Assisi and Cascia (St. Francis, St. Claire and St. Rita) Private Tour from Rome.

Assisi and Cascia (St. Francis, St. Clare, and St. Rita) Private Tour from Rome

Travelers seeking an enriching day exploring Italy’s spiritual and artistic treasures will find this private tour from Rome a compelling option. Priced at $948.28 per person, the tour offers a comprehensive look at Assisi and Cascia, with a well-curated itinerary covering St. Francis, St. Clare, and St. Rita. It lasts approximately 11 to 12 hours, making it a full but rewarding day away from Rome’s busy streets.

The tour includes luxury transportation, entrance tickets to key sites, and a professional guide, with pickup service offered for convenience. While the guide is not available on Sundays due to mass schedules, this tour remains popular, especially with those interested in religious history and Renaissance art. The experience suits travelers who appreciate art, architecture, and spiritual sites, and who want an immersive guide-led journey with all logistics handled smoothly.

Key Points

• Visit Assisi’s Basilica of St. Francis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its frescoes and medieval architecture
• Explore Cascia’s Monastery of Santa Rita, home to Saint Rita of Cascia, the “Saint of the Impossible”
• See the Basilica di Santa Chiara with its XIIth-century frescoes and relics of St. Clare
• Discover the Porziuncola chapel within Assisi, the starting point of the Franciscan movement
• Learn about Eucharistic miracles at Santa Maria Maggiore / Santuario della Spogliazione
• Enjoy included entrance tickets, a guided tour, and lunch, all with private luxury transport

Assisi’s Basilica of San Francesco and Its Artistic Significance

The trip begins in Assisi, a hilltop town declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. The Basilica of San Francesco stands at its heart, serving as Saint Francis’ burial place and an icon of medieval religious architecture. The basilica is renowned for its fresco paintings by Cimabue and Giotto, which depict scenes from Saint Francis’ life. These artworks are considered masterpieces that influenced the development of Italian art and architecture.

The basilica’s architecture and frescoes are carefully preserved, offering visitors a window into 13th-century religious art. The visit lasts about 2 hours and is free to enter, making it an accessible yet profound experience. This site consistently draws pilgrims and art enthusiasts alike, thanks to its artistic importance and spiritual atmosphere.

The Monastero di Santa Rita da Cascia and Saint Rita’s Story

Following Assisi, the tour proceeds to Cascia, home to Saint Rita of Cascia. Known as the “Saint of the Impossible”, Saint Rita’s monastery is a key destination for Catholic pilgrims. The Monastero di Santa Rita is where her relics are kept, and visitors can learn about her life of faith and perseverance. Her story involves an early desire to enter a convent, her marriage, and her enduring faith amid hardship, including an abusive marriage and personal suffering.

The entrance ticket to the monastery is included in the tour, which lasts about 1 hour. Cascia is also notable for housing a Eucharistic Miracle preserved within its churches. Saint Rita’s story exemplifies the power of prayer and steadfastness, and her monastery offers a deeply spiritual environment to reflect on these themes.

Exploring Basilica di Santa Chiara and Its Relics

Next, the tour visits the Basilica di Santa Chiara, constructed with the characteristic pink stone from Subasio mountain. Inside, visitors will find frescoes from the XIIth to XIVth centuries and relics associated with Saint Clare, the founder of the Poor Clares.

Among the highlights is the Crucifix, believed to have inspired Saint Francis’ call to reform the church, and relics such as a frock of Saint Francis and Clare’s cloth. The basilica’s relatively short one-minute access from the main site makes it an efficient but meaningful stop, emphasizing the spiritual heritage of Assisi’s religious figures.

The Virtual Museum of Eucharistic Miracles at Santa Maria Maggiore

At the Chiesa di Santa Maria Maggiore / Santuario della Spogliazione, the tour explores the legacy of Carlo Acutis, who compiled a virtual museum of 136 Eucharistic miracles worldwide. His cause for sainthood advanced in 2018, and a miracle attributed to his intercession was approved in 2020. Visitors can see panel presentations and artifacts related to this virtual museum, highlighting the significance of Eucharistic miracles in Catholic faith.

