Assisi: Day Trips and Tours from Florence

Best known as the birthplace of St. Francis, one of Italy’s most loved saints, Assisi is a UNESCO-listed town worth visiting when you explore the region.

With its rich history, day trips to Assisi and the surrounding areas cater to pilgrims and visitors. A perfectly preserved medieval quarter, Renaissance frescoes, and historical monuments all add to the appeal and charm of the town.

Whether you make Assisi your base or travel from one of the bigger cities, here are some of the best private and scheduled day trips you should consider.

In our guide below, you will find everything you need to know about Assisi, one of the best destinations for day trips from Florence.

How far is Assisi from Florence? How do I get there?

Assisi, located in Italy’s Umbria region, is 175 kilometers from the Tuscan city of Florence. You can reach the town by taking a car or train and the average travel time is between two and three hours.

From Florence to Assisi by car

The drive from Florence to Assisi takes around two hours on the A1 and E35 routes, traveling southeast from Tuscany and into Umbria. You will need to park outside the town walls, as only residents’ vehicles are permitted in the Old Town.

From Florence to Assisi by train

There are two types of train journeys between Florence and Assisi. The direct train trip from Florence takes just less than two hours, while the slower regional train takes just over three hours. Tickets start at €7.90 if you book in advance.

Guided tour from Florence to Assisi

There are several guided or chauffeured day trips to Assisi and they are good options to save you time and ensure a hassle-free excursion. Depending on the type of Assisi day tour, you will either be collected from your hotel or asked to meet at a central pickup point. Guided day trips to Assisi include a stop in Orvieto or Cortana and last between 8 and 13 hours.

What types of excursions to Assisi from Florence can I book?

There are many ways to explore Assisi on a day trip from Florence: you can sight-see on your own, as part of a tour group, with a private driver or private guide. Most day trips from Florence are on a return basis, however, if your next destination is Rome, you can enjoy an excursion in Assisi en route between the two cities.

Shuttle transfer without guide to Assisi from Florence

A shuttle transfer provides you with a driver on a private or group basis. You are driven to Assisi for a day trip. After exploring the town at your leisure, your shuttle will collect you for your return journey.

Guided tours to Assisi from Florence

A guided day tour is run on a scheduled basis. You can book seats on a group day trip from Florence. Excursions to Assisi often include visiting the towns of Orvieto or Cortana. In Assisi, your group will enjoy a guided walking tour of the town’s attractions.

Private tour to Assisi from Florence

Unlike a guided day trip, private tours may be tailored to suit your interests. With a private vehicle and guide, you can ensure that your jaunt includes the sights you want to see in Assisi. You will be able to make the most of your guide’s knowledge, as you explore the town and its surroundings.

2-Day private tour to Assisi plus Gubbio from Florence

If one day is not enough time for your planned excursion, consider a 2-day private tour. This includes private guided tours of Assisi and Gubbio with an overnight farm stay. You will be collected from and returned to your hotel in Florence or elsewhere in Tuscany.

What is on the typical itinerary?

A typical day trip to Assisi from Florence begins with a pickup at your hotel or collection at a specified meeting point. To make the most of the day, the journey will usually take you directly to Assisi. This gives you time to explore popular pilgrimage sites, as well as the museums and sites of cultural significance in the town.

While visiting the religious sites, you will be required to dress modestly, with your knees and shoulders covered. It is worth noting that while Assisi tours are walking tours, the town is built vertically, and some roads are steep.

Depending on your choice of tour, you will either enjoy lunch in Assisi or other food and wine experiences in the region.

After lunch, you will begin your return journey, possibly stopping in Cortona or Orvieto for some independent sightseeing before returning to the drop-off point or your hotel.

How much do excursions to Assisi from Florence cost?

Guided tours to Assisi from Florence cost from €90 per person, and include transport from a central pickup point and entrance fees, but exclude meals, drinks and tips.

Small group tours start at €190 per person and offer a similar experience but with a group of no more than six people traveling in a luxury minivan. Lunch is included and you will be collected from your hotel in Florence.

Private full-day tour prices start from €110 per person for a group of eight people and include a pickup from your hotel. This rate does not include guides, meals or drinks, but you will have a luxury vehicle for the duration of your Assisi excursion.

For an additional fee of €140, your tour can include a professional tour guide for two hours while in Assisi.

A private luxury tour from Florence to Rome costs from €430 per person for a group of six to €1,030 for two people, excluding gratuities. The price includes lunch and guided tours in Assisi and Orvieto.

The price of a 2-day private tour to Assisi and Gubbio starts in the region of €630 for two people. It includes tour guides in most attractions, private transportation, lunch on both days, and dinner.

What will I see and do on an Assisi day trip from Florence?

Assisi is a place of religious significance and is often visited as part of a pilgrimage. The most well-known religious sites are St. Francis Basilica, St Clare’s Basilica and the church of St Mary of the Angels.

The upper basilica of St. Francis is built in the French Gothic style and houses 13th-century stained-glass windows. Staircases lead you to the crypt and St. Francis’ tomb, which was hidden until being discovered in 1818.

Assisi has several local specialty delicacies like truffles, honey, black celery and cured meats, including prosciutto di Norcia. You can sample these while enjoying a meal in the town.

With a rich history, Assisi’s attractions include sites dating back to the first century A.D. including the Mausoleum, Teatro Romano and Temple of Minerva

Rocca Maggiore and Palazzo Vallemani

Charlemagne began building the 13th-century fortress Rocca Maggiore and the construction was completed in the 16th century. It is a short but steep hike to the fortress, which offers views of the town and the surrounding landscape. You can also visit Palazzo Vallemani, a 17th-century Baroque building with lavish frescoes and home to the city art gallery.

The Church and Museum of St. Peter

Dating from the 10th century, the church and museum of St. Peter are home to gothic graves and well-preserved medieval frescoes.

What are the opening times of sites in Assisi?

The upper church, St. Francis’ Basilica is open from 8:30 AM to 6 PM in summer, and 8:30 AM to 5 PM in winter. The lower church opens at 6 AM. Access to certain areas may be restricted during vespers and mass.

Museums are usually open from 10 AM to 5:30 PM. Many of the other sights in Assisi are in public spaces and can be visited throughout the day.

When is the best time to plan a visit to Assisi?

Assisi is accessible all year round, but between May and August is considered the best time to visit, as the weather is usually mild.

Are there any tours to Assisi from other cities in Italy?

Yes, there are tours departing from other cities in Italy:

• Day Trips to Assisi from Rome
• Day Trips to Assisi from Siena

Travel tips

• Consider booking a guided walking tour if you do not have a private guide. These can be booked on arrival in Assisi.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress modestly to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees covered).
• Pack water and a snack for while you are exploring the town.
• Wear sunscreen and a hat for the warm summer months.
• Remember extra SD cards for your camera.