Assisi and Spello Full Day Private Walking Tour

A full-day private walking tour combining the highlights of Assisi and Spello offers a personalized way to explore two of Italy’s most enchanting hill towns. Priced at $309.53 per person, this 6-hour experience is ideal for those seeking an intimate and informative visit, complete with private round-trip transportation from Assisi. The tour is designed for visitors who appreciate history, art, and authentic local atmosphere, with the added benefit of hotel pickup and drop-off in Assisi.

What makes this tour particularly appealing is its focus on guided commentary tailored to your interests, allowing for a deeper understanding of the area’s culture and history. The small-group setting ensures a personalized experience, praised in reviews for the knowledge and warmth of the guides. While the ticket price does not include entrance fees, the tour’s comprehensive itinerary makes it a valuable introduction to Assisi and Spello.

Key Points

• Private tour experience for your party ensures personalized attention
• Comprehensive visit to Assisi’s Roman ruins and Basilica of Saint Francis
• Round-trip transport makes navigating hill towns stress-free
• Expert guides provide engaging commentary on local history and art
• Stops at Spello’s Renaissance art sites and flower-decorated streets
• Flexible itinerary with a focus on cultural and historical highlights

Assisi and Spello Begin with Roman Ruins and the Basilica of Saint Francis

The tour kicks off at the Papal Basilica and Sacred Convent of Saint Francis in Assisi. Here, visitors view the impressive frescoes by Giotto, which are key attractions inside this renowned church. The guide leads a walk through Assisi’s historic Roman ruins, including the remnants of a Roman Amphitheatre and the Minerva Temple, celebrated for its well-preserved facade.

Following this, the tour explores Assisi’s medieval alleyways, where local handicraft shops offer pottery, carvings, and embroidery. The focus on the Basilica of Saint Francis highlights the significance of the artworks and religious history tied to Saint Francis himself. This part of the tour blends art, architecture, and local life, giving a rounded picture of Assisi’s historic charm.

Visiting the Basilica of Santa Chiara and Chiesa Nuova

Next, the tour visits the Basilica di Santa Chiara, which holds the remains of Saint Clare, the follower of Saint Francis and founder of the Order of Saint Clare. This stop involves free admission and provides insight into the life of this influential figure.

The Chiesa Nuova follows, built in 1615 on what is believed to be St. Francis’s former home. Its Renaissance architecture features a brick façade, supported by four pillars, with a hemispherical dome. This church allows visitors to appreciate early 17th-century design and its connection to Saint Francis’s life.

Exploring the Roman Temple of Minerva and Its Church

The tour then moves to Santa Maria sopra Minerva, a Roman temple originally built in the 1st century. Today, it functions as a church and underwent renovation in the Baroque style during the 17th century. The Temple of Minerva stands as a testament to Ancient Roman architecture and its later adaptation into Christian worship spaces.

This stop provides a tangible link between Roman history and religious transformation in Assisi, highlighting the layered past of the town.

Inside the Basilica of Saint Francis: Art and Architecture

A key highlight is the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi itself. The tour includes a thorough visit to this mother church with its cross-vaulted ceiling, transept, and polygonal apse. The vaults are decorated with paintings and patterns, many of which depict golden stars on a blue background.

While the admission fee is not included, the exterior and interior architecture and frescoes—notably by Giotto—are central to understanding the importance of this site in medieval art and religious history.

Moving to Spello’s Historic Charm and Renaissance Art

After exploring Assisi, the journey continues to Spello, a charming hill town famed for its flower-decorated streets. The tour offers around 2 hours to soak in the town’s authentic atmosphere, with its narrow alleys and vivid floral displays.

A highlight in Spello is the visit to Cappella Baglioni, where Renaissance art by Pinturicchio can be admired. The painter, known for his work in the Vatican, has left his mark in this small town, adding a layer of artistic significance to the visit.

Round-Trip Private Transportation and Convenience

A major advantage of this private tour is the round-trip transfer from Assisi to Spello, handled via a private van with a driver. This arrangement ensures seamless travel between the two towns, saving time and effort while allowing passengers to relax and enjoy the scenery.

The hotel pickup in Assisi makes the experience more comfortable, especially for visitors unfamiliar with local transportation options. The timing starts at 9:30 am, providing a full day of sightseeing with enough flexibility to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.

The Art of Pinturicchio in Spello

Pinturicchio’s Renaissance murals in Spello showcase his mastery in frescoes and vivid storytelling. His works in the Cappella Baglioni demonstrate his skill in blending religious themes with artistic elegance, making this stop a cultural highlight for art enthusiasts.

Visitors get a chance to walk through a small town that still echoes the Renaissance era through its art and architecture. The flower-decorated streets and little alleys provide a picturesque setting for exploring Italy’s village life.

Practical Details and Accessibility

The tour is suitable for those with moderate physical fitness, as it involves walking through hilly terrain and cobbled streets. The meeting point is conveniently located near public transportation at the Papal Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi.

Participants are advised to adhere to dress codes for religious sites—covering shoulders and knees—to avoid entry issues. The tour does not include entrance fees, which total approximately €5.50 per person.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most

This private tour appeals most to travelers eager for an in-depth, personalized experience of Assisi and Spello. It’s ideal for those interested in art, history, and architecture, particularly with a focus on medieval and Renaissance periods. The guided commentary ensures a richer understanding, especially for those who enjoy learning about local culture and significance.

The small-group or private format makes it suitable for couples, families, or small groups wanting a flexible and intimate day away from crowded tour buses. It’s a good choice for visitors who prefer well-paced visits with personalized attention.

Assisi and Spello Full-Day Private Walking Tour (Assisi and Spello)

This tour offers a comprehensive look at two of Italy’s most beautiful hill towns, combining archaeological sites, religious landmarks, and Renaissance art. The expert guides and private transport make for a comfortable and engaging day out.

While admission fees are extra, the cultural and historical richness of the sites visited justifies the cost. The 6-hour schedule balances visiting multiple stops with enough time to soak in the atmosphere.

Travelers seeking a high-quality, private experience that brings together history, art, and local life will find this tour highly rewarding.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the price of this tour?
The price covers a professional guide and round-trip private transfer from Assisi to Spello. Entrance fees are not included and cost approximately €5.50 per person.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts roughly 6 hours, including travel and site visits.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, but participants should have moderate physical fitness due to walking on hilly terrain and cobbled streets.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at the Papal Basilica and Sacred Convent of Saint Francis in Assisi at 9:30 am and concludes back at the starting point.

Are meals included?
No, meals and drinks are not included. There is a lunch break during the day.

Can I customize the itinerary?
As a private tour, it offers some flexibility, but the main stops are pre-planned.

What are the main highlights of Assisi?
The Roman ruins, Basilica of Saint Francis, and medieval alleys are key attractions.

What makes Spello special?
The town’s flower-decorated streets and Renaissance art by Pinturicchio are highlights.

Is transportation arranged?
Yes, a private van with driver takes you between Assisi and Spello comfortably.

What should I wear for the visit?
A modest dress code is required for religious sites—cover shoulders and knees.

Is this tour available on holidays and Sundays?
Guided visits inside the Basilica of Saint Francis are not allowed on Sundays and large Catholic or national holidays, but outside visits and explanations are provided.

This detailed overview underscores the value and appeal of the Assisi and Spello private tour—an enriching way to experience Italy’s heartland with expert guidance and comfort.