Assisi and St. Francis (Driver Only/Self Touring)

Experience the Peace of Assisi and St. Francis’s Heritage in Comfort and Flexibility

This private Assisi day trip from Rome offers a relaxed way to see some of Italy’s most revered religious sites without the hassle of group tours. With a private driver, you’ll enjoy the scenic drive through Umbria’s rolling hills, giving you a taste of Italy’s countryside before arriving at the hilltop town. Unlike crowded guided tours, this experience grants you the freedom to explore at your own pace—stopping for photos, browsing local shops, or sitting down for a leisurely meal.

One aspect we particularly appreciate is the personalized service and comfort, thanks to a private, air-conditioned Mercedes vehicle and an attentive, English-speaking driver. It’s perfect for travelers who want flexibility and comfort but prefer avoiding the logistics of public transport or guided groups.

A potential consideration is that this tour doesn’t include a guided commentary or entrance fees; you’ll be exploring on your own, which is great for independent travelers or those familiar with the sites. If you’re eager for a deeper dive with a guide, you might want to supplement this experience later. This trip suits those who love historical sites, religious heritage, and scenic drives, and who prefer to craft their own itinerary rather than follow a strict timetable.

Key Points

• Flexible, private transportation from Rome, saving travel time and stress.
• Independent exploration of Assisi’s key sites, ideal for self-guided discovery.
• Scenic drive through the Umbrian countryside, offering picturesque views.
• Comfortable vehicle with air conditioning and a professional driver.
• Cost-effective for small groups, with up to 3 people sharing the vehicle.
• No guided tour or entrance fees included, allowing you to tailor your visit.

A Detailed Look at the Assisi and St. Francis Private Day Trip

This tour is designed for those who value comfort, flexibility, and a more personalized experience when visiting Assisi. You won’t get a guide narrating every step, but instead, you’ll enjoy the freedom to explore the key sights at your own pace, with a knowledgeable driver providing insights along the way.

The Journey from Rome to Assisi

The trip begins with a pickup at your Rome hotel. The private Mercedes-Benz vehicle ensures a smooth, climate-controlled ride, making the nearly 2-hour journey comfortable, especially if you’re traveling in warmer months. The drive itself is a highlight, as you pass through the lush valleys and rolling hills of Umbria, giving you a taste of Italy’s unspoiled landscape before arriving in Assisi.

The driver’s role is primarily to navigate and provide helpful commentary about the region, which many reviewers like the one mentioning Cesar, the driver, appreciated. Cesar was punctual, informative, and directed guests to key points of interest, which demonstrates the value of having a dedicated driver who doubles as a local guide.

Stop 1: Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli

The first stop is the Basilica Santa Maria degli Angeli, located just outside the historic center of Assisi. This basilica holds deep significance as the site of St. Francis’ death. Inside, you’ll find the Capella del Transito, where Saint Francis passed away on October 3, 1226, and the Porziuncola, a tiny chapel with substantial spiritual meaning.

Visitors often comment on the aura of serenity here, especially as the basilica’s grand Baroque architecture contrasts with the humble chapel it surrounds. Entry is free, and you’ll likely spend around 30 minutes exploring. The highlight for many is seeing the rope belt of Saint Francis, preserved in a glass case—an intimate connection to the saint’s final moments.

Stop 2: Basilica Papale e Sacro Convento di San Francesco

The main attraction in Assisi is undoubtedly the Basilica of St. Francis, built soon after his canonization in 1228. It features two levels—the Upper and Lower Basilicas—adorned with mesmerizing frescoes by Cimabue, Giotto, Simone Martini, and Pietro Lorenzetti. These artworks vividly depict stories from Francis’ life, and many visitors find the frescoes to be both beautiful and inspiring.

Since there’s no guided commentary included, you’ll want to take your time to appreciate each fresco, perhaps reading up on their stories beforehand. You might find it helpful to have a guidebook or audio guide handy, especially if you’re interested in the artwork’s context. Expect around 1.5 hours here to soak in the atmosphere and explore the frescoed walls.

Stop 3: Piazza del Comune

Next, the lively Piazza del Comune is a perfect spot to enjoy some authentic Italian life. Sitting in the square allows you to soak in the historic ambiance, with the church of St. Mary Above Minerva nearby—an ancient Roman temple turned church, with a fascinating history involving pagan worship and subsequent Christian transformation.

Many visitors enjoy wandering around, browsing the local shops, and perhaps grabbing a quick coffee or gelato. The square’s central location makes it easy to explore at your own pace, and you might want to spend up to 1.5 hours here to fully appreciate the surroundings.

