Exploring the historic towns of Orvieto and Assisi is an enriching experience for travelers visiting Rome. This day trip offers a chance to take in Italy’s medieval and Renaissance heritage, from Orvieto’s magnificent Gothic cathedral to Assisi’s iconic basilica associated with St. Francis. Whether admiring architectural masterpieces or strolling through charming piazzas, this guided tour provides a well-balanced itinerary that blends sightseeing with leisure. For those seeking to venture beyond Rome’s iconic landmarks, this day trip promises an engaging and memorable journey.
Key Points
- This day trip explores the historic Italian towns of Assisi and Orvieto, providing a balanced experience of guided exploration and free time in both destinations.
- The tour includes a coach ride from Rome to Orvieto, known for its impressive Gothic cathedral, and a lunch stop near picturesque Lake Trasimeno.
- In Assisi, the guided walking tour focuses on the spiritual significance of St. Francis and St. Clare, with visits to the Basilica of St. Francis and other key sites.
- The tour provides opportunities for wine tasting, panoramic views, and experiencing the local cuisine, with mixed reviews on the quality of the lunch.
- The tour has specific requirements, including a maximum of 50 people, non-wheelchair accessibility, and a dress code for worship places, and moderate physical fitness is recommended.
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Overview of the Day Trip
This day trip offers travelers the opportunity to explore two of Italy’s historic and picturesque towns – Assisi and Orvieto.
The tour begins with a coach ride from Rome to Orvieto, known for its magnificent Gothic cathedral. After exploring Orvieto, the group will enjoy a lunch stop near Lake Trasimeno before continuing to Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis.
In Assisi, the guided walking tour will take visitors to key sites associated with St. Francis and St. Clare.
The day trip provides a balanced experience of guided exploration and free time for personal discovery in both towns.
Exploring Orvieto
After arriving in Orvieto from Rome, travelers can’t help but be captivated by the town’s iconic cathedral. Rising majestically on a volcanic outcrop, the Duomo di Orvieto is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.
Visitors can marvel at its striking black and white marble facade, intricate carvings, and stunning stained glass windows. The interior is equally impressive, with a beautifully decorated ceiling and a series of frescoes that depict biblical scenes.
Beyond the cathedral, Orvieto offers:
- Meandering medieval streets
- Charming piazzas
- Opportunities for wine tasting
- Panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Lunch Near Lake Trasimeno
On the way from Orvieto to Assisi, the tour makes a stop for lunch near the shores of the picturesque Lake Trasimeno.
Surrounded by rolling hills, this tranquil location offers a chance to refuel and take in the scenic views. The lunch typically includes regional dishes, such as pasta, salads, and local meats and cheeses.
While the quality of the meal has received mixed reviews from some travelers, it provides a welcome respite and an opportunity to experience the local cuisine.
After lunch, the tour continues its journey to the historic town of Assisi.
Discovering Assisi
Why does Assisi hold such immense spiritual significance? As the birthplace of St. Francis, Italy’s patron saint, this picturesque town offers a profound connection to the man who dedicated his life to poverty, humility, and service.
Visitors can explore the Basilica of St. Francis, whose Gothic architecture and magnificent frescoes by Giotto captivate the senses. Other highlights include:
- The Basilica of St. Clare, home to the saint’s incorrupt body and the famous San Damiano Cross that spoke to St. Francis.
- The Hermitage, a tranquil wooded retreat where St. Francis would often pray.
- The Piazza del Comune, the town’s lively central square.
- Numerous historic churches and medieval streets that evoke a timeless sense of devotion.
