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With lovely landscapes, a rich history and a reputation for fine cuisine, Italy is a wonderful place for a holiday. One of the best ways to explore it is via rail tours, which will allow you to relax, enjoy the scenery and take in multiple destinations in one trip. If you would like to discover the Umbria region, why not base yourself in Perugia?

A Perugia tour is the perfect way to see all the sights of Umbria. Located almost in the geographical centre of the nation, Perugia is a beautiful medieval walled town situated on a hilltop, looking out over incredible scenery such as the Spoleto Valley. While you’re here, you can explore its rich Etruscan roots, as well as visit other historical towns situated nearby.

By choosing rail tours, you can enjoy some wonderful scenery before you even reach your destination. After taking the Eurostar to Paris, you will board the TGV and pass some incredible landscapes on your way to Switzerland, where you will spend the night in Lausanne.

The next day, your journey to Perugia will continue with a train route past the picturesque peaks of the Swiss Alps to Milan, where you will change for a regional service to Perugia.

Taking a guided sightseeing tour of this remarkable place the following morning, you will be shown the cathedral, Fontana Maggiore and Rocca Paolina – an imposing fortress – among other key sites. You can continue to discover the area in the afternoon, when you will have time to explore independently. Among the things you might like to do is visit the destination’s art galleries, museums and shops. However, you can of course simply spend some time relaxing in the hotel.

Perugia is by no means the only medieval hilltop town to be discovered in Umbria, and the following morning you will have a full-day coach tour to see two more amazing locations. The first is Gubbio, which boasts excellent views over the nearby mountains and surrounding area.

You will be given a guided tour of the town’s ancient heart, which is filled with narrow streets and terracotta-tiled houses jumbled together at odd angles. After enjoying a traditional lunch just outside of the town, you’ll continue onwards to Assisi.

As you may have guessed, this is the birthplace of Italy’s patron saint, St Francis of Assisi. Brimming with picturesque narrow streets, it also plays host to Saint Francis Basilica, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

You can do as you please the next day. While you may want to explore Perugia a little further, you could also choose to visit other nearby towns or indulge in a little relaxation at the hotel.

Travelling by train to Lake Trasimeno the following day, you will visit the lakeside town of Passignano. A lovely resort, it is home to a beautiful old town that sits on the shore of the lake. Its highest point is a charming church, which is well worth visiting for the magnificent views out over the water it offers. While it’s a bit of a steep climb, it’s certainly rewarding!

Taking a boat out to Isola Maggiore, in the afternoon you will be able to relax on – and explore – this pretty island. There is an excellent walking route that will take you around the entire circumference of the island, and – if you finish it – you will receive a certificate and a bottle of wine.

You can enjoy another free day in Perugia next, which you might like to use to visit one of the nation’s great cities – Florence. Bear in mind that this is further afield than the other towns you will have visited, but it’s still just a train journey away.

Your final trip will see you sample some of the region’s best wines. Heading out for a full day, you will travel to Orievlo, a town that sits on a cliff on red volcanic rock. Take a guided tour and discover its beautiful gothic cathedral before having time to wander around independently.

Travelling to Torgiano next, you will follow a local wine trail and sample some of the region’s best produce. After enjoying testing your palate, you will tuck into a delicious dinner before making your way back to Perugia – a wonderful way to end your rail tour of Italy.