Cortona Tuscany

Located on the border between Tuscany and Umbria, on a hill at approximately 600 meters above sea level, Cortona is easy to reach both by train and by car. Perugia airport is a 40 minute drive, Florence airport just over an hour and Rome 2 hours away.

Because of its geographical location, Cortona is a very important tourist destination. Surrounding towns include Arezzo, Montepulciano, Siena, Perugia, Assisi, Florence, Gubbio, Orvieto, Pienza and Lake Trasimeno.  Dating back to the Etruscan times, Cortona holds a wealth of historical beauty. There are many churches to visit, Etruscan tombs open to the public, Le Celle which was home to St Francis of Assisi, the Cortona museum, the theatre, and the old streets alone provide long days of exploring.

Arezzo is a 25 minute drive from the Villa. It’s one of the wealthiest towns in Tuscany due to it’s production of gold and jewellery which they supply to shops all over Europe. There is a large antique market in the town on the first weekend of every month, it is probably the largest fair of it’s kind in Italy. A smaller one in Cortona is held on the third Sunday of the month.

Assisi is a beautiful 45 minute drive away. You pass Lake Trasimeno, Perugia and Spello on the way, all lovely places to stop for lunch or a passagata on the way home. Assisi is the birth place of St Fancis, the patron saint of animals, the poor and one of the two patrons of Italy. The Basilica is a world heritage site which contains his tomb. There are many incredible frescos and amazing history to be found here, a trip to Assisi is a real experience and never forgotten.

Montepulciano, just a 20 minute drive from the Villa is know throughout the world for it's wine. Wine connoisseurs consider it's Vino Nobile among Italy's best. The medieval town stands on the top of a hill with amazing views of the Val di Chiana. There are many places to eat and taste wine in the town and in the countryside surrounding it.

The Etruscan city of Perugia is a 30 minute drive. It is the capital city of Umbria, full of art, history and hosts the annual Jazz festival which is one of the most important in Europe. It's National Gallery in the main street holds many masterpieces by Italian Renaissance artists.

Siena, a 45 minute drive holds the famous Palio twice a year in July and August. The city has many churches, museums, gardens open to the public and a market every Wednesday morning.

There are many places to visit around Cortona. We can arrange private drivers, tour guides, book tickets and are available for advise on any of the trips you plan to make.

Activities:

We can help you plan a range of activities at the Villa or in the area during your stay.  The list includes: