Florence: Cortona, Assisi and Perugia Full Day Trip

Exploring Tuscany and Umbria in a Day: A Balanced & Authentic Tour Experience

This full-day tour from Florence offers a well-rounded glimpse into two of Italy’s most captivating regions: Tuscany and Umbria. It’s perfect for travelers who want to see iconic towns without the hassle of planning multiple trips or driving long distances. The experience includes visits to the picturesque Cortona, the spiritual Assisi, and the lively Perugia, making it a comprehensive taste of central Italy’s artistic, historical, and scenic treasures.

What we love about this tour is its ability to combine stunning scenic views, cultural highlights, and authentic local atmospheres—all within a manageable 10-hour window. We particularly appreciate the seamless transportation, the knowledgeable guides, and the opportunity to explore famous landmarks like the Basilica of St. Francis. The only consideration is that it involves quite a bit of walking and moving from place to place, so it’s best suited for travelers with comfortable shoes and moderate mobility.

This tour is ideal for those who want a curated experience, blending sightseeing with cultural insights, without the worry of navigating on their own. It suits history buffs, food lovers, photographers, and anyone eager for a day packed with Italian charm.

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Key Points

Convenient full-day format covering three iconic towns in Tuscany and Umbria
Expert guides enhance understanding of each location’s history and culture
Comfortable transportation in an air-conditioned coach simplifies logistics
Authentic towns like Cortona, Assisi, and Perugia showcase Italy’s diverse regional charm
Time for exploration allows for sightseeing, shopping, and photos
Not suitable for travelers with mobility impairments or those who prefer slow-paced, leisure-only days

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Itinerary and Experience

The tour kicks off with a pickup in Florence, usually from your hotel or a nearby meeting point, making it easy to start your day without extra travel fuss. The transport is in an air-conditioned coach, which is especially appreciated on warm days, and the journey to Cortona takes around 1.5 hours, giving you plenty of time to relax and enjoy scenic views along the way.

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Cortona: The Tuscan Hilltop Jewel

Your first stop is Cortona, the town made famous by the film Under the Tuscan Sun. Here, you’re granted around an hour of free time—ample for a quick stroll through its cobbled streets, browsing local shops, and soaking up the views of the Val di Chiana. Many visitors comment on how picturesque and authentic Cortona feels, with its medieval architecture and sweeping vistas.

Some reviews note that the free time might be tight if you’re keen on a thorough exploration or shopping, but it’s enough to get a real sense of this charming spot. You might want to look out for local artisans’ shops and the town’s quaint cafes, perfect for a quick coffee or gelato.

Assisi: The Spiritual Heart of Umbria

Next, the tour heads to Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis, with a planned stop of around 2.5 hours. This gives you the chance to explore the Basilica of St. Francis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its stunning frescoes that depict the life of the saint. Guides often highlight the significance of these artworks, which are considered masterpieces of medieval art.

The time here allows for a guided visit, as well as free time for lunch, shopping, or simply wandering the medieval streets. Reviewers mention that Assisi’s atmosphere is serene and inspiring, with many noting the peaceful piazzas and charming alleyways. It’s a chance to experience a spiritual and artistic atmosphere that feels timeless.

Perugia: A Lively Medieval Capital

After a short drive (around 30 minutes), you arrive in Perugia, the vibrant capital of Umbria. With about 1.5 hours to explore, you can enjoy a mix of sightseeing, photos, and tasting. Perugia is famous for its medieval architecture, lively piazzas, and glorious views over the surrounding landscape.

Reviewers love the chance to walk through its charming streets, admire Etruscan ruins, and indulge in local treats like Perugina chocolates—famous for their Baci sweets. Some mention enjoying an aperitif or coffee in the lively city squares, adding to the authentic experience.

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Return Journey and Overall Experience

After Perugia, the group boards the coach for the approximately 2-hour ride back to Florence. Throughout the day, guides provide insights into each location, and the comfortable transport allows you to relax and reflect on the day’s discoveries.

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What’s Included & What’s Not

The tour’s price covers professional guides, air-conditioned transport, and entry to the Basilica of St. Francis. These inclusions ensure a smooth, enriching experience without hidden costs. Food and drinks, however, are not included—so bringing snacks or planning for meals during free time is advisable.

The tour emphasizes flexibility with hotel pick-up and drop-off arrangements, which simplifies logistics, especially for those staying in central Florence.

The Practicalities: Timing, Comfort & Suitability

Spanning about 10 hours, this trip balances sightseeing with travel time. The schedule involves moderate walking at each site, so comfortable shoes are a must. The group size is private, offering a more personalized experience, and guides speak multiple languages, including English, Italian, and Russian.

It’s worth noting that this tour isn’t suitable for travelers with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, due to the walking involved and some uneven surfaces in historic towns.

Be Prepared

Travelers should bring essentials like comfortable shoes, a camera, sunscreen, and water. Since the itinerary involves outdoor exploration, dressing appropriately for the weather is important.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

Compared to booking separate trips or self-driving, this tour offers a cost-effective way to see three important towns in one day with expert narration. It provides a good balance between guided insights and free time, allowing for personal exploration. The inclusion of entry to the Basilica of St. Francis adds a cultural highlight that many travelers appreciate.

Critics often mention the stunning views during the drives and at each town, which make for memorable photos. The chance to experience local flavors and artisan shops in towns like Cortona and Perugia enhances the overall value.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This experience appeals to those who want to see Italy’s scenic countryside and historic towns without the hassle of organizing transportation or guides. It suits history enthusiasts, art lovers, and foodies eager to sample Italy’s regional charms. It’s also a good option for travelers who prefer a structured day with organized sightseeing rather than independent exploration.

If you’re after an in-depth, leisurely exploration of each town, this might feel a bit rushed. But if your goal is to tick off significant destinations with a knowledgeable guide and comfortable logistics, this tour hits the mark.

Final Thoughts

This full-day trip from Florence delivers real value, blending beautiful scenery, historic sights, and authentic local atmospheres. It’s especially suited for travelers wanting a well-organized, enriching overview of Tuscany and Umbria in one manageable day.

While it involves some walking and a packed schedule, the experience’s highlights — from Cortona’s panoramic views to Assisi’s spiritual serenity and Perugia’s lively streets — make it a memorable journey. The guided insights and seamless transport ensure you get the most out of each stop, leaving you with plenty of stories and photos to share.

This tour offers a satisfying snapshot of central Italy’s diverse charm, perfect for those short on time but eager to explore beyond Florence’s borders.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from your hotel within Florence, or at a nearby convenient meeting point if your hotel is in a pedestrian zone.

How long is the travel between towns?
The drive from Florence to Cortona takes approximately 1.5 hours, with shorter trips between Assisi and Perugia, making travel time manageable and comfortable.

What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes, a camera, sunscreen, water, and any personal essentials. Weather can vary, so dress appropriately.

Are meals included?
No, food and drinks are not included, but you’ll have time for lunch and snacks during free periods in Assisi and Perugia.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
It’s suitable for most able-bodied travelers but not recommended for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, given the walking involved.

How much free time do I get at each location?
Expect about an hour in Cortona, 2.5 hours in Assisi, and 1.5 hours in Perugia, enough for sightseeing, shopping, and photos.

Will I have free time to explore independently?
Yes, each stop includes free time for personal exploration, shopping, or relaxing in cafes, within the scheduled duration.

This tour strikes a lovely balance of guided insight and personal discovery, making it a fantastic way to experience some of Italy’s most charming towns in a single day.

You can check availability for your dates here: