Full Day Private Guided Tour to Assisi and Cortona from Florence

Introduction

If you’re looking for a way to explore two of Italy’s most captivating hill towns without the hassle of navigating public transport, this Full Day Private Guided Tour to Assisi and Cortona from Florence offers a compelling option. It promises a seamless, personalized experience that takes you beyond the usual tourist spots, with the comfort of your own private vehicle and expert guide.

What we love about this tour is how it balances guided insights with free time, allowing you to absorb the magic of each place at your own pace. Plus, the added convenience of pickup from your Florence accommodation means fewer logistical headaches and more time to enjoy the scenery. One potential consideration is that on Sundays, the Basilica of San Francesco is closed, so plan your visit accordingly. This tour is ideal for travelers who appreciate history, art, and authentic Italian towns without being stuck in a large group.

This tour suits those who want a personalized, flexible itinerary, and who value the comfort of private transportation while exploring Italy’s cultural jewels. It’s perfect for couples, families, or small groups eager to discover Assisi’s spiritual atmosphere and Cortona’s rustic beauty.

Key Points

• Private, customizable experience offers flexibility and personalized attention.
• Visit Assisi’s renowned Basilica of San Francesco (except Sundays) with a guided tour.
• Enjoy free time in Assisi and Cortona to explore at your own pace.
• Comfortable, air-conditioned transport ensures a relaxed journey.
• Includes scenic stops like Passignano sul Trasimeno, a charming lakeside town.
• No large crowds—only your private group gets to experience this itinerary.

An In-Depth Look at the Itinerary and Experience

Starting from Florence: Convenience and Comfort

Your day begins with a pickup from your Florence hotel or designated meeting point at Piazza dei Cavalleggeri around 9:00 am. From there, your private driver takes the wheel in a spacious, air-conditioned minivan—a significant plus, especially during hot summer days. This personalized setup means no waiting for group departures or dealing with crowded buses, giving you the freedom to customize your timing and stops.

Passignano sul Trasimeno: A Lakeside Charm

The first stop, Passignano sul Trasimeno, is a quick 30-minute walk from the van. This small town is perched on the northern edge of Lake Trasimeno and offers a picturesque setting with narrow cobbled streets, a medieval fortress, and waterfront cafes. Here, you’ll get a taste of real Italian lakeside life—relaxed, scenic, and rich in history.

This stop is perfect for a brief stretch, some photos, and maybe a cappuccino or gelato. It’s a peaceful introduction to the day, especially if you’re craving a slower pace before heading inland to Assisi.

Assisi: The Heart of Franciscan Heritage

Next, you arrive in Assisi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its ties to Saint Francis. The highlight is the Basilica of San Francesco, where a guided tour (about an hour) reveals stunning frescoes by Giotto and Cimabue, along with the basilica’s intricate medieval architecture. However, it’s important to note that this basilica is closed on Sundays, so if you’re visiting on that day, your guide will suggest alternative sites or simply focus on other aspects of Assisi.

After the guided tour, you’ll enjoy about an hour of free time to wander Assisi’s winding streets. You might explore more churches, browse artisan shops, or just soak up the peaceful, spiritual atmosphere. Many visitors comment on how Assisi feels like stepping into a living museum, full of history and charm.

Scenic Drive to Cortona

From Assisi, the journey continues southward into Tuscany, with your driver guiding you over rolling hills and lush landscapes. Cortona, known for its Etruscan roots and Renaissance architecture, is a hilltop town with sweeping views over the Val di Chiana.

You’ll have around two hours to explore Cortona at your own pace. Wander its narrow streets, admire the medieval walls, and maybe visit a local church or two—there’s no guided tour during this free period, giving you the freedom to choose your own adventure. Many visitors are drawn to Cortona’s rustic charm, its pottery shops, and the vibrant piazzas that seem to whisper stories of centuries past.

Returning to Florence

After a relaxed two hours, your private driver will bring you back to Florence, arriving at your original pickup point in the late afternoon. The entire day spans roughly 10 hours, making it a full but manageable experience that packs in a lot without feeling rushed.

The Transport: Why It Matters

Having your own private vehicle means you control your schedule and comfort. The minivan’s air conditioning is a welcome touch, especially when traveling through Italy’s warm summers. This setup also allows for more spontaneous stops or extra time at places you find particularly captivating—something large group tours often can’t accommodate.

What the Reviews Say

Reviews consistently highlight the professionalism and friendliness of the guide and driver. One reviewer described their guide as “everything you might want,” emphasizing how personalized attention made the experience special. Another appreciated the insightful commentary from the guide, which helped deepen their understanding of the sites visited.

The flexibility to enjoy guided tours in Assisi combined with free time in both towns is highly valued, allowing visitors to balance learning with leisure. The scenic stops and excellent recommendations for exploring on your own are also frequently praised.

Analyzing the Value

At $605 per person, this tour may seem a bit steep at first glance. But consider what’s included: private transportation, a professional guide for Assisi, and flexible time in two iconic towns. Avoiding the expense and hassle of train or bus tickets, plus the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off, adds significant value.

This experience is especially highly rated because it offers a personalized and relaxed way to see two culturally rich towns without the constraints of large group tours. If you value comfort, flexibility, and authentic insights, this is a worthwhile investment.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This trip is ideal for those who want a tailored experience, away from crowded tour buses. It’s perfect if you prefer to travel in comfort, enjoy historical and scenic sites at your own pace, and appreciate the added depth that a knowledgeable guide brings. Families, couples, or small groups who want an intimate day exploring Assisi and Cortona will find this tour especially appealing.

However, travelers on a tight schedule or those on a strict budget might want to compare the cost with self-guided options. Also, if visiting on a Sunday, remember that the Basilica of San Francesco is closed, which might influence your plans.

The Sum Up

This private tour from Florence is a wonderful way to see two of Italy’s most captivating towns without the stress of self-driving or crowded groups. It combines the best of guided insights with ample free time, making it well-suited for travelers who want a relaxed, personalized experience. The scenic stops and knowledgeable guides turn a day trip into a memorable journey through the heart of Italy’s cultural and scenic beauty.

For those who cherish authentic towns, stunning views, and the flexibility to explore at their own pace, this tour offers excellent value. Its seamless transportation, thoughtfully curated itinerary, and positive reviews suggest it’s a solid choice for a more meaningful Italian adventure.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and the tour is designed for small groups, making it comfortable for families and seniors alike.

What is included in the price?
The fee covers private transportation in an air-conditioned minivan, an English-speaking driver, a guided tour of Assisi’s Basilica, and free time in both Assisi and Cortona.

Are meals included?
No, lunch and other extras are not included, so you may want to bring snacks or plan to dine during your free time.

What happens if the Basilica of San Francesco is closed on a Sunday?
Your guide will suggest alternative activities or sites in Assisi. The tour still includes the drive, scenic stops, and free time in town.

Can I customize the itinerary?
This is a private tour, so you may discuss with your guide or driver about additional stops or changes, within the tour’s framework.

How long is the total travel time?
The entire tour lasts about 10 hours, with travel time incorporated into the itinerary, including the return to Florence.

Is pickup from my hotel included?
Yes, pickup from centrally located accommodations in Florence is included, making the start seamless.

Do I need to cover my shoulders and knees at the basilica?
Yes, appropriate dress code applies for visiting the Basilica of San Francesco, requiring shoulders and knees to be covered.

What is the typical group size?
Since this is a private tour, only your group will participate, ensuring personalized attention throughout the day.