Assisi and St. Francis (Driver Only/Self Touring)

Assisi and St. Francis (Driver Only/Self Touring): An Honest Look at a Private Day Trip

Travelers eager to visit Assisi without the fuss of public transport often turn to private day trips that combine comfort and flexibility. This self-guided experience from Rome offers just that—a chance to explore the birthplace of St. Francis with your own pace, driven by a private driver who takes care of the logistics. Whether you’re passionate about religious history, medieval architecture, or simply want a peaceful escape from Rome’s bustling streets, this tour might be just what you need.

What we like most about this experience? First, the convenience of private transportation that saves hours of train or bus travel. Second, the freedom to explore Assisi at your own pace, making it easier to linger where you want or skip what doesn’t interest you. The only catch? This isn’t a guided tour, so you’ll be relying on your own curiosity and the driver’s brief insights rather than a dedicated guide.

This tour is best suited for travelers who prefer a flexible, intimate experience over large group tours. It’s perfect if you want to savor Assisi without feeling rushed and are comfortable with a little independent planning. Keep in mind, admission tickets and meals are not included, so budget extra time and money if you plan to visit the basilicas or enjoy local food. Overall, it offers a relaxed, authentic way to connect with Assisi’s spiritual and artistic treasures.

Key Points

• Flexibility and Independence: Self-tour Assisi with a private driver, avoiding group schedules.
• Comfortable Transport: Travel in a plush Mercedes Benz with air-conditioning and a professional English-speaking driver.
• Time-Saving Convenience: Skip public transport and enjoy a direct, hassle-free journey from Rome.
• Rich Cultural Stops: Visit iconic sites like the Basilica of St. Francis, San Damiano, and Piazza del Comune.
• Authentic Experience: Explore at your own pace, shop for souvenirs, and dine where locals do.
• Value for Price: For around $811, the private round-trip transport for up to three people offers good value considering the comfort and flexibility.

An In-Depth Look at the Assisi Self-Tour Experience

The Journey Begins: Private Transportation from Rome

We loved the way this tour simplifies travel—no waiting for trains or buses, just a smooth, air-conditioned ride in a Mercedes Benz. Your driver, fluent in English, will pick you up at your Rome hotel, making the start of your day stress-free and personalized. The drive through the rolling hills of Umbria is one of the understated pleasures—expect stunning views of Italy’s countryside, which makes the trip feel a little more special.

The price includes parking fees, fuel, and a dedicated driver who can offer light commentary or simply let you enjoy the scenery. For travelers who dislike the hassle of public transportation or just want maximum comfort, this private transfer makes a significant difference. It turns what might be a stressful morning into a relaxing part of your day.

Assisi’s Historic and Spiritual Stops

First stop: Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli
Positioned just outside Assisi, this basilica is revered as the place of St. Francis’ death. Inside, you’ll find the Capella del Transito, where the saint passed away, and the Porziuncola, a tiny but significant chapel that holds deep meaning for Franciscan followers. The basilica’s Baroque architecture is impressive, but what truly captures attention are the stories and relics associated with Saint Francis himself. As one reviewer shared, Cesar, the driver, provided helpful guidance even without a licensed guide, making the visit easy to understand.

Next: Basilica Papale e Sacro Convento di San Francesco
This is the heart of Assisi, where the stunning frescoes by Cimabue, Giotto, Simone Martini, and Pietro Lorenzetti adorn both the upper and lower basilicas. These murals are masterpieces of late medieval art—vivid, detailed, and evocative. The basilica was constructed just after St. Francis’ canonization in 1228, and its art provides a visual narrative of his life and teachings. You can imagine the devotion that went into creating such works, and the frescoes remain some of Italy’s most revered.

Piazza del Comune
The central square is a lively hub, built over what was once a Roman forum. It’s a perfect spot to soak in the medieval ambiance, people-watch, or grab a quick coffee. Nearby, the church of St Mary Above Minerva adds even more layers of history—what was once a pagan temple dedicated to Minerva was later converted into a Baroque church. The square’s layers of history are tangible, and the lively atmosphere makes it a great place to pause.

