Assisi is one of Italy’s most evocative hilltop towns, famous for its UNESCO-listed Basilica of San Francesco, medieval streets, and spiritual ambiance. Its compact size makes it perfect for full-day tours that balance iconic sights with authentic local experiences. Whether you prefer guided storytelling, personalized walks, or a Vespa ride through Umbrian countryside, Assisi offers a variety of ways to explore its charm. Our favorites include a comprehensive tour of Franciscan sites and a private walk that dives deeper into the area’s history and art — particularly appealing for those who want to go beyond the usual tourist trail.
What makes Assisi stand out for full-day tours is its blend of history, spirituality, and stunning views. For example, the Assisi Full day tour including St Francis Basilica and Porziuncola provides a detailed look at the main religious sites, plus visits to the Rocca Maggiore castle and Saint Rufino’s Cathedral. On the other hand, the Assisi and Spello Full Day Private Walking Tour offers a more intimate experience, blending art, local crafts, and charming alleys. If you’re after a broader trip combining Tuscany and Umbria, the Florence: Cortona, Assisi, and Perugia Full Day Trip is perfect for covering multiple highlights in one day. Lastly, Vespa lovers can explore Assisi and its surroundings on two different rental options, giving you the freedom to soak in the landscape at your own pace.
Below, you’ll find detailed looks at each of these top-rated Assisi full-day experiences, helping you decide which suits your style and interests best.
1. Assisi Full day tour including St Francis Basilica and Porziuncola
This tour is a fantastic way to see the highlights of Assisi in just half a day. It includes a guided visit to the Basilica of San Francesco, where you’ll see the frescoes by Giotto that vividly depict the life of Saint Francis. The tour also covers the Rocca Maggiore castle and Saint Rufino’s Cathedral, giving you a well-rounded view of Assisi’s medieval architecture. What sets this tour apart is the focus on Franciscan sites like Eremo Delle Carceri and the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels, which are integral to understanding Saint Francis’s spiritual legacy.
Led by an expert guide, the group is small — a maximum of 15 people — which means personalized attention and plenty of chances to ask questions. The 6-hour duration strikes a good balance, packing in a lot without feeling rushed. The reviews praise the guide’s depth of knowledge and the seamless logistics, especially noting how the small-group format enhances the experience. The price of about $368 per person reflects the quality and depth of the tour, making it a worthwhile investment for those eager to understand Assisi’s religious and cultural importance.
Bottom Line: If you want a guided, in-depth exploration of Assisi’s most famous sites without the hassle of planning, this tour offers excellent value and a memorable experience.
2. Assisi and Spello Full Day Private Walking Tour
For those preferring a more tailored experience, this private walking tour combines Assisi with the charming nearby town of Spello. It begins with a personalized introduction to Assisi’s Roman ruins and medieval streets, including a visit to the Minerva Temple, one of Italy’s best-preserved Roman structures. Your guide then takes you inside the Basilica of Saint Francis to admire its magnificent frescoes by Giotto. The tour emphasizes art and local craftsmanship, with time spent exploring shops selling pottery, carvings, and embroidery.
After a break for lunch (not included), the focus shifts to Spello, a hillside jewel famous for its 14th-century frescoes and flower-laden streets. The guide provides commentary tailored to your interests, making it ideal for art lovers or anyone wanting a deeper dive into Umbrian culture. The tour’s private format ensures flexibility, comfort, and the ability to ask questions at every turn. It’s a good choice for couples, families, or small groups seeking a more intimate, relaxed day.
Rated 5/5 from 7 reviews, travelers highlight the guide’s knowledge and engaging storytelling. With approximately 6 hours of exploration and round-trip transportation included, this tour offers excellent value and a rich, personalized experience. The price of around $310 per person, for a private half-day, is a fair investment in memorable, customized discovery.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who want a flexible, art-focused day with expert guidance and the opportunity to explore Assisi and Spello without feeling rushed.
3. Florence: Cortona, Assisi and Perugia Full Day Trip
This full-day excursion from Florence combines three iconic towns — Cortona, Assisi, and Perugia — into one seamless journey. The trip starts with a scenic drive through Tuscany to the famous hilltop town of Cortona, made popular by the book and movie Under the Tuscan Sun. After a quick sightseeing stop, the tour continues to Assisi, where you’ll explore the Basilica of Saint Francis and its illustrious frescoes, along with free time for shopping or a coffee.
Later, the group heads to Perugia, the regional capital, with its lively streets and panoramic views. You’ll enjoy a guided walk, with time for an optional aperitif or dessert, rounding out a full day of culture. The 10-hour tour is ideal for those wanting a comprehensive taste of Umbria and Tuscany in one trip, especially if you’re based in Florence.
Rated 5/5 from just 2 reviews, travelers appreciate the efficient schedule and the opportunity to see multiple highlights. It’s a well-organized tour with pickup in Florence, making for a stress-free day. At around $120, it offers good value for the extensive itinerary and expert guides.
