IL Sodino tour: Assisi and Spello
This plan calls for a day full of relaxation and discovery, with no time pressure. You’ll have plenty of moments to admire the sights, savor the atmosphere and explore quietly.
The entire tour will take about 6-7 hours, giving you plenty of freedom.
Day’s itinerary:
10:00 – departure from IL Sodino
Make sure to bring comfortable shoes (you will be doing a lot of walking on the cobblestone streets), a camera and water before setting out.
10:40 – 14:00 (3 hours and 20 minutes) – Assisi
Access from IL Sodino: About 40 minutes by car.
* Parking: Park at the Saba Giovanni Paolo II paid parking lot (Viale Guglielmo Marconi, Piazza Giovanni Paolo II) or Porta Nuova Parking (Piazza Porta Nuova). From these you can easily get to the center.
* Attractions in Assisi:
* Basilica of St. Francis (Basilica di San Francesco): Take time to admire this magnificent complex. Quietly walk through the Upper and Lower Basilicas, marveling at the famous frescoes by Giotto and other masters. It is a place of tranquility and reverie.
* Piazza del Comune: Stroll through Assisi’s main square, admiring the facade of the ancient Temple of Minerva (Tempio di Minerva) and other historic buildings. You can sit in one of the cafes to simply soak up the atmosphere.
* Roman Forum and Archaeological Museum (Museo Archeologico e Foro Romano): Go underground to discover the fascinating remains of the Roman city of Asisium. You’ll have time to quietly learn about its history.
14:00 – 15:00 (1 hour) – Lunch in Assisi
Choose one of the charming local restaurants or trattorias. Assisi offers many places where you can taste traditional Umbrian cuisine in a pleasant atmosphere.
15:00 – 15:20 – A leisurely drive to Spello
Access from Assisi: About 20 minutes by car. Short, scenic route
15:20 – 17:00 (1 hour and 40 minutes) – Spello
* Parking: In Spello you will find free parking [P] Park Free Spello (Via Circonvallazione, 6) or paid Parcheggio Villa Dei Mosaici Di Spello (Via Traiana), from where you can easily reach the center.
* Attractions in Spello:
* Historical center: Spello is a true gem of Umbria, famous for its narrow stone streets and balconies drowning in flowers. Just stroll around, getting lost in its charm.
* Collegiata di Santa Maria Maggiore: Visit this church to admire the magnificent Pinturicchia frescoes in the Baglioni Chapel. Devote as much time as you need to them.
* Villa dei Mosaici: If you fancy more Roman history, you can visit the Villa with its beautiful mosaics. If you prefer a longer walk around the town, you can skip this place.
17:00 – 18:00 – Return to IL Sodino
A leisurely return trip to end a day full of excitement.
Important Tips:
* This is your vacation: This itinerary is just a suggestion. Take your time, adjust the pace to suit you and enjoy every moment. If something in particular interests you, devote more time to it.
Cortona – 2 sightseeing ideas for Cortona – an Etruscan city and the setting of the book and movie “Under the Sun of Tuscany”.
Below you will find two options, each lasting about 5-6 hours and including 2-3 attractions.
Option 1: Cortona – Etruscan roots and Tuscan views
This option focuses on Cortona itself, its rich history and picturesque views.
* Total time: Approximately 5-5.5 hours (including driving time).
* Purpose: To explore Etruscan monuments, enjoy panoramic views and soak up the atmosphere of Cortona.
Day’s itinerary:
10:00 – Departure from IL Sodino
Please remember comfortable shoes and water.
10:30 – Arrive in Cortona
We recommend free parking at the Cathedral of Santa Mergerita ( on top of the town )
Attractions:
* MAEC – Museo dell’Accademia Etrusca: The Etruscan Museum is a must-see for history buffs. It houses numerous Etruscan artifacts, from jewelry to sarcophagi.
