Assisi: Private Walking Tour With St. Francis Basilica

Assisi, the charming medieval town in Italy, offers a captivating private walking tour that delves into its rich spiritual and historical heritage. Visitors can explore the iconic Basilica of St. Francis, admire the stunning Giotto frescoes, and uncover the lives of St. Francis and St. Clare. With insights into the town’s UNESCO-protected status and strict dress code requirements, this tour promises an immersive experience that showcases Assisi’s essence. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking a glimpse into Italy’s profound religious traditions, this tour may just be the perfect way to unlock the secrets of this remarkable destination.

Key Points

• The private walking tour of Assisi includes visits to the Basilica of St. Clare, San Rufino Cathedral, and the UNESCO World Heritage Basilica of St. Francis.
• The tour begins at the 13th-century Basilica of St. Clare, showcasing its Gothic architecture, Romanesque features, and the Crucifix of San Damiano that spoke to St. Francis.
• The tour explores the vibrant Piazza del Comune, featuring the 1st-century BCE Temple of Minerva, Palazzo dei Priori, and the 13th-century Fontana Maggiore fountain.
• The highlight of the tour is the guided visit to the Basilica of St. Francis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which houses Giotto’s renowned frescoes.
• Specific dress code requirements and access restrictions apply for churches and museums, with the guide strictly enforcing the dress code during the tour.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This private walking tour of Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis, allows visitors to explore the city’s historic monuments and artistic treasures.

Priced from $240.29 per group, the 2.5-hour tour is offered in multiple languages. Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The tour starts at the Basilica of St. Clare and includes visits to the San Rufino Cathedral, Basilica of St. Clare, Santuario di San Francesco Piccolino, Chiesa Nuova di San Francesco Convertito, Piazza del Comune, Temple of Minerva, and the renowned Basilica of St. Francis, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Exploring the Basilica of St. Clare

The tour begins at the Basilica of St. Clare. Guests explore this 13th-century church, which houses the famous Crucifix of San Damiano that spoke to St. Francis.

The guide provides a 15-minute tour, highlighting the church’s Gothic architecture and Romanesque features. Visitors admire the intricate stained glass windows and the stunning altar, where the remains of St. Clare are entombed.

The guide shares the saint’s inspiring story and her close relationship with St. Francis. This stop offers a peaceful respite before continuing the tour through Assisi’s historic center, leading to the iconic Basilica of St. Francis.

Discovering the Piazza Del Comune and Temple of Minerva

After exploring the serene Basilica of St. Clare, the tour continues its journey through Assisi.

The next stop is the vibrant Piazza del Comune, the historic heart of the city. Here, visitors can admire the architectural masterpieces that surround the square, including:

The vibrant Piazza del Comune, the historic heart of Assisi, features architectural masterpieces including a 1st-century BCE temple and a 13th-century fountain.

1. The 1st-century BCE Temple of Minerva, now housing the Church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva.

2. The imposing Palazzo dei Priori, a prime example of medieval architecture.

3. The striking Fontana Maggiore, a magnificent 13th-century fountain adorned with intricate carvings.

The tour then leads participants to discover the rich history and significance of these iconic landmarks in Assisi.

Taking in the Basilica of St. Francis

Although the tour has already covered several impressive sites, the highlight of the experience is undoubtedly the visit to the Basilica of St. Francis.

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this magnificent structure houses the tomb of the patron saint and showcases Giotto’s renowned frescoes in the Upper and Lower Basilicas.

The guided tour provides in-depth insights into the religious and artistic significance of this iconic landmark.

Visitors are captivated by the serene atmosphere and the opportunity to connect with St. Francis’ legacy.

This stop truly immerses guests in the rich history and spiritual essence of Assisi.

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Dress Code and Access Restrictions

To enter the churches and selected museums on the tour, visitors must adhere to a specific dress code. This includes:

1. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed.

2. Appropriate attire, such as long pants or skirts, and shirts with sleeves, must be worn.

3. The tour guide strictly enforces these rules to ensure visitors respect the sacred spaces.

Plus, on Sundays and religious holidays, guided tours inside the St. Francis Basilica are prohibited.

In these cases, the guide will provide information about the basilica from the outside, allowing guests to appreciate the architecture and history without disrupting worship services.

Customer Feedback and Ratings

According to the reviews, the Assisi walking tour has received an impressive overall rating of 4.9 out of 5 based on 173 customer reviews. Guests consistently praised the knowledgeable guides who provided personalized service and in-depth information. The tour’s relaxed pace and value for money were also highlighted, with a 4.7/5 rating. Francesca, in particular, received excellent feedback for her exceptional tour experience. The following table summarizes the key customer review metrics:

| Metric | Rating |

| — | — |

| Overall Rating | 4.9/5 |

| Value for Money | 4.7/5 |

| Guide Knowledge | Excellent |

| Personalized Service | Excellent |

| Tour Pace | Relaxed |

Tour Highlights and Inclusions

The walking tour of Assisi takes visitors on an immersive journey through the historic monuments and artistic treasures of this captivating town.

Key highlights include:

1. Exploring the Basilica of St. Clare, home to the famous Crucifix of San Damiano.

2. Discovering the vibrant Piazza del Comune and the well-preserved 1st-century BCE Temple of Minerva.

3. Guided tours of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Basilica of St. Francis, revealing Giotto’s frescoes and the tomb of the revered saint.

Throughout the 2.5-hour experience, guests will gain a deeper understanding of Assisi’s rich cultural heritage and the enduring legacy of St. Francis.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Difference Between a Private and a Group Tour?

A private tour is exclusively for the booking party, allowing for a personalized experience. In contrast, a group tour has multiple participants sharing the guide and experience. Private tours offer more flexibility and attention, while group tours can be more cost-effective.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Meet Specific Interests?

Yes, this private tour can be customized to meet specific interests. Guests can work with the tour provider to adjust the itinerary and focus on areas of personal interest within the historic city of Assisi.

Are Audio Guides or Headsets Provided During the Tour?

Audio guides or headsets aren’t provided during the tour. However, the knowledgeable guides offer a personalized experience, allowing guests to fully engage with the historical sites and gain a deeper understanding of Assisi’s rich cultural heritage.

Is There an Option to Add a Visit to the Rocca Maggiore Fortress?

The overview does not mention an option to visit the Rocca Maggiore fortress. The tour focuses on key sites in Assisi, including the Basilica of St. Francis, without listing the fortress as a stop. To add this, you’d need to inquire with the tour provider.

Can the Tour Be Extended to Include a Visit to the Eremo Delle Carceri?

The tour can be extended to include a visit to the Eremo delle Carceri, which was an important hermitage for St. Francis. This would likely require extra time and incur additional costs beyond the standard tour.

The Sum Up

This private walking tour of Assisi provides a comprehensive exploration of the city’s historic and spiritual highlights. Visitors can explore the lives of St. Francis and St. Clare, marvel at Giotto’s frescoes, and enjoy the town’s charming atmosphere. With strict dress code requirements for church visits, this tour offers an authentic and enriching experience in this UNESCO World Heritage site.

You can check availability for your dates here: