Immerse yourself in the spiritual and artistic legacy of the Franciscan Order on a private tour of Orvieto and Assisi. Explore the birthplace of the order and discover the timeless beauty of Orvieto’s historic Gothic and medieval buildings.
Immerse yourself in the spiritual and artistic legacy of the Franciscan Order on a private tour of Orvieto and Assisi. Explore the birthplace of the order and discover the timeless beauty of Orvieto’s historic Gothic and medieval buildings.
- Basilica Papale e Sacro Convento di San Francesco d’Assisi - Assisi, a charming medieval hilltop city, is the birthplace of Saint Francis and is closely linked to the Franciscan Order’s mission. Its medieval art treasures, including the Basilica of San Francesco and works by Cimabue and Giotto, have established Assisi as a pivotal site for the…
- Basilica Papale e Sacro Convento di San Francesco d’Assisi - Assisi, a charming medieval hilltop city, is the birthplace of Saint Francis and is closely linked to the Franciscan Order’s mission. Its medieval art treasures, including the Basilica of San Francesco and works by Cimabue and Giotto, have established Assisi as a pivotal site for the evolution of Italian and European art and architecture. Following the deaths of Saint Francis and Saint Clare, churches were erected in their memory. The Church of Saint Francis, known as the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi, is renowned as his final resting place and for its stunning frescoes adorning the walls and ceilings. Many pilgrims visit Assisi, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.
- Museo della Porziuncola - Porziuncola is a small Catholic church situated within the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels in Assisi. It is the birthplace of the Franciscan movement. The name Porziuncola (meaning “small portion of land”) first appeared in a 1045 document, now housed in the Assisi Cathedral archives. The chapel was originally located on a small plot of land belonging to the Order of Saint Benedict of Monte Subasio. Over time, the land’s name was transferred to the chapel itself. It had fallen into disrepair, abandoned in an oak forest. After a pilgrimage to Rome, where he begged for the poor at church doors, Francis experienced a mystical vision of Jesus Christ in the wayside chapel of San Damiano, about two miles from Assisi. In this vision, the Icon of Christ Crucified came to life and instructed him three times, “Francis, Francis, go and repair My house which, as you can see, is falling into ruins.” Francis interpreted this literally, believing it referred to the dilapidated church where he was praying. He sold his horse and some cloth from his father’s store to aid the priest in this endeavor. His father, Pietro, was outraged and demanded restitution. In a final meeting with the bishop, Francis renounced his father and his inheritance, even relinquishing the clothes he had received from him. For the next few months, he lived as a beggar in the Assisi region. Upon returning to the town for two years, he restored several ruined churches, including the Porziuncola, the small chapel of St. Mary of the Angels, just outside the town.
- Basilica di Santa Chiara - The Basilica of St. Clare of Assisi, constructed with the distinctive pink stone from the Subasio mountain quarry, houses valuable frescoes from the 12th to the 14th century. In the chapel on the right, along the singular nave of St. Clare of Assisi, ending in a transept and polygonal apse, visitors can admire the Crucifix, which, according to tradition, invited St. Francis in the church of St. Damiano to “rebuild the Church.” This chapel and the subsequent one are remnants of the pre-existing church of St. Giorgio and represent the oldest part of the building. In the crypt, the earthly remains of St. Clare of Assisi are preserved, along with some particularly well-preserved relics, including a frock of St. Francis and a cloth made by St. Clare.
- Duomo di Orvieto - Located less than a two-hour drive away, Orvieto was a significant Etruscan City-State. Orvieto’s unique history spans several million years. The origin of the Orvieto rock likely stems from an ancient volcanic eruption. It is believed that the current rock, where Orvieto stands today, is one of the massive tufa rock formations ejected from the large crater now known as Bolsena Lake. The Etruscans inhabited Orvieto until the 3rd century BC, after which the Romans invaded. It took the Romans two years to conquer Orvieto, a natural fortress surrounded by cliffs. The Etruscans had created an intricate network of caves and numerous wells to defend Orvieto for an extended period. In addition to its renowned high-quality cuisine, such as truffles, the city features an extraordinary Gothic Cathedral with a frescoed “Last Judgement” that rivals Michelangelo’s, an ancient underground labyrinth, and St. Patrick’s Well.

- Entrance tickets to the Cathedral (Duomo) of Orvieto
- Entrance tickets to the St. Francis Basilica, “Porziuncola” Chapel & Basilica of Santa Chiarain
- Pick-up and drop off with luxury transportation & private chauffeur with English speaking escort
- Private professional guide (not on Sunday due to masses inside the Basilicas)
- Entrance to the Santuario della Spoliazione - Carlo Acutis’ grave
- Entrance tickets to the Cathedral (Duomo) of Orvieto
- Entrance tickets to the St. Francis Basilica, “Porziuncola” Chapel & Basilica of Santa Chiarain
- Pick-up and drop off with luxury transportation & private chauffeur with English speaking escort
- Private professional guide (not on Sunday due to masses inside the Basilicas)
- Entrance to the Santuario della Spoliazione - Carlo Acutis’ grave
- Private professional guide on Sunday due to masses inside the Basilicas
- Gratuities. If you are satisfied with the service, a gratuity is customary.
- Private professional guide on Sunday due to masses inside the Basilicas
- Gratuities. If you are satisfied with the service, a gratuity is customary.
The spread of the artistic and spiritual message of the Franciscan Order has played a vital role in the evolution of art and architecture globally. Assisi, the birthplace of the Franciscan Order, has been intimately linked since the Middle Ages to the worship and expansion of the Franciscan movement worldwide, promoting a universal message of peace and…
The spread of the artistic and spiritual message of the Franciscan Order has played a vital role in the evolution of art and architecture globally. Assisi, the birthplace of the Franciscan Order, has been intimately linked since the Middle Ages to the worship and expansion of the Franciscan movement worldwide, promoting a universal message of peace and tolerance, even to other religions or beliefs. The tour includes a visit to St. Claire’s grave. Interested in visiting Italy but want to explore beyond the typical tourist destinations? Orvieto is the perfect choice! The historic and picturesque part of this city is perched atop a steep hill. The well-preserved Gothic and medieval structures will transport you back in time. You can easily spend hours wandering the city, discovering beautiful architecture, historic buildings, and intriguing spots for people-watching.
- Dress code required in churches: knees and shoulders must be covered
- Wheelchair accessibile. Please advise at time of booking if wheelchair assistance is required.
- Please advice any specific dietary requirements or allergies at time of booking
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.