* Museo Diocesano – Diocesan Museum – outstanding paintings and frescoes – The museum features works by Fra Angélico (1395- 1455) such as: “Annunciation,” “Triptych with the Virgin and Child,” and “Scenes from the Life of St. Dominic.
Also worth noting are Pietro Lorenzetti’s “Crucifixion” and “Madonna,” altarpieces by Luca Signorelli and Sassetta, a Roman sarcophagus from the 2nd century AD, and a 15th-century Vagnucci reliquary of gilded bronze and silver. The lower church, on the other hand, features a rich fresco decoration probably painted by Giorgio Vasari in the 16th century and a “Descent from the Cross” from around 1500.
* Piazza della Repubblica and Palazzo Comunale: Cortona’s main square, surrounded by impressive buildings. It’s worth a stroll and to feel the atmosphere of the city.
* Belvedere di Cortona (Piazza Garibaldi): A vantage point offering spectacular views of the Valdichiana Valley and Lake Trasimeno.
* Optional: the Cathedral (Duomo di Cortona).
* The house from the movie Under the Sun of Tuscany and the house where author Frances Mayes lives ( these are 2 different places ).
13:00 – 14:00 – Lunch in Cortona
* There are many restaurants, trattorias and ice cream shops in Cortona offering local specialties.
14:00 – 15:00 (1 hour) – Sanctuary of St. Margherita (Santuario di Santa Margherita) and Fortezza di Girifalco (optional)
Attractions:
* Sanctuary of St. Margaret: Church dedicated to the city’s patron saint.
* Fortezza di Girifalco (optional): A fortress offering another great view. Requires a bit more effort, but well worth it.
15:00 – 16:00 – Return to IL Sodino.
* A well-deserved swim in the pool 🙂
Option 2: Cortona and surroundings – History, nature and spirituality
This option combines a tour of Cortona with a visit to a nearby important spiritual site.
* Total time: Approximately 5.5-6 hours (including driving time).
* Purpose: To explore Cortona, visit a monastery associated with St. Francis and enjoy the Tuscan countryside.
Agenda:
10:00 – Departure from IL Sodino
10:30 – Arrival in Cortona
We recommend free parking at the Cathedral of Santa Mergerita ( on top of the town )
Attractions: Please choose 2-3 of the following:
* MAEC – Museo dell’Accademia Etrusca.
* Piazza della Repubblica and Palazzo Comunale.
* Belvedere di Cortona (Piazza Garibaldi).
* Cathedral (Duomo di Cortona) and Diocesan Museum.
12:30 – 13:30 – Lunch in Cortona
13:30 – 14:00 – Drive to Eremo Le Celle (Le Celle Monastery).
Directions: Approximately 10 minutes drive from Cortona.
14:00 – 15:30 (1.5 hours) – Eremo Le Celle
Attractions:
Monastery founded by St. Francis of Assisi. A place of great spiritual significance, offering beautiful views of the valley. You can see St. Francis’ cell.
* The house from the movie Under the Sun of Tuscany and the house where author Frances Mayes lives ( these are 2 different places ).
15:30 – 16:30 – Return to IL Sodino.
* a well-deserved swim in the pool 🙂
Additional tips:
These are just suggestions. Feel free to customize the plan according to your preferences.
Please use Google Maps or other reliable navigation.
* Water and comfortable shoes: It is always a good idea to bring water and comfortable shoes for walking on the cobblestone streets.
10:00 – departure from IL Sodino
Make sure to bring comfortable shoes (you will be doing a lot of walking on the grounds and streets), a camera and water before setting off.
11:20 – Cascate delle Marmore: Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes drive.
Ticket prices: About 12 euros.
What to see: Cascate delle Marmore is the highest artificial waterfall in the world, consisting of 3 sections. You can enjoy breathtaking views, and take a guided tour of the Lovers’ Balcony (located behind the waterfall).
Website on Google: www.marmorefalls.it
walking time about 2-3 hours
departure about 2:30 p.m.
arrival in Rasiglia about 3:40 p.m. About 1 hour and 10 minutes drive from Cascate delle Marmore.
