Located in the province of Perugia in Italy’s Umbria region, Assisi is a town most well-known as the birthplace of significant artists, religious and historical figures.

It’s situated near the confluence of the Chiascio and Topino Rivers along the western foothills of Mount Subiasio, making it a favorite destination for lovers of nature and breathtaking scenery.

Historians believe that the land on which the town now resides has been continuously inhabited since the Neolithic era. The area is rich with historical and cultural attractions, many of which date back thousands of years.

Below are 15 of the best tours of Assisi.

1. Ape Calessino Panoramic Vintage Tour

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Featuring vast expanses of mountains, rivers, and vineyards, Assisi is famous for having an abundance of sights that are truly amazing to behold.

It also sports remnants of its medieval heritage that make many parts of the town look like they’ve been forgotten by time.

On this tour, guests will experience the best natural and humanmade attractions that Assisi has to offer, and things get kicked-off from a convenient central location.

Tour transport is provided in a cool little, three-wheeled Ape Calessino, which is a uniquely Italian means of getting around.

Highlights include the birthplace of San Francesco, the St. Clare Basilica, and the San Rufino Cathedral.

2. Hot Air Balloon Ride with Breakfast and Wine Tasting

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From hundreds of feet above the ground in a massive hot air balloon, Assisi and the surrounding villages offer sights that earth-bound visitors will sadly never get to see.

Though they’re definitely not a good fit for those with height issues, balloon tours are often counted among vacationer’s most memorable experiences for those who dare to ascend.

The balloon portion of the tour includes a safety briefing and one hour in the air, after which guests will depart for a local winery, where they’ll enjoy a traditional Umbrian breakfast and some of the region’s best wine.

Tours start early, so don’t forget to set your alarm clock.

3. 3-Hour Private Walking Tour and St. Francis Basilica

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Assisi is a very pedestrian-friendly town. For those who’ve spent countless hours on a bus or international flight, walking tours are fun and inexpensive ways to stretch tired legs and see things from street level.

Following their experienced and enthusiastic local guide, guests will explore the city’s medieval neighborhoods, stunning cathedrals, and a number of other cultural and historical sites.

Though tours generally last three hours, it may be possible to extend to six for those who want to get the most bang for their buck.

Tours also include a guided excursion to the Basilica of St. Francis, but admission cost isn’t included.

4. Assisi and Spello Full-Day Sightseeing Tour

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For a totally immersive experience on a full-day tour, visitors could do a lot worse than this sightseeing option of Assisi and Spello.

Featuring a diverse array of attractions – ranging from the town’s holy shrines and historic basilicas to forested gorges and walled cities – there’s really a little something for everyone.

In addition to the aforementioned focal points, guests will be able to sample locally produced wines and olive oils, stretch their legs, and enjoy relaxing time listening to their guide from the comfort of an air-conditioned car or bus.

Tours last about eight hours and are accessible for those who use wheelchairs.

5. 2 ½-Hour Private Walking Tour with a Local Guide

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Built in the 13th century, the St. Francis Basilica is one of Assisi’s premier attractions. On this 2 ½-hour tour, guests will enjoy access to each of the church’s distinct portions with their guide.

The basilica features impressive architecture, and the inside is adorned with impressive frescoes created by local artisans centuries ago.

Other tour stops include the Piazza del Comune, Temple of Minerva, and St. Francis’ birthplace.

Tours are offered twice daily and are best suited to reasonably fit guests.

The cost of admission for attractions other than St. Francis Basilica aren’t included in the cost.

6. Organic Winery Tour with Traditional Food Tasting

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Italy has always been home to one of the world’s most significant food cultures.

Residents of Assisi love their food and wine, and they’re usually eager to share both with visiting epicureans looking to learn about the culture and fill their stomachs in the process.

This guided two-hour tour includes a visit to a family-owned and operated organic winery, where guests will learn about the process of turning grapes into wine, see the production facility, and sample a number of their most popular products.

Tastings also include local delicacies like cured meats, cheeses, fresh baked goods, and balsamic vinegar.

7. 3-Hour Guided City Walk

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After meeting at the city’s central square, participants of this three-hour guided walking tour will embark on a value-packed trip to many of Assisi’s most memorable and historically significant sites.

Along the way, guests will benefit from their guide’s narration and see iconic attractions like the Temple of Minerva, the Town Hall, St. Francis Basilica, and the Church of St. Clare.

At each stop, the guide will take photographs of guests, and at the end of the day provide a digital photo album as a keepsake.

Whereas many tours offer rigid itineraries, this one allows walkers to decide how they’d like to spend their last hour with the guide.