Key Sites in Assisi
As visitors explore the historic town of Assisi, they’ll discover a wealth of sites that illuminate the life and legacy of St. Francis and St. Clare. The Basilica of St. Francis, a UNESCO World Heritage site, features stunning frescoes depicting the saint’s life. Nearby, the Basilica of St. Clare houses the crucifix that spoke to St. Francis, inspiring his spiritual renewal. Travelers can also visit the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli, which encompasses the Porziuncola, the small chapel where St. Francis founded his religious order.
| Site | Significance |
|---|---|
| Basilica of St. Francis | Frescoes of St. Francis’ life |
| Basilica of St. Clare | Crucifix that spoke to St. Francis |
| Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli | Porziuncola, where St. Francis founded his order |
| Piazza del Comune | Medieval town square, center of Assisi |
Free Time for Shopping and Exploration
Travelers on the Assisi and Orvieto Day Trip will find ample opportunities to explore the local shops and streets during the free time allotted in both towns.
In Orvieto, visitors can browse the boutiques, art galleries, and traditional pottery shops that line the charming cobblestone streets.
The free time in Assisi allows for:
- Visiting the quaint shops selling religious items, local crafts, and regional delicacies.
- Strolling through the historic town center and soaking in the Franciscan atmosphere.
- Stopping for a coffee or gelato at one of the inviting cafes.
- Photographing the stunning views of the surrounding Umbrian countryside.
Tour Details and Requirements
The day trip from Rome to Assisi and Orvieto accommodates a maximum of 50 people on an air-conditioned coach. The tour includes a local guide, lunch, and gratuities, with drinks available for purchase. Travelers must meet at the designated meeting point of Via Giovanni Amendola, 32 in Rome, with a start time of 7:15 AM and returning to the same location.
| Tour Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Reviews | 966 |
| Accessibility | Not wheelchair accessible |
| Dress Code | No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed in places of worship |
| Group Size | Minimum of 8 passengers required; possibility of cancellation if not met |
| Fitness Level | Moderate physical fitness recommended due to hilly terrain |
Traveler Reviews and Feedback
Mixed reviews have been provided on the quality of the lunch during the day trip, with some travelers finding it disappointing.
However, the guides have been praised for their knowledge and organizational skills.
Travelers have highlighted the beautiful scenery and spiritual atmosphere, especially in Assisi and Orvieto.
Some appreciated the balance of guided and free time, allowing them to explore on their own.
The experiences have been positive, with:
- Guides praised for their expertise
- Beautiful scenery and spiritual ambiance noted
- Appreciation for the mix of guided and free time
- Generally positive experiences, especially in Assisi and Orvieto.
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- Rome: Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Fully Guided Tour
- Pompeii Day Trip From Rome With Mount Vesuvius or Positano Option
- Skip-the-Line Group Tour of the Vatican, Sistine Chapel & St. Peters Basilica
- Pizza Cooking Class in Rome – Near Piazza Navona
- Cooking Class in the Heart of Rome: Pizza and Tiramisu Making
- Pasta Cooking Class in Rome – Fettuccine Class in Piazza Navona
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Request Dietary Restrictions for the Lunch?
Yes, you can request dietary restrictions for the lunch. The tour operator can accommodate various dietary needs if you inform them in advance when booking the tour.
Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Tour?
The tour operator doesn’t offer an option to extend the duration of the day trip. The itinerary is fixed, and the tour ends back at the meeting point in Rome as scheduled.
Will There Be an Opportunity to Visit the Orvieto Underground?
The tour doesn’t include a visit to the Orvieto underground. It focuses on the city’s famous Gothic cathedral and allows free time for independent exploration, but doesn’t specifically cover the underground sites.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Coach?
No, you can’t bring your own food and drinks on the coach. The tour includes lunch, and additional drinks are available for purchase. Bringing outside food and drinks is generally not allowed on group tours.
Is There an Option to Visit Additional Sites in Assisi?
While the tour covers key sites in Assisi, there’s no option to visit additional sites. The itinerary is pre-determined, but travelers have free time to explore on their own within the scheduled stops.
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The Sum Up
The Assisi and Orvieto Day Trip from Rome provides a well-rounded journey through Italy’s history and culture. Travelers can admire Orvieto’s stunning Gothic cathedral, enjoy a lakeside lunch, and enjoy the spiritual atmosphere of Assisi. This guided tour strikes a balance between structured exploration and free time, offering an enriching and memorable experience for those seeking to discover the essence of these historic Italian towns.