Under the Tuscan Sun in Cortona

(17 Reviews)
100% Recommended

Diana Croeser

Los Angeles, CA
Tuscany Travel Agent Expert

Imagine whisking your partner away on a romantic vacation to Tuscany, an Italian haven where verdant vineyards stretch under the golden sun, historic villas dot the rolling hillsides, and every moment is a brushstroke of la Dolce Vita.

Chia...

Cortona is a hilltop town overlooking the Val D'Orcia with its gently rolling hills, vineyards and Cypresses which Tuscany is famous for.


It was founded as an Etruscan town and there are still many signs of this heritage scattered throughout. Traffic is limited to residents only, but it's an easy walk down the main street which is between 2 piazzas, with shops and restaurants lining both sides. The whole town can be covered in a couple of hours. 


Looking down towards he valley, all you can see is endless green hills, vineyards and in the distance Lake Trasimeno, the 3rd largest lake in Italy. In the summer there are yellow "dots" everywhere in the countryside. These are endless fields of sunflowers. When I lived about 15 minutes outside the town, it was the most beautiful sight to come out of the gate and be met by huge "smiling" sunflowers.  I was spoilt, because looking out the balcony door I could see endless fields from one side to the next.


It became more famous after the filming of "Under the Tuscan Sun" based on the book by Frances Mayes.  She lives in the original house called Bramasole, but it was filmed in another house adapted to look like the original, a short distance away.


On the way to Bramasole and a short distance outside the walls is Le Celle, a 13th century monastery founded by Saint Francis of Assisi.  It is surrounded by forests, has fountains in its well manicured garden and is so peaceful. It was the last place that he lived before returning to Assisi to die. 


Cortona is very central and you can reach Florence, Pienza, and many of the other Tuscan towns either by train or by car in a couple of hours. 


It is near the border to Umbria, which has a beauty all of its own - it has endless green hills and is full of history.  I will share about Todi and other towns in Umbria another time.

See more travel stories
Return to my Tuscany Travel Agent Expert page
©  Travel Leaders Group