Assisi: Full-Day Tour Including St. Francis Basilica

Assisi, the picturesque Italian town, is a must-visit destination for those seeking a deeper understanding of Franciscan history and spirituality. The full-day tour offers an immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore the renowned St. Francis Basilica, with its stunning 13th-14th century frescoes, and uncover the serene beauty of other significant Franciscan sites. Whether you’re a history buff, art enthusiast, or simply seeking a moment of reflection, this comprehensive tour promises to captivate and leave you eager to discover more about Assisi‘s rich cultural and religious legacy.

Key Points

• The tour covers key religious and historical sites in Assisi, including the St. Francis Basilica with its 13th-14th century frescoes.
• Visitors can explore Piazza del Comune with Minerva’s Temple and the well-preserved Roman amphitheater, as well as St. Rufino’s Cathedral and St. Clare’s Basilica.
• The afternoon tour includes visits to the Eremo delle Carceri, a 15th century Franciscan friary, and the Sanctuary of St. Damiano, the site of Francis’ spiritual awakening.
• The tour includes a professional guide for 3 hours in the morning and 3 hours in the afternoon, with transport by air-conditioned minivan for the afternoon tour.
• Entrance fees of €2.50 per person are included, and appropriate dress is required for entry to churches and selected museums.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This full-day tour of Assisi covers the city’s key religious and historical sites, including the renowned St. Francis Basilica. The tour lasts 6 hours and starts at the Piazza Inferiore di S. Francesco, 2.

Highlights include visiting the 13th-14th century frescoes inside the St. Francis Basilica, seeing Minerva’s Temple and the Roman amphitheater in Piazza del Comune, and exploring St. Rufino’s Cathedral and St. Clare’s Basilica.

In the afternoon, the tour continues to the Eremo delle Carceri, a 15th century Franciscan friary, the Sanctuary of St. Damiano, and the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels with the Porziuncola chapel.

A professional guide accompanies the tour, and transportation by air-conditioned minivan is provided for the afternoon portion.

Key Highlights

On this tour, visitors can marvel at the intricate 13th-14th century frescoes adorning the interior of the iconic St. Francis Basilica.

Nearby, they’ll find the ancient Minerva’s Temple and the well-preserved Roman amphitheater in Piazza del Comune.

The tour also explores the grandeur of St. Rufino’s Cathedral and the serene St. Clare’s Basilica.

In the afternoon, the tour takes guests to the Eremo delle Carceri, a 15th century Franciscan friary, and the Sanctuary of St. Damiano, the site of Francis’ spiritual awakening.

The final stop is the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels and the Porziuncola chapel, both deeply significant to the Franciscan tradition.

Afternoon Tour

The afternoon tour starts with a visit to the Eremo delle Carceri, a 15th century Franciscan friary nestled in the Umbrian hills. Explore the Sanctuary of St. Damiano, the site of Francis’ spiritual awakening. The final stop is the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels and the Porziuncola chapel, a small church within the larger basilica. This afternoon tour provides a deeper dive into the religious and historical significance of Assisi.

Destination	Duration	Highlights
Eremo delle Carceri	60 minutes	15th century Franciscan friary
Sanctuary of St. Damiano	45 minutes	Site of Francis’ spiritual awakening
Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels	60 minutes	Porziuncola chapel
Porziuncola chapel	30 minutes	Small church within the larger basilica

Inclusions

The tour includes a professional guide for 3 hours in the morning and 3 hours in the afternoon, as well as transport by air-conditioned minivan for the afternoon tour. Entrance fees of €2.50 per person are also covered.

The inclusions of this tour ensure a comprehensive and hassle-free experience for visitors:

• A knowledgeable guide provides insights into Assisi’s rich history and cultural heritage.
• Comfortable transportation allows for easy exploration of the afternoon sites.
• Prepaid entrance fees streamline the visiting process.

The well-rounded itinerary covers the key highlights of Assisi, allowing travelers to make the most of their time.

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Additional Information

Appropriate dress is required for entry to churches and selected museums on this tour. This means visitors must cover their shoulders and knees.

