Tuscany and Umbria are “sister” regions, and both are rich in wonders. Villa I Cocciai is strategically positioned in such a way that it is easy to visit both Tuscany and Umbria by car, train, or bus.
Our local superstrada connects Perugia with Siena, and we are located in the middle. In one direction is Lake Trasimeno (15 minutes) Perugia (1 hour) and Assisi (1.5 hours). There's also Spello and Todi. In the other direction is Siena (45 minutes), and the A1 Autosole (20 minutes), which will take you straight to Florence. If you head northwest, you can easily visit the sanctuaries of St. Francis, including La Verna and the Casentino forest region.
Our Etruscan hilltop town looks out over the Valdichiana, offering breathtaking views the extend from Lake Trasimeno to Mount Amiata. Cortona is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Tuscany for visitors coming from all over the world, many of whom fall in love with our city and eventually move here.
It has a rich historical heritage, from the Tabula Cortonensis to the masterpieces of Luca Signorelli, the Annunciation by Beato Angelico, and works by Gino Severini. The ancient palazzi in the historical center of town tell the story of the city as does the Palazzo Comunale, the Sanctuary of Santa Margherita, the Franciscan Hermitage of Le Celle, and the Fortress of Girifalco.
There are many cultural events not to be missed, including the international festival of photography (Cortona On The Move), an antique furniture show known as Cortonantiquaria, and the Giostra dell'Archidado, a historical reenactment and crossbow competition that takes place in June.
Easily to reach in about 30 minutes from Villa I Cocciai, the city of Poliziano is a true jewel. The cathedral and architecturally important buildings were designed by some of the great Renaissance masters, including Michelozzo Michelozzi. Piazza Grande is simply breathtaking.
An ancient commercial hub, Montepulciano still keeps up the craftsmen's traditions. The narrow roads of the historic center host antique stores, galleries, and workshops where handmade fabric is made. Enjoy the sensory experience and discover the “red gold” of this city, Vino Nobile wine.
The landscape of the Val d'Orcia surprises visitors with its wide, open hills and valleys. Its views are truly magical, as are the sunsets. It is a Unesco heritage site and a preferred place to visit by tourists coming from all over the world.
Montalcino and Pienza are “gems” of the Val d'Orcia and home to extraordinary treasures of art and a thousand-year-old history. In Montalcino, everything revolves around “his majesty” Brunello, one of the most appreciated wines around the world. In Pienza, the city of the Popes, artisans work on their crafts in workshops, laboratories, and antique galleries.
Lake Trasimeno is dotted with small villages, from Castiglion del Lago to Monte del Lago and Passignano, where the slow pace of life must be experienced. Don't miss out on the boat tour of the islands with their timeless charm.
Mountain biking, hiking, and boat tours are all activities that can be done around the lake or in nearby hill towns, with their stunning olive groves and vineyards. Città della Pieve, Passignano, Panicale, Castel Rigone are all easy to reach destinations.
Visiting Siena means traveling through time and discovering its vast and complex history. Of course, the life of the city is closely linked to the Palio horse race, which runs on July 2 and August 16. The contrade (neighborhoods) are the beating heart of a well-organized historical event that has strict and precise rules and codes.
The majestic Duomo with its inlaid marble floor, the monumental Opera, and the route of Saint Catherine of Siena are three stops on your tour that should not be missed. Unesco has declared the city of Siena a world heritage site. Not far away, in an area known familiarly as Chianti-Shire for all the English-speaking ex-pats who live there, are villages of exceptional beauty.
As the birthplace of the Renaissance, the city of the Medici family continues to uphold its charm despite the passing centuries. A “treasure chest” of art and architectural styles, the city's historic buildings look towards the Arno River and the Ponte Vecchio, with its jewelry shops and master goldsmiths.
Explore Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, and the Uffizi Gallery: three spots that reveal the city's history. Walk around the Piazza del Duomo, see the Basilica of Santa Maria del Fiore, admire Brunelleschi's dome, and climb Giotto's Bell Tower. Don't forget the Galleria dell'Accademia, with Michelangelo's David, followed by a visit to Piazzale Michelangelo at sunset…
Art, history, and traditions: Perugia is a blend of beauty and history, and is just waiting to be discovered. Perugia boasts one of the oldest universities (founded in 1308) and the largest University for Foreigners in Italy. The center of the city has the feel of a medieval village, with its Fontana Maggiore and Corso Vannucci, meeting points for the people of Perugia.
But Perugia is also the starting point of a spiritual tour of the places that mark the life of Saint Francis. In this regard, nearby Assisi and Gubbio should not be missed.