What to see: Rasiglia is a picturesque town, known as the “Little Venice of Umbria” because of the many streams that flow through its center. Here you can stroll through the charming streets, admire the traditional architecture and visit local artisan workshops. There are pubs on site and you can have lunch.
Departure about 5 p.m.
Return to IL SODINO 1738 about 6 p.m. The return trip from Rasiglia will take about 1 hour.
This route, including the return, should take less than 8 hours, depending on the time spent at each point and any travel delays. You can adjust the time spent at each point to fit your preferences.
Plan for the day:
10:00 – departure from IL Sodino
Make sure you have comfortable shoes (you will be doing a lot of marching ), camera and water
10:25 –
Getting to Parcheggio minimetro vicino Pala Barton, Perugia:
About 25 minutes drive (23.9 km). Parking at the minimetro is free. Note – there is a market in the parking lot on Thursdays and Saturdays and it is difficult to get a parking space.
Minimetro:
From the parking lot, take the Minimetro, which is an automatic railroad,
that will take you to the center of Perugia. The ride takes a few minutes and tickets
can be purchased on site. A very spectacular tour.
Sightseeing in Perugia:
The Underground City (Rocca Paolina): Start with the fascinating
underground city, the remains of a 16th century fortress.
Aqueduct:
Walking toward the center, you’ll see the impressive medieval
aqueduct.
History:
Built in the 13th century, Perugia’s aqueduct was a masterpiece
of medieval hydraulic engineering. Its main
purpose was to supply water to the city, which was crucial to its
development and functioning. Remarkably and admirably, this aqueduct
was able to deliver water uphill to the hilltop center of
Perugia without the use of motors or pumps, relying
solely on a system of natural drops and pressure. Today, although no longer
performing its original function, it has become a picturesque promenade with
views of the city.
Fountain of Maggiore: The centerpiece of the city, a masterpiece
of medieval sculpture.
City Hall (Palazzo dei Priori): Gothic palace, seat of the
city government.
Cathedral (Duomo): An impressive cathedral with valuable works of art.
Works of Art: It houses Federico
Barocci’s Picture from the Cross, Giambattista di Paolo’s Madonna delle Grazie and the Relic
of the Holy Ring.
Panoramic View: Perugia offers many vantage points from
where you can view the surrounding hills of Umbria and also Assisi.
Perugia’s symbol – Baci Chocolates:
Perugia is famous for
chocolate, and its most recognizable symbol is Baci chocolates
Perugina. They are small pralines with a hazelnut, covered in
dark chocolate, and each contains a card with a loving sentence.
They are perfect as a souvenir or sweet gift. In the city center you will find
many stores offering these treats.
Festivals in Perugia:
If you visit Perugia in autumn (usually in October), you can
hit up Eurochocolate, one of the largest
chocolate festivals in Europe. The whole city then turns into a real paradise for
chocolate lovers, with numerous booths, tastings and events.
Umbria Jazz Festival: In the summer (usually in July) Perugia comes alive
with the Umbria Jazz Festival, one of the most important
jazz festivals in the world. It attracts artists and jazz fans from
all over the globe, and concerts are held in various historical sites
of the city. The entire city bustles with activity.
Lunch at Gatto Nero: Gatto Nero Restaurant is known for its good
Umbrian cuisine. Check opening hours and possibly make
reservations.
Good Ice Cream: In Perugia you will find many ice cream shops offering
delicious Italian ice cream. You can look for ice cream parlors near the Fountain
Maggiore or on Corso Vannucci.
Return:
After exploring Perugia, return Minimetro to the parking lot at Pala Barton and set off on the
way back to Il Sodino.
IL Sodino 1738
Via del Sodino 4, 06063 San Feliciano, Umbria, Italy
Phone/Whatsapp +39 348 719 67 09
CIR: 054026C204031322, CIN: IT054026C204031322
