Assisi Itinerary 14 Days: A Spiritual and Scenic Journey (2026)

Arrive in Assisi and check into your accommodation. Take some time to settle in and then head out for a leisurely stroll through the charming cobblestone streets of the historic center. Get your first glimpse of the stunning Basilica of St. Francis, which dominates the town's skyline. As you wander, you'll discover hidden alleyways, picturesque squares, and artisan shops selling local crafts and religious souvenirs. For dinner, find a traditional trattoria and savor your first taste of Umbrian cuisine. Try a plate of strangozzi pasta with black truffle sauce, a local specialty. After dinner, take an evening walk to Piazza del Comune, the main square, and admire the beautifully illuminated Temple of Minerva, a well-preserved Roman temple that is now a church.

Today is dedicated to exploring the magnificent Basilica of St. Francis, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in Italy. The basilica is divided into two levels: the Upper Church and the Lower Church. Start your visit in the Upper Church, which is famous for its stunning frescoes by Giotto depicting the life of St. Francis. These masterpieces of medieval art are a must-see for any visitor to Assisi. Afterward, head down to the Lower Church, which has a more intimate and somber atmosphere. Here you can visit the tomb of St. Francis, a simple stone sarcophagus in a small crypt. Take some time for quiet reflection and prayer in this sacred space. In the afternoon, visit the Treasury of the Basilica, which houses a collection of precious relics, manuscripts, and artworks.

Today, you'll learn about another important figure in Assisi's history: St. Clare, a follower of St. Francis and the founder of the Order of Poor Clares. Start your day at the Basilica of St. Clare, which houses her tomb and the famous San Damiano Cross, which is said to have spoken to St. Francis. The basilica is a beautiful example of Italian Gothic architecture and has a peaceful and serene atmosphere. In the afternoon, visit the Cathedral of San Rufino, the oldest church in Assisi. This is where both St. Francis and St. Clare were baptized. The cathedral has a stunning Romanesque facade and a beautiful interior with a baptismal font that is still in use today. Take some time to explore the crypt, which contains the remains of St. Rufinus, the patron saint of Assisi.

Escape the hustle and bustle of the town and spend a day in quiet contemplation at Eremo delle Carceri, a peaceful hermitage located in a forest on the slopes of Mount Subasio. This is where St. Francis and his followers would retreat for prayer and meditation. You can visit the small chapel, the grotto where St. Francis slept, and the ancient holm oak tree where he is said to have preached to the birds. The hermitage is a beautiful and spiritual place, and it's a great spot for a peaceful walk in nature. Take some time to sit and reflect in this serene setting, and enjoy the stunning views of the Umbrian valley. You can either hike to the hermitage from Assisi or take a taxi.

Today, you'll explore the medieval history of Assisi with a visit to Rocca Maggiore, a magnificent fortress that towers over the town. The fortress was built in the 12th century and offers panoramic views of Assisi and the surrounding countryside. You can explore the ramparts, towers, and courtyards of the fortress, and learn about its history as a defensive stronghold. In the afternoon, wander through the medieval quarter of Assisi, with its narrow cobblestone streets, ancient stone houses, and charming artisan shops. Visit the Pinacoteca Comunale, the municipal art gallery, which houses a collection of Umbrian paintings from the 13th to the 18th centuries. For dinner, find a restaurant in the medieval quarter and enjoy a traditional Umbrian meal.

Take a day trip to Perugia, the capital city of Umbria. Perugia is a vibrant and historic city with a rich cultural heritage. You can take a train or bus from Assisi to Perugia, which takes about 30-40 minutes. Once you arrive, start your exploration in the historic center, which is located on a hilltop and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Visit the Rocca Paolina, a massive fortress built by Pope Paul III in the 16th century. Explore the underground city, which is a fascinating network of streets and buildings that were buried when the fortress was built. In the afternoon, visit the Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria, which houses a collection of Umbrian art from the 13th to the 19th centuries. Don't leave Perugia without trying its famous chocolate, especially the Baci Perugina.

