Archive for 'Cortona'

The charming Villa Toppani Del Sodo is a beautiful historic stone villa in Sodo, just 3km (2 miles) from the picturesque medieval town of Cortona. Sleeping up to 21 guests in 11 bedrooms with 12 bathrooms, boasting a private pool, air-conditioning, elegant and characteristic interiors, and lovely views, this gem has all that you could possibly ask for from a Tuscan getaway! Read on to learn more about this wonderful vacation rental in Tuscany or click through to browse more of our incredible Tuscany villas and find the right one for you.

Picture this, if you will: a pretty villa in a small town with the lush greenery of trees and views over the vineyards and rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside all around, a front entrance opening into a little court with flowers and trees, climbing blooms and vines winding up the sunny yellow facade of the villa, green shuttered windows, a romantic balcony on the first floor above the entrance, and a terracotta roof to top it off. This is the dreamy first encounter that guests have when they reach Villa Toppani Del Sodo and this very much sets the appropriate tone for your vacation here. 

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Tuscany is lovely in fall when the lush landscape is made even more beautiful by the transformation of trees as their leaves turn red and gold and rust hues all across those famous rolling hills, the excitement of truffle hunting, the hustle and bustle of food and wine festivals filling medieval city centres all across the region, the cosiness of little houses with smoke-topped chimneys dotted about the place, and the appearance of chic locals beginning to wrap up in woolly layers against the cooling weather. However, much as the entire region has many charms worth discovering that are particular to the season, fall is an especially excellent time to plan a city break in Tuscany. The summer crowds will have begun to disperse, leaving the most famous attractions and sights with far smaller queues and freeing up time to see more, and things will be much calmer and more relaxed, in general. Plus, the cooler weather is more suited to darting all over the place if you’re the type that wants to see it all! So, if you have always wanted to come and see Florence, Lucca, or Cortona – all charming and stunning cities steeped in history and culture – then it is a perfect time to book a Tuscany villa and a city break in Tuscany! Just check out this selection of some of our newest listings in these destinations, all centrally located right at the heart of all the action in each town, and book today to make the fall getaway in Tuscany of your dreams a reality...

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Planning your next Tuscan getaway? Then check out this incredibly stylish apartment in the historic city of Cortona...

Cortona is medieval walled town perched on a hilltop overlooking the typical and lovely Tuscan landscape of rolling green hills and lush farmland plains of the region. One of the most undeniably picturesque destinations in all of Tuscany, it is the idyllic setting of the beloved book and film, “Under the Tuscan Sun.” With origins dating all the way back to the Etruscans and the Romans, it is steeped in history and tradition and is remarkably well-preserved. Merely wandering around the historic centre is a pleasant activity that could well occupy an entire day but in addition to the charming surroundings and aesthetic of this ancient citadel, there is an array of incredible museums in the town. Cortona boasts a City Museum, library, Museum of the Accademia Etrusca (MAEC), and Etruscan Academy Art Gallery (home to works by a variety of Tuscan and local artists from the 13th to the 17th century, such as Pinturicchio, Signorelli, Taddeo Gaddi, Spinello Aretino, Piazzetta and more) all located in the beautiful Palazzo Casali. Another fascinating museum in town is the Diocesan Museum and there are a number of gorgeous churches, including the Church of Santa Maria Nuova built according the design of famous 16th century architect Giorgio Vasari.

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Cortona is a famously quaint and scenic historic town located on a hillside overlooking the stunning rolling landscape of the Valdichiana. It is a place where scenes from the beloved, Under the Tuscan Sun, starring Diane Lane were filmed and a spot that made many fall in love with Tuscany. Dating back to Roman and Etruscan times, the town is enclosed by ancient walls and though it is small, it has lots to offer a visitor who has found a villa rental in Cortona!     Read More