Assisi and Spello Full-Day Sightseeing Tour

Assisi and Spello – two gems of Umbria – await the curious traveler. This full-day sightseeing tour offers an immersive experience, from the spiritual grandeur of Assisi’s Basilica of Saint Francis to the charming medieval town of Spello. Explore Umbria’s rolling landscapes, olive groves, and vineyards as you uncover the region’s centuries-old heritage. Whether you’re drawn to Assisi’s religious sites or captivated by Spello’s Baroque splendor, this tour promises an unforgettable journey through the heart of Italy. Discover why Assisi and Spello continue to captivate visitors from around the world.

Key Points

• Visit the iconic Basilica of Saint Francis, the birthplace of the patron saint of Italy and a renowned Franciscan landmark.
• Explore the Basilica of Santa Chiara, the final resting place of Saint Clare and an important Franciscan convent.
• Discover the tranquil Eremo delle Carceri, where Saint Francis found solace and inspiration amidst the serene surroundings of Mount Subasio.
• Tour the Basilica of Santa Maria Degli Angeli, which houses the sacred Porziuncola chapel and the Rose Garden where Saint Francis received the stigmata.
• Immerse in the picturesque medieval town of Spello, surrounded by Umbria’s rolling hills, olive groves, and vineyards, offering a glimpse into the region’s natural beauty.

Exploring the Holy Shrines of Assisi

On this tour, visitors will explore the holy shrines that made Assisi famous as the birthplace of Saint Francis, the patron saint of Italy.

They’ll start at the Basilica of Saint Francis, the principal Franciscan church, and marvel at its stunning Romanesque and Gothic architecture.

Next, they’ll visit the Basilica of Santa Chiara, home to the remains of Saint Claire, the founder of the Order of Poor Ladies.

The tour will also take them to the Eremo delle Carceri, a hermitage tucked away in the slopes of Mount Subasio, where Saint Francis found solace and inspiration.

Throughout the journey, travelers will gain a deeper understanding of the rich religious heritage that defines this enchanting town.

Basilica of Santa Maria Degli Angeli

The Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli is a vast Baroque church that houses the Porziuncola, a small chapel where Saint Francis of Assisi founded the Franciscan order in the early 13th century.

Visitors can explore this sacred site and learn about the humble origins of one of the most influential religious movements in history. Inside the basilica, they’ll find the Porziuncola chapel, preserved within a larger structure to protect it.

Travelers can also visit the Rose Garden, where Saint Francis is said to have received the stigmata. With its grand architectural design and deep spiritual significance, the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli is a must-see for anyone exploring the holy sites of Assisi.

The Story of Saint Claire

Saint Clare, a close friend and spiritual companion of Saint Francis, founded the Order of Poor Ladies – a religious community for women that embraced a life of poverty, contemplation, and service.

Born into a wealthy family, Clare renounced her privileged life to follow Francis’ vision, taking vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience.

She established the first Franciscan convent at San Damiano and led the community through decades of hardship and adversity. Her steadfast faith and commitment to the Franciscan ideals inspired many women to join her order, which later became known as the Order of Saint Clare or the Poor Clares.

Today, visitors can explore the story of Saint Clare and the impact of her religious community on the history of Assisi.

Carceri Hermitage and Its Panoramic Views

Perched atop the slopes of Mount Subasio, the Eremo delle Carceri (Carceri Hermitage) offers visitors a chance to enjoy the tranquil solitude that inspired Saint Francis of Assisi centuries ago. The hermitage features a series of small cells and chapels, where the saint and his followers would retreat for prayer and contemplation. As visitors climb the winding path to the hermitage, they’re rewarded with panoramic vistas of Umbria’s rolling hills and verdant landscapes. This peaceful oasis provides a unique opportunity to connect with the spiritual legacy of Assisi and gain a deeper appreciation for the natural beauty that captivated Saint Francis.