Basilica di Santa Chiara
This Gothic church houses the remains of St. Clare, a follower of St. Francis and founder of the Poor Clares. You can see her preserved body, with her face covered in wax—an unusual but powerful sight. The church also contains relics like garments worn by both saints and locks of Clare’s hair cut off when she joined Francis’ movement. The connection to these influential figures adds a personal touch to the spiritual experience.

San Damiano
Just outside town, San Damiano is where Saint Francis received his calling—“Rebuild My Church”—and where St. Clare died. The humble architecture of this convent hints at the simplicity that defined Franciscan life. The site provides insight into the origins of the Franciscan movement and offers a peaceful moment away from the crowds.

The Flexibility of Self-Guided Exploration

Without a guide, you can choose how long to linger at each site, whether to focus on the art, the architecture, or the spiritual atmosphere. You might spend extra time admiring the frescoes, or decide to climb the hill for a panoramic view of Assisi’s rooftops and surrounding hills. The itinerary allows for personalized focus, which many travelers find more meaningful than a rushed group tour.

The Value and Practicalities

This tour’s cost of roughly $811 covers private transportation for up to three people, including the driver, bottled water, parking, and fuel. Since admission tickets and meals aren’t included, you’ll want to budget extra for entry fees—most of the sites are free, but some, like the basilicas, may have optional donations or small fees for certain areas.

The reviewer’s comment about the driver’s punctuality and helpfulness underlines how important good local transportation is when visiting a place like Assisi. The driver’s knowledge and friendly attitude enhance the experience, making it more comfortable and informative than just self-driving or relying on public transit.

Considerations and Who It’s Best For

While this experience offers excellent flexibility and comfort, it’s not a guided tour with detailed commentary. If you’re eager for in-depth historical or artistic explanations, you might want to consider supplementing this trip with a guide or audio guide. Also, since admission tickets aren’t included, some planning is required if you want to enter specific sites.

This tour is ideal for travelers who value privacy, independence, and a relaxed pace. It suits those who have a limited time in Italy but want to maximize their experience without feeling rushed. Perfect for couples, small groups, or solo travelers who appreciate a bit of luxury and personal attention.

The Sum Up: Who Is This Tour Perfect For?

If you prefer the comfort of a private vehicle and the freedom to explore at your own pace, this Assisi and St. Francis trip delivers. It’s especially suited for travelers who want to blend sightseeing with a sense of personal discovery, rather than following a large tour group. The scenic drive, combined with visits to iconic religious sites, offers a meaningful connection to Assisi’s spiritual legacy without the pressure of a guided tour.

Cost-conscious travelers might consider whether the price reflects the convenience and comfort, but for those valuing a hassle-free experience that includes luxury transportation, this is a solid option. It’s a flexible, intimate way to connect with Italy’s medieval and religious heritage—perfect for those seeking authenticity, comfort, and a taste of Assisi’s tranquil beauty.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the price?
Yes, the price covers private round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned Mercedes Benz vehicle, with a professional English-speaking driver.

Can I visit Assisi on my own without a guide?
Absolutely. This tour is designed for self-touring, meaning you’ll have the freedom to explore each site at your own pace without a guide.

Are admission tickets to the basilicas included?
No, admission tickets and entry fees are not included. Most sites are free, but you might want to allocate some extra funds for special areas or donations.

How long do I spend at each site?
The itinerary includes roughly 30 minutes at Santa Maria degli Angeli, 1.5 hours at St. Francis Basilica, 1.5 hours in Piazza del Comune, 30 minutes at Santa Chiara, and 30 minutes at San Damiano. You can adjust your time based on your interests.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes for walking, a bottle of water, and a camera. If you plan to visit specific sites, check if any fees or restrictions apply.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the tour is flexible, it’s best suited for older children or teenagers interested in history and art. The sites are largely outdoor or involve walking through religious spaces.

How do I confirm and cancel?
You receive confirmation within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the tour, making it flexible should your plans change.

Can I customize this experience?
Since it’s a private, self-guided tour, you can choose to spend more or less time at each site or skip some altogether if you prefer. Just communicate your preferences with your driver.

This private Assisi day trip offers a wonderfully relaxed way to connect with St. Francis’ hometown, combining comfort, flexibility, and authentic sights. Whether you’re a devout pilgrim or simply a lover of Italy’s medieval charm, it’s a trip that balances ease with a touch of personal discovery.