other towns and cities
arezzo
An Etruscan city, then ancient Roman pottery centre, Arezzo was later home to Guido Monaco who invented modern musical notation in the 11th century.
The town centre is the broad, sloping piazza grande. Arezzo’s Duomo has excellent stained glass windows by French master Guillaume de Marcillat, and a fresco by Piero della Francesca.
Arezzo Antiques Market, with over 600 dealers crowding the Piazza Grande and the streets around it, opens 7.30am to 3pm on the 1st Sunday of every month.
An Etruscan city, then ancient Roman pottery centre, Arezzo was later home to Guido Monaco who invented modern musical notation in the 11th century.
The town centre is the broad, sloping piazza grande. Arezzo’s Duomo has excellent stained glass windows by French master Guillaume de Marcillat, and a fresco by Piero della Francesca.
Arezzo Antiques Market, with over 600 dealers crowding the Piazza Grande and the streets around it, opens 7.30am to 3pm on the 1st Sunday of every month.
cortona
The prevailing character of Cortona’s architecture is medieval with steep narrow streets situated on a hillside (altitude 600 metres), embracing a view of the whole of the Valdichiana.
From the Piazza Garibaldi (still referred to by the local population by its older name, Piazza Carbonaia) is a fine prospect of Lake Trasimeno, scene of Hannibal's ambush of the Roman army in 217 BC (Battle of Lake Trasimeno).
Parts of the Etruscan city wall can still be seen today as the basis of the present wall.
The prevailing character of Cortona’s architecture is medieval with steep narrow streets situated on a hillside (altitude 600 metres), embracing a view of the whole of the Valdichiana.
From the Piazza Garibaldi (still referred to by the local population by its older name, Piazza Carbonaia) is a fine prospect of Lake Trasimeno, scene of Hannibal's ambush of the Roman army in 217 BC (Battle of Lake Trasimeno).
Parts of the Etruscan city wall can still be seen today as the basis of the present wall.
rome
We all know about Rome and its fabulous sites. The Vatican, The Colosseum – the list is endless.
This is a wonderful day out but can be quite tiring. We recommend getting a cab from Rome train station to The Vatican (that means you get there early and miss the crowds) and then visit the sites walking back to the train station.
It is doubtful you’ll be able to fit everything in – an overnight stay is advisable. Don’t forget to cover your shoulders if you want to go inside The Vatican.
Rome via train (from Arezzo train station), 7am drop off, pm pick up).
We all know about Rome and its fabulous sites. The Vatican, The Colosseum – the list is endless.
This is a wonderful day out but can be quite tiring. We recommend getting a cab from Rome train station to The Vatican (that means you get there early and miss the crowds) and then visit the sites walking back to the train station.
It is doubtful you’ll be able to fit everything in – an overnight stay is advisable. Don’t forget to cover your shoulders if you want to go inside The Vatican.
Rome via train (from Arezzo train station), 7am drop off, pm pick up).
lake trasimeno
There are a number of small towns/lake resorts on the northern edge of Lake Trasimeno including Castiglione del Lago, Tuoro as well as Passignano.
They comprise of man made beaches with sunloungers, pedalo’s etc., swimming pool (you can swim in the lake too if you prefer), bar/gelateria.
There are also small towns and harbours with restaurants and shopping. There is a ferry which visits all the lake side resorts.
Market days: Saturdays in Passignano and Wednesdays in Castiglione del Lago.
There are a number of small towns/lake resorts on the northern edge of Lake Trasimeno including Castiglione del Lago, Tuoro as well as Passignano.
They comprise of man made beaches with sunloungers, pedalo’s etc., swimming pool (you can swim in the lake too if you prefer), bar/gelateria.
There are also small towns and harbours with restaurants and shopping. There is a ferry which visits all the lake side resorts.
Market days: Saturdays in Passignano and Wednesdays in Castiglione del Lago.
gubbio
Gubbio is a medieval town and is situated on the steep hills of the Monte Ingino.
The churches, palaces and houses are all made of yellow limestone from the mountain.
In the town centre, from the Piazza Grande, there’s a wonderful view of the city and the surrounding land. On the east side of this square lies the Palazzo del Podestà which is now used as a town hall.
On the other side there’s the Palazzo dei Consoli where the Eugubine bronze slabs from 1st & 2nd century BC can be seen.
Gubbio is a medieval town and is situated on the steep hills of the Monte Ingino.
The churches, palaces and houses are all made of yellow limestone from the mountain.
In the town centre, from the Piazza Grande, there’s a wonderful view of the city and the surrounding land. On the east side of this square lies the Palazzo del Podestà which is now used as a town hall.
On the other side there’s the Palazzo dei Consoli where the Eugubine bronze slabs from 1st & 2nd century BC can be seen.
assisi
Assisi is a small town in Umbria, well known thanks to St Francis , Italy's premier Saint and founder of the Franciscan order.
The Basilica of St Francis is one of the greatest monuments to thirteenth and fourteenth century Italian art, representing a fundamental reference for art history in Europe and in the world.
Undoubtedly, Assisi represents a unique example of continuity of a city-sanctuary within its environmental setting, being the birthplace of the Franciscan Order.
Assisi is a small town in Umbria, well known thanks to St Francis , Italy's premier Saint and founder of the Franciscan order.
The Basilica of St Francis is one of the greatest monuments to thirteenth and fourteenth century Italian art, representing a fundamental reference for art history in Europe and in the world.
Undoubtedly, Assisi represents a unique example of continuity of a city-sanctuary within its environmental setting, being the birthplace of the Franciscan Order.
montepulciano
Montepulciano is a medieval and Renaissance hill town and comune in the Italian province of Siena in southern Tuscany.
It sits high on a 605 m limestone ridge, 13 km E of Pienza 70 km SE of Siena 124 km SE of Florence, and 186 km north of Rome by car.
Montepulciano is a major producer of food and drink. Renowned for its pork, cheese, "pici" pasta, lentils, and honey, it is known world-wide for its wine. Connoisseurs consider its Vino Nobile among Italy's best.
Montepulciano is a medieval and Renaissance hill town and comune in the Italian province of Siena in southern Tuscany.
It sits high on a 605 m limestone ridge, 13 km E of Pienza 70 km SE of Siena 124 km SE of Florence, and 186 km north of Rome by car.
Montepulciano is a major producer of food and drink. Renowned for its pork, cheese, "pici" pasta, lentils, and honey, it is known world-wide for its wine. Connoisseurs consider its Vino Nobile among Italy's best.
siena
Siena is perhaps best enjoyed after visiting Florence when its easy going and open atmosphere will contrast pleasantly.
During the summer many events take place in and around Siena, most famous of which is the Palio, an annual horse race which is usually held in July and August.
For many, the area to the south of Siena represents the best of Tuscany, called the Crete Senese.
A landscape of soft, rounded hills lit by a strange light that picks out the cypress-shrouded hilltop farmhouses.
Siena is perhaps best enjoyed after visiting Florence when its easy going and open atmosphere will contrast pleasantly.
During the summer many events take place in and around Siena, most famous of which is the Palio, an annual horse race which is usually held in July and August.
For many, the area to the south of Siena represents the best of Tuscany, called the Crete Senese.
A landscape of soft, rounded hills lit by a strange light that picks out the cypress-shrouded hilltop farmhouses.
rapolano terme
The mineral water at San Giovanni Terme Rapolano flows naturally from its source at a temperature of 39 deg C.
The natural elements provide healing properties that are particularly effective in treating skin problems as well as the motor and respiratory systems.
They give a feeling of relaxation and well-being and has a cosmetic effect on the skin, improving its appearance and combating conditions such as psoriasis, dermatitis and eczema. The hot spa helps relieve muscle stiffness.
The mineral water at San Giovanni Terme Rapolano flows naturally from its source at a temperature of 39 deg C.
The natural elements provide healing properties that are particularly effective in treating skin problems as well as the motor and respiratory systems.
They give a feeling of relaxation and well-being and has a cosmetic effect on the skin, improving its appearance and combating conditions such as psoriasis, dermatitis and eczema. The hot spa helps relieve muscle stiffness.
florence
Florence is one of the most beautiful and ancient cities in Italy and the world.
It gave birth to many of the men who have more profoundly influenced the course of human history in every field of knowledge, art, literature and philosophy.
Most of the world's artistic patrimony is believed to be here in Florence.
Florence is one of the most beautiful and ancient cities in Italy and the world.
It gave birth to many of the men who have more profoundly influenced the course of human history in every field of knowledge, art, literature and philosophy.
Most of the world's artistic patrimony is believed to be here in Florence.
cesenatico
In the picturesque historical centre, which resides harmonically among modern urban structures, people can still get a sense of the atmosphere of the old fishermen's village.
The soft sandy beach which stretches out towards the sea, with its well-equipped beach areas plus two big parks, are only a few of the distinctive features of Cesenatico.
Its "Giardini al Mare” is a lively place, where people can walk and sunbathe peacefully.
Leonardo da Vinci designed the Canal Harbour in 1502.
In the picturesque historical centre, which resides harmonically among modern urban structures, people can still get a sense of the atmosphere of the old fishermen's village.
The soft sandy beach which stretches out towards the sea, with its well-equipped beach areas plus two big parks, are only a few of the distinctive features of Cesenatico.
Its "Giardini al Mare” is a lively place, where people can walk and sunbathe peacefully.
Leonardo da Vinci designed the Canal Harbour in 1502.
san gimignano
Souvenir shops notwithstanding, this pedestrianized hilltop town is the most evocative of the middle ages of any in Tuscany.
Its full name is San Gimignano delle Belle Torri, or San Gimignano of the Beautiful Towers.
More than seventy of these towers once attested to this medieval Manhattan’s wealth; fourteen still spike its skyline.
The town boasts, for its size, an amazing wealth of fourteenth and fifteenth century art. Modern art, too, is tucked into unexpected corners.
Souvenir shops notwithstanding, this pedestrianized hilltop town is the most evocative of the middle ages of any in Tuscany.
Its full name is San Gimignano delle Belle Torri, or San Gimignano of the Beautiful Towers.
More than seventy of these towers once attested to this medieval Manhattan’s wealth; fourteen still spike its skyline.
The town boasts, for its size, an amazing wealth of fourteenth and fifteenth century art. Modern art, too, is tucked into unexpected corners.
pisa
Once a maritime power to rival Genoa and Venice, Pisa now draws its fame from an architectural project gone terribly wrong.
But the world-famous Leaning Tower is just one of many noteworthy sights in this compact and compelling city.
Education has fuelled the local economy since the 1400s, and students from across Italy still compete for places in its elite university and research schools. This endows the centre of town with a vibrant and affordable cafe and bar scene.
Once a maritime power to rival Genoa and Venice, Pisa now draws its fame from an architectural project gone terribly wrong.
But the world-famous Leaning Tower is just one of many noteworthy sights in this compact and compelling city.
Education has fuelled the local economy since the 1400s, and students from across Italy still compete for places in its elite university and research schools. This endows the centre of town with a vibrant and affordable cafe and bar scene.
