Assisi & Orvieto Day Trip from Rome with Lunch by Lake Trasimeno

Assisi and the Basilica of San Francesco

Assisi is a pink-stone hill town in Umbria and the birthplace of Saint Francis, founder of the Franciscan order and patron saint of Italy. The Basilica of San Francesco, begun in 1228 soon after his canonisation, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with a lower church and an upper church covered in frescoes by great medieval painters including Giotto and his circle.

For anyone asking whether an Assisi day trip from Rome is worth it, the answer is yes, because the town is compact, spiritual and beautiful. Modest dress is required in the basilica, with shoulders and knees covered, and visiting hours can change on religious occasions.

Assisi's lanes, squares and other churches

Beyond the basilica, Assisi has a pleasant centre with Piazza del Comune, where the Roman Temple of Minerva stands with its tall columns, and the Basilica of Santa Chiara, dedicated to Saint Clare. Narrow stone lanes and stairways lead uphill to viewpoints across the Umbrian valley.

Your local guide explains the life of Saint Francis and the medieval history of the town, and leaves time for a walk on your own. The streets slope steeply, so wear comfortable shoes, and note that Assisi is quietest early in the morning, when the pink stone glows in the low sun.

Orvieto and its cathedral

Orvieto stands on a tall plateau of volcanic rock, with steep cliffs on every side and a medieval town on top. Its Duomo, begun in the late thirteenth century, has a facade of mosaics and sculpture that glows in the sun, and inside a chapel holds a famous cycle of frescoes of the Last Judgement.

The old centre has small squares, craft shops known for ceramics and quiet lanes with views over the valley. It is easy to walk in an hour or two, and if you are asking whether Orvieto is worth a stop, its cathedral alone makes it one of the finest towns in central Italy.

Lunch near Lake Trasimeno and the Umbrian countryside

Lunch is included and takes place near Lake Trasimeno, the largest lake of central Italy, a shallow and peaceful body of water surrounded by low hills and small villages. It is a relaxed break between the two towns, with a chance to enjoy the countryside.

The drive through Umbria shows olive groves, fields and hill villages, and the guides share stories about the region on the way. The day is around twelve hours, so bring water, a light layer and any medicine you need, and keep your camera ready for the views.