Itineraries for Your Trip to Assisi
3 Days in Assisi for Families
A spiritual hub and pilgrimage destination, Assisi may not seem like a particularly kid-friendly town. I’ve raised two sons in this medieval gem, however. Its maze of winding lanes, semi-ruined castle, and endless surrounding countryside is a paradise for curious tots who love to explore.
Any family-focused visit to Assisi will look to outdoor adventures more than guided tours inside the city’s historic churches. (Although young travelers are dazzled by the soaring Basilica of St. Francis, so be sure to make a quick stop.) Luckily, the area offers plenty to do in the open air. Here’s how you can create three memorable days in one of Italy’s most atmospheric hill towns for your entire family.
Pack wet-weather gear to protect from the frequent rain showers in Assisi and the surrounding area.
If you only have time for one thing, make it the majestic Rocca Maggiore castle set above Assisi’s old town.
Visit the Basilica of St. Francis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Some guides offer specific tours geared to families. Then, wander the city’s labyrinthine network of pedestrian-only alleys and staircases on your way to the main Piazza del Comune and a gelato treat eaten at the foot of the Roman-era Temple of Minerva.
After a hearty lunch of local specialties, head uphill to the Rocca Maggiore. This historic fortress is open to visitors and rugged enough to lend a sense of adventure. Climb the far tower for views that stretch across to Perugia, Assisi’s historic rival on the opposite hilltop.
Satisfy young taste buds with a morning foodie adventure. Connect with a local truffle hunter to find wild truffles, before sampling the treasures over lunch. Alternatively, join a home cook to prepare traditional recipes with a hands-on cooking class, followed by a celebratory meal.
This afternoon, journey to the top of Mt. Subasio by car or taxi, stopping to visit St. Francis’ hermitage and sacred wood along the way. Teens can try paragliding with a tandem flight from the mountain slopes. Or, tour the Franciscan sites in the valley via Ape Calessino (Italy’s take on the tuk-tuk) or horse-drawn carriage.
Assisi is set in the center of Umbria, making it an ideal jumping-off point for visiting the region. Today, explore the area’s natural wonders with a kid-friendly excursion to the Marmore waterfalls, engineered by ancient Romans. Other outdoor options include whitewater rafting and frolicking on Lake Trasimeno beach and kayaking its placid waters.
End your time in Assisi by admiring the town from afar. Stop in the postcard-perfect hilltop village of Montefalco or the elegant provincial capital of Perugia for an alfresco dinner and views of the twinkling lights of Assisi across the Umbrian Valley.
