About this tour
A full-day private journey through Umbria's most significant pilgrimage sites, departing Rome. Visit Assisi's remarkably intact medieval centre, birthplace of St. Francis, then venture to Cascia to honour St. Rita. Your own guide and driver navigate you between the Basilica of St. Francis, the Porziuncola chapel, St. Claire's resting place, and Rita's sanctuary. Lunch included. The route covers roughly 220 kilometres, threading through Umbrian countryside and hillside towns that have drawn the faithful for eight centuries.
Highlights
- Basilica of St. Francis: the saint's tomb and early Franciscan history
- Porziuncola: intimate chapel where Francis preached to birds
- St. Claire's Basilica: Gothic sanctuary in Assisi's heart
- Cascia's St. Rita shrine: venerated for answered prayers
- Monte Subasio forests and Umbrian valleys from the car
- Carlo Acutis's grave at the Spoliation church
- Medieval Assisi centre, fully preserved since the 1300s
What to expect
Expect a contemplative day moving between sacred spaces, each with distinct architecture and devotional focus. Assisi dominates the morning and early afternoon—you'll climb modest hills on foot through stone streets, entering soaring basilicas decorated with frescoes and reliquaries. The churches are working pilgrimage sites, so crowds and silence alternate. After lunch, you'll drive south towards Cascia (about an hour), arriving at St. Rita's Basilica in the afternoon. This Baroque sanctuary differs markedly from Assisi's Gothic severity. Your guide contextualises each stop; on Sundays, the guide's role shifts as active masses limit access to certain areas.
Good to know
Dress modestly—covered shoulders and knees required in basilicas. Stairs are numerous; the sites aren't strenuous but involve walking cobblestones. Sunday visits work, though guide commentary is restricted. All transport and basilica areas are wheelchair accessible. Bring water and comfortable shoes. Photography is usually permitted outside of active worship.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.