Assisi Culture & history

Escape Italy's busy capital for one day on this trip to Assisi and the Umbrian hill town Orvieto. On this tour, you will unveil the religious architecture of Umbria (such as the famous Cathedral of Orvieto) and discover the wines and local products of Tuscany. Leaving Rome in a northerly direction and driving along the Tiber Valley, reach Orvieto as your first stop, a small town of Etruscan origins where you will stop to admire the magnificent 14th century cathedral, a masterpiece of gothic architecture. The tour continues through the green Tuscan Hills covered in olive groves and vineyards. This is the land of some of Italy’s best known D.O.C. (quality controlled) wines, which include Orvieto, Chianti and Brunello di Montalcin. Afterwards, enjoy lunch, consisting of traditional local dishes. In the early afternoon you will continue your journey and drive along the shores of Lake Trasimeno. Finally, reach Assisi, which is located at the foot of Mount Subasio. Assisi is famous for being St. Francis' birthplace. You will see the Church of St. Claire, St Francis’ birthplace and his childhood home, the Townhall Square. Around the Townhall Square, you will see the People’s Palace and the Roman Temple dedicated to Minerva. One highlight of the tour will be the visit of St Francis’ Basilica, located close to the ancient city walls, with its magnificent frescoes painted between the 12th and 14th centuries. You will reach Rome around 7,30 8,00pm .

Explore Assisi on a walking tour with a guide who will tell you about the history, art, and local traditions of one of the most famous hill towns of Italy. Meet your guide and head to the ruins of the ancient Roman amphitheater, which was later put to use in the Middle Ages as a quarry for stone to build local houses. See how the amphitheater later was turned into a private neighborhood. From this vantage point, the view of the Rocca Maggiore medieval castle is one of the best in the city. Continuing along narrow alleys and through medieval squares you’ll reach the Cathedral of Saint Rufino Cathedral, the Basilica of Saint Claire, and Piazza del Comune, the main city square. At the square you’ll see the Minerva temple, one of the best-preserved Roman temples in Italy. It is surrounded by imposing medieval government buildings. The tour then continues on to the Saint Francis Basilica, which is well known for its 13th and 14th-century frescoes created by Italian masters of the time, including Giotto.

Discover the heart of Umbria and explore the medieval town of Orvieto and the city of Assisi on a guided day trip from Florence. Visit the major sights in each city with a guide before enjoying free time to explore and shop at your leisure. After a scenic bus ride from Florence, arrive at the city of Orvieto. See the Duomo and marvel at its Gothic architecture, complete with precious mosaics and sculptures. Step inside the cathedral to gaze at its colorful stained-glass windows and coveted artwork (ticket not included). Continue to Saint Patrick’s Well and access the depths of the well with the two helical ramps for a truly unique experience (ticket not included). Lose yourself in the narrow alleys, explore the local squares lined with artisan shops and cafes, and admire the medieval architecture all around you. After some free time, return to the fully-fitted GT Coach and head to Assisi, one of Umbria’s most fascinating borgos. Follow your guide through this holy city, navigating its steep, winding alleys. Explore the famous Basilica of Saint Francis, home to some of the best-preserved frescoes painted by Giotto, Pietro Lorenzetti, Simone Martini, and Cimabue. Next, make your way to the Basilica of Saint Clare, one of the first followers of Saint Francis and founder of the Order of Poor Ladies. After the guided tour, enjoy free time to go shopping in the local small stores or simply unwind in the main square, sipping on a good coffee and taking in the ambiance. Before returning to Florence, stop by the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels, a majestic church built on top of the Porziuncola, where the Franciscan movement originally started. Finally, relax during your return transfer to Florence.

