A short escape from the Ancient history stuffed Rome to see the rural landscape of Italy, hills of Tuscany and Umbria. The Chianti wine adds the pleasant dimension to experence of two Umbrian gems – Orvieto Cathedral and St.Francis’ Basilica in Assisi.
Assisi
The air-conditioned coach leaves the Rome following the Tiber river to cross it just before the tuff hill with medieval town Orvieto with origins going back to Bronze Age times. Around 9th century it became the Etruscan settlement which later seen Roman invasions, Black death, Crusaiders going to the Holy Land and 32 Popes, who chose Orvieto as their residence. Today tourists stop to see the Gothic masterpiece – the Duomo with the monumental facade, bass-reliefs, sculptures and piilars reaching height of 52 m. The interior features spectacular frescoes and Gothic stained-glass windows colouring the wall in the afternoon light.
There are alredy plenty of vineyards surrounding Orvieto, known for white wine, but the trip goes to the edge of Tuscan district Chianti. You will have the lunch ( included ) during which there will be served original Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino wines supported by local Umbrian and Tuscan dishes.
After the luch, back to the coach to see the Lake Trasimeno before arriving to Assisi.
During a guided stroll through the alleys of this historic town you will see the Church of St Claire, St Francis’ birthplace, his childhood home and Town Hall Square with its People’s Palace and Roman temple dedicated to Minerva. You’ll also pay a visit to St Francis’ Basilica, close to the ancient city walls, with its magnificent frescoes painted between the 12th and 14th centuries.
Leaving Assisi, you will stop at the town of Santa Maria degli Angeli, named after the church where St Francis died in 1226.
Duration:
10 hours (approx.)
Tour commences :
Mondays,Thursdays and Saturdays at 7:30 am
Price:
From $137 $130.86
Assisi and Orvieto Day Trip from Rome
From $: 122.41Feeling overloaded by Rome's epic sightseeing options? Why not leave Rome for the day and take an excursion to Assisi and the Umbrian hill town of Orvieto. Your journey will take you away from modern highways and large cities to discover the real Italy, where ancient villages are just waiting to be discovered.
[photo courtesy of Niels J. Buus Madsen]
