Culture & History

Explore the birthplace of St. Francis on this private guided walking tour of the historic city, and learn more about one of Italy’s most famous patron saints. Explore the oldest part of the city to admire Roman ruins that have been perfectly integrated into medieval houses, and are still lived in by locals. Go to Assisi Cathedral, dedicated to Rufinus of Assisi, and see the ancient stratifications of the church where Francis was baptized. Following a light lunch (6 hour tour only) made with typical produce from Umbria in a restaurant or wine bar in the Old Town (optional and not included in your tour price), go to the Basilica of Saint Francis, the sumptuously decorated 13th-century double church built in his honor. Your guide will lead you on an interactive and immersive tour of the church and the life of St. Francis, founder of the Franciscan religious order, that will be anything but dry and dusty.

After meeting in the city's main square, you will be welcome to purchase a cup of coffe before heading out for your city walk. Throughout the city walk you will have a professional photo session in various unique places throughout Assisi, with your guide creating a personal photo album for you. Starting from the main square, your guide to tell you the stories that founded the square and the buildings that compose it, such as the ancient temple of Minerva, the Town Hall, and the frescoes. Once finished with the city center your group will decide together where to go and what to do based on your collective interests. Your choices will be the Basilica of St. Francis and the Church of St. Clare, the medieval structures and medieval lifestyles of various structures in the city and La Roca Castle, wonderful views of the city and panoramic views hidden in various alleys throughout the city, and unique off-the-map places in the city.

Over the course of five days, visit the most enchanting locations of Italy, soaking up art, culture, cuisine and the famous Italian romance. Led by a friendly guide, depart from Rome and visit Assisi, Siena, Florence, Pisa, Bologna, Padova, Venice and Montepulciano. See masterpieces from the likes of Michelangelo, Giotto, and Cimabue. Roam ancient cobbled streets, marvel at magnificent cathedrals, and taste delightful wines. This tour aims to inform and entertain you at the same time. Staying in comfy accommodation and traveling by deluxe bus, touring Italy couldn’t be easier. With 4 meals provided for you, plus an excellent itinerary and knowledgeable guides, sit back, relax and "get Italian". Day 1 Depart from Rome at 7:15 AM heading towards Assisi. Explore this tiny town dating back to the Middle Ages. Visit the Basilica of St. Francis and see works by Giotto and Cimabue. Afterwards drive towards Siena, whose highlight is Piazza del Campo. Continue to Florence where you will check in at your hotel before enjoying dinner (included) and a well-deserved night of rest. Day 2: Florence After breakfast, spend the day exploring Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance. Visit the Duomo, the Campanile Tower, Palazzo Vecchio and the Basilica of Santa Croce. Lunch (for free) in a typical Tuscan restaurant in Piazza Santa Croce. In the afternoon, wander the cobbled streets or take a short, optional trip to Pisa where you could enjoy a tour of the Square of Miracles, the Leaning Tower and the Duomo. Dinner is at your leisure. Back in Florence rest in your hotel and recharge your batteries for the next day. Day 3 Depart for Bologna after breakfast in Florence. Wander through the city’s 38 kilometers' worth of elegant arcades, for which it is famous. From Piazza Malpighi, walk to Piazza del Nettuno and Piazza Maggiore in the heart of the city. In the afternoon, continue towards Padova, with its original Sant’Antonio Basilica. Later, you will arrive in Venice, famous for its quaint gondola boats and intricate architecture. Check in at your hotel and enjoy your first Venetian dinner (included) and overnight stay. Day 4: Venice Hit the water and board a private waterbus to enjoy a cruise through the canals of Venice. Stop off at Murano to learn about the ancient art of glass blowing. Continue on to St. Mark’s Square for an exterior visit of the splendid cathedral. See the Doge Palace and the Bridge of Sighs. Enjoy a spritz or Prosecco with your guide to cap off a day of discovery. Spend the afternoon roaming along Venice’s canals at your leisure and then return to the hotel and overnight. Day 5 After breakfast, departure from Piazzale Roma heading to Tuscany, world-known for its landscapes, its churches, castles and its delicious wines. Proceed to Val di Chiana with a stop in Montepulciano, a medieval town rich in history and art. Known for its “Noble” wine, on purchase in local wine houses, Montepulciano also hosts an annual jazz and wine festival every July. Lunch in a typical restaurant included! Spend the afternoon discovering Montepulciano at your own pace, enjoying free wine tastings in many wine shops and free time for shopping. In the evening, you will arrive in Rome, where the tour ends.

Assisi, the birthplace of San Francesco, stands atop of a hill, overlooking a valley covered by vineyards. Enjoy a panoramic guided tour along the winding streets aboard an Ape Calessino, following in San Francesco and Santa Chiara’s footsteps, to discover the historical and artistic treasures of this medieval town. The tour departs from the historical town center or you can enjoy a free pick-up from your hotel aboard a vintage Ape Calessino. The driver will show you St Clare Basilica from the outside and inside, the roman and medieval main square "Piazza del Comune", San Rufino cathedral, medieval Rocca Maggiore with a superb view overlooking the valley and the majestic Saint Francis Basilica.  Also enjoy a free visit of the interior of Basilica of San Francesco d’Assisi where you’ll admire Giotto’s frescoes of the life of San Francesco as you learn about the history of this important spiritual center. English Headsets are included.

Explore the rich culture and history of Assisi, the birthplace of one of Italy's most famous patron saints, Saint Francis, on a guided walking tour. Along your way, marvel at long-standing Roman ruins and admire the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi up close. Walk through the town's oldest quarters, marveling at the ruins of the Roman amphitheater that still stand strong today. These ruins are perfectly integrated between the medieval houses that are still inhabited by locals today. Then, admire the city from a different vantage point from the medieval Rocca Maggiore. Afterwards, stroll through the town to visit the Cathedral of San Rufino. Here, learn about Saint Francis' baptismal in the cathedral and take your time walking under its impressive and historic arches. Next, see the Basilica of Santa Chiara and the Piazza del Comune, which is the main square of the city. Here you can admire the Temple of Minerva, one of the best preserved Roman temples in Italy, surrounded by some impressive medieval government buildings. Finally, walk through the splendid Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi with your guide. Perched atop a hill overlooking the surrounding landscape, the basilica's many archways, open squares, and stunning 13th and 14th-century frescoes will stay imprinted in your mind.

Explore Assisi on a 3-hour 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.

This is a tour for wine lovers who want to taste the features of natural and authentic wines, while trying local fare and enjoying the fresh air on Mount Subasio's slopes. On your guided tour of this family-owned, organic winery, you'll get an inside look at the full production cycle, from vineyards to bottle. Then, you'll taste five different organic wines, each paired with hot bruschetta, a selection of typical Norcia salami and local cheeses with jams and organic balsamic vinegar.  * The pickup and drop-off is not included.

Head out from Florence into the rolling green hills of Tuscany and Umbria to discover the architectural jewels of Assisi and Cortona. Your 11-hour tour begins in Assisi, the home of San Francesco. Your guide will lead you along the narrow, winding streets of the medieval town as you learn about its history. Inside the Basilica of San Francesco d’Assisi you’ll admire Giotto’s frescos of the life of San Francesco and discover why this is such an important pilgrimage site. See the interior of the Basilica of Santa Chiara, dedicated to a follower of San Francesco. Afterwards you’ll have free time for a stroll around this mystical city. Your tour will then continue with a visit to Santa Maria degli Angeli Church, the birthplace of the Franciscan Order. Cross back into Tuscany to the town of Cortona, built by the Etruscans, and noted for its architectural wonders and panoramic views over the surrounding landscape. Cortona is also well known as the setting for the movie, Under the Tuscan Sun.

You will start your visit from the lower floor by entering the tomb of Saint Francis and then you will keep exploring the church in the altar area where the frescoes about the life of Jesus are located. See the friary cloister. The upper church at the end will make you know the life of Saint Francis through the famous cycle of paintings decorating the church’s side walls. The Basilica of Saint Francis is a bilevel 13th century building which preserves the tomb of Saint Francis of Assisi, one of the most beloved saints in the world. This grandiose gorgeously embellished church also preserves frescoes by Cimabue, Giotto, Simone Martini, Pietro Lorenzetti and other well-known medieval painters of Italy. Indeed, it is one of the most focal points of both art and spirituality. This church is a powerful place for believers and art lovers alike.

Explore Assisi on a smartphone tour. Learn about iconic landmarks like the Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi, the Basilica di Santa Chiara, and the castle of Rocca Maggiore. Download the app and start your self-guided adventure. Use the navigation function to easily find sights and photo hotspots. Stroll along planned routes and immerse yourself in the history and culture of this ancient town. View the UNESCO World Heritage site where Saint Francis died at the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi. See where Saint Clare's remains were found at the Basilica di Santa Chiara. Admire the 800-year old stone castle of Rocca Maggiore. Tune in to the audio commentary to hear about tourist attractions. Start or pause your tour whenever you wish. Have the freedom to design your own schedule.