Bottom Line: If you prefer to see several Umbrian and Tuscan towns in one day, this tour covers the essentials efficiently—great for history and art enthusiasts wanting variety.
4. From Florence: Assisi and Orvieto in a Full-Day Tour
This 9-hour day trip from Florence checks off two major Umbrian highlights: Assisi and the stunning city of Orvieto. Starting with Assisi, you’ll visit the Basilica of Saint Francis, with its revered frescoes and spiritual ambiance, plus enjoy free time for sightseeing or shopping. The tour then transitions to Orvieto, known for its glistening façade, mosaics, and sculptures. The city’s cathedral, Duomo di Orvieto, is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and stained glass.
This tour is particularly appealing for its mix of spiritual sites and artistic marvels in two very different settings. The peaceful pace allows enough time for photos, exploration, and a delicious lunch (which is optional). The 4/5 rating reflects mostly positive reviews, with travelers praising the efficient logistics and the chance to see two UNESCO sites in a single day.
Suitable for travelers with some mobility, this guided tour provides a rich experience of Italy’s central regions without the hassle of self-driving or multiple bookings. The price offers good value considering the transport and guided visits.
Bottom Line: Best for those wanting an art and architecture-filled day outside Florence, with enough time to appreciate both towns’ unique atmospheres.
5. Assisi Rental Vespa ‘125cc – full day
If you’re craving independence and a dash of adventure, renting a Vespa is an excellent way to explore Assisi and the surrounding Umbrian countryside. This full-day Vespa rental for about $62 offers the chance to zip around Assisi, Spello, and beyond, with a city map and suggested routes included. The 125cc Vespa is easy to handle, even for new riders, and lets you set your own pace.
What makes this option stand out is the freedom to stop wherever you like — whether that’s a scenic overlook, a small village, or a local cafe. The Vespa allows you to enter cities with ZTL restrictions (limited traffic zones), giving you access that larger vehicles can’t manage. It’s ideal for independent travelers comfortable with riding and map reading, or those seeking a more spontaneous, flexible day.
Reviews are highly positive, with a 4.9/5 rating, emphasizing how enjoyable and straightforward the rental process is. It’s best suited for active travelers willing to handle basic riding, and it’s a cost-effective way to see Umbrian landscapes in a truly personal way.
Bottom Line: Perfect for adventurous travelers eager to explore at their own pace and discover hidden corners of Assisi and the nearby villages.
6. Assisi Rental Vespa ‘150cc – full day
Offering a slightly larger engine, this Vespa rental provides a full-day experience of Umbrian scenery with a bit more power, especially useful if you plan to tackle hilly roads or want a faster ride. At around $51 per person, it’s a very affordable way to cover more ground, including the small Umbrian villages where parking is limited.
You’ll receive a city map with suggested routes, making it easy to navigate through towns like Spello and beyond. The Vespa is suitable for those comfortable with riding, and the daily rental includes tips on the best routes to maximize your day. This option is ideal for travelers who want the freedom of a self-guided exploration without the constraints of guided tours.
Rated 4.9/5, users highlight the convenience and the joy of wind-in-the-hair touring. Navigating Umbria’s scenic roads on a Vespa is a distinctly authentic way to experience Italy’s countryside.
Bottom Line: Great for confident riders seeking a flexible, scenic tour of Assisi and nearby villages, with the convenience of entering towns that restrict larger vehicles.
How to Choose the Right Full-Day Tour in Assisi
When selecting a full-day tour, consider your budget, fitness level, and interests. Guided tours like the Assisi Full day tour including St Francis Basilica and Porziuncola are perfect if you want in-depth storytelling and hassle-free logistics. The private Assisi and Spello tour offers personalized attention and art-focused exploration, ideal for art lovers and those seeking a relaxed pace.
If you prefer self-guided freedom, renting a Vespa provides a fun, flexible way to discover Assisi and Umbrian villages at your own speed. The 125cc or 150cc options suit different riding comfort levels, with the latter offering extra power for hilly terrain.
For travelers with limited time or those wanting to see multiple towns, the Florence day trip and the combined Assisi and Orvieto tour deliver a comprehensive experience.
Book early, especially in peak season, and consider your interests — whether that’s religious art, medieval history, or scenic drives. The more tailored your choice, the more memorable your visit will be.
Final Thoughts
Assisi offers a broad range of full-day options suited for every type of traveler. History and art enthusiasts will appreciate guided tours focusing on frescoes and religious sites, while those seeking independence can enjoy the freedom of Vespa rentals. For a taste of both Tuscany and Umbria, the multi-town day trips are hard to beat.
If you’re after a deep dive into Saint Francis’s world, the guided Assisi Full day tour including St Francis Basilica and Porziuncola is a standout. For a private, art-rich experience, the Assisi and Spello Private Tour is perfect. And for the adventurous spirit, the Vespa options offer a fun, flexible way to see the hills and villages at your own pace.
Whatever your choice, booking early guarantees you a spot during prime time. Assisi’s timeless charm waits — all you need is a plan and a sense of curiosity.
