Umbria is a beautiful part of Italy that has remained delightfully off the beaten track. At its heart lies Todi, a picturesque medieval town perched high on a hilltop. Views of the River Tiber stretch for miles, across hills dotted with sunflower fields and rolling farmland.
Halfway between Perugia and Terni, or Orvieto and Spoleto, this tiny town has a storied past. Its layered tapestry of sieges and revolutions, saints and scholars, has shaped a place where history lingers in every stone wall and street corner.
Despite a steady stream of visitors, it seems to have evaded its neighbour Tuscany’s heavier tourist footfall. By staying out of the spotlight, Todi and the rest of Umbria promise a slower, more meaningful travel experience.
Read on to discover five reasons why Todi should be on your travel itinerary, and where to stay when you visit.
Ancient Roman tunnels and cisterns
With origins that predate the Roman Empire, Todi’s story begins with the Etruscans and Romans. Dig a little deeper and you’ll come across the town’s vast Roman cisterns. Truly an ancient wonder, this complex system of underground architecture was built in the 1st century BC as part of a rainwater storage and drainage system. The water was carried from the Forum to the valley below through a network of tunnels and passages.
Guided tours organised by our Local Concierge reveal a labyrinth of ancient tunnels and wells hidden beneath Todi’s streets. Discover subterranean chambers and mysterious passages engineered by hand with uncanny precision.
Piazza del Popolo – Umbria’s prettiest square
Home to one of central Italy’s most photogenic piazzas, Todi’s main square is steeped in centuries of history. Piazza del Popolo has served as the civic and social heart of the town since the Middle Ages, hosting markets and public gatherings and celebrations.
The square is delightfully unpretentious, which is part of its charm. Pause for a morning coffee at one of the many cafés and take a moment to marvel at the surrounding medieval buildings, including the Palazzo dei Priori and the Palazzo del Capitano.
Immersive local food and wine experiences
Umbria’s food is simple and seasonal, and Todi is home to a range of authentic, family-run restaurants. Savour hearty Umbrian specialties like wild boar ragù over strangozzi, fresh truffle pasta or slow-cooked lamb elevated with robust local wines.
Wander around Todi’s backstreets and stumble upon cosy trattorias tucked down quiet, cobbled alleys. Trattoria Da Piero e Silvana is a beloved neighbourhood restaurant, known for its traditional Umbrian fare and rustic atmosphere. Just a short walk from the funicular, Pane e Vino is an intimate enoteca with a romantic terrace and beautifully curated cheese platters to nibble on with salty cured meats.
Winemaking is as deeply rooted in Umbrian culture as is its cuisine. Some of the region’s finest wines come from the gentle hills northeast of Todi, including the dark and powerful Sagrantino di Montefalco. Rosso di Montefalco is still full-bodied, but a little gentler on the palate.
A stay in one of our villa rentals with chefs means you can try the region’s specialities from the comfort of your villa. Our complimentary Concierge can help organise wine tours and cooking classes with your in-villa chef.
A Town Steeped in Art and Heritage
Whether you’re a history buff or an avid epicurean, Todi’s roster of cultural experiences is plentiful.
Start your morning with a leisurely stroll through the verdant Parco Della Rocca. Winding paths invite you to explore at your own pace and enjoy a quiet start to the day. Then make Museo Pinacoteca your next stop, where you can delve into its collection of 17th-century paintings.
Designed by Cola da Caprarola – or possibly even Bramante – the church of Santa Maria della Consolazione is one to see for its striking Renaissance design. For a different perspective, climb all 150 steps to the top of the campanile of San Fortunato Church. There are many other Renaissance and Gothic churches to explore with fascinating stories to tell. Read our guide to Todi for more inspiration.
Our Concierge is on hand to arrange bespoke, local experiences. Try out a local Deruta pottery workshop, go truffle hunting or cosy up in your private villa with a cooking class.
Sunflowers Fields and Truffle Hunting
No summer trip to Todi is complete without experiencing Umbria’s vast sunflower fields. Every year, rows of towering sunflowers stretch as far as the eye can see.
Fratta Todina, Collelungo and San Venanzo are usually key viewing spots from late June to early August. As the location can change annually, your best bet is to drive towards Orvieto or along the Tiber River valley. Speak to our award-winning Concierge, who are in the know about the best viewing points and secret spots.
Come winter, the focus shifts from sunflowers to Umbria’s prized truffles. Our concierge can arrange guided truffle-hunting excursions in the surrounding woods, accompanied by trained dogs, followed by a cooking class with this delicious Italian ingredient.
Where to stay
Our luxury villas in Todi range from stone farmhouses and sprawling estates to grand country homes. Whether you’re looking for a hilltop home for the whole family, like Villa San Giacomo, or something for a small group getaway like Il Cerro, we can tailor your visit to your needs.
Contact our Villa Specialists to find your dream villa and to start planning a tailor-made itinerary to elevate your stay. Whether you want to explore Todi’s subterranean passages with a local guide or secure reservations at the best local restaurants, we can make it happen.