Assisi, City Highlights and Basilica of St. Francis Tour

Assisi, the enchanting medieval town in Italy’s Umbria region, beckons visitors with its captivating history and architectural marvels. The City Highlights and Basilica of St. Francis Tour promises an immersive experience, guiding travelers through the city’s iconic landmarks and the UNESCO-listed Basilica of St. Francis. From the stunning Piazza del Comune to the impressive Basilica di Santa Chiara, this tour offers an enriching glimpse into Assisi‘s rich heritage. But the true highlight lies in the Basilica of St. Francis, where the breathtaking frescoes and cultural significance leave an indelible mark on those who venture within.

Key Points

• Comprehensive guided tour of Assisi’s architectural and cultural highlights, including Piazza del Comune, Rocca Maggiore, and Basilica di Santa Chiara.
• Explore the iconic Basilica of St. Francis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the final resting place of Saint Francis.
• Tour features manageable walking distances, small group size, and engaging commentary from knowledgeable guides.
• Opportunities for immersing in Assisi’s rich heritage, with insights into the city’s Romanesque, Gothic, and medieval influences.
• Dress code requirements and limited accessibility noted for certain historical sites.

Tour Overview

Exploring the historic city of Assisi, this guided tour showcases the region’s architectural and cultural highlights, allowing visitors to enjoy the rich heritage of the area.

You’ll stroll through the charming streets with a local guide, taking in the sights of Piazza del Comune, home to Italy’s best-preserved Roman temple.

Then, you’ll visit the imposing Rocca Maggiore fortress, the Basilica di Santa Chiara, and the Duomo di San Rufino.

The tour culminates with a visit to the Basilica of St. Francis, where you’ll see the tomb of the beloved saint.

With manageable walking distances and a small group size, this tour is suitable for travelers of all ages and abilities.

Tour Details and Pricing

This comprehensive tour of Assisi provides travelers with an opportunity to explore the city’s remarkable history and architecture.

Priced from $55.28, the tour has received a 90% traveler recommendation based on 10 reviews.

The tour’s free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience starts and the confirmation received at booking ensure flexibility and convenience for participants.

The meeting point is the Parcheggio Saba Matteotti in Assisi, and the tour concludes at the Papal Basilica and Sacred Convent of Saint Francis.

With a small group size of a maximum of 15 travelers, this tour offers a personalized experience suitable for all abilities and ages.

Tour Experience and Expectations

The tour lasts approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes, with six main stops within a manageable walking distance.

Participants can expect to visit Piazza del Comune, Rocca Maggiore, Basilica di Santa Chiara, Duomo di San Rufino, and the Basilica of St. Francis, where they’ll see Saint Francis of Assisi’s tomb.

Visitors should note that a dress code is required for places of worship – no shorts or sleeveless tops are allowed, and knees and shoulders must be covered.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it’s suitable for travelers of all abilities.

Along the way, there’ll be opportunities for photos and refreshments, allowing participants to fully enjoy the history and beauty of Assisi.

Tour Guides and Reviews

Knowledgeable and passionate tour guides lead the Assisi city highlights and Basilica of St. Francis tour, according to positive traveler feedback.

Reviewers consistently praise the guides’ expertise and engagement, with notable guides including Micaelo, Marica, Alessandra, and Werner.

One common theme in the reviews is the informative and enjoyable nature of the tours, with guides providing insights into Assisi’s rich history.

The tours are also well-paced, allowing travelers to fully appreciate the city’s highlights.

Exploring Assisi’s Streets

With the knowledgeable tour guides providing expert insights, visitors can now explore Assisi’s charming streets and uncover the city’s rich history. Led by a local guide, the tour takes travelers through the picturesque Piazza del Comune, home to Italy’s best-preserved Roman temple, offering a glimpse into the city’s ancient past. Along the way, visitors can admire the magnificent Rocca Maggiore, the imposing medieval fortress that towers over the city, and the Basilica di Santa Chiara, a stunning example of Gothic architecture. The tour also includes a visit to the Duomo di San Rufino, a Romanesque cathedral that showcases the city’s religious heritage.

Destination	Description	Highlights
Piazza del Comune	Italy’s best-preserved Roman temple	Glimpse into Assisi’s ancient past
Rocca Maggiore	Imposing medieval fortress	Towers over the city
Basilica di Santa Chiara	Gothic architecture	Stunning example of religious heritage
Duomo di San Rufino	Romanesque cathedral	Showcases Assisi’s religious history

Visiting Iconic Landmarks

Visiting the Basilica of St. Francis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the highlight of the tour, as travelers can pay their respects at the tomb of the revered Saint Francis of Assisi.

The tour also includes stops at other iconic landmarks, such as the Piazza del Comune, which boasts Italy’s best-preserved Roman temple.

Travelers will marvel at the Rocca Maggiore, a medieval fortress, and the beautiful Basilica di Santa Chiara, known for its stunning stained glass windows.

The Duomo di San Rufino, the town’s cathedral, is another must-see, with its Romanesque façade and intricate carvings.

Throughout the tour, the knowledgeable guides provide insights into Assisi’s rich history and cultural significance.

Discovering the Basilica

The centerpiece of the tour is the Basilica of St. Francis, where visitors can pay their respects at the tomb of the revered saint.

This stunning 13th-century cathedral is the final resting place of Saint Francis, the patron saint of Italy.

Travelers will have the chance to wander through the upper and lower basilicas, marveling at the stunning frescoes and artwork that adorn the walls.

The guides provide insightful commentary on the significance of the basilica and its connections to the life and legacy of Saint Francis.

This spiritual experience offers a chance to reflect on the profound influence of this beloved figure and the enduring impact of his teachings.

Additional Considerations

Travelers should consider the accessibility limitations of the tour when booking. The basilica and historic sites in Assisi aren’t wheelchair-friendly, so those with mobility issues may find the walking challenging.

Visitors should also dress appropriately for places of worship, covering their knees and shoulders. Plus, finding the designated meeting point can be tricky, so participants should thoroughly review the provided directions ahead of time.

Other important things to note include:

• Not all guides are fluent in English, so language barriers may arise.

• Opportunities for photos and refreshments are limited during the tour.

• Weather conditions can impact the experience, especially in the summer months.

• Traveler reviews suggest some issues with finding the meeting point.

• Local insights from guides on food and other attractions are valuable additions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

The tour does not permit pets. Participants are required to adhere to the tour’s policies, which do not include bringing animals. Service animals may be allowed, but it’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand.

Is Photography Allowed Inside the Basilica?

Photography is generally allowed inside the basilica, but visitors are asked to avoid using flash and to be respectful of the sacred space. Some restrictions may apply to certain areas of the basilica.

How Much Time Is Spent at Each Stop?

The tour spends approximately 30-45 minutes at each of the 6 main stops, allowing ample time for exploration and photography while adhering to the overall 2 hour 45 minute tour duration.

Is There an Option for a Private Tour?

Yes, there’s an option for a private tour. Travelers can select a private tour option that provides a more personalized experience with a guide solely dedicated to their group, allowing for a flexible itinerary and schedule.

Can I Purchase Souvenirs During the Tour?

Yes, you can typically purchase souvenirs during tours. Many stops include gift shops or local markets where travelers can browse and buy items like local crafts, religious artifacts, and other mementos to commemorate their experience.

Recap

The Assisi City Highlights and Basilica of St. Francis Tour offers visitors an enriching glimpse into the city’s captivating history and cultural significance.

Exploring iconic landmarks like the Piazza del Comune and the Basilica of St. Francis, travelers can enjoy Assisi’s architectural and artistic wonders.

With knowledgeable guides and a focus on the region’s heritage, this tour provides an authentic and memorable experience.