Stop 4: Basilica di Santa Chiara

A short walk from the main square is the Basilica of St. Clare, a stunning Gothic structure where you can see her preserved body displayed in a crypt (with her face covered in wax). The basilica houses relics and garments of both Saint Clare and Saint Francis, offering a tangible link to the saints’ lives.

While entry is free, the highlight here is viewing her remains and the religious artifacts. It’s a peaceful, reflective space, perfect for those interested in the spiritual side of Assisi. Expect to spend about 30 minutes here.

Stop 5: San Damiano

Finally, just outside of Assisi lies San Damiano, the quaint convent and church where Saint Francis received the divine calling to rebuild the Church in 1205. This simple, yet moving site is the birthplace of Francis’ spiritual journey and the Poor Clare order, founded here by Saint Clare.

Many visitors find the location deeply meaningful, especially as it’s the place where Saint Clare spent most of her life. The peaceful surroundings, combined with the history of Francis’ “Rebuild My Church” message, make it a fitting end to your self-guided exploration. An additional 30 minutes should be enough to take in the serenity and reflect.

The Experience: What You’ll Love and What to Consider

This tour’s true strength lies in its freedom. Without a guide hurrying you along, you can linger at each site, take photos, or explore shops and cafes at your leisure. The private transport ensures your comfort, and the scenic drive through Umbria adds a layer of tranquility that many travelers appreciate.

We loved the clarity of the itinerary and the quality of the vehicle, which is vital for long day trips. The fact that parking fees, fuel surcharge, and bottled water are included is a thoughtful touch that keeps your experience seamless.

From the reviews, Cesar’s punctuality and helpfulness stood out; many travelers found that having a driver who also shared local insights made the experience more enriching—even if no guided tour was booked. As one reviewer said, Cesar’s advice helped them make the most of each site, even without an official guide.

However, a few points to consider: since entrance fees are not included, you’ll need to budget extra for tickets if you choose to explore some sites more thoroughly. Also, this is purely a transportation-and-self-guided experience, which suits independent travelers better than those expecting a guided narrative.

Pricing and Value

At $811.03 for a group of up to three, the cost might seem high at first glance. However, considering the private, door-to-door service, the luxury transport, and the flexibility offered, many will find it worthwhile—especially if traveling with a small group or partner. The ability to customize your visit and avoid waiting in lines or navigating public transit adds significant value.

Compared to guided tours that might charge similar or higher prices for less flexibility, this experience is a good option for those who prefer autonomy. It’s especially appealing for seasoned travelers or those with specific interests in the sites visited.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is perfect for travelers who:

• Enjoy independent exploration but want the comfort of private transport
• Value scenic drives and the chance to see Italy’s countryside
• Are self-motivated and prefer to set their own pace
• Want a cost-effective way for a small group to visit Assisi without guided group tours
• Are interested in St. Francis, religious sites, or art but don’t need a guided narrative
• Seek a comfortable, stress-free day trip from Rome

It may not be ideal for those who want a guided, narrated tour or have limited mobility, as walking and self-guided exploration are key aspects.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, as it involves private transport and flexible exploration, making it suitable for families, especially those with older children interested in history and art.

Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Admission tickets for most sites are free, but if you wish to enter certain basilicas or chapels, you may need to purchase tickets separately, which are not included in this tour.

How long are the stops?
Stops vary from about 30 minutes to 1.5 hours, giving plenty of time to explore each site without feeling rushed.

What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes, a camera or smartphone for photos, some cash for souvenirs or snacks, and your own guidebook or notes if you want more context.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Since this is a private, self-guided experience, you can often choose to spend more or less time at certain sites, depending on your interests.

Does the tour include lunch?
No, lunch is not included, giving you the freedom to dine at your leisure in Assisi’s many eateries or cafes.

What happens if I cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the start, receiving a full refund.

Is parking included?
Yes, parking fees are covered as part of the service, so you won’t have to worry about extra costs during your sightseeing.

Final Thoughts

This private Assisi and St. Francis tour is a fantastic choice for travelers who love self-guided exploration combined with the convenience of private transport. It strikes a great balance between comfort and independence, allowing you to set your own pace while enjoying scenic drives and access to some of Italy’s most treasured spiritual sites.

If you’re someone who appreciates authentic experiences without being tied to a guide, this trip will suit you perfectly. It’s particularly valuable for small groups or couples wanting privacy and flexibility, with the added benefit of a knowledgeable driver who can offer local insights.

While the cost may seem steep, the personalized nature of the experience, the quality of the vehicle, and the opportunity to explore Assisi at your own pace make it a worthwhile option for those seeking a memorable day outside Rome’s bustling streets.

Remember: For those who want a flexible, relaxed way to visit Assisi’s highlights with scenic views and authentic experiences, this private driver-only tour offers genuine value and peace of mind. Just be prepared for some independent exploration and an extra budget for site entries if desired.