8. Assisi Wine Tasting Picnic

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Located just a stone’s throw from the Basilica of St. Francis, the Mencarelli family farm has been producing some of the area’s most sought after wine and olive oil for generations.

On this two ½-hour tour, guests will enjoy a picture-perfect picnic within view of the aforementioned UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After touring the impressive and scenic facility and learning about the process by which olive oil and wine is made, guests will gather for a traditional lunch that includes a variety of wines and olive oils to sample, as well as traditional fare like local cheeses, cured meats, and baked goods.

9. Food, Wine, and Extra Virgin Olive Oil Tasting in Umbria

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Never in the history of the universe has a visitor to Assisi gone home with an empty stomach.

That’s largely because the area is steeped in culinary tradition, and there are a number of tours that focus on food, wine, and olive oil.

This convenient two-hour tour includes stops at a hillside winery and a facility that makes olive oil the old-fashioned way using hand-picked olives.

After brief walking tours, guests will sample local products and enjoy traditional eats like locally-made cheese, salami, and sweets, as well as wine and olive oil.

Tours depart mid-morning, leaving lots of free time in the afternoon.

10. Basilica of St. Francis Tour

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Comprised of multiple levels and built in the 13th century, the Basilica of St. Francis is one of Assisi’s most alluring and historic attractions.

This one-hour afternoon tour is a great way for visitors to experience one of the area’s icons while leaving the entire morning free for other tours or unguided exploration.

Tours begin on the basilica’s lowest floor at the tomb of St. Francis, but also include the friar’s cloister and the church, which is richly adorned with impressive frescoes that lay out historical events in Christianity.

For those just passing through with limited time to spare, this tour would be a wise choice.

11. Organic Balsamic Vinegar, Olive Oil and Wine Tour

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After pick-up in a central Assisi location, guests of this combo tour will leave the urban scenery in their wake as they make their way to the Umbrian countryside.

It’s a setting full of postcard-like vistas, family wineries, centuries-old vineyards, and olive groves that have been organically farmed for generations.

During their visit, guests will not only see and learn about the area’s culinary traditions, but have the option of participating in hands-on activities that make for a more memorable experience.

Tours include balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and wine tastings, as well as traditional fare like bruschetta, cheese, and salami.

12. Umbrian Cities Daily Tour from Perugia and Assisi

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Tours that provide travelers options are steadily becoming more popular than more traditional ones that typically offer itineraries that aren’t customizable.

This Umbrian cities tour is a great option for those staying in Assisi and its suburbs. It lets guests choose to explore sites on their own or sign-up for guided tours if the spirit moves them.

Main attractions include St. Francis of Assisi’s birthplace, the medieval village of Todi, the famed monuments of Perugia, and the subterranean cathedral of Orvieto.

At additional cost, guests may opt for restaurant meals, wine tastings, and guided tours of historic sites and museums.

13. Wine Tasting and Local Culture Sharing

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Cultural immersion tours are all the rage these days, and when paired with local food and wine, they tend to make for truly memorable experiences.

On this two-hour evening tour, guests will get their fill of what it is that makes Assisi so quintessentially Italian.

Tours take place in a tavern, where participants will have the chance to meet locals, learn about the area’s culture, and please their stomachs and palates with local Umbrian wines and other culinary treats like cheese and cured meat.

At the tour’s end, each guest receives a complimentary bottle of wine and photographs to commemorate their experience.

14. 3-Hour Small Group and St. Francis Basilica Tour

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After a brief meet and greet with their guide, guests of this three-hour small group tour will depart central Assisi and make their way to the medieval ruins of a Roman amphitheater that was used as a stone quarry for much of its existence.

In fact, much of the stone was used in the construction of the Rocca Maggiore castle, which is just a hop, skip, and a jump from the square around which the Basilica of St. Claire and the Piazza del Comune are located.

This small-group tour offers a more personalized experience for those interested in benefiting from their guide’s insider’s insights, and admission tickets are included.

15. Assisi and Perugia Guided Day Tour with Chocolate Tasting

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Not to be outdone by its wine and olive oil counterparts, Assisi is also known for its artisan chocolatiers, who turn out a mouthwatering variety of confections around the city.

On this full-day tour of Assisi and Perugia, participants will explore art, history, culture, and various religious sites while enjoying chocolate in a number of tasty forms.

Tours include multi-lingual guides, transportation by air-conditioned minivan, and admission to the Church of San Francesco and the Church of Santa Chiara.

Guests tend to appreciate the mix of structured, guided time, as well as free time to explore Assisi on their own.