Amount of time in Assisi...3-4 hours enough
 

Hi...we will be driving from Rome to Assisi to Florence. If we leave Rome by 9:00 am to arrive in Assisi by 12:00 noon and leave Assisi by 3:30 to be in Florence (at apt to check in) by 6:30/7:00 pm...do we have enough time in Assisi. Do the driving times I have between places sound right? I know the distances are around 120 miles but I am told we need 3 hours to each destination.

I can arrange to check into the apt later in the evening...but only a Italian speaking doorman will be there.

Any input?...I want to be realistic with my timing.

Thanks

The driving times seem about right although you probably won't need three hours to get to Assisi. Three and half hours in Assisi is only enough for a general overview. Every time I go to the Basilica of San Francesco I spend about two hours there on the three levels and the gift shop. Lines to see the tomb of St. Francis can be slow too. The Church of Santa Chiara with her tomb is another 45 minute to an hour stop. Be sure to listen to the description of St. Claire's relics given by one of the cloistered nuns. Doubt there would be enough time to climb up to the Rocca or San Damiano or go down to the church of Santa Maria degli Angeli and see the Porziuncola. And what about lunch?

ChanB,

Re: time in Assisi, certainly doable. Be sure to figure out where you'll be parking to save time. Parking at the lot/garage at Piazza Mattoretti is conventient.

I love Assisi. It's a very special place. But you probably will need some time to eat somewhere. The Autogrille pizza en route to Florence isn't bad.

Well, I spent 6 hours there last summer and felt cheated. It's huge, and there are places high up in the hills that take time to get to and time to explore once you get there.

Plus, if you arrive there at noon, depending on the time of year, some things may be closed for siesta, and you'll have to have lunch and wait for things to open.

It won't take you 3 hours to get there unless you dawdle. But still, personally I'd give yourself more time there.

Hi...

Thanks for the input. I'll check with the apt and see what the lastest the doorman can let us in. I am just amazed that it takes 3 hours to go 114 miles from Rome to Assisi. We are going to be there on Tuesday - Nov 20 (2 weeks-ish). I really to want to get a good feel for the town...if we can get a good 5 hours in - is that enough time.

Personally, I would feel that 4-5 hours in Assisi would leave you feeling rushed, especially with the thought of making an appointment some distance away...is there no way you could make it the target of a day trip from Florence when you won't be so rushed? My family spent a full day (from about 9 to 6'ish) on our first trip and then a second day. There are so many fine churches and so much art and history (and a couple of excellent restaurants too!)

I would bite the bullet and leave Rome as early as possible, 7-7:30. As the replies so far have illustrated, it's a personal thing as to whether 3, 4, 5 or 6 hours or one day are "enough" time in Assisi. You won't know 'til you get there. If you left Rome early, you could have a nice lunch (mangia!) in the town before you'd have to hit the road again.

If it were me, I'd be more concerned about finding my way to a particular place in Florence by a certain time. Unless you're familiar with Florence....

Hi Chan,

I stayed one night and spent a full day in Assisi, and didn't see all I wanted to. I spent quite a bit of time in the Basilica and the museum, visited 3 other churches and wandered a bit, had a short snack lunch. I didn't even make it to the Rocca....

I will be a dissenting voice here - we spent about 3 - 4 hours in Assisi including a long lunch and it was enough. It was probably my least favourite town in Umbria of those we visited. Much preferred Todi and Perugia and Orvieto the favourite.

Guidebook writers tip:
If you want to get the most out of your visit to Assisi I'd suggest a day with Anne Robichaud especially if there is a special festival or event happening. www.annesitaly.com

Assisi was one of my favorite towns I visited while living in Rome for 5 months. I would give it more than 3 hours if possible.

I've spent 3-4 DAYS in Assisi before and didnt' see everything. Granted I did do 1 or 2 daytrips, and my stay was in association with a Catholic pilgrimage that was heavy on religious sites including most of the churches, St. Francis' carceri, etc.

It depends on what your priorities are. There are thousands of people who breeze through Assisi on their way from Rome to Florence and a few hours is plenty for them. If that's all the time you have, it will still be worth the stop.

Like others, I spent a full day in Assisi and didn't see everything. You've also got to bear in mind that some sites will be closed at the time of day you're expecting to be there.

We just spent 6 days in Assisi! Most people would not need that much but for us it was an amazing chance to see all the Franciscan sites. I loved the town. At sunset and sunrise it is magical.

I traveled to Assisi this summer with students. We spent a couple of hours there and it was not enough time. It is an amazing place that you will love! Spend as much time as you can there.