My mom and I are spending 7 nights in Tuscany. We are thinking of spending one night in Umbria - we have reservations at Palazzo Bocci - to see some of Assisi. We would leave Chiusi in the am to head to Assisi, and then overnight in Spello. Are there any stops you would recommend along the way?
Thanks in advance!

Plan your tour of Assisi so that you end up in the hermitage (eramo) and then from there you can drive up through the national park at the top of Mount Subasio and continue on down to Spello - stop at Collepino on the way, it is a lovely old town where time stopped long ago.

Assisi tends to have many daytrippers, and because of that, we have enjoyed spending the night in Assisi so that we can enjoy it after the daytrippers have gone away. If this sounds reasonable to you, consider leaving Chiusi early in the morning and visiting Spello first. Mid-afternoon make your way to Assisi, spend the night there, visit the cathedral very first thing the next morning before the daytrippers arrive, and you'll have it almost to yourself. I really think this will enhance your enjoyment of Assisi--a place that is very special to us.

Hi Flurry,

I easily spent an entire day in Assisi and could have used another 1/2 day to see everything I wanted. Yes, Assisi is busy with tourists and pilgrims, but it is larger than most of the hilltowns and somehow the tourists didn't bother me. It's a beautiful town with incredible art, history and views.

However! I stayed at Spello 2 nights in Palazzo Bocci and would never give that experience up to stay in Assisi. Palazzo Bocci is wonderful, Il Molino's food is excellent and Spello is completely charming and tiny. The only other tourists I encountered there were the ones staying in the hotel. No daytrippers, no others.

Assisi and Spello are only about a 10 minute drive apart.

Buon viaggio!

Thank you for your replies - I will definitely look for Collepino!

We debated staying overnight in Assisi, but REALLY want to stay at Palazzo Bocci. I first read about it on your trip report, Dayle!

Thanks again!

And it believe it was Elaine's recommendation I read for Palazzo Bocci. Shhh, let's not tell anyone else!

PS - be sure to walk up the main street from the hotel. Stop in at the bar/gellateria on your right. Go out to the garden in back and enjoy the view - with your wine or gellato, both work, trust me!

flurry, please don't give up you night at the Palazzo Bocci. It is a special little hotel and Spello is a sweet little untouristy town.

We were there in November, 2001. We didn't see many Americans on our three week trip in Italy and everyone was so kind. We were walking around Spello and a construction worker heard our accent. He stopped, put his hand over his heart and sang out, "L'Merica!" It brought tears to my eyes and has again as I think of that special moment.

Dayle - if your ears are burning on June 15th it will be my mom and I offering a toast to you from that garden. Thanks for the tip! I can hardly wait!

Judi - thanks for the post. More positive feedback assures me I am making the right decision. What a great memory you have of Spello; that must have felt very welcoming. I hope they are as nice to Canadians!!

Oh, flurry, please do have a glass of Sagrantino di Montefalco for me! I'll be thinking of you and picturing the view!

I agree with the others. we greatly enjoyed Assisi, but loved Spello. Its much smaller and such a beautiful hill town. I would have loved to have stayed the night. We walked past Palazza Bocci and I had to smile because I remember the recommendations on this board. I think I first read about it in MaiTaiTom's report.

You'll have a wonderful trip!
Tracy