Private day trip from Siena to Assisi, the town where Saint Francesco was born, as well as to sample extra virgin olive oil from Umbria and the excellent Umbrian wine Sagrantino.
A great opportunity to visit the town of Saint Francis and to learn more about Umbria's extra virgin olive oil by visiting an oil mill where tasting their excellent oil and having a light lunch based on local Umbrian delicacies. In Montefalco visit of a prestigious winery with tasting of the famous Umbrian wine: Sagrantino di Montefalco.
Arriving in Assisi with your private driver from Siena you will be greeted by your guide that takes you to visit the three levels of the Saint Francis Basilica.
The upper church in French Gothic style with a single nave, decorated with frescoes by Cimabue. The lower church houses one of the most famous artistic treasures of the entire Basilica: the high altar is surmounted by Giotto's cross vault, and the Crypt in neo Romanesque style where from the 1818 there is the tomb St. Francis.
With your guide the tour continues in the footsteps of Saint Francis visiting the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli whose interiors preserve the Porziuncola, a stone chapel restored by St. Francis himself and where he understood his vocation. The Porziuncola is considered the holiest place for the Franciscans.
Leave Assisi and reach the Umbrian hills with your driver for a guided tour of an oil mill that produces the authentic Umbrian organic extra virgin olive oil famous for its taste, flavors and benefits for our health. The visit is followed by oil tastings and a by a traditional light lunch with local delicacies.
After the Umbrian oil experience, your visit continues to discover Umbrian wine, you will appreciate a visit of the cellar and wine tastings at one of the best wineries producing the famous Sagrantino.
Sagrantino is the symbolic wine of Montefalco, this is considered the flagship wine of Umbria obtained exclusively from grapes of the native Sagrantino and produced only in this area.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Private Day Tour from Siena to Assisi and Umbria Region
- Private expert local guide in Assisi
- Visit of Saint Francis Basilica Unesco World Heritage Site
- Olive Oil mill visit with extra virgin oil tasting
- Tasty lunch with local delicacies
- Appreciate the Sagrantino di Montefalco winery visit with tasting
DETAILS
Duration:
10 hours about
Start Time Private Tour:
Morning Tour
Pick up Point:
At the lobby of your Hotel in Siena centre or to be decided at the confirmation
If your hotel is not in the center of Siena, ask us for a personalized quote.
Inclusion:
- Assisi tour with private guide
- Private Mercedes E series car (for your party from 1 to 2 people)
- Private Mercedes Minivan (for your party from 3 to 6 people)
- Professional English speaking driver.
- Saint Francis Basilica admission fees
- Olive oil tasting
- Light traditional lunch
- Winery visit with Sagrantino di Montefalco wine tasting
Exclusions:
Gratuities (optional),
Admission fees to further churches and museums
Notes:
More of 6 persons rates on request.
F.A.Q.
- What is the history of the grape Sagrantino?
The Sagrantino grape has a long and storied history, primarily associated with the Umbria region of central Italy, particularly around the town of Montefalco. Here is an overview of the history of Sagrantino:
1. Ancient Origins: The exact origins of the Sagrantino grape are somewhat uncertain, but it is believed to have ancient roots in the Umbria region. Some historical accounts suggest that Sagrantino may have been cultivated by Etruscans or Romans in the area.
2. Religious Use: The name "Sagrantino" is thought to be derived from the Latin word "sacer," meaning sacred or holy. Historically, the grape was primarily cultivated by monks in monasteries for use in religious ceremonies, particularly during Easter and other religious holidays. It was often used to produce sweet wines for sacramental purposes.
3. Decline and Rediscovery: Over time, the cultivation of Sagrantino declined, and by the mid-20th century, it was nearly extinct. However, in the 1970s, efforts were made to revive the grape variety, spurred by a renewed interest in traditional and indigenous grape varieties. Winemakers recognized the potential of Sagrantino to produce high-quality wines with distinctive character and aging potential.
4. Modern Revival: The revival of Sagrantino began in the Montefalco area, where a handful of producers started to cultivate the grape and produce wines from it. In 1979, Sagrantino di Montefalco was granted DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) status, recognizing it as a distinctive wine from the region. Later, in 1992, Sagrantino di Montefalco Secco, a dry version of the wine, was granted DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) status, Italy's highest wine classification.
5. Characteristics: Sagrantino is known for its deep color, intense flavors, and high levels of tannins and acidity. It typically produces robust, full-bodied wines with notes of dark fruits, spices, and earthy undertones. Sagrantino wines are known for their aging potential, often improving and developing complexity with time in the bottle.
Today, Sagrantino is considered one of Italy's most prestigious indigenous grape varieties, and wines made from Sagrantino are highly sought after by wine enthusiasts around the world. The grape's revival has played a significant role in highlighting the winemaking traditions and potential of the Umbria region.