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Tuscany and Umbria Tour in Assisi and Cortona

Guided day tour for visiting Assisi and Cortona with private limousine service and English speaking driver.

 

Sightseeing daytrip to Cortona and Assisi with transportation with private driver from Florence, Siena, Montepulciano, Montalcino, Pienza, San Gimignano, Chianti, Arezzo, Perugia, Orvieto, Todi, Gubbio, Spoleto, Spello and from all Tuscany and Umbria.

 

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

 

  • Private daytrip in Assisi and Cortona from Tuscany and Umbria with private English speaking driver and transportation
  • Scenic itinerary through the beautiful landscapes of Umbria and Tuscany
  • Learn all about Saint Francis of Assisi, visiting his hometown
  • The best of Assisi strolling the town and visiting the stunning Saint Francis Basilica
  • Cortona: the town Under the Tuscan Sun. View its charming streets and squares and enjoying amazing views of Tuscany

 

 

TOUR DESCRIPTION

 

Discover the beautiful sceneries of Tuscany and Umbria on a one-day tour of Assisi and Cortona with private car service and English speaking driver visiting the charming hometown of St Francis and the fascinating town that inspired “Under the Tuscan Sun”.

 

The first stop of the tour in Umbria and Tuscany will be the Assisi, lying on the side of a hill overlooking a picturesque valley and gorgeous Umbrian landscapes. Town visit starts from the Basilica of San Francesco, which contains the sacred tomb of the Saint Francis, and the magnificent Giotto’s frescoes, passing by the Basilica of Santa Chiara and the town square, where you will find the mediaeval town hall (Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo) and the ancient Roman temple of Minerva. Walking through the streets of Assisi, you will be able to experience the city and its charm, with an incredible sensation of peace and spirituality.

 

The tour in Tuscany and Umbria will then stop to Cortona, one of the most beautiful and authentic Tuscan hill towns and a real gem of Tuscany, with the impressive Etruscan town walls, its characteristic medieval quarters, and the breathtaking panoramic views over the beautiful surrounding Tuscan countryside. Cortona is also recently made famous by Frances Mayes with her book and film “Under The Tuscan Sun” and her villa Bramasole; this is your chance to play the part and feel like you’re in a real film-set!

Departure available from:

  • The day trip in Tuscany and Umbria visiting Cortona and Assisi is a private tour available from Siena, Florence, Montepulciano, Montalcino, Pienza, San Gimignano, Chianti (Radda, Gaiole, Greve, Castellina), Arezzo, Perugia, Orvieto, Todi, Spoleto, Spello, Gubbio and from all Tuscany, Umbria and Italy.

 

Duration:

  • approximately 8 hours

 

Inclusions:

  • Qualified and professional English speaking driver
  • Luxury vehicle (Mercedes-Benz or equivalent)
  • Head office assistance and insurance coverage
  • Complimentary water
  • Wi-Fi on board
  • Local tour guide for walking tours (on request)
  • Traditional Tuscan or Umbrian lunch (on request)

Cortona: The foundation of the city is characterized by many legends and is lost in the mists of time, but it is agreed that it was founded by the Umbrians, and then conquered by the Etruscans. During Etruscan times (IX-IVth Centuries BC) the city was one of the 12 lucumonies (city states) belonging to the league and then passed under the domain of Rome in 310 BC. During the Roman period the city went through a thriving and prosperous phase, even if it had to powerlessly assist in the massacre which occurred during the Battle of Lake Trasimeno, between the Carthaginian Hannibal and the Roman army. After a period of decline in the high middle age, the city reflourished during the municipal and renaissance period (XII-XVI Century). It was exactly during this time that Cortona was a free municipality with its own currency, and then became a “signoria” ruled by the Casali family, often found either fighting or allied with many of the nearby cities, such as Siena, Arezzo, Perugia and Florence. It is exactly in 1411 that Cortona came under the control of Florence, following its fate until 1861, the year in which it became part of the unification of Italy.

Do not miss! Etruscan Walls, MAEC (Museo dell’Accademia Etrusca), palazzo del Municipio, Via Nazionale (Corso).

 

Assisi: Of Umbrian origin, the city developed and grew during Roman times, becoming an important economic centre of the region. After dark centuries of high middle age, the city became a free municipality, and it is exactly this period that saw the birth of Saint Francis (1182) and of Saint Chiara. After the municipality autonomy was lost, the city came under the command of several different families, until the XVIth Century, when it became part of the Vatican state, and up to 1861, the year in which it united with the newborn nation of Italy. In 1986, 2002 and 2011, Assisi was the location of three great meetings held by representatives of religions from all over the world.

Do not miss! Saint Francis Basilica, Porziuncola, Saint Chiara Basilica, Piazza del Comune (Town Square).

 

Saint Francis: Born to a wealthy family in Assisi in 1182, and named Francesco, in honour of France, with whom his father had business dealings. He took part in the war between Assisi and Perugia, where he was captured and imprisoned. On becoming seriously ill, it was his father who paid for his release, and it was at this time, moved by the compassion towards the weak, the ill and the outcast, that his spiritual conversion took place. Stripped of his material belongings, he began a life of complete devotion to others, taking care of the poorest and needy, and preaching the word of God. Very soon other people joined him in ever growing numbers, and this led to the constitution of the Franciscan Order, and then approved by Pope Innocenzo III. He died in Assisi in 1226, and is today the patron saint of Italy. He is unanimously recognized as one of the most important and charismatic figures of humanity in its entirety.

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