Today, you'll visit the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli, a large and impressive church located in the valley below Assisi. The basilica was built to enclose the Porziuncola, a small chapel that was one of St. Francis' favorite places of prayer. The Porziuncola is a very sacred place for Franciscans, and it's a powerful experience to visit this humble chapel inside the grand basilica. You can also visit the Cappella del Transito, the small room where St. Francis died. The basilica also has a beautiful rose garden and a museum with a collection of Franciscan art and artifacts. You can take a bus or taxi from Assisi to Santa Maria degli Angeli, or you can walk down the hill, which takes about 45 minutes.

Take a day trip to Spello, a charming medieval town located just a few kilometers from Assisi. Spello is famous for its beautiful flowers, which adorn the balconies and alleyways of the town. The best time to visit is during the Infiorata, a festival in June when the streets are covered with intricate carpets of flowers. However, Spello is a beautiful town to visit any time of year. Start your visit at the Porta Venere, one of the ancient Roman gates of the town. Wander through the narrow cobblestone streets and admire the beautiful flower displays. Visit the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, which has a stunning chapel with frescoes by Pinturicchio. In the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely lunch at a restaurant with a view of the Umbrian valley.

Today, you'll experience the flavors of Umbria with a visit to a local winery and olive oil mill. Umbria is known for its excellent wines, especially the Sagrantino di Montefalco, a full-bodied red wine. You can take a tour of a winery, learn about the winemaking process, and enjoy a tasting of different wines. Many wineries also offer lunch or snacks to accompany the wine tasting. In the afternoon, visit an olive oil mill and learn about the production of extra virgin olive oil, another important product of the region. You can see the olive groves, learn how the olives are harvested and pressed, and taste different types of olive oil. This is a great opportunity to buy some high-quality olive oil to take home with you.

Spend a day hiking in Mount Subasio Park, a beautiful nature reserve that surrounds Assisi. The park has a network of trails that offer stunning views of the Umbrian valley and the surrounding countryside. You can choose a trail that suits your fitness level, from easy walks to more challenging hikes. One popular hike is the trail from Assisi to the Eremo delle Carceri, which takes about an hour and a half. Another option is to hike to the summit of Mount Subasio, which offers panoramic views of the region. The park is also a great place for a picnic, so pack a lunch and enjoy a meal in nature.

Take a day trip to Gubbio, a beautiful medieval town located in the mountains of Umbria. Gubbio is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, its stunning views, and its unique traditions. You can take a bus from Assisi to Gubbio, which takes about an hour. Start your visit in the Piazza Grande, the main square of the town, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Visit the Palazzo dei Consoli, a magnificent Gothic palace that houses the municipal museum. In the afternoon, take the Funivia Colle Eletto, a unique birdcage-like cable car, up to the Basilica of Sant'Ubaldo, which overlooks the town. Don't leave Gubbio without getting your 'license to be a fool' by running three times around the Fontana dei Matti.

Spend a day exploring the art and culture of Assisi. Start your day at the Pinacoteca Comunale, the municipal art gallery, which houses a collection of Umbrian paintings from the 13th to the 18th centuries. In the afternoon, visit the Museo Diocesano e Cripta di San Rufino, which has a collection of religious art and artifacts. You can also visit the Roman Forum and Archaeological Park, which has the remains of the ancient Roman city of Asisium. In the evening, attend a concert or a play at the Teatro Lyrick, a modern theater that hosts a variety of cultural events. Or, if you prefer, you can simply relax and enjoy a glass of wine at a cafe in the Piazza del Comune.

Spend your last full day in Assisi shopping for souvenirs and relaxing. Assisi is a great place to buy religious articles, such as rosaries, crucifixes, and statues of St. Francis. You can also find a variety of local crafts, such as ceramics, textiles, and leather goods. The main shopping street is Via San Francesco, but you can also find many interesting shops in the side streets and alleyways. In the afternoon, treat yourself to a relaxing spa treatment or a massage. There are several spas in Assisi that offer a variety of treatments, from traditional massages to thermal baths. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a restaurant with a view of the Basilica of St. Francis, and toast to a wonderful trip to Assisi.

Enjoy a final breakfast in Assisi and take one last stroll through the charming streets of the town. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for some last-minute souvenir shopping or a final visit to one of your favorite spots. When it's time to leave, take a taxi or bus to the Assisi train station or the Perugia airport for your departure. As you leave Assisi, take with you the memories of its beautiful art, its rich history, and its profound spirituality. Arrivederci, Assisi!