Surroundings
Tuscany and Umbria, the green heart of Italy, the cradle of art, culture and history of our Bel Paese.
Not just small medieval villages whose stones tell the story, but tradition and folklore, many good reasons to discover the beauty of our land.
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ArezzoBook Now
Just 25 km far from Cortona, this medieval city tells the story of the great seasons of Tuscan architecture and art: Piero della Francesca, Vasari and Guido Monaco are just some of the illustrious Arezzo of the past.
In 1999 Benigni immortalized the houses, the streets, the color of the sandstone and the beautiful Piazza Grande in the Oscar-winning film LA VITA E’ BELLA. The city preserves the Legend of the True Cross by Piero della Francesca, in the Basilica of San Francesco, and the wooden crucifix by Cimabue, in the Cathedral.
Not to be missed the Giostra del Saracino, a great historical re-enactment of the fight against the Saracens, in June and September, and the famous Antiques Fair, every first Sunday of the month. -
Montepulciano e PienzaBook Now
About 30 km from Cortona, two delightful towns: Montepulciano and Pienza.
Legend says that Montepulciano was founded by the Etruscan king Porsenna, around 714 BC.
The numerous masterpieces of Renaissance artists have earned the town the name of "Pearl of the sixteenth century". Today, for the production of Vino Nobile, it is famous all over the world.
Do not miss the church of San Biagio and the panorama that surrounds it, and then continue towards Pienza: a small Tuscan jewel, commissioned by Pope Pius II. It represents the first application of the humanistic-Renaissance concept of civitas: it is the first project of an ideal city. -
MontalcinoBook Now
Driving 12 km more, we find the fortified city of Montalcino, which preserves part of the 19 towers and ancient sources. Among the famous Crete Senesi, stands the Abbey of Monte Oliveto, a splendid monastery. Montalcino is famous all over the world for its excellent Brunello DOCG.
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Trasimeno lakeBook Now
In the green heart of Umbria, between the reeds and the enchanting white water lily, Lake Trasimeno is a real natural paradise. On the other side of the flat slope, gentle hills and small villages act as a frame. Three islands in the lake: Isola Minore, Isola Maggiore, with the fifteenth-century fishing village, and Polvese. To visit the small villages of Castiglion del Lago, Passignano and Città della Pieve.
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PerugiaBook Now
Driving south just 55 km from Cortona, we arrive in Perugia, the capital of Umbria, an ancient and majestic city.
Its shape is singular and unique: a clover encloses the upper town on the hill, which was the Etruscan and Roman acropolis: from there the tentacles of medieval villages descend along the ridges.
The historic center is full of masterpieces that fit harmoniously into the urban fabric built over millennia of history. There are many exhibitions and events including Eurochocolate and Umbra Jazz.
Not far from Perugia, Torgiano, an ancient medieval village: not to be missed is the Museum of wine and oil. -
AssisiBook Now
25 km from Perugia, Assisi spreads out in terraces on the slopes of Mount Subasio, with a medieval layout that overlaps the Roman city. The historic center, with the famous Franciscan Basilica and the three large squares of the Municipality, of San Rufino, and of Santa Chiara, preserves magnificent architectural monuments. Also worth visiting is Spello, a characteristic town on the slopes of Mount Subasio: the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore preserves the paintings by Il Perugino, the Baglioni Chapel is frescoed by Il Pinturicchio.