Assissi 5 Day Itinerary

Assisi 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

  • Morning: Arrive in Assisi by train or bus from Perugia or Florence. Check-in at Hotel Giotto or similar.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Basilica of San Francesco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Italy’s most famous churches. Explore the stunning frescoes by Giotto and Cimabue.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at La Stalla, serving traditional Umbrian cuisine. Try their famous pappardelle al cinghiale (wild boar pasta).
  • Tips:
    • Wear comfortable shoes for the uphill walk to the basilica.
    • Bring a light jacket for cooler evenings.

Day 2: Spiritual Sites

  • Morning: Visit the Eremo delle Carceri, a hermitage where St. Francis and his followers lived in poverty and simplicity. Take a peaceful hike through the surrounding woods.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Chiesa di Santa Maria degli Angeli, a beautiful church built on top of a ancient pagan temple.
  • Evening: Enjoy a wine tasting at Enoteca Properzio, featuring local wines and cheeses.
  • Things to know:
    • Respect the silence and spirituality of these sacred sites.

Day 3: Medieval Charm

  • Morning: Wander through Assisi’s narrow streets and alleys, discovering charming piazzas and medieval architecture. Visit the Piazza del Comune, with its ancient Roman temple.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Rocca Maggiore, a medieval fortress offering stunning views of the Umbrian countryside.
  • Evening: Dine at La Cantina, serving traditional Italian dishes in a cozy atmosphere.
  • Tips:
    • Get lost in Assisi’s streets to discover hidden gems.
    • Try some local olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Day 4: Nature Escapes

  • Morning: Take a scenic hike to the Monte Subasio, offering breathtaking views of Assisi and the Umbrian valley. Look out for wildflowers and wildlife.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Parco Naturale del Monte Subasio, a protected area with hiking trails, waterfalls, and picnic spots.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at La Locanda del Cardinale, serving creative, farm-to-table cuisine.
  • Things to know:
    • Bring sunscreen, water, and comfortable shoes for hiking.

Day 5: Departure

  • Morning: Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs or exploring any last-minute sights.
  • Afternoon: Depart Assisi by train or bus, bringing back memories of this enchanting hilltown.

Transportation:

  • Train: Trenitalia trains connect Assisi to Perugia and Florence. Book in advance for best prices.
  • Bus: SIA buses connect Assisi to nearby towns and cities. Buy tickets at the station or online.
  • Taxi: Available outside train stations, but more expensive than public transportation.

Other things of interest:

  • Festival: Attend the Festa di San Francesco (Feast of St. Francis) in October for processions, music, and traditional food.
  • Cooking classes: Book a cooking class to learn Umbrian cuisine and wine pairing techniques.
  • Day trips: Consider visiting nearby Spello, known for its flower festival, or Perugia, with its stunning medieval architecture.

Additional tips:

  • Respect Assisi’s environment and historic sites.
  • Bring a refillable water bottle and reduce plastic waste.
  • Learn some basic Italian phrases to interact with locals.
  • Be prepared for variable weather, especially in spring and autumn.