Views	Atmosphere	Significance
Sweeping vistas of Umbria’s countryside	Serene, contemplative, spiritual	Retreat where Saint Francis found inspiration
Picturesque landscapes of rolling hills	Quiet, secluded, meditative	Insights into the life and times of the saint
Breathtaking panoramas from the hermitage	Peaceful, reflective, historic	Connection to Assisi’s rich religious heritage
Stunning natural scenery surrounding the site	Contemplative, sacred, inspiring	Opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Saint Francis

Discovering Umbria’s Landscape in Spello

After exploring the peaceful solitude of Carceri Hermitage, the tour now ventures into the charming town of Spello, where visitors can discover Umbria’s stunning landscape.

Nestled amidst the rolling hills, Spello offers panoramic vistas that showcase the region’s natural beauty and provide a breathtaking backdrop for the town’s well-preserved medieval architecture.

From the hilltop, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of the surrounding countryside, dotted with olive groves, vineyards, and ancient stone farmhouses.

The tour invites you to take in this picturesque scene, allowing you to fully learn about the beauty of Umbria’s pastoral setting.

Don’t miss the chance to capture the essence of this enchanting region.

Included Hotel Transfers and Parking Fees

Complementing the tour’s immersive experience, the package includes hotel transfers within a 40-kilometer radius and covers all parking fees, allowing participants to seamlessly navigate the itinerary without additional costs.

This thoughtful inclusion ensures travellers can focus on the cultural and historical highlights without the hassle of logistics. The hotel transfers make it easy to get to and from the tour starting point, while the covered parking fees eliminate the need to worry about finding and paying for a spot.

This holistic approach to the tour experience underscores the organizers’ commitment to providing a stress-free and enjoyable adventure for all participants.

Entrance Fees and Exclusions

Along With the included hotel transfers and parking fees, the tour package also covers all necessary entrance fees, ensuring participants can fully enjoy the historical and cultural sites without additional out-of-pocket costs.

The entrance fees allow access to key highlights such as:

1. The Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli, the iconic church that houses the Porziuncola, the small chapel where Saint Francis lived and died.
2. The Eremo delle Carceri, the hermitage where Saint Francis and his followers sought solitude and spiritual enlightenment.
3. The Basilica of St. Clare, the final resting place of Saint Clare and an important site for the Order of Poor Ladies she founded.

While the entrance fees are covered, the tour doesn’t include food, drinks, or tips, which you will need to budget for separately.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

This tour offers flexible booking and cancellation policies to accommodate travelers’ needs. Guests can reserve their spot and pay later, and they’re entitled to a full refund if they cancel up to 24 hours prior to the tour’s start time.

This makes it easy to plan and secure a spot without the worry of unexpected changes in plans. The free cancellation policy provides peace of mind, allowing travelers to book with confidence.

Whether you’re finalizing your itinerary or need to adjust your plans, the booking and cancellation terms make it simple to ensure you can make the most of your visit to Assisi and Spello.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Travelers can bring their own food and drinks on the tour, as the inclusions don’t cover these items. However, it’s recommended to check with the tour operator about any restrictions or recommendations regarding outside food and beverages.

Is the Tour Suitable for People With Mobility Issues?

The tour may not be suitable for those with significant mobility issues, as it involves climbing hills and navigating uneven terrain. However, the tour operator can likely accommodate guests with minor mobility concerns – it’s best to inquire about accessibility when booking.

Can I Customize the Tour to Suit My Preferences?

Customers can typically customize tours to suit their preferences. The tour operator may be able to adjust the itinerary, duration, or inclusions based on the customer’s needs and interests. It’s best to discuss any customization requests directly with the tour provider.

Is There a Discount for Group Bookings?

The tour provider may offer group discounts, though the specifics aren’t provided. Inquiring about group pricing options when booking could result in potential savings, especially for larger party sizes. The best way to determine availability and pricing is to contact the tour operator directly.

What if I Need to Change the Tour Date?

If you need to change the tour date, the operator offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. You can then rebook for a different date without any penalties or fees.

Recap

The Assisi and Spello Full-Day Sightseeing Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Assisi’s spiritual heritage and Umbria’s picturesque landscapes.

Visitors can experience the grandeur of the Basilica of Saint Francis, the serene Eremo delle Carceri, and the Baroque splendor of the Basilica of Santa Maria Degli Angeli, as well as the charming medieval town of Spello.

This tour provides an immersive encounter with Assisi’s renowned religious sites and the natural beauty that characterizes the region.