Tuscany vacation rentals

These Cortona apartments, in an ancient restored palazzo, offer Tuscany vacation rentals in one of Italy's most beautiful and historic towns.

Cortona is the most easterly of the Tuscan hill towns. The walled town is essentially unchanged in appearance since the streets and palazzi were finished in the fifteenth century. Large areas are reserved for pedestrians throughout the day, making for a restful though busy atmosphere. It is packed with cafes spilling out onto the many piazzas and the via Nazionale with its many shops and galleries.

The Etruscan museum has priceless artefacts going back to the pre-Roman origins of Cortona and the surrounding area. The main art museum has the Annunciation by Fra Angelico and other paintings by Cortonese artists, particularly Luca Signorelli.

These Tuscany vacation rentals are well situated for exploring the rest of the region and central Italy. A regular bus service links Cortona to the rail station on the mainline to Florence, Rome as well as Perugia, Arezzo, Assisi, Orvieto. Siena is 50 miles to the west, on a good road. From the Piazza Garibaldi the view takes in Lake Trasimeno and the hills of Montepulciano (Vino Nobile) and Pienza. The A1 autostrada is 20 minutes away.

[ local map | map of Tuscany ]

Lake Trasimeno is about eight miles square and has ferries to two of its three islands. In the summer there is a managed beach with swimming, pedaloes, wind surfers, cafes and restaurants. There are other beaches at Castiglione del Lago. Other marvellous towns within easy reach include Gubbio and San Gimignano. Cortona itself is one of the finest medieval cities in Tuscany, and this area has a lot to offer: many small hill towns, all unspoilt in their ancient splendour.

There are many castles in the area, and the rolling hills of the Tuscany-Umbria border provide a stunning backdrop for walks. Your hosts will be delighted to supply you with clear and precise directions; maps for each walk, including city walks of Perugia and Cortona; background information to historical points of interest; and recommended restaurants.

Mercatale/Lisciano Niccone offers tennis and riding; there are swimming pools near Cortona; and the area has great walks for all levels of enthusiasm and fitness.

The apartments are near the centre of the town. The Piazza Repubblica (above left), the heart of Cortona, is a few minutes walk from the apartments. The accommodation is just out of sight on the right of Vicolo Petrella (above centre) . When you are on via Guelfa (above right), the apartments are on a side street.

The beautiful and original architectural features have been conserved throughout; where possible the restoration has kept faith with the original design. These Tuscany vacation rentals are quality apartments with a luxury feel.

Apartment Da Vinci is a one-bedroom apartment with a bathroom; there is a cosy sitting room (double sofa bed) with a kitchen area and the apartment sleeps four.

Apartment Raffaello is a one-bedroom apartment with bathroom, sitting room (double sofa bed) and kitchen; it sleeps four.

Apartment Michelangelo is on the first floor and can sleep five. A one-bedroom apartment with an extra ‘den’ (with a single bed), it has a sitting room (a double sofa bed) with a kitchenette at one side. There is a bathroom and a good sized double bedroom complete with antique bathtub.

The official price is in Pounds Sterling; though please contact the owners for USD and Euro equivalents. Da Vinci is £420 during peak season (2 July-27 August); £375 the rest of the year. Raffaello is £440 peak, £390 the rest of the year. Michelangelo is £460 and £410. There is a £150 booking deposit per week, the rest within six weeks of arrival.

For further information and bookings on these Tuscany vacation rentals, simply click below.