Heart of Umbria: explore the mystic towns of Orvieto and Assisi

If you’re looking for a well-organized day that combines history, spirituality, and breathtaking scenery, the Heart of Umbria tour from Florence might be just what you need. This 11-hour journey takes you to two of Italy’s most captivating towns — Assisi and Orvieto — with guided visits, free time, and plenty of photo-worthy moments.

What we love most about this experience is the way it balances guided commentary with enough free time to explore and soak up the atmosphere. Plus, the comfort of modern transportation makes the long drive mostly stress-free. That said, a potential drawback is the tight schedule, which some reviewers say can feel rushed, especially in Orvieto.

This tour is perfect for travelers who want a rundown of Umbria’s spiritual and artistic highlights without the hassle of planning multiple separate visits. If you’re a history buff, a church enthusiast, or simply eager to see Italy’s lesser-known gems, this trip could be a highlight of your Florence stay.

Key Points

• Expert-guided visits provide insightful context about St. Francis, St. Clare, and the towns’ landmarks.
• Comfortable transportation allows for a smooth, hassle-free journey between Florence, Assisi, and Orvieto.
• Visit key sites such as the Basilica of San Francesco, Santa Chiara, and the stunning Duomo of Orvieto.
• Time management can be tight; some travelers feel the stops could be longer to fully enjoy each town.
• Authentic experiences include walking through medieval streets, viewing famous frescoes, and seeing historical religious sites.
• Good value for the price, considering entrance fees to major churches and guided commentary are included.

Introducing the Tour: A Blend of History, Art, and Scenic Views

Our review of the Heart of Umbria tour isn’t based on personal experience but on detailed accounts and traveler feedback. It’s a day that promises to blend the spiritual with the scenic, all while traveling comfortably from Florence.

Departing early from Piazzale Montelungo at 7:30 am, the journey begins with a scenic 1.5-hour coach ride south into Italy’s lush Umbrian region. The tour’s structure is designed to maximize the sightseeing in both Assisi and Orvieto, with a balance between guided tours and free time.

One major plus is the knowledgeable guides—both the professional guide in Assisi and local guides at each site. Multiple reviews highlight guides like Giuseppe and Sebastian, who manage to keep the group engaged, share intriguing stories, and make the experience more personal.

However, it’s worth noting that some travelers find the schedule a little rushed, especially in Orvieto where free time can feel limited. Still, the overall value and the chance to see these iconic towns in one day make it appealing.

The Itinerary in Detail

Assisi: A Town of Saints and Sacred Art

The first stop is Assisi, a town renowned for its connection to Saint Francis and Saint Clare. You’ll start with a guided walk through the narrow, cobblestone streets that seem frozen in time.

One highlight is the Basilica di San Francesco, Italy’s oldest Gothic church, built above the tomb of Saint Francis. Reviewers detail how the frescoes by Giotto and others vividly depict the saint’s life—an art lover’s dream. The lower church houses Saint Francis’ tomb, which remains a deeply sacred space, and the upper church is bathed in light, showcasing frescoes that tell his story.

Next, the Basilica of Santa Chiara is a must-see, decorated with striped marble and home to the tomb of Saint Clare. Reviewers mention the church’s minimalist interior, with an air of quiet reverence, making it a memorable stop. The guide’s storytelling here adds depth, sharing how Saint Clare helped shape the Franciscan movement.

Just outside the town, Santa Maria degli Angeli is another highlight. This 9th-century church, where Saint Francis worshiped, contains the Porziuncola, a tiny chapel decorated with Gothic frescoes. Visitors appreciate the spiritual ambiance and the significance of this small but mighty site.

Orvieto: A Town perched on a Cliff

After Assisi, the journey continues to Orvieto, which is less known but equally enchanting. Perched atop a tuff cliff, it offers dramatic views of the surrounding countryside. Travelers say that the town’s Gothic architecture and ancient streets make it a photographer’s paradise.

The main attraction here is the Duomo di Orvieto, a stunning cathedral with a richly decorated façade featuring mosaics and sculptures. Inside, the brightly stained glass windows and Luca Signorelli’s frescoes evoke awe—though some reviews note that entrance fees aren’t included, so budget accordingly.

Another key site is St. Patrick’s Well, an engineering marvel designed to supply water during sieges. The well’s spiral staircase and history fascinate visitors, although some wish they had more time to explore further or enter additional sites.

The Balance of Guided and Free Time

While the itinerary covers major highlights, many reviews mention that the time in Orvieto is somewhat limited—about an hour. This leaves little room for wandering or enjoying a leisurely lunch, which some travelers find a pity. Conversely, Assisi’s 2-hour guided tour is generally appreciated for its depth and storytelling.

