So close to some amazing sites
Places to visit while staying at Casa Fornaci
Cortona
This beautiful hilltop small town going back to the Etruscan times, boasts beautiful views and amazing delicious food. We love the gelato shop and sitting on the steps of the palazzo people watching while enjoying our chosen gelato. Cortona hosts the MAEC museum of Etruscan Civilisation. With many artifacts and wonderful frescoes in the palazzo, making it a very elegant museum. There are many leather shops in Cortona, an ancient Tuscan craft, with handbags, purses, gloves and belts.
Thermal Spa
If you fancy a relaxing time in a thermal spa, this is one of our favourites. It is necessary to pre book, which is possible via their website or via telephone (they speak good English so don’t panic) It is Terme San Giovanni, with its waters made up of sulphurous – bicarbonate calcic which gush from the source at 39C that is our favourite. www.termesangiovanni.it (Click on Acquista, Prenota ingress piscine, select day and time of day and number of people, but as mentioned it is easy to phone as well)
Montepulciano
We are happy to organise a wine cellar tour in Montepluciano at the Cantina Ercolani. The Ercolani family will happily take you down into the cave systems, the underground city as it is known and explain the process. Small wine tastings are freely offered, with local wild boar salami and truffles. A must do. The town of Montepulciano is medieval hilltop town, well renowned for its vino nobile red wine. Enjoy a wander through the town after and take in the stunning views.
In August, the last Sunday, the Bravio delle Botti (Barrel Racing) is an annual contest, rolling the large barrels UP the narrow town streets. The origins of this event goes back to the 14th Century, when the race was originally run on horseback This is an evening event.
30 minute scenic drive away.
Castiglion Fiorentino
A small walled city 25 mins drive, with outstanding views and huge amounts of historical sights. It has an Etruscan Archaeological site. There are some lovely restaurants here and festivals are held at the top of the city next to the Cassero Fortress which also houses 2 free entry museums.
Camucia
This is small town 10km from Casa Fornaci, situated below Cortona. There is a market here on a Thursday from 9 am to 1pm. There are cash points in this town at the top of the town and at the post office. There is a train station here with connections to Roma and Florence, and then hence Pisa. There are many supermarkets here.
San Gimignano
This medieval hill town is encircled by 13th century walls. It has 14 beautiful towers, originally there were 72. It is famous for its medieval architecture, and the towers create an unforgettable skyline. The historic centre of San Gimignano is a UNESCO World Heritage Site There are many fabulous places to eat within the town. There is parking but does get busy in high seasons. The views are incredible, with the hillsides covered in vines, mainly the white grape of Vernaccia which is an ancient vine grown on the sandstone hillside.
Siena
Just 55km away, and is surrounded by a 1,000 year old wall. It is world famous for the Palio horse race around the Piazza Del Campo which happens twice a year.The cathedral Duomo Di Siena is stunning and well worth a visit with its treasured art