Assisi and Orvieto from Rome: Enjoy a Full Day Tour in Umbria

Taking a break from Rome’s bustling streets, this full-day tour offers an enriching journey into Umbria’s scenic hilltop towns of Assisi and Orvieto. Priced at $311.17 per person, the trip lasts approximately 10 hours and includes luxury transportation, entrance tickets to major sites, and a professional guide. The tour is highly recommended, with a 5.0 rating from 64 reviews, and is perfect for those seeking a comprehensive day trip that combines art, history, and spiritual sites.

One of the main strengths of this tour is its small group format, which ensures a more personal experience and direct interaction with the guide. Travelers appreciate the knowledgeable guides, the beautiful scenery, and the well-organized itinerary. The tour starts early at 7:00 am, with hotel pickup, and it’s best booked about three months in advance — a sign of its popularity.

While the tour offers a rich itinerary, it’s important for guests to be prepared for a full day of sightseeing and some quick-paced walking. Meals are not included, but there are free time for lunch and shopping in Assisi, with excellent local food options available. The modern, air-conditioned minivan makes the journey comfortable, and headsets are provided at key sites for better listening.

Key Points

• Full-day guided tour from Rome to Assisi and Orvieto, lasting around 10 hours
• Includes entrance tickets to Basilica di San Francesco and Orvieto Cathedral
• Luxury, air-conditioned minivan transportation with pickup and drop-off included
• Small group size ensures personalized service and better interaction with guides
• Tours are highly rated, with 97% recommendation rate and positive reviews praising guides and scenery
• Meals and drinks are not included, but free time in Assisi allows for exploring local cuisine and shops

From Rome to the Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli

The tour begins with a visit to the Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli in Assisi, where early Renaissance murals by Giotto and Cimabue adorn the interior. This basilica is built around the Porziuncola, a tiny chapel with profound significance in the life of Saint Francis. The site has a history of excavations revealing the foundations of friars’ accommodations dating back to the 13th century.

Travelers often find the Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli a place of spiritual reflection, and the guide provides context about the pilgrimages and the Pardon of Assisi tradition. The visit lasts around 30 minutes, with free admission, making it accessible for all.

Exploring Santa Chiara and Assisi’s Artistic Heritage

Next, the tour visits the Basilica di Santa Chiara, built between 1257 and 1265. This church is notable for being constructed around the original church that housed St. Francis’ remains until 1230. The 15-minute stop allows for appreciating the medieval architecture and artworks associated with Santa Chiara.

A visit to the Pinacoteca Comunale Palazzo Vallemani offers a look at Baroque frescoes and a collection of medieval and Renaissance art. Though admission is not included, the frescoed vaults and local paintings provide insight into Umbrian artistic styles.

Visiting the Basilica of Saint Francis and the Town’s Charm

The Basilica Papale e Sacro Convento di San Francesco d’Assisi is the tour’s centerpiece. Built on the slopes of Mount Subasio, it features early Renaissance masterpieces by Giotto and Cimabue. The colorful houses and narrow streets surrounding the basilica create a picturesque setting perfect for photos and leisurely walks.

The guided visit lasts about 1 hour, with entrance included, allowing guests to admire the famous fresco cycles and spiritual ambiance. The town itself offers flower-decorated balconies, noble palaces, and quaint shops for exploration during free time.

Lunch Break at Da Cecco in Assisi

After the morning’s sightseeing, the tour offers one hour of free time near Da Cecco, a recommended local spot for lunch. Guests can enjoy typical Umbrian cuisine and local wines while soaking in the peaceful atmosphere. This break is an excellent chance to shop for souvenirs or explore Assisi’s streets at your own pace before heading to Orvieto.

Discovering Orvieto’s Magnificent Cathedral

The journey continues to Orvieto, where the Duomo di Orvieto dominates the skyline. Known as one of Italy’s finest Gothic cathedrals, it features a massive facade with towers reaching about 53 meters, and intricate frescoes inside, including Luca Signorelli’s famous Giudizio Universale.

The 30-minute visit to the cathedral is included, allowing guests to marvel at its architectural grandeur and artistic detail. The interior decorations and fresco cycles are considered some of the best examples of Gothic art in Italy.

Exploring the Ancient Etruscan Town of Orvieto

Following the cathedral, the tour explores Orvieto itself, a city with roots dating back to the 9th century BC. Built atop tuff caves, which provided natural shelter and defensive advantages, the city offers spectacular panoramic views from its cliff-top position.

The 30-minute free exploration provides opportunities to walk through charming streets, visit local shops, or admire the historic architecture. The town’s Etruscan origins and medieval buildings make it a captivating destination for history and architecture enthusiasts.

Practical Logistics and Group Size Benefits

This tour is designed for comfort and intimacy. The small group format, with a maximum of 48 travelers, allows for personalized attention from the guides. The modern minivan is air-conditioned, ensuring a comfortable ride throughout the day.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, making logistics straightforward. Travelers are advised to bring comfortable shoes and a camera to capture the scenic vistas and architectural marvels.

The Guides and Overall Experience

Guides like Maria, Begonia, and Marie earn praise for their knowledgeability, friendly demeanor, and ability to share engaging stories about the towns and religious sites. Many reviews mention the depth of historical insights and personalized service.

Some reviews highlight minor issues, such as fast speech from guides or limited time at sites, but overall, the expert guidance and smooth logistics stand out. The headsets at key sites improve the experience, especially in crowded places like basilicas.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour suits history buffs, art lovers, and spiritual travelers interested in St. Francis’ legacy and medieval architecture. It’s also ideal for those who prefer organized transport over self-guided exploration, especially given the hotel pickup and drop-off.

Guests should be aware that meals are not included, and walking can be brisk, so comfortable shoes are recommended. The full schedule makes it less suitable for those seeking a relaxed, unhurried day, but the small group size keeps the experience intimate and engaging.

Assisi and Orvieto from Rome: A Well-Rounded Cultural Day Trip

This tour offers a seamless blend of spiritual, artistic, and historical sights in Umbria, with professional guides and convenient logistics. It excels in providing access to major landmarks like Saint Francis’ basilica and Orvieto Cathedral, while also giving guests time to enjoy the towns’ charm.

Most reviews praise the knowledgeable guides, beautiful scenery, and comfortable transportation. The early start and full itinerary make it a great choice for travelers with limited time seeking a comprehensive day trip from Rome.

While some note the pace can be fast and time at stops is limited, the overall value and quality of the experience remain strong. Booking in advance is advised, especially for those wanting a spot on this popular tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the price of the tour?
The tour price of $311.17 includes hotel pickup and drop-off, luxury air-conditioned minivan transfer, entrance tickets to San Francesco Basilica and Orvieto Cathedral, as well as a professional guide.

Are meals included?
No, lunch and drinks are not included. However, there is a free time in Assisi for guests to enjoy local restaurants and shopping.

How long is the travel between towns?
Travel time in the air-conditioned minivan is designed for comfort, with stops for recharge and rest. The total tour lasts approximately 10 hours, with the main sightseeing spread throughout the day.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?
While the tour involves walking and stair-climbing at sites, the transportation is comfortable and pickup/drop-off is included, making it manageable for most guests with moderate mobility.

How far in advance should I book?
Most bookings are made around 86 days in advance, reflecting its popularity. Booking early guarantees availability.

What is the group size?
The tour operates with a maximum of 48 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience and better guides’ attention.

What do reviews say about the guides?
Guides are frequently praised for their knowledge, friendly attitude, and ability to share stories that bring the towns’ history to life.

Can I customize the experience?
The tour follows a set itinerary, but free time in Assisi allows for personal exploration. Advanced bookings are recommended for tailored experiences.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, the full-day schedule and comfortable transport make it suitable for families, especially those interested in cultural and religious sites.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, a camera for photos, and sun protection if visiting in summer. Remember, meals are not included, so plan accordingly.

How do I confirm my booking?
Once booked, confirmation will be sent, and hotel details and contact info are needed for pickup arrangements. An emergency number via WhatsApp is available for support.

This tour provides a balanced and well-organized way to explore two of Italy’s most charming towns, with professional guides and convenient logistics making it an attractive option for culture and history enthusiasts alike.