Set off on an exciting day trip from Rome to the picturesque towns of Assisi, Orvieto, and the enchanting Civita di Bagnoregio—three hidden gems of central Italy rich in history, culture, and stunning scenery. Your adventure begins with a comfortable morning departure on a luxury coach guided by an expert who will share fascinating historical facts and stories throughout the journey. First, arrive in the serene town of Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis. You’ll have time to wander its charming streets, explore medieval pathways, and visit the renowned Basilica of St. Francis (entrance not included). Enjoy the tranquil ambiance of this spiritual town as you relax in the Piazza del Comune and savor a delightful lunch or coffee at one of its quaint cafés. Next, continue to the historic city of Orvieto, which is dramatically situated on a volcanic tuff cliff. As you approach, your guide will share insights about its fascinating history and landmarks, including the stunning Orvieto Cathedral, famous for its intricate Gothic architecture (entrance not included). Once in Orvieto, enjoy your free time roaming the cobblestone streets, visiting local artisan shops, and taking in breathtaking Umbrian landscape views. Don’t miss the opportunity to taste the region’s renowned wine and local dishes. The day concludes with a visit to the mystical Civita di Bagnoregio, often called "The Dying City" because of its precarious cliffside position and eroding landscape. This captivating village, perched on a volcanic hill and accessible only via a pedestrian bridge, invites you to explore its ancient paths, admire its stone houses, and enjoy stunning vistas of the surrounding valleys. Here, you can meander through its historic streets, browse artisan boutiques, and capture photographs of one of Italy’s most surreal landscapes. After a day filled with exploration and beauty, board the coach for a leisurely return to Rome, arriving in the evening. Your guide will be available throughout the trip to answer any questions and offer additional insights, ensuring a memorable day in the heart of Italy.

Your journey will stretch along Assisi Old Town. The local guide will make you plunge into Assisi's history by following the steps of personages who made the town famous worldwide: Saint Francis and Saint Clare along with other great personages of history, left marks that all still clearly visible today. Discover how Roman remains blend perfectly with Medieval architectures, as it happens with the facade of the Church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva. Sense the powerful sacred aura Assisi is enveloped in, thanks to an intriguing narration.

Experience a unique emotion on board the Ape Calessino to admire the city's major monuments: Basilica of Santa Chiara, Chiesa Nuova (birthplace of San Francesco), Piazza del Comune and Minerva. Roman Amphitheater, Rocca Maggiore, Cathedral of San Rufino, Piazza Vescovado and the Basilica of San Francesco

Our tour begins at the Basilica of St. Clare, a majestic Gothic church dedicated to St. Clare, the founder of the Poor Clares and a close companion of St. Francis. Admire its striking pink and white stone façade, sourced from Mount Subasio, and step inside to marvel at the simplicity of its interior. Here, you'll find the Crucifix of San Damiano, which is said to have spoken to St. Francis, inspiring his spiritual journey. Don't miss the peaceful crypt housing St. Clare's relics. Next, we’ll walk to the Piazza del Comune, the vibrant main square of Assisi. This bustling hub is lined with charming medieval buildings and lively cafes. At its heart stands the Temple of Minerva, a remarkable Roman temple built in the 1st century BCE. Its well-preserved Corinthian columns are a stunning contrast to the medieval structures surrounding it. Today, the temple houses the Church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva, blending ancient Roman and Christian influences seamlessly. Finally, we arrive at the Basilica of St. Francis, the crown jewel of Assisi and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This architectural masterpiece is divided into the Upper and Lower Basilicas, each offering unique treasures. The Upper Basilica boasts stunning frescoes by Giotto, depicting the life of St. Francis with vivid detail and emotional depth. Descend to the Lower Basilica, where dimly lit chapels create an atmosphere of reverence, and visit the crypt containing the tomb of St. Francis himself. As you stroll through Assisi’s cobbled streets, you'll feel the enduring legacy of its saints and artists. This tour not only showcases the town’s spiritual significance but also its role as a cradle of art and culture. We hope you leave with unforgettable memories and a renewed sense of peace.

