Assisi Full day tour including St Francis Basilica and Porziuncola

Exploring Assisi becomes truly special with this full-day guided tour, which highlights the town’s most iconic Franciscan sites. For $367.61 per person, you get approximately 6 hours of immersive visits featuring St. Francis Basilica, the Porziuncola chapel, and other historic locations. The tour is designed for small groups, with a maximum of 15 participants, ensuring a personalized experience led by knowledgeable guides.

This tour is perfect for visitors eager to learn about Saint Francis’ life and legacy while enjoying Assisi’s stunning hilltop views and artistic treasures. It departs at 10:00 am from the Papal Basilica of Saint Francis and ends in Piazza Santa Chiara. While the tour involves considerable walking and some uphill stretches, the convenience of air-conditioned transport in the afternoon adds comfort. Be prepared for a full day of sightseeing, with some stops requiring an admission fee of €3 for the basilica.

Key Points

• Full-day guided experience: approximately 6 hours exploring Assisi’s essential sites.
• Expert guides bring Saint Francis’ story alive, ensuring insightful commentary.
• Visit the UNESCO-listed Basilica of San Francesco and other Franciscan landmarks.
• Small group size limits attendance to 15 people for a more personalized tour.
• Includes visits to Eremo Delle Carceri, San Damiano, and Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli.
• Transport is provided via air-conditioned minivan during the afternoon segment.

Assisi’s Iconic Basilica of San Francesco

The tour starts with a visit to the Basilica Papale e Sacro Convento di San Francesco, the town’s most renowned religious site. As the mother church of the Franciscan Order, it’s a key highlight, especially since Saint Francis was born and died here. The basilica features a single four-bay nave with a cross-vaulted ceiling, decorated with golden stars and paintings that captivate visitors.

While the admission fee of €3 is not included, the exterior and interior architecture give a vivid sense of medieval religious artistry. The guide provides context about Saint Francis’ life and the basilica’s significance, making this stop a meaningful start to the day.

Exploring the Basilica’s Artistic Brilliance

Next, the tour offers a 45-minute detailed visit inside the basilica. The cross-vaulted ceilings are adorned with patterns of crosses and leaves, and the polygonal apse completes the grand appearance. The vaults with alternating gold stars and paintings showcase the church’s artistic beauty.

Guides help visitors appreciate the stained glass, frescoes, and historic murals that illustrate Saint Francis’ life. This experience balances visual awe with educational insights, making it a compelling part of the tour.

Visiting Santa Maria sopra Minerva and Renaissance Architecture

The tour then takes a 30-minute stop at Santa Maria sopra Minerva, a Roman temple-turned-church from the 1st century, rebuilt in Baroque style in the 17th century. This site provides a glimpse into ancient Roman architecture and religious transformation over centuries. Originally constructed by Gnaeus and Titus Caesius, the temple now hosts a church that merges classical and Baroque elements.

This stop offers a quick yet meaningful look at Assisi’s layered history beyond the medieval period.

The Renaissance Charm of Chiesa Nuova

Next, the tour visits Chiesa Nuova, built in 1615 on what is believed to be Saint Francis’ former home. Its Renaissance architecture is evident in its brick façade supported by four pillars and a hemispherical dome. This site connects visitors directly to Saint Francis’ early life and offers insight into early 17th-century religious architecture.

While admission is not included, the guide highlights the building’s historical significance and architectural features.

Saint Clare’s Basilica: A Testament to Female Franciscan Piety

A short 30-minute visit to the Basilica di Santa Chiara focuses on the founder of the Order of Poor Ladies, Saint Clare. The basilica houses her remains and displays the influence of Saint Francis’ teachings on her life. Visitors see artworks and relics that celebrate her role in the Franciscan movement.

This stop underscores the female side of the Franciscan story and offers a spiritual pause amid the tour’s historical sites.

The Quiet Hermitage at Eremo Delle Carceri

Located 4 km from Assisi’s center, the Eremo Delle Carceri provides tranquility and a view of Saint Francis’ life of prayer and meditation. Surrounded by mountains, this white building served as Saint Francis’ hermitage, where he and followers sought solitude.

Spending 30 minutes here allows visitors to reflect and appreciate the serene landscape that inspired Saint Francis’ spiritual practice.

San Damiano: The First Clare Monastery

The tour continues with a 30-minute stop at San Damiano, a 12th-century church near Assisi. It was the initial monastery of Saint Clare, where she established her community. The site highlights Clare’s commitment and her close connection with Saint Francis.

The church’s historic walls and peaceful atmosphere give insight into early Franciscan life and monastic traditions.

The Grandeur of Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli

The final major stop is the Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli, built on a scale that makes it the seventh largest Christian church. While its size may seem at odds with Saint Francis’ emphasis on simplicity, the basilica was designed to accommodate pilgrims visiting the Porziuncola chapel—the tiny origins of the Franciscan movement.

Spending an hour here, visitors see the magnificent architecture and the Porziuncola chapel itself, which holds deep spiritual significance.

Practical Details and Group Dynamics

This tour features transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned minivan during the afternoon segment, easing the physical demands of visiting multiple sites. The group is limited to 15 people, fostering an intimate atmosphere where guides can answer questions and tailor the experience.

The meeting point is at the Papal Basilica and Sacred Convent of Saint Francis in Assisi at 10:00 am, and the tour concludes at Piazza Santa Chiara. The dress code requires shoulders and knees to be covered when entering religious sites, and admission fees are generally not included, except for the €3 fee at the basilica.

The Value of This Assisi Experience

Offering a rundown of Assisi’s most significant Franciscan sites, this tour balances artistic beauty, historical depth, and spiritual significance. The inclusion of expert guides ensures engaging storytelling, especially about Saint Francis and Saint Clare.

The small-group setup means more personalized attention, and the 6-hour duration allows for a relaxed pace, with enough time at each location to appreciate its importance. Visitors should be prepared for moderate walking and hill climbs but will find the air-conditioned transport and well-paced itinerary helpful.

This tour suits those interested in religious history, art, and Assisi’s scenic views. It’s especially recommended for those who want a guided experience with flexibility and depth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but be prepared for some walking and hill climbing. The tour is suitable for those comfortable with moderate physical activity.

Are entrance fees included?
No, except for the €3 fee at the Basilica of San Francesco. Other sites do not include admission in the listed price.

What should I wear for this tour?
A dress code is required for religious sites, covering knees and shoulders. No shorts or sleeveless tops are allowed inside churches.

Can I expect free time during the tour?
The itinerary is structured with scheduled stops; guides provide commentary and context, but there is limited free time. The focus is on the key sites listed.

How is transportation arranged?
Transportation is by air-conditioned minivan during the afternoon segment, providing comfort after a morning of walking.

This full-day Assisi tour offers an enriching journey through the town’s sacred sites, art, and landscapes—perfect for visitors seeking insightful guided visits and an intimate group experience.