This Hidden Gem Has All the Charm of Europe’s Big Cities - Without the Crowds

There’s something undeniably magnetic about Italy’s iconic cities - Florence’s Renaissance flair, Rome’s ancient ruins, and Venice’s winding canals. But what if you could experience that same cultural richness and historic beauty without the noise, the crowds, and the rush?

Welcome to Perugia - the heart of Umbria and a hidden gem that Has All the Charm of Europe’s Big Cities. Tucked into Italy’s green center, this hillside town offers a rich tapestry of art, architecture, and culinary delights with fewer tourists and more authenticity.

What Makes Perugia So Special?

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Timeless Architecture Perugia’s skyline is a living museum of Etruscan walls, medieval arches, Gothic palaces, and Baroque churches. Walking its narrow stone streets feels like stepping into a perfectly preserved Italian painting minus the long queues.

Home of Italian Chocolate Yes, you read that right. Perugia is the birthplace of Italy’s most famous chocolate, Baci Perugina. Visitors (virtual or in-person!) can explore the history of chocolate-making in a city that proudly hosts a world-renowned chocolate festival each October.

A Town of Learning and Life Perugia is home to the University for Foreigners, attracting students from across the globe. That means it’s alive with youthful energy, lively cafés, and cultural events, while still preserving its deep historical roots.

Art and Culture, Uninterrupted From masterpieces at the National Gallery of Umbria to peaceful hilltop vistas that inspired artists for centuries, Perugia delivers the kind of cultural experience you’d expect in Florence or Rome, without the overwhelming crowds.

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A Taste of True Italy

In Perugia, life unfolds at a gentler rhythm. Locals sip espresso in quiet piazzas, farmers' markets overflow with fresh truffles and olive oil, and the scent of handmade pasta floats from family-run trattorias. It’s the kind of place where you can pause, savor, and truly feel connected to the land, the people, and yourself.

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Explore Perugia from Wherever You Are

You don’t need to book a flight to walk Perugia’s cobblestone streets or marvel at its hilltop churches. With Discover Live, you can join a real-time, interactive virtual tour of Perugia, guided by a local who brings the city’s stories to life.

Whether you're a curious lifelong learner or a senior living activity director looking to deliver something unforgettable, Discover Live makes global travel accessible, joyful, and deeply enriching.