Heart of Italy Day Trip: Visit Perugia and Assisi from Florence

Assisi’s great basilicas are the draw here: at the Basilica of Saint Francis, Giotto’s frescoes turn the saint’s story into a sequence of vivid medieval scenes. I like that the day also reaches Santa Maria degli Angeli, where the small Porziuncola chapel gives you a more intimate view of Franciscan history, and includes a local guide for Assisi.

I also like the idea of pairing a sacred Umbrian town with a second stop, either Perugia or cliff-top Orvieto, rather than spending the whole day on a single destination. The catch is important: the tour information describes both towns as the second stop, and the day is long, with limited time for wandering. Confirm the route before you pay.

At a glance

• Assisi’s frescoes: See the Basilica of Saint Francis, including paintings associated with Giotto, Cimabue, Pietro Lorenzetti and Simone Martini.
• A second Umbrian town: The route information alternates between Perugia and Orvieto, so verify which one is included on your date.
• A local Assisi guide: The guided walk brings context to the basilicas and medieval streets; guides have included Giuseppe, Maria Angela and Sarah.
• Porziuncola chapel: At Santa Maria degli Angeli, see the small chapel linked to Francis and the beginnings of the Franciscan order.
• An early start and long return: Meet at 7:30 am at Piazzale Montelungo. Plan for a full day, and allow for the possibility of a return later than the stated early evening.
• Bring a covered-up outfit: Churches require shoulders and knees to be covered, and the Assisi streets involve uphill and downhill walking.

Check which town is paired with Assisi

There is a significant mismatch in the tour details. The title names Perugia, the overview and some descriptions name Orvieto, and the detailed route includes Perugia’s central sights and an optional chocolate tasting. Another detailed description explains a visit to Orvieto’s Duomo and St. Patrick’s Well. These are different towns, not two names for the same stop.

That matters because the second town shapes the day. Perugia offers a medieval center, Piazza IV Novembre, the Fontana Maggiore, the cathedral and the underground fortress of Rocca Paolina. Orvieto is known here for its cliff-top setting, Gothic Duomo and St. Patrick’s Well. If the option matters to you, ask Ciao Florence Tours which town is scheduled for your departure before booking.

The order of stops may also change on the day. The experience is described as a coach trip from Florence into Umbria, with an expert escort and a professional local guide for Assisi. English and Spanish are guaranteed; Italian, Portuguese or French require at least four people to confirm.

Starting the day from Florence

The meeting point is Piazzale Montelungo, near Florence’s Santa Maria Novella train station. It is about a five to ten minute walk from the station, but give yourself extra time to find the bus terminal and check in. The coach leaves at 7:30 am, so this is not a leisurely breakfast departure.

Transport is by air-conditioned GT coach, with no hotel pickup or drop-off. That makes the tour straightforward if you are staying in central Florence, but you need to get yourself to the meeting point. The drive toward Umbria is part of the day, not a short transfer: the listed estimates put some legs at around an hour and a half, while actual journeys can take longer.

The group is capped at 30, which is a more manageable size than a large coach crowd, though it is still a group tour with fixed meeting times. A tour escort accompanies the group, and the Assisi visit includes a separate local guide. Past guides have included Gianmarco, Giuseppe, Maria Angela, Julian and Sebastian, but you should not expect a particular guide on your date.

Perugia: medieval streets, a fortress and chocolate

If your departure goes to Perugia, the free-time stop gives you a chance to explore the Umbrian capital at your own pace. Its central Piazza IV Novembre is home to the Fontana Maggiore and Perugia Cathedral, while Rocca Paolina offers a look at the city’s underground past. Even a short visit can give you a taste of the city’s medieval center, but the itinerary’s limited time means you will need to choose what matters most.

The optional chocolate tasting is another possible reason to favor this route. Perugia is known for chocolate and hosts the Eurochocolate festival; the tasting is offered at a chocolate museum or shop, depending on the tour details. It is optional, and its admission cost is not included unless you select that option. If you want to see the cathedral, explore the streets and take the tasting, time may feel tight.

Treat this stop as a sampler, not a full visit. The listed time is brief, and free time means you are responsible for making your own way around and returning on time. If you prefer a guided introduction or a slower lunch, check how much time the company plans to allow.

Orvieto: a Duomo worth slowing down for

If the tour goes to Orvieto instead, the town’s main attraction is its Gothic Duomo, a striking church with stained glass and a richly decorated facade. The town’s position on a cliff makes the arrival memorable, and its medieval lanes invite a short wander. St. Patrick’s Well is another named sight, though the available details do not make clear whether entry is included.

Orvieto’s Duomo is not a quick glance-and-go stop if church art interests you. The frescoes by Luca Signorelli are a particular reason to go inside, and an audio guide may be available at the cathedral. Admission to the second town’s sights is not listed as included, so check what you would pay separately and how much time is reserved for the visit.