This stop is brief—about one minute in duration—but offers insight into contemporary Catholic spirituality and the modern process of sainthood.

The Porziuncola Chapel and the Birthplace of the Franciscan Movement

A key highlight is the Porziuncola, a small Catholic church within the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels in Assisi. It was Francis of Assisi’s favorite chapel, where he received mystical visions and began the Franciscan movement. The chapel’s origins trace back to a humble Portiuncula land parcel, and its significance lies in its role as the spiritual home of the Franciscan order.

The tour dedicates about 1 hour to this site, covering its history and religious importance. Visitors can appreciate the simple architecture and learn how this modest chapel inspired a worldwide religious movement.

Luxury Transportation and Guided Experience

Throughout the day, the tour provides luxury transportation with private chauffeur, ensuring seamless movement between sites without the hassle of public transit or parking. The professional, licensed guide leads the group, offering expert insights and narration tailored to the sites visited.

It’s worth noting that guides are not available on Sundays due to mass schedules, but the itinerary remains rich with entrance tickets included, making it ideal for those who prefer a fully organized experience. The tour also includes lunch, giving participants a chance to relax and enjoy local cuisine amid the day’s activities.

Accessibility, Dress Code, and Practical Tips

The tour is designed to accommodate most travelers, with all sites being accessible and close to public transportation. Dress code requirements apply in churches; knees and shoulders must be covered to enter religious sites. Tour participants should be prepared for a full day of walking and standing, especially within historic churches and basilicas.

Since the tour is private, it maximizes flexibility and personal attention, making it suitable for those seeking a comfortable and personalized exploration of Assisi and Cascia.

Customer Feedback and Overall Experience

The tour boasts a perfect 5.0-star rating from seven reviews, with high praise for knowledgeable guides and the stunning historical sites. Reviewers highlight the care and attention provided by guides like Luigi and Rosanna, noting that the experience feels personalized and enriching. One reviewer mentions being the only person on the tour, which enhanced the sense of exclusivity.

The combination of artistic masterpieces, religious relics, and spiritual stories creates a compelling day trip, appreciated for both its depth and comfort. The full-day schedule, including lunch and entrance fees, offers good value for those interested in religious art and history.

The Sum Up: A Deep Dive into Italy’s Religious Heritage

This private tour from Rome offers a well-rounded journey through Assisi’s artistic landmarks and Cascia’s spiritual sanctuaries. Its strength lies in the detailed guided narration, the convenience of luxury transport, and the carefully selected stops that highlight Italy’s religious heritage.

While the guides are not available on Sundays, the organized logistics and in-depth site visits remain a major plus. Suitable for those with a genuine interest in art, religious history, and saints, this tour is ideal for travelers who appreciate a thoughtful, curated experience with seamless planning.

This tour provides a meaningful day exploring Italy’s profound spiritual and artistic traditions, delivered with professionalism and care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers can participate, but children should be able to handle a full day of walking and church visits.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes luxury transportation, entrance tickets to the monasteries and basilicas, a professional guide, and lunch.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance, with full refunds.

Are guides available on Sundays?
No, guides are not available on Sundays due to mass schedules, but the itinerary still covers key sites with included entrance fees.

How long is the total tour?
The tour lasts approximately 11 to 12 hours, making it a full-day experience.

Is there a dress code?
Yes, knees and shoulders must be covered when visiting churches and sacred sites.

Do I need to arrange transportation?
No, transportation is included, and pickup service is offered for added convenience.

Are entrance tickets included?
Yes, all entrance tickets for the sites listed are included in the tour price.

What makes this tour unique?
Its combination of artistic masterpieces, saint relics, and the personalized guided experience make it stand out.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a lunch is provided as part of the day’s activities.