Perugia - in summary

Normally it would be a four day long weekend so a parting from the norm to have six days away.  After much deliberation we chose Perugia - the pictures of the surround countryside were so tempting as were pictures of nearby towns and, in particular, the Lago Tresimeno... all sounded so exciting.

The hotel was comfortable in terms of accommodation although the breakfasts (albeit typically Italian) had variety in plenty and the choices were many, somehow weren't as good as those we've had in Italy from hotels of the same standard, previously. The hotel staff were friendly and helpful

Compared to Florence, Rome and Paris (in that order) I think the days in Perugia were those, so far, that I enjoyed the most.  It was certainly the most relaxing.

Generally it was easy to get around using public transport.. trains were good and on time.  The buses going from the Piazza Partigiana near to the hotel were always on time but, trying to determine which was the correct bus coming back from the train station left us somewhat confused!!

For the first time, we had the time to journey further afield than the area in which we were staying.  We'd hoped to get to Arezzo and possibly Gubbio but didn't make those having lost one day because of bad weather.  But what we did see was varied and some of the most spectacular scenery you could have.

Birdwise and wildlife -  was good too..

Blackbird, Blut Tit, Great Tit, Starling, Italian Sparrow, Wood and Feral Pigeon, Collared Dove

Swifts - in their dozens - I suppose because we were so high up on the hill we were almost at their flying height when feeding.

Serins seems to be everywhere with their trilling song

House Martins, Swallow, a Common Redstart.  Goldfinch, Hooded Crow and others.

Also saw a Scarce Swallowtail which was a lifer for me.

We ate a some good restaurants again and one with stunning views.  The people were friendly, but, and I presume because it's not such a large town, English wasn't spoken to widely... but then we English are, generally, lazy when it comes to foreign languages.

So yes... I had a thoroughly enjoyable holiday and probably like it the best so far.  The rain upset one days plans a bit but that could happen anywhere.

..... and thank you Pete for making it such a great and memorable holiday :)

and the next one... a change from Italy... off to Vienna...

Links to our days...

Monday - Perugia a wander around
Tuesday - Off to Assisi in the footsteps of St Francis
Wednesday - Spello for the day
Thursday - A local day
Friday - We return to Assisi
Saturday - Lake Tresimino
Sunday - our last day