The tour doesn’t allow guided tours inside St. Francis Basilica on Sundays, big Catholic holidays, and national holidays. These restrictions are in place to respect the sacred nature of the spaces. Nonetheless, travelers will still be able to explore the stunning 13th-14th century frescoes and other highlights of the basilica.

The tour also visits other important Assisi sites like Minerva’s Temple, the Roman amphitheater, St. Rufino’s Cathedral, and St. Clare’s Basilica.

Visit St. Francis Basilica

Visitors can’t miss the towering Basilica of St. Francis, a 13th-14th century masterpiece that houses remarkable frescoes painted by renowned artists like Cimabue and Giotto. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the heart of Assisi, offering a glimpse into the life and legacy of St. Francis.

Inside, guests can admire:

• The Upper Basilica’s stunning Gothic architecture and vivid depictions of St. Francis’ life
• The Lower Basilica’s Romanesque style and Giotto’s captivating frescoes
• The Crypt, where St. Francis’ remains are interred, in a serene and solemn setting

The Sacro Convento, a Franciscan friary, is home to a vast collection of priceless artworks and manuscripts.

Explore Piazza Del Comune

Piazza del Comune, Assisi’s iconic central square, showcases the town’s Roman heritage with Minerva’s Temple and a well-preserved ancient amphitheater, offering visitors a glimpse into the city’s storied past.

The temple, dating back to the 1st century BC, stands as a testament to Assisi’s rich history, while the amphitheater, which could once seat up to 10,000 people, provides a captivating backdrop for the surrounding medieval buildings.

As you stroll through the piazza, you’ll be struck by the harmonious blend of ancient and modern elements, creating an atmosphere that perfectly encapsulates Assisi’s unique character and charm. This vibrant public space is a must-visit for any traveler exploring the history and culture of this enchanting Italian town.

Tour Franciscan Sites

The tour also takes visitors to explore the Franciscan sites associated with St. Francis, the revered patron saint of Assisi.

First, they’ll visit the Eremo delle Carceri, a 15th century Franciscan friary nestled in the woods above the city, where St. Francis and his followers sought solitude and reflection.

The tour then moves to the Sanctuary of St. Damiano, the site of Francis’ spiritual awakening.

Next, they’ll explore the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels and the Porziuncola chapel, a small church that holds deep significance in the Franciscan tradition.

These Franciscan sites offer a window into the life and legacy of St. Francis, inspiring visitors with his devotion and humility.

• Eremo delle Carceri: A sanctuary for solitude and reflection
• Sanctuary of St. Damiano: The site of Francis’ spiritual transformation
• Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels: A testament to Franciscan faith
• Porziuncola chapel: A sacred space in the Franciscan tradition

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour may not be entirely suitable for children. It involves extensive walking, strict dress codes for churches, and guided tours inside St. Francis Basilica are not allowed on certain days, which could make it challenging for families with young kids.

Can We Take Photos Inside the Basilicas?

Photos are generally allowed inside the basilicas, but visitors should be respectful and avoid using flash. Some restrictions may apply on certain holidays or special occasions, so it’s best to check with the guide or staff beforehand.

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

There is a dress code for the tour. Appropriate attire, such as modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees, is required for entry into the churches and selected museums on the itinerary.

Is There a Wheelchair-Accessible Option?

The tour offers a wheelchair-accessible option for the afternoon portion, including transport by air-conditioned minivan. However, the St. Francis Basilica and some other sites may not be fully accessible. Visitors should inquire about accessibility when booking.

Are There Any Discounts for Students or Seniors?

The tour provider offers discounted prices for students and seniors. Students with valid ID receive a 10% discount, while seniors aged 65+ receive a 15% discount on the tour price. These discounts are available at the time of booking.

Recap

This full-day tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Assisi’s religious and historical highlights.

Visitors can admire the stunning frescoes of St. Francis Basilica, stroll through the Piazza del Comune, and discover the Franciscan legacy at various sites.

The tour provides a deeper immersion into Assisi’s rich heritage, making it an ideal choice for those seeking to experience the town’s spiritual and cultural significance.

You can check availability for your dates here: