Duration : 9 Hours
Starting From:On this day trip from Rome, you will travel to authentic Italy, far away
from the modern highways and big cities, into the heart of Umbria. Assisi, home of beloved Saint Francis, is not
only a sacred destination but also a haven of art, architecture, and culture.
Features of this day trip:
Heading north from Rome you will cross the valley of the Tevere, passing
the medieval villages of Todi, Deruta, and Perugia before arriving in Assisi.
Besides its religious and artistic riches, Assisi is also a gem of
Medieval architecture, exceptionally well preserved. The town has something for everyone: tons of
important spiritual places (some described below), artisans’ shops,
leather goods, and delectable local foods. The area is known particularly for chocolate
and cured meats from Norcia.
But without a doubt, St. Francis is the reason most folks come to
Assisi. Born into a well-to-do family in
the late 12th Century, he went from bon vivant to beggar, renouncing his
father’s wealth and choosing a life of poverty and service to God. He established the Franciscan Order in Assisi
in 1209.
BASILICA OF SANTA CHIARA (ST. CLARE)
St. Clare was a noblewoman and contemporary of St. Francis who followed
a similar path. Inspired by his
preaching, she decided to also take on a life of poverty and service to
God. The Order of St. Clare exists yet today.
She is enshrined in the church, which has a very simple design with a
facade in pink and white marble. If you
ever wanted to see a fine example of Medieval buttressing, look no further. Those on a pilgrimage won’t want to miss the
wooden crucifix that St. Francis was praying before when
God told him to rebuild the church.
PIAZZA DEL COMUNE
In Piazza del Comune (Town Hall Square) you’ll find Palazzo del
Capitano del Popolo (Palace of the Captain of the People), built in the
late 13th Century. The 155-ft high tower
was, at one time, home to the captain’s family.
Right next door is the church of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva (St.
Mary Above Minerva). The entrance to the
church, with the original Corinthian columns, is that of a Roman temple to
Minerva from the 1st Century BC. The
church contained within is a completely different story, filled with Baroque
decoration.
BASILICA DI SAN FRANCESCO
All roads lead to the Basilica of San Francesco. It’s strange that a man who was dedicated
to a simple like should be remembered with such a grandiose memorial, but we
are the benefactors.
In this church, we see how religion, history and art in Assisi are
inextricably connected. The greatest
artists of the late Medieval period (that would bridge into the Renaissance)
painted the frescoes that decorate the interiors.
BASILICA
OF SANTA MARIA DEGLI ANGELI
This church is one of the most important sites in the life of St.
Francis. In his early days as a
penitent, when he was literally rebuilding churches, the Porziuncola Chapel
was a cherished place of refuge. Later
it would become the place from which the Franciscan movement was initiated, and
where St. Francis left this world in 1226.
NOT INCLUDED
1. Is this tour private?
The tour is private, just for your party.
2. Is the driver also a guide?
Our English-speaking drivers are NOT licensed guides. In order to provide you with the best-in-class service, our English-speaking driving guides have been trained to offer our clients a nice overview with information regarding the major highlights avoiding the expensive charges of hiring a private guide. Due to strict Italian laws & regulations that protect officially licensed guides, our driving guides can comment and explain the sights only from inside the vehicle but are not allowed to do so once they are outside the vehicle. They are regularly licensed instead to chauffeur the public. We highly recommend that you never book with any touring company that does not make this clear.
3. How long is the drive to Assisi?
The drive from Rome to Assisi takes approx. 2.5 hours.
4. Does the driver go with us inside the monuments?
No, only a licensed guide is authorized to accompany you during the visit of sights. Our driver will drop you off close to the sights but will stay with the vehicle for the duration of your visit.
5. Does this tour include lunch and admission fees to sites? Does it include a guide?
Lunch, guide and admission fees are not included in the rate. Please contact our office for pricing and reservations.
6. What is the duration of the tour? Can we extend the time upfront with the driver?
The duration of this service is 8/9 hours including pickup and drop off at your hotel in Rome. If you would like to add extra hours to your tour, please contact our office so that we can check the driver's availability and advise the cost.
7. Is the itinerary flexible
Our itineraries are completely flexible, and we will be happy to operate any changes to the original itinerary (within reason). Please contact our office with all the requests you may have so that we can better organize your day.
8. Is gratuity included in the price?
Tips are never included in our quotes. We think that a tip shouldn’t be included in the rate otherwise it would be a tax!!! Once in Italy do not feel as though you have to tip everyone because someone told you to. Tip only if you really liked the service. Tips are generally: 10% not bad 15 % great 20 % best tour in my life. Please report any abuse.
There will be a full charge for bookings canceled with less than 72-hour notice for any service required. In this case, a full charge will be made on your credit card. If you miss your flight or if your airline decides to cancel the flight due to bad weather or if your flight is directed to another airport on arrival, please advise us on time (as soon as you know) or a full charge will be made.
Please give us enough time so we can accept other reservations and allocate them to our chauffeurs. If the ship does not make it to the pier for bad weather, you will not be considered responsible so NO CHARGE will be made to your credit card. A full charge will be made for a no-show-up.
Only pre-purchased skip-the-line tickets (if requested) are not refundable under the circumstance and will be charged to your card.
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