Your ship is docked at Civitavecchia and you have a dream: to see Assisi, the city of St Francis, with its basilicas frescoed by Giotto and the views over the Umbrian Valley. The problem is that cruise ship group excursions cost twice as much, run on fixed schedules, and put you on a bus with 40 other passengers.
With a private driver, Assisi is 2h15 from Civitavecchia — in quiet comfort, on your own schedule, at your own pace.
The price includes: full return transport from Civitavecchia port to Assisi, 8 hours availability, driver waiting during your visit. Not included: entrance tickets (St Francis Crypt: €3; Basilica visit is free).
Comparison with cruise ship group excursions:
| | Group excursion | Private driver | |---|---|---| | Average cost (2 people) | €180–€220 | €290 total | | Schedule flexibility | No | Yes | | Guaranteed visiting time | ~2h | 3h+ | | Independent from group | No | Yes | | Privacy | Minibus with 40 pax | Just you |
Suggested timings (ship in port 08:00–18:00):
| Time | Stop | |---|---| | 08:15 | Meet at Civitavecchia port exit | | 08:15–10:30 | A1/E45 motorway to Assisi | | 10:30–13:30 | Free visit (Basilica, historic centre) | | 13:30–14:30 | Lunch at leisure (Piazza del Comune area recommended) | | 14:30–16:30 | Continue visit or early departure if preferred | | 16:30–18:30 | Return to Civitavecchia | | by 18:45 | Back at port ahead of boarding time |
Your driver monitors the return route in real time to guarantee you're back before the re-embarkation deadline.
Rocca Maggiore — The medieval castle dominating Assisi, with panoramic views over the Umbrian Valley. About 15 minutes on foot from the centre.
Piazza del Comune — The medieval heart of the city, with its Roman Temple of Minerva converted into a church.
Eremo delle Carceri — 4 km from Assisi, the sacred woodland where St Francis went to pray. Reachable by car (your driver drops you off and returns), free entry.
Basilica of Santa Chiara — The church dedicated to the founder of the Poor Clares, housing the original Crucifix of San Damiano.
Practical tip: Arrive at the Basilica of St Francis by 10:30, before the group tour coaches arrive in force (typically after 11:00).
Punctuality guaranteed. The return to the ship is planned with a safety margin. All port transfers for cruise passengers are handled with absolute priority on re-embarkation time.
Door-to-door comfort. From your meeting point at Civitavecchia port to Assisi and back, with no changes and no unwanted stops.
Driver as local guide. Not a formal tour guide, but a local driver who knows the area, Assisi's limited parking, good restaurants, and up-to-date opening hours.
Perugia option. With a supplement, a 1-hour visit to Perugia (25 km from Assisi) can be added.