Assisi: the Three Major Basilicas. St. Francis, St. Clare and Porziuncola chapel

Discover Assisi’s Iconic Basilicas on a 2.5-Hour Private Tour

This private tour in Assisi offers a focused journey through the town’s most celebrated religious sites for $183.80 per person, lasting approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. Led by an official guide, the experience covers three major basilicas and the Porziuncola chapel, providing an engaging and informative way to understand the spiritual and artistic significance of these landmarks. With round-trip transfer included, visitors can avoid hassle and maximize their sightseeing time.

Highly rated with a perfect 5.0-star rating from 24 reviews, this tour is praised for its knowledgeable guides and personalized pace. It’s an ideal choice for those who want an in-depth, yet relaxed exploration of Assisi’s religious heritage, especially since it limits the group size to no more than 15 people and offers group discounts. One notable feature is the flexible itinerary, allowing the guide to tailor the visit to the interests of the group, which ensures a comfortable and meaningful experience.

Key Points

• Private guided tour of Assisi’s three major basilicas and Porziuncola chapel
• Includes transportation between sites, with round-trip transfer from the historic center
• Expert guides provide detailed explanations of art, architecture, and saint stories
• Ticket prices included, so no additional costs for entrances
• Tour duration of about 2 hours 30 minutes, allowing for a relaxed pace
• Suitable for most travelers, with confirmation received immediately and dress code requirements for places of worship

Start at Basilica di Santa Chiara with Its Unique Pink Stone

The tour begins in front of the Basilica di Santa Chiara, built with the pink stone extracted from the quarry of the Subasio mountain. Inside, visitors admire frescos dating from the 12th to 14th centuries, which showcase religious art from that period. The church’s architecture highlights Assisi’s medieval style, and the Crucifix in the chapel on the right holds traditional significance, believed to have inspired St. Francis during a pivotal moment.

The 10-minute stop at Santa Chiara allows for appreciation of its historical artworks and architecture, setting the tone for the spiritual journey ahead. The included taxi transfer takes visitors from Santa Chiara to the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels in the valley below, offering a convenient way to visit this grand structure.

Exploring the Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli

Built on a grand scale, the Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli is recognized as the seventh largest Christian church globally. Despite its size, the church’s architecture maintains a sense of simplicity aligned with St. Francis’ teachings, though the structure’s impressive scale responds to the needs of large pilgrim groups.

This stop lasts about 40 minutes, giving ample time to admire its majestic interior. The basilica houses the Porziuncola chapel, the birthplace of the Franciscan movement, which remains a focal point for pilgrims. This visit is particularly meaningful given the basilica’s role in Franciscan tradition, despite its contrasting grandeur.

The Magnificent Basilica of St. Francis

The main highlight of the tour is the Basilica of Saint Francis, the mother church of the Franciscan order. With world-famous 13th-14th century frescoes by leading Italian painters, including Giotto, this basilica offers an extraordinary glimpse into medieval religious art. The artwork vividly depicts scenes from the life of St. Francis and enhances understanding of his influence.

A 25-minute visit here allows for close examination of the frescoes and appreciation of the architectural majesty of this UNESCO World Heritage site. The basilica’s significance as a place of worship, art, and history makes it a centerpiece of Assisi’s religious landscape.

Visiting the Basilica di Santa Chiara in Detail

The Basilica di Santa Chiara continues the theme of artistic and religious importance. Its pink stone construction and precious frescos span from the 12th to 14th centuries. Inside, the church features a unique nave with the Crucifix that, according to tradition, called St. Francis to rebuild the church.

Spending about 30 minutes at Santa Chiara offers an opportunity to understand her role as a founder of the Clarissan order and to appreciate the artistic heritage preserved within. The guide explains the significance of the frescoes and the church’s historical context, making this stop both educational and inspiring.

The Church of the Transito and Its Connection to St. Francis

The Porziuncola chapel, located within the basilica complex of Santa Maria degli Angeli, is an intimate site where St. Francis founded his order. The Cappella del Transito is also part of this stop, emphasizing its importance in Franciscan history.

This segment of the tour, lasting about 40 minutes, includes a personal moment for prayer and reflection. The included transfer makes moving between sites seamless, so visitors can focus on appreciating the spiritual and historical layers of this small but significant chapel.

Detailed Visit to the Basilica Papale e Sacro Convento di San Francesco

The Basilica Papale e Sacro Convento in Assisi forms the tour’s grand finale. This mother church hosts some of Italy’s greatest artworks and is integral to Franciscan tradition. The 25-minute visit allows exploration of the artistic masterpieces and the architecture that make this basilica a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Inside, visitors can admire the frescoes that portray the life of St. Francis and learn about the basilica’s role as a religious hub. The guided narration offers insights into both the art and the life of one of Italy’s most loved saints.

Practical Details and Convenience

This tour includes round-trip transfer from Assisi’s historic center, making it easy to visit multiple sites without worrying about logistics. The official guide ensures a personalized experience, with options to customize the itinerary to accommodate individual interests or pace.

With entry tickets included, there are no extra charges, and group discounts are available for larger parties. The maximum group size of 15 travelers keeps the experience intimate and engaging, while confirmation is immediate upon booking.

Dress code requirements apply for places of worship, with knees and shoulders covered for both men and women. The tour operates most days, but guided access inside the Basilica of St. Francis is not available on Sundays and major Catholic or national holidays—visitors are guided around this restriction and can enter the basilica quietly on their own.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This private tour appeals most to those with a keen interest in art, architecture, and religious history. The guides’ expertise and ability to tailor the experience make it suitable for travelers who appreciate a relaxed pace and detailed explanations. It is particularly well-suited for those who want a rundown of Assisi’s spiritual landmarks without the hassle of navigating independently.

The small group size and personalized approach ensure a comfortable and enriching visit, perfect for history buffs, art lovers, and pilgrims alike.

Assisi’s Top Religious and Artistic Highlights in One Tour

This assiduously curated tour offers a compelling way to see Assisi’s most important basilicas in just a few hours. From the elegant Santa Chiara to the majestic Basilica of Saint Francis, each site reveals unique aspects of Italy’s religious and artistic heritage. The inclusion of Porziuncola adds a layer of spiritual significance, connecting visitors directly to St. Francis’ legacy.

The expert guides make complex stories accessible, and the inclusive logistics help visitors avoid common logistical challenges. Whether you are fascinated by medieval frescoes, church architecture, or saint stories, this tour provides a well-rounded and memorable experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, but be prepared for some walking and staircases within the basilicas.

Are tickets included?
Yes, all entry tickets to the basilicas and Porziuncola are included in the price.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, the guide can tailor the visit to your interests and pace.

What is the meeting point?
The tour starts in front of the Basilica di Santa Chiara at P.za Santa Chiara, 1, Assisi.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, round-trip taxi transfers are included between the sites and from the historic center.

What should I wear?
A dress code requires knees and shoulders to be covered when entering places of worship.

Are there any days when the basilicas are closed to guided tours?
Yes, on Sundays and major Catholic or national holidays, guided tours inside the Basilica of St. Francis are not permitted.

What is the group size?
The tour operates with a maximum of 15 travelers for a more personalized experience.

Can I cancel if needed?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start.