Full-Day Guided Historical Tour of Cascia and Assisi

Discover the Full-Day Guided Tour of Cascia and Assisi

This full-day guided tour offers a meaningful journey through Italy’s religious landmarks, focusing on the lives of St. Rita da Cascia and St. Francis of Assisi. Priced at $462.73 per person, it departs early from Rome with a pickup service, making logistics straightforward. The tour spans approximately 12 hours, providing ample time to visit key sites in both Cascia and Assisi, making it ideal for pilgrims and those interested in religious history.

What makes this tour stand out is its small-group format, which helps travelers avoid crowds and enjoy a more intimate experience. With group discounts available and mobile tickets, it caters to those seeking a practical and enriching day out. One notable aspect is the comprehensive itinerary that covers both saintly landmarks and the historic center of Assisi, offering a broad perspective on Italy’s spiritual heritage.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: Around $462.73 per person for a 12-hour guided trip.
• Highlights: Visits to St. Rita’s monastery, Cascia’s basilicas, and Assisi’s basilica of St. Francis.
• Small Group: Limited to 12 travelers for a more personal experience.
• Transportation: Round-trip hotel pickup with air-conditioned minivan transport.
• Includes: Tour escort for the entire day, admission to major sites.
• Extras: Optional additional language service for $30 per person.

Starting the Day with St. Rita’s Monastery in Cascia

The tour begins early at 6:30 am with hotel pickup in Rome. The first stop is the Monastero di Santa Rita da Cascia, where Saint Rita da Cascia spent 40 years as an Augustinian nun. This cloistered monastery is an important religious site, allowing visitors to visit the places where Saint Rita lived and pray near the Solemn Bank. The visit lasts about three hours, and entrance is free, giving ample time for reflection and photos.

This stop offers a look into Rita’s life and faith. The monastery’s atmosphere is peaceful, and the guided commentary helps contextualize her significance in Catholic tradition. Visitors can explore the historic architecture and spiritual spaces associated with her legacy.

Exploring Cascia’s Historic Religious Landmarks

After the monastery, the tour continues with a three-hour exploration of Cascia itself. Key sites include the Basilica of Santa Rita, the Lower Basilica, and the complex of the Sanctuary of Santa Rita. The church of San Francesco is also part of this visit, home to frescoes from the 15th century and the church of Santa Maria della Visitazione, which features a wooden crucifix from the 1400s.

You’ll also see the church of Sant’Antonio Abate, which has undergone Baroque restructuring, and the church of Sant’Agostino, decorated with frescoes from the Umbrian and Perugian schools. Plus, Palazzo Carli, hosting the municipal library, is part of this stop, offering a glimpse of the town’s cultural history. The combination of religious, architectural, and historical features makes Cascia a compelling destination for those interested in Italy’s spiritual and artistic heritage.

Visiting the Basilica Papale and Convent of San Francesco in Assisi

From Cascia, the journey proceeds to Assisi, where the Basilica Papale e Sacro Convento di San Francesco dominates the landscape. This basilica features two superimposed churches—one in Romanesque style and the other in Gothic—connected by their stunning interior decoration. The basilica is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the interior frescoes depict the life of St. Francis, offering a visual narrative of his spiritual journey.

The tour spends about three hours here, allowing visitors to admire the artistic masterpieces and architectural grandeur. The cloisters and chapels within the complex are particularly notable for their medieval craftsmanship. This site provides insight into Franciscan spirituality and Italy’s religious art.

Exploring Assisi’s Historic Center and Landmarks

The final leg of the tour takes in Assisi’s historic downtown for another three hours. Key sites include Basilica di Santa Chiara, Chiesa Nuova, and Cattedrale di San Rufino. Visitors also enjoy walking through La Piazza del Comune, visiting La Rocca Maggiore, and viewing the Roman amphitheater.

This area showcases medieval architecture, churches, and public squares, giving a well-rounded view of Assisi’s historical significance. The vibrant atmosphere, combined with church interiors and panoramic views, creates an engaging conclusion to the day’s spiritual exploration.

Practical Logistics and Group Experience

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring seamless transportation from Rome to each destination. The air-conditioned minivan makes long drives comfortable, and the small group size allows for more personalized attention from the tour escort. Given the limited number of 12 travelers, the experience is more intimate than typical large-group tours.

Travelers can opt for an additional language guide at $30 per person, enhancing understanding for non-native speakers. The meeting point is conveniently located near public transportation, and the flexible cancellation policy offers a full refund if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

Balancing the Experience: Strengths and Considerations

This tour shines in its comprehensive coverage of two key religious sites in Italy, providing a rich itinerary for those interested in Christian saints and historic architecture. The expert guides help deepen understanding of the sites’ significance, and the small group size creates a relaxed atmosphere.

A noteworthy limitation is the early start time at 6:30 am and the long day of sightseeing, which requires good physical stamina. Also, while the sites are free to enter, visitors should be prepared for tourist crowds at certain points despite the small-group format. The additional language service at $30 offers an option for non-English speakers, but it’s an extra cost to consider.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This full-day religious tour offers deep insights into Italy’s spiritual landmarks with a focus on Saint Rita and Saint Francis. It is especially suitable for pilgrims, history enthusiasts, and those wanting a guided experience that covers both the homeland of Saint Rita and Franciscan heritage.

The combination of detailed site visits, small-group intimacy, and round-trip transportation makes it a valuable option for those comfortable with a full day of walking and sightseeing. While it may not be ideal for those seeking a more relaxed pace, it provides a well-organized, informative, and enriching environment for exploring Italy’s religious past.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the price of the tour?
The price covers hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation by air-conditioned minivan, and a tour escort throughout the day. Entrance to the key sites is free.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 12 hours, starting at 6:30 am with hotel pickup and concluding after the last site visit in Assisi.

Are there any additional costs?
Yes, travelers can opt for an additional language service for $30 per person. Lunch is not included in the price.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but the long duration and walking involved may be challenging for very young children or those with mobility limitations.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 12 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations made within 24 hours are not refundable.

What language is the tour conducted in?
The default language is English, but an additional language guide can be arranged for $30 per person.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the tour uses air-conditioned minivans for all transfers between sites.

Where does the tour start?
The tour begins with hotel pickup near public transportation in Rome at 6:30 am.

What makes this tour different from others?
Its small-group format, comprehensive itinerary covering both Cascia and Assisi, and round-trip hotel transfer make it a practical and enriching choice for those interested in Italy’s religious sites.