Giano dell'Umbria is a charming medieval village in the "green heart" of Italy. It overlooks a beautiful silver landscape of olive trees. It’s a place with a perfect ecological balance where people have always lived in harmony with nature. The extraction of olive oil is an ancient rite full of symbolism, which repeats every year in a magic of history, culture, tradition and folklore. The Del Sero family lives in Moriano, a couple of km from Giano, and it has been growing olive trees and producing extra virgin olive oil for generations. The Del Sero olive oil is extracted with the traditional method of first cold pressing, with granite millstones and hydraulic presses, in a recently-built plant which blends well with the surrounding landscape. The Oil mill has production and bottling units as well as spacious rooms for guests. A protected pathway allows to oversee all stages of the production process, and a large hall can easily accommodate large groups of pople in a warm atmosphere. Guests can also enjoy more than 2,000 square meters of green areas dotted with ancient olive trees, the “millstone square” and a spacious parking lot. The Frantoio is easily accessible and well connected to the main national highways. You get here quickly from the center of major towns (Rome 1,5 hours - Florence 2 hr - Ancona 1,5 hr -Perugia 40). And it is within easy reach of the main regional tourist destinations (Spoleto, Assisi, Todi, Montefalco, Bevagna, Spello...). Guests will enjoy an emotional experience, discovering the World of Olive Oil, learning about its history and culture and appreciating its beneficial effects on health and taste. DISCOVER THE WORLD OF OLIVE OIL Our proposal includes a guided tour of the Oil Mill with speaker (English/French): - How olive oil is born: detailed description of all stages of the production process, from the fruit to the oil, using the traditional method of first cold pressing (granite millstones and hydraulic presses). Comparison with other extraction methods; How a very high quality olive oil is born: description of methods adopted in the various stages of the production and storage process, which directly affect the quality of olive oil; Q&A. We have two options for tasting: 1) Option 1 Bruschettas prepared on the spot with wood-fired bread: - Classical (olive oil and salt); - Garlic (olive oil, salt, garlic). Beverages: - Red wine (1 glass); - Water. 2) Option 2 Tasting: Mix of bruschettas prepared on the spot with wood-fired bread: - Classical (olive oil and salt); - Garlic (olive oil, salt, garlic); - Arugula and shaved Parmesan cheese; - Truffle sauce. Charcuterie and cheese board (I.e. salami, capocollo, prosciutto, local pecorino cheese). Beverages: - Red wine (1 glass); - Water. Both proposals can be adjusted to specific needs upon request. We are happy to accompany our guests to beautiful nearby sites that are worth a visit (ie: Morcicchia Castle, San Felice Abbey, centuries-old Macciano olive tree).

The basilica of St. Francis, completed in 1235, stands on Paradise Hill, from which it dominates the surrounding landscape. Its imposing Gothic-style figure houses the works of some of Italy's greatest painters. Cimabue, Martini, Lorenzetti and Giotto, to name a few, have enriched this place and told the story of St. Francis through their works. This one is more slender, and much light filters through the colorful, historiated stained-glass windows. The contrast with the previous spaces is great and moves from the recollection of faith to the joy and splendor of God's glory. The play of colored light is interwoven with the frescoes that tell the story of the life of St. Francis created by Giotto. All this beauty is narrated and made even more fascinating and understandable by the guide who passionately accompanies the discovery of this authentic gem. The tour ends at the Upper Basilica, in the heart of Assisi. It is then possible to continue visiting the city independently, venturing through its streets and discovering its origins and most significant monuments.

Escape the hustle and bustle of Rome for the day on a full-day tour of Umbria, one of the most picturesque regions of Italy. Rich in vineyards, olive trees, and hill-top villages, the most famous site in the region is the UNESCO World Heritage town of Assisi. Upon arrival at this mystical place, learn about Saint Francis as you wander within the ancient walls. Built on the green slopes of Mount Subasio, the colorful houses of ink stone. narrow streets, flower decked balconies, and noble palaces provide beautiful views. A highlight of your time in Assisi will be a visit to the Basilica of St. Francis to see Renaissance masterpieces by Giotto and Cimabue. After lunch, continue to Orvieto to admire the magnificence of its cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture with a glistening façade of stained glass, mosaics, and sculptures. Soak up Orvieto’s charms, and marvel at the countless churches scattered around its historic center. Transfer back to Rome for a hotel drop off in the early evening.