The Assisi and Cascia Tour offers a captivating journey through the spiritual heart of Italy, highlighting the lives of three revered saints – St. Francis, St. Clare, and St. Rita. Participants can explore the stunning Basilica of St. Francis, renowned for its Gothic architecture and exquisite frescoes, as well as the serene Monastero of Santa Rita, a site of deep devotion. This immersive experience provides a profound connection to the Franciscan legacy, leaving visitors with a deeper understanding of the region’s rich history and the enduring influence of these remarkable individuals.

Contents show

Key Points

This 12-hour excursion explores the iconic sites of Assisi and Cascia, including the Basilica of St. Francis, Monastero of Santa Rita, and Basilica of Santa Chiara.
The tour provides luxury transportation, entrance fees, and a professional guide, offering insights into the Franciscan legacy and spirituality.
Highlights include the architectural grandeur of the Basilica of St. Francis, the incorrupt body of St. Clare, and the sacred relics associated with St. Rita.
Visitors can savor local cuisine during a provided lunch, seeing the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of these Franciscan sites.
The tour is offered in Italian, Spanish, and English, catering to diverse language preferences and ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the sites.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Tour

The Assisi, Cascia (St. Francis, St. Claire and St. Rita) Tour is a 12-hour excursion that takes visitors to explore the spiritual and artistic wonders of these two historic Italian towns.

A 12-hour excursion exploring the spiritual and artistic wonders of the historic Italian towns of Assisi and Cascia.

Priced from $873.78 per person, the tour includes pickup and drop-off with luxury transportation, entrance fees, and a professional guide (except on Sundays).

Key highlights include the Basilica of St. Francis, Monastero of Santa Rita, Basilica of Santa Chiara, and Porziuncola Chapel.

Offered in Italian, Spanish, and English, the tour allows travelers to enjoy the cultural significance of these sacred sites, which shaped global art and architecture.

Looking for more options in Cascia? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Highlights of the Tour

A highlight of the Assisi, Cascia Tour is the Basilica of St. Francis. This 13th-century church showcases stunning Romanesque and Gothic architecture, with the upper and lower basilicas featuring renowned frescoes by Giotto and his students.

Visitors can also explore the Porziuncola Chapel, a small church where St. Francis founded the Franciscan Order, and the Basilica of Santa Chiara, home to the saint’s incorrupt body.

The Monastero of Santa Rita in Cascia is another key stop, honoring the "Saint of the Impossible" and her inspiring life story.
The tour also includes a Eucharistic Miracle site, a profound spiritual destination for many Catholic pilgrims.
Lunch is provided, giving participants a chance to savor the local cuisine.

Visiting the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi

As visitors begin their exploration of the Assisi, Cascia Tour, they’ll undoubtedly be captivated by the grandeur of the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi.

This iconic 13th-century edifice is a masterpiece of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, renowned for its stunning frescoes and intricate decorations.

Travelers will marvel at the upper and lower churches, each with its own distinctive style and artistic splendor.

The upper and lower churches of the Basilica captivate with their unique architectural styles and artistic grandeur.

The basilica’s serene ambiance invites contemplation, allowing visitors to connect with the profound spiritual legacy of St. Francis and the Franciscan Order, which has significantly influenced art and architecture worldwide.

Exploring the Monastero of Santa Rita in Cascia

How does the Monastero of Santa Rita in Cascia captivate visitors on the Assisi, Cascia Tour? The grand structure, dating back to the 14th century, commands attention as the final resting place of St. Rita, the "Saint of the Impossible."

Visitors can:

Admire the intricate, Gothic-style architecture adorned with stunning frescoes and artworks.
Venerate the sacred relics of St. Rita, including her incorrupt body and a thorn from the crucifix said to have touched her forehead.
Explore the serene gardens and cloisters, where St. Rita is believed to have spent much of her contemplative life.

The Monastero of Santa Rita offers a profound spiritual experience, cementing Cascia’s status as a must-visit destination on the Assisi, Cascia Tour.

More Great Tours Nearby

Discovering the Basilica of Santa Chiara in Assisi

Though overshadowed by the renowned Basilica of St. Francis, the Basilica of Santa Chiara is a must-visit site on this tour. Dedicated to St. Clare, the co-founder of the Franciscan Order, the church’s striking Romanesque-Gothic architecture and vibrant frescoes captivate visitors.

Highlights include the glorious rose window, the crypt housing St. Clare’s remains, and the Crucifix of San Damiano, which famously spoke to St. Francis.

Spending time in this spiritual haven, where St. Clare dedicated her life to prayer and service, offers a profound connection to the Franciscan legacy. The Basilica of Santa Chiara is a testament to the enduring influence of these revered saints.

The Significance of the Porziuncola Chapel in Assisi

The Porziuncola Chapel holds immense significance within the Franciscan tradition and the city of Assisi. This small chapel, located within the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli, is where St. Francis of Assisi received his calling and founded the Franciscan Order.

Some key facts about the Porziuncola Chapel:

It’s considered the "cradle" of the Franciscan movement, as it was here that St. Francis dedicated his life to poverty, chastity, and obedience.
The chapel features stunning frescoes depicting scenes from the life of St. Francis and the early Franciscan community.
Pilgrims come to the Porziuncola Chapel to honor the legacy of St. Francis and experience the spiritual atmosphere that permeates the site.

The Influence of the Franciscan Order

The Franciscan Order has had a profound and lasting influence on global art, architecture, and spirituality. Their artistic and spiritual message significantly shaped the world’s visual and cultural landscape. The Franciscans pioneered new architectural styles, like Franciscan Gothic, and inspired breathtaking works of art, including frescoes and sculptures. Their message of poverty, humility, and service resonated across faith traditions.

| Architectural Influence | Artistic Influence |

|————————–|——————-|

| Franciscan Gothic style | Giotto frescoes |

| Assisi Basilica | Cimabue paintings |

| Santa Croce, Florence | Duccio altarpieces |

This enduring legacy continues to attract millions of visitors and pilgrims to Assisi and other Franciscan sites worldwide.

What to Expect During the Tour Experience

As guests embark on the Assisi, Cascia Tour, they can expect a seamless and immersive experience guided by a professional English-speaking tour leader.

The tour includes:

Pickup and drop-off with luxury transportation and a private chauffeur, ensuring a comfortable and convenient journey.
Entrance to key sites, including the Basilica of St. Francis, Monastero of Santa Rita, and Basilica of Santa Chiara, allowing visitors to enjoy the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of these renowned locations.
A delicious lunch, providing an opportunity to savor local cuisine and further enhance the cultural experience.

The Sum Up

The Assisi and Cascia Tour offers a captivating journey through Italy’s spiritual heart, highlighting the lives of renowned saints. Participants explore the Basilica of St. Francis, Monastero of Santa Rita, and Basilica of Santa Chiara, seeing the Franciscan legacy. This immersive experience provides a profound connection to these sacred sites, leaving lasting impressions on those who embark on this 12-hour spiritual adventure.