insight into wine-making traditions. Reviewers mention the friendly staff and the excellent value, especially given the quality of the wines and food. This tour is ideal for travelers seeking a short, flavorful experience with a focus on wine. Bottom line: A compact, enjoyable tasting for wine enthusiasts and casual sippers alike.
11. Perugia: Ravioli, Pasta and Tiramisu Class at a Local’s Home
Number 11 offers a Home Cooking Class, where you’ll learn family recipes directly from a local cook. Over about three hours, you’ll make classic pasta dishes and tiramisu while connecting with a welcoming Italian family. The experience ends with a shared meal of your creations and local wine. Reviewers appreciate the personal touch and the chance to learn authentic recipes in a home setting. Perfect for those who want a more intimate, family-style experience. Bottom line: A warm, genuine cooking class ideal for foodies who want to meet locals.
12. Private visit to the Brugnoni winery with tasting of 4 wines
Number 12 presents a Private Winery Tour at a family-run farm in Pieve Pagliaccia. Over about three hours, you’ll explore vineyards and the cellar, learning about the family’s 100-year history. The tour includes a tasting of four wines and a selection of local foods. Reviewers enjoy the intimate setting and generous pours. It’s well-suited for travelers interested in authentic, family-owned wineries and their stories. This tour offers a taste of traditional wine-making in a relaxed environment. Bottom line: A charming, educational experience for wine lovers seeking local authenticity.
13. Bevagna E-Bike Farm to Table
Number 13 is the Bevagna E-Bike Farm to Table, a full-day biking experience with a farm lunch. Covering scenic countryside, vineyards, and olive groves, you’ll enjoy live commentary from your guide. The day includes a visit to an organic farm where a homemade multi-course meal awaits, with the option to swim in the farm’s pool. Reviewers highlight the beautiful views and delicious, locally produced food. Best suited for active travelers who like a mix of outdoor activity and culinary indulgence. Bottom line: An excellent choice for day-trippers wanting to combine cycling and farm-to-table dining.
14. Umbria Wine Lovers Tour | Montefalco & Bevagna
Number 14 takes you on the Umbria Wine Lovers Tour, a guided visit to two boutique wineries in Montefalco and Bevagna. Over six hours, you’ll sample Sagrantino Montefalco DOCG and other wines, paired with an organic Umbrian lunch. The tour emphasizes small, family-run wineries and personal interaction with winemakers. Visitors love the relaxed pace and high-quality wines. This tour is ideal for wine aficionados wanting to explore lesser-known but exceptional Italian wines. Bottom line: A must for wine enthusiasts eager to discover hidden gems in Italy’s wine country.
15. Perugia: Private City Tour with Rocca Paolina and Cathedral
Last but not least, the Private City Tour offers a personalized two-hour exploration. You’ll see the city walls, Rocca Paolina, Piazza Italia, and the Cathedral, with your own guide tailoring the visit to your interests. Reviewers praise the guide’s knowledge and friendly approach, often mentioning how much they learned about Perugia’s art and architecture. This tour is best for travelers who want a private, flexible experience with a local expert. Bottom line: An ideal way to discover Italy’s charming hill town at your own pace.
How to Choose the Right Tour in Perugia
When choosing your ideal experience, consider your budget, interests, and how much time you want to spend. If you’re a food lover, a cooking class or food tour offers immersive taste experiences. For those with a sense of adventure, hot air balloon rides deliver unforgettable views. If history is your focus, underground tours and private guides will give you insider knowledge. Active travelers should consider bike tours or farm-to-table biking, while those seeking a leisurely day might prefer short city walks or wine tastings.
Booking early is key—especially for popular experiences like hot air balloon rides or private tours—so plan ahead. Check availability, as some tours are limited in size or run seasonally, and always read reviews to match your style with the perfect activity.
Final Thoughts
Perugia offers a diverse mix of culinary, cultural, and outdoor activities that cater to all interests and energy levels. For a deep dive into regional flavors, the Hands on Italian Cooking Classes and Taste Perugia Food Tour are excellent options. If you crave panoramic views, don’t miss the hot air balloon experience. And for history buffs, the underground tour or private city exploration will satisfy your curiosity.
No matter your preference, booking ahead ensures you won’t miss out on these unforgettable experiences. Perugia’s charm is best enjoyed with a bit of planning—and a lot of curiosity.
