Assisi Day Tour For Pilgrims
Immerse yourself in the rich spiritual and historical legacy of Assisi with this full-day guided tour, specially designed for Catholic pilgrims and visitors who wish to experience the most sacred and significant sites of this UNESCO-listed medieval town. Our Assisi Day Tour offers a comprehensive six-hour exploration, split into two engaging sessions: three hours in the morning, followed by a break for lunch and resuming with another three-hour afternoon tour by car of the sacred shrines surrounding Assisi.
Led by an expert local Catholic guide, you’ll journey through the life, miracles, and spiritual legacy of St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi, while also uncovering the Roman, medieval, and Renaissance history that shaped this extraordinary town.
Morning Tour (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM) – The Franciscan Legacy & Pilgrimage Sites
Your Assisi Day Tour begins at a designated meeting point depending on your travel arrangements (not included) and includes the Basilica of St. Francis, the heart of Assisi’s Franciscan spirituality. As one of the most revered Catholic pilgrimage sites in Italy, this 13th-century basilica holds breathtaking frescoes and immense historical significance.
- The Upper Basilica – Admire the famous Giotto fresco cycle, depicting the life of St. Francis, as well as the intricate Gothic architecture and stained-glass windows.
- The Lower Basilica – A more intimate and reflective space featuring frescoes by Cimabue, Lorenzetti, and Giotto, and home to the Tomb of St. Francis.
Leaving the Basilica, you’ll take a beautiful walk through Assisi’s medieval streets, stopping at:
- The Stone Masons Guild & Pilgrims’ Hospital – Learn about Assisi’s medieval heritage and its importance as a pilgrimage hub.
- Piazza del Comune – The main town square, where your guide will introduce you to the 1st-century BC Roman Temple of Minerva, the City Hall, and medieval palaces.
- The Painted Vault Alley – A hidden gem adorned with historical frescoes.
The tour then continues to Chiesa Nuova, built over the birthplace of St. Francis, before heading to the Basilica of St. Clare. Inside, you’ll see the miraculous Crucifix that spoke to St. Francis, and learn about the life and legacy of St. Clare.
The morning tour ends at a scenic viewpoint, allowing you to reflect on the incredible history and beauty of Assisi before breaking for lunch at your leisure.
Afternoon Tour (2:00 PM – 5:00 PM) – A Sacred Journey: Driving Tour of the Religious Shrines Around Assisi
Nestled in the rolling hills of Umbria, the town of Assisi is not only the birthplace of St. Francis but also a spiritual heartland dotted with sacred sites. A driving tour around Assisi’s religious shrines offers a peaceful and deeply enriching experience, combining stunning landscapes with profound history and devotion.
You’ll travel by air-conditioned car up to the Hermitage of the Carceri, a secluded retreat on Mount Subasio where St. Francis and his followers sought solitude and prayer amidst ancient oak forests. The silence and beauty here invite quiet reflection.
Next you’ll visit San Damiano, the humble convent where St. Clare founded her order and where St. Francis is believed to have composed the Canticle of the Creatures.
Leaving Assisi, you’ll head to the Sanctuary of Rivotorto, a sacred spot housing the Sacro Tugurio, the simple stone dwelling where St. Francis and his first companions lived in poverty. Then, continue to the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli, built around the tiny Porziuncola Chapel, one of the most revered sites in Franciscan history and where St. Francis died in 1226.
This tour provides a profound connection to the lives of St. Francis and St. Clare while immersing travelers in the serene beauty of Umbria, making it an unforgettable pilgrimage for both the faithful and those seeking tranquility.
Why Choose This Assisi Day Tour?
- Experience Assisi’s most important Catholic sites in one full-day pilgrimage.
- Explore both medieval and Roman Assisi, visiting key landmarks from different historical periods.
- See world-famous religious artworks, including frescoes by Giotto, Cimabue, and Lorenzetti.
- Visit the sacred sites of St. Francis and St. Clare, making this the ultimate pilgrimage experience.
- Learn from expert Catholic guides, who bring the spiritual and historical significance of Assisi to life.
Whether you’re a pilgrim, history enthusiast, or art lover, this Assisi Day Tour offers an unparalleled journey through the life, faith, and legacy of St. Francis, set against the stunning backdrop of one of Italy’s most beloved medieval towns.
Book now and walk in the footsteps of St. Francis and St. Clare on this unforgettable full-day pilgrimage through Assisi.
Read the Itinerary tab above to learn in more detail of the Assisi Day Tour places you will visit.
For those who wish to do this tour as a day trip from Rome, please contact us so we can offer you transportation advice and assistance.
We also offer shorter tours of Assisi for those with limited time, with our most recommended being the St Francis of Assisi Pilgrim Tour with a duration of 4 hours in the afternoon covering the main religious sites, and the Basilica of St Francis Tour which is a short 1 hour bite-sized tour of the Basilica of St Francis alone.
| MEETING POINT | To be arranged directly with the guide before the tour | ||||
| FINISHING LOCATION | Assisi historical town centre | ||||
| DEPARTURE TIME | 9am on Tuesdays and Fridays | ||||
| DURATION | Approx. 6 hours excluding lunch. You should finish around 5pm | ||||
| DRESS CODE | Comfortable clothing, covering shoulders and knees | ||||
| INCLUDED |
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| NOT INCLUDED |
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Additional information
| Ticket Type | Adult (16+), Student ID, Child (under 16) |
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The Upper Basilica
You begin your tour learning of the life of St Francis and visiting the magnificent Basilica of St Francis where your expert guide will entertain you with the fascinating life and death of St Francis and the most important features of the Basilica of St Francis.
The Lower Basilica
Here you’ll venerate the Tomb of St. Francis himself as well as getting a glimpse of frescoes by the great masters Giotto, Cimabue and Lorenzetti. This more tranquil and subdued space provides an opportune moment for reflection and contemplation close to the remains of the father of the Franciscan order.
Stone Masons Guild & Pilgrims’ Hospital
A hidden gem that reveals the craftsmanship and devotion of medieval artisans, here you’ll discover the legacy of the skilled masons who built Assisi’s iconic churches and monuments and explore the historic hospital where weary pilgrims found rest and care. Wander through ancient stone halls, marvel at preserved tools and frescoes and learn about the guild’s traditions here in the heart of one of Italy’s most spiritual and artistic cities.
Piazza del Comune
Discover the heart of Assisi at Piazza del Comune, a stunning square where centuries of history converge. Admire the Temple of Minerva, a remarkably preserved Roman temple from the 1st century BC, its grand columns standing as a testament to ancient grandeur. Nearby, the City Hall and medieval palaces showcase Assisi’s rich civic and architectural heritage. Stroll through this vibrant space, once a Roman forum, now a lively hub of culture and tradition.
Lunch
After receiving some spiritual sustenance in the Basilica of St Francis you then have the opportunity of some bodily refreshment at a carefully chosen restaurant nearby, or if you prefer, at your own dining location. A reconvening place and time will be set by the guide.
Hermitage of the Carceri
Perched on the slopes of Mount Subasio, the Hermitage of the Carceri is a secluded retreat where St. Francis and his early followers withdrew for contemplation and prayer. Surrounded by ancient oak and holm trees, the site exudes an aura of tranquility and spiritual depth. Visitors can explore the narrow stone pathways, visit the tiny cells where the friars meditated, and walk the same trails where St. Francis preached to birds. The cave believed to have been used by the saint himself remains a powerful focal point, offering a glimpse into the profound simplicity and asceticism that shaped his faith.
San Damiano
The San Damiano Monastery holds immense spiritual significance as the place where St. Francis received his divine calling. It was in this humble church that he heard Christ speak from the crucifix, commanding him to “rebuild my church.” Later, it became the home of St. Clare and her order of Poor Clares. The monastery retains its peaceful charm, with a simple chapel, frescoed walls, and serene cloisters. The view from its grounds, overlooking the Umbrian valley, adds to its mystical atmosphere, making it a deeply moving destination for pilgrims and those seeking quiet contemplation.
Sanctuary of Rivotorto
The Sanctuary of Rivotorto is built around the Sacro Tugurio, the crude stone shelter where St. Francis and his earliest followers lived in extreme poverty before forming the Franciscan Order. This humble structure remains preserved within the sanctuary, offering visitors an intimate look at the simplicity of their early communal life. The sanctuary itself is a striking yet unassuming church, a tribute to Franciscan ideals of humility and devotion. Pilgrims visiting Rivotorto can reflect on the powerful message of renunciation and faith that shaped St. Francis’s mission, standing in the very place where his radical spiritual journey began.
Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli and the Porziuncola Chapel
One of the most sacred sites in the Franciscan world, the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli was built to protect the Porziuncola Chapel, a small but profoundly significant place of worship where St. Francis founded the Franciscan Order. It was also here that he received the Pardon of Assisi, granting full remission of sins to pilgrims. Within the vast basilica, the Porziuncola stands as a stark contrast—a simple, unadorned chapel evoking the humility of the saint. Nearby is the Chapel of the Transitus, where St. Francis passed away in 1226. The basilica remains a powerful pilgrimage destination, drawing thousands seeking grace and renewal.
To be arranged directly with the guide before the tour.
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