Please refer to your voucher for final information regarding meeting points, pick-up locations, and pick-up time
Meeting point description: Bus Terminal at Piazzale Montelungo, next to Santa Maria Novella Train Station. Look for the assistance staff wearing a fuchsia jacket with the logo Ciao Florence.(Piazzale Montelungo, 50129 Florence FI, Italy)
Comfortable shoes are recommended
Please note that the given order of the visits may change
Entrance into churches requires a strict dress code. The local operator cannot be held responsible for entry denied due to improper dress. Please make sure your shoulders and knees are covered
English and Spanish are always guaranteed. In order to confirm the excursion in Italian, German, Portuguese or French a minimum of 4 pax is required
Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair
Orvieto is a compact hilltop town, and a dedicated 3 to 4 hours typically allows visitors to experience its major sites. This duration provides enough time to explore the magnificent Duomo di Orvieto, descend into the fascinating Orvieto Underground, and wander through the charming medieval streets and artisan shops. It also allows for a relaxing meal or a coffee break, offering a comprehensive overview of the town's unique character.
For independent travelers, direct train service between Orvieto and Assisi usually requires at least one transfer, often in Terontola-Cortona or Foligno, with a total journey time of approximately 2 to 3 hours. Many full-day tours, such as this one, include comfortable coach transportation between these towns, offering a seamless and convenient way to travel without the complexities of navigating train schedules and transfers.
Orvieto is most famous for its stunning Duomo, a masterpiece of Italian Gothic architecture with an intricate facade. Visitors can also explore the captivating Orvieto Underground, a network of Etruscan and medieval tunnels and caves beneath the city. Don't miss Pozzo di San Patrizio (St. Patrick's Well), a remarkable 16th-century engineering feat, and simply wandering the town's elevated streets offers splendid panoramic views of the Umbrian countryside.
To delve into the life of Saint Francis in Assisi, the Basilica di San Francesco is paramount, housing his tomb and adorned with iconic frescoes by Giotto. Other essential sites include the Basilica of Saint Clare, where Saint Clare's body rests, and the Church of San Damiano, where Saint Francis received his divine calling. These holy places provide profound insights into the lives and spiritual legacies of both Saint Francis and Saint Clare.
Cortona, majestically set on a hillside, offers sublime panoramic views over the rolling hills and picturesque landscapes of the Val di Chiana valley in Tuscany. From various viewpoints, such as Piazza Garibaldi or the paths leading up to the Santa Margherita Sanctuary, visitors can enjoy sweeping vistas of vineyards, olive groves, and distant lakes, embodying the classic Tuscan scenery.
The ideal time to visit towns like Orvieto and Assisi is generally during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). During these seasons, the weather is pleasantly mild, making it comfortable for walking and exploring the hilltop towns. The landscapes are either lush with spring blossoms or vibrant with autumn colors, and the crowds are typically less intense compared to the peak summer months.
For a day visit, Orvieto stands out with its dramatic tufa cliff setting, architectural grandeur exemplified by its Duomo, and the unique historical exploration offered by its underground city. Assisi, conversely, is distinguished as a profound spiritual center, dedicated to Saint Francis, with its iconic Basilica and serene religious atmosphere. While both are charming medieval towns, Orvieto appeals for its ancient geology and architecture, whereas Assisi draws visitors for its deep religious heritage.
Both Orvieto and Assisi are hilltop towns, meaning they involve walking on cobbled streets with some inclines and steps. Orvieto's historic center is quite compact and easily walkable once you've ascended to the top via its funicular. Assisi's main sites are spread out, requiring a fair amount of uphill and downhill walking between the various basilicas. Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended for exploring both locations.