A common sentiment is that the guides are well-informed and capable of making history and art accessible, but the pace of the day can lead to a feeling of rushing through rather than savoring each experience.

Transportation and Group Size

Traveling in a fully fitted GT coach, the journey is smooth and comfortable. With a maximum of 30 travelers, you’ll find the group size manageable, allowing for a more personal experience than large bus tours. The pick-up point at Piazzale Montelungo is close to Santa Maria Novella station, making it easy to access.

The driver, according to some reviews, handles the roads well, even in less-than-ideal weather. The long bus ride—about 1.5 hours each way—is broken up with commentary from the guide, providing context about the Umbrian countryside and towns.

What’s Included and What’s Not

For $107.98 per person, the tour offers a lot of value. The price covers transportation, guided tours in Assisi, entrance fees to key churches (like San Francesco, Santa Chiara, and Santa Maria degli Angeli), and free time in Orvieto.

However, it does not include lunch or entrance fees to the Duomo in Orvieto, so packing a snack or covering extra costs for entry is a good idea. Also, there’s no hotel pickup or drop-off, so travelers need to make their own way to Piazzale Montelungo.

What Travelers Say: Authentic Insights

Feedback from past travelers is mixed but generally positive. Many rave about the knowledgeable guides and the stunning churches and frescoes in Assisi. One reviewer, Adelina, calls her guide “great” and appreciated the detailed historical stories shared during the walk. Others highlighted how the views from both towns—especially Assisi—are unforgettable.

Some travelers, however, find the schedule a bit rushed. For example, Mahsima mentions that the visit to Orvieto’s Duomo was “a bit rushed” and wishes for more time to appreciate its Renaissance masterpieces. A few reviews point out that they would have liked to spend more time in Orvieto, especially in the Duomo or exploring the town’s shops.

Notably, some reviews mention logistical hiccups. A few say that the guides sometimes seem to follow a script, which can feel impersonal, and that time management isn’t perfect—leading to rushed visits and limited free time. Still, most agree that the comfort of the coach and the scenic drive outweigh minor scheduling issues.

Practical Tips for Your Trip

• Dress appropriately for church visits—cover shoulders and knees to avoid denied entry.
• Bring snacks or water, especially since lunch isn’t included.
• Consider bringing a small map or notes, as some reviewers mentioned the value of having a visual guide of the towns.
• If you’re a photography enthusiast, arrive early in Assisi or Orvieto for the best light and fewer crowds.
• Be prepared for a long day; comfortable shoes and a hat or sunscreen are advisable.

The Bottom Line: Who Should Book This Tour?

This day trip from Florence is best suited for those who want to see two iconic towns in one go without the stress of planning transport or guides. It offers a good mix of guided storytelling and free time, making it ideal for history lovers, church enthusiasts, and anyone eager to get a taste of Umbria’s spiritual and artistic charm.

It’s a solid value proposition if you’re comfortable with a schedule that’s busy but rewarding. Travelers seeking an immersive experience with plenty of expert insights will likely appreciate the guides’ knowledge and the chance to visit major landmarks with minimal hassle.

However, if you’re craving more time in each town, or prefer a more relaxed pace, you might find this tour a little rushed. It’s also worth noting that some reviews mention logistical hiccups, so a flexible attitude will help maximize your enjoyment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included? Yes, the tour provides a fully fitted coach for the entire day, making travel between Florence, Assisi, and Orvieto comfortable and hassle-free.

What sites are visited in Assisi? You’ll visit the Basilica di Santa Chiara, the Basilica di San Francesco, and Santa Maria degli Angeli, including the Porziuncola chapel. Entrance fees are included for these sites.

How much free time is there in Orvieto? Travelers generally have about an hour of free time in Orvieto, which includes sightseeing, photos, or a quick snack, but not enough for a full exploration.

Are entrance fees to the Duomo included? No, entrance fees to the Duomo di Orvieto are not included in the tour price, so plan for additional costs if you want to visit inside.

Is this tour suitable for all ages? Most travelers can participate, but comfortable walking shoes are recommended due to cobblestone streets and hills. Proper dress is required for church visits.

Can I cancel the tour? Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour. Refunds are processed if canceled in time.

What’s the group size? The tour accommodates up to 30 travelers, keeping the experience more intimate and manageable.

To sum it up, the Heart of Umbria tour offers a well-rounded, engaging way to explore Assisi and Orvieto from Florence. With expert guides, stunning sites, and the convenience of organized transport, it suits travelers eager to maximize their day without the headache of logistics. While some may wish for more time at each stop, most find the experience an enriching snapshot of Italy’s spiritual and artistic treasures—definitely worth considering if your schedule is tight but your curiosity is big.