Escape Italy's busy capital for one day on this trip to Assisi and the Umbrian hill town Orvieto. On this tour, you will unveil the religious architecture of Umbria (such as the famous Cathedral of Orvieto) and discover the wines and local products of Tuscany. Leaving Rome in a northerly direction and driving along the Tiber Valley, reach Orvieto as your first stop, a small town of Etruscan origins where you will stop to admire the magnificent 14th century cathedral, a masterpiece of gothic architecture. The tour continues through the green Tuscan Hills covered in olive groves and vineyards. This is the land of some of Italy’s best known D.O.C. (quality controlled) wines, which include Orvieto, Chianti and Brunello di Montalcin. You will then have a further stop, where you will taste some local wines and other typical Umbrian and Tuscan products. Afterwards, enjoy lunch, consisting of traditional local dishes. In the early afternoon you will continue your journey and drive along the shores of Lake Trasimeno. Finally, reach Assisi, which is located at the foot of Mount Subasio. Assisi is famous for being St. Francis' birthplace. You will see the Church of St. Claire*, St Francis’ birthplace and his childhood home, the Townhall Square. Around the Townhall Square, you will see the People’s Palace and the Roman Temple dedicated to Minerva. One highlight of the tour will be the visit of St Francis’ Basilica, located close to the ancient city walls, with its magnificent frescoes painted between the 12th and 14th centuries. You will reach Rome around 19:30/20:00, where you will be dropped-off in the vicinity of your hotel.

Head out from Florence into the rolling green hills of Tuscany and Umbria to discover the architectural jewels of Assisi and Cortona. Your 11-hour tour begins in Assisi, the home of San Francesco. Your guide will lead you along the narrow, winding streets of the medieval town as you learn about its history. Inside the Basilica of San Francesco d’Assisi you’ll admire Giotto’s frescos of the life of San Francesco and discover why this is such an important pilgrimage site. See the interior of the Basilica of Santa Chiara, dedicated to a follower of San Francesco. Afterwards you’ll have free time for a stroll around this mystical city. Your tour will then continue with a visit to Santa Maria degli Angeli Church, the birthplace of the Franciscan Order. Cross back into Tuscany to the town of Cortona, built by the Etruscans, and noted for its architectural wonders and panoramic views over the surrounding landscape. Cortona is also well known as the setting for the movie, Under the Tuscan Sun.

The tour starts from your hotel, a chance to spend a delightful day out of Rome to visit Umbria, one of the most picturesque regions of Italy rich in vineyards, olive trees and the famous hilltop villages. One of the most famous is Assisi, an Unesco World Heritage Site. The mystic town of Saint Francis, surrounded by its ancient walls, was built on the green slopes of Mount Subasio and with its colorful houses of stone, narrow streets, flowering balconies and noble palaces provide beautiful views for memorable pictures (do not forget your camera). An interesting visit to St. Francis Basilica, with its early Renaissance masterpieces by Giotto and Cimabue, and the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli. Umbria is the hometown of worldwide known saints; St. Francis the patron saint of Italy and founder of the Franciscan order, St. Clare founder of the order of St. Clare and equally famous St. Rita of Cascia. Born in Roccaporena in 1381, she is one of the most popular saints of the Catholic Church. Her related symbols are roses and figs. The Basilica was built in 1937 and consecrated in 1947. The Monastery where she lived for forty years was rebuilt in the 18th Century and houses the nuns of the Augustinian community. You may take a time for personal prayer.