Day Trips from Ancona, Italy - Assisi, San Marino & Ancona Shore Excursions
Ancona sits on Italy's Adriatic coast in the Marche region, and the best day trips from Ancona, Italy reach some of central Italy's most rewarding destinations. Ancona is the closest major cruise port to Assisi - the medieval hilltop town in neighboring Umbria where St. Francis was born in 1182 and where the Basilica of St. Francis has drawn pilgrims and visitors for more than 700 years. The drive from Ancona cruise port to Assisi takes approximately 1 hour 15 minutes by private vehicle - a scenic route through the hills of the Marche and Umbria. Our Assisi private shore excursion from Ancona runs 8 hours and includes a guided walking tour of the medieval town, a visit to the Basilica with its celebrated Giotto frescoes, and free time in the stone-paved lanes before the return drive to the cruise port. Ancona is also the closest major port to San Marino - one of the smallest and oldest countries in the world, set behind fortified walls on Mount Titano that have stood since the 4th century AD. Our San Marino private shore excursion from Ancona reaches the hilltop micro-state in approximately 1 hour 15 minutes, with a guided tour of the Three Towers, the medieval old town and Government Palace, panoramic views across the Adriatic, and free time for lunch before the return.
Closer to the pier, Ancona's own historic old town clusters around the Roman Arch of Trajan on the harbour headland - one of the best-preserved Roman triumphal arches in Italy - and the limestone cliffs of the Riviera del Conero stretch south along the Adriatic coast for guests who want a shorter outing near the ship. All private day trips from Ancona include a licensed local guide, a private vehicle for your group only, and our back-to-ship guarantee. Reserve with a $50 deposit.