Time here can be a balancing act. Some versions of the day allow free exploration, while accounts of the tour describe the stop as too brief to see everything, especially when lunch and a church visit compete for the same window. A funeral or other church event can also affect access, so keep expectations flexible.

Assisi: the emotional center of the day

Assisi is the part of this trip most likely to stay with you. White and pale stone buildings climb the hillside above the valley, and the town’s associations with Francis and Clare give its churches a particular focus. Francis was born into a wealthy family, then gave up that life to preach; the town’s streets and basilicas help put that change into place.

The Basilica of Saint Francis is the principal visit. Its upper and lower churches contain frescoes by Giotto, Cimabue, Pietro Lorenzetti and Simone Martini, including scenes connected to Francis’s life. The local guide explains the art and religious setting, which is useful when you have limited time and want more than a quick look at the walls.

The basilica visit is included, but you should not assume that every minute in Assisi is guided. The schedule describes time for lunch and some independent exploring, along with a guided walk and time near Santa Chiara. The exact balance can shift, and accounts of the day range from a satisfying guided visit to a rushed stop with little chance to browse or sit down. Keep lunch simple and leave room to return promptly when asked.

Santa Chiara’s Basilica is dedicated to Clare, one of Francis’s earliest followers. The church is available to visit during free time, along with the tomb of Carlo Acutis, the first millennial saint. This stop is not described as a guided interior visit, so think of it as an option if you have time and are interested in Clare or Acutis.

Assisi’s lanes are steep, and the walking can be tiring. One person on a tour can move at a different pace from the group, so wear comfortable shoes and pay close attention to meeting points. A map with the route and gathering place would be helpful, but do not count on having one provided.

Santa Maria degli Angeli and the Porziuncola

A short coach ride from Assisi’s center takes you to Santa Maria degli Angeli. The large church shelters the Porziuncola, a small stone chapel associated with Francis and his followers and with the formation of the Franciscan order. Its scale makes a striking contrast with the basilica built around it.

The church entrance is included, and a guide leads the visit. This stop adds a quieter, more focused chapter to the day after the grander basilicas in Assisi. It is a worthwhile inclusion if you want to understand more than the town’s best-known monument, though the additional visit also means less unstructured time elsewhere.

The long day, the walking and the price

At $111.74 per person, the price covers coach transport, an escort, a professional guide in Assisi and entry to the Basilica of Saint Francis and Santa Maria degli Angeli. Food and drinks are extra, and admission to other attractions is not generally included. The optional chocolate tasting costs extra unless you select it as part of your booking.

The value depends on what you want from the day. If your priority is seeing Assisi and one other Umbrian town without arranging trains, local transport and church visits yourself, the coach and guided Assisi visit make the price reasonable. If you want to linger over art, browse shops or sit down for a relaxed lunch, a self-planned visit or a day focused on Assisi alone may suit you better.

The published duration is about 11 hours, but the day can stretch longer. Several legs involve substantial coach time, and reports of the outing describe days of 12 hours or more, particularly when traffic or delays intervene. One account described missed time in Orvieto after a bus problem, while others praised careful driving and smooth organization. The schedule has little spare room, so an unexpected delay can affect sightseeing.

Wear shoes that can handle hills and uneven streets, bring water and check the weather. Church dress rules are strict: cover your shoulders and knees or you risk being refused entry. Pack a small snack if you do not want lunch to depend entirely on the available time and nearby options.

Who should book this day trip?

I would consider this tour if you have one day to spare, want an introduction to Assisi’s sacred sites and are comfortable spending a good part of the day on a coach. The guided basilica visit is its strongest feature, and the Porziuncola adds a meaningful second stop beyond the famous upper and lower basilicas.

It is less suited to anyone who wants an unhurried visit, has difficulty with steep walking, or is set on spending most of the day in one town. The most important step is to confirm whether your departure visits Perugia or Orvieto. Book once you know the route and are happy with a full, tightly timed day; otherwise, choose a trip devoted to Assisi alone.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is Piazzale Montelungo in Florence, about a five to ten minute walk from Santa Maria Novella train station.

What time does the tour leave?

The stated start time is 7:30 am. The tour ends back at the meeting point in Florence.

Does the tour visit Perugia or Orvieto?

The tour information names both Perugia and Orvieto as the second town. Confirm the route with Ciao Florence Tours before booking.

Is the Basilica of Saint Francis included?

Yes. The entrance fee to Saint Francis’ Basilica is included, along with a guided visit in Assisi.

Is Santa Maria degli Angeli included?

Yes. Entry to Santa Maria degli Angeli is included, and a guide leads the visit.

Is lunch included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, so plan to pay for your own lunch and refreshments.

Is the chocolate tasting included?

The chocolate tasting is optional in Perugia. It is included only if you select that option.

What should I wear to visit the churches?

Church entry requires your shoulders and knees to be covered. Entry may be denied if you do not meet the dress code.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 30 people. English and Spanish are guaranteed; Italian, Portuguese or French require a minimum of four people.