HistoricalCultureHiking

Assisi & Perugia Day Trip from Florence with St. Francis Basilica

4.2(327 reviews)Florence, Italy
11hDurationEnglish, SpanishOffered inMobile ticketTicketNot includedPickupEasyLevel

About this experience

Travel from Florence to the medieval city of Perugia and the town of Assisi, located at the base of Mount Subasio. This day trip includes exploration of both locations, focusing on art, history, and nature. In Perugia, you will walk through its historic streets, with free time to visit the Duomo and other landmarks in the city center. Following this, the trip moves to Assisi, where a local guide provides a tour that includes the St. Francis Basilica, known for Giotto’s frescoes. You will also have time to explore Assisi independently, with options to visit the Basilica of Saint Clare and the tomb of Blessed Carlo Acutis. This experience suits those interested in a mix of guided tours and personal exploration.

Itinerary

1

Florence

This tour is perfect for those of you looking for a unique, meaningful, and truly unforgettable day! Meet your friendly and history-loving tour guide at Piazzale Montelungo Bus Terminal. Piazzale Montelungo is located 5-10 minutes walking distance from Santa Maria Novella train station. Find your seat on the comfortable coach bus, and you will depart shortly! During your journey south towards Assisi, your guide will share some interesting information about this gorgeous, hilltop town. The drive will take about 1.5 hours.

2

Perugia

Let’s head to the heart of Italy and discover Umbria, often described—together with Tuscany—as the country’s “green heart”, thanks to its rolling hills, medieval towns, and breathtaking landscapes. In the morning, you will board a comfortable, air-conditioned coach and begin your journey accompanied by an expert tour leader, who will assist you throughout the entire day and ensure a smooth, enjoyable experience as you explore Perugia and Assisi.

3

Duomo

Perugia, the regional capital of Umbria, is a charming hilltop city rich in history, art, and lively traditions. During your free time, you’ll have the opportunity to explore its most iconic landmarks at your own pace, such as Piazza IV Novembre, with its stunning Fontana Maggiore, the impressive Perugia Cathedral, and the fascinating Rocca Paolina, an underground fortress offering a unique glimpse into the city’s past. Stroll through medieval streets, enjoy the local atmosphere, and soak in the authentic Umbrian charm.

4

Eurochocolate Official Store

Perugia is also internationally famous for its chocolate and is home to Eurochocolate, Europe’s most important chocolate festival. You can choose to enhance your experience with an optional chocolate tasting at an Eurochocolate Shop, where you’ll discover the history of Perugian chocolate and sample some of its most renowned creations.

5

Assisi

Next, you will cross the regional border into Umbria, heading to the mesmerizing town of Assisi. Filled with white buildings and incredible churches, the town also naturally overlooks the green, beautiful valley below. Assisi is known as one of the most sacred places in Italy, as it is the home of Saint Francis and Saint Clare. Before learning more and discovering the city, you will have an hour of free time to indulge in a delicious lunch wherever you would prefer. Assisi is known for its fragrant truffle pastas, hearty vegetable soups, herbed meats, and nut and dried fruit crostini desserts.

6

Assisi

Assisi is one of Umbria’s most enchanting towns. Known as the city of Saints Francis and Clare, Assisi rises on a hill once called the “Hill of Hell” (“Colle dell’Inferno”), formerly a burial ground for condemned criminals. The name later changed to “Hill of Paradise” after the foundation stone of the Basilica of Saint Francis was laid.

7

Basilica Papale e Sacro Convento di San Francesco d'Assisi

An expert local guide will lead you through Assisi’s winding medieval streets, unveiling the secrets of this extraordinary town. You will visit the renowned Basilica of Saint Francis, home to remarkably preserved frescoes by Giotto, Pietro Lorenzetti, Simone Martini, and Cimabue.

8

Basilica di Santa Chiara

After the guided visit, enjoy some free time to shop in local artisan stores or relax in the main square with a coffee. You can also visit on your own the Basilica of Saint Clare, dedicated to Saint Francis’ sister and the tomb of the tomb of Carlo Acutis, the first millennial saint.

9

Santa Maria degli Angeli

After discovering the most of Assisi, you will head about ten minutes away to the nearby Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli. It is located about two and a half miles (four kilometers) from the city center. Your guide will lead you into Santa Maria degli Angeli, but it is actually more famous for another much smaller building inside - “Porziuncola.” This very small, stone chapel once housed Saint Francis and his followers, and it is where he started the Franciscan order. Now, you will see the Porziuncola has been decorated in Gothic style frescoes, glorifying the small building. Enjoy some time to appreciate the beauty and importance of “Porziuncola.”

10

Florence

After a day of fascinating sightseeing, beautiful landscapes, and plenty of photos… It will be time to return to Florence. Hop back onto the comfortable coach bus, and the drive will take about 1.5 hours. You will arrive back in the early evening.

What's included / not included

Guided Tour of Assisi with a Professional Local GuideJourney by fully-fitted GT Coach with air conditioning and free Wi-Fi on BoardChocolate Tasting at a renowned Chocolate Shop in Perugia (if option selected)Free Time in PerugiaFree time to admire Santa Chiara Church and Carlo Acutis' TombEntrance fee to St Francis' Basilica & Santa Maria degli Angeli ChurchExpert Multilingual Tour Leader
Hotel pickup and drop-offFood and drinks

Additional information

Accessibility and comfort

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Good to know

  • Entrance into churches requires a strict dress code. We cannot be held responsible for entry denied due to improper dress. Please make sure your shoulders and knees are covered
  • English and Spanish are always guaranteed. In order to confirm the excursion in Italian, Portuguese or French a minimum of 4 pax is required
  • Please note that the given order of the visits may change
  • May be operated by a multilingual guide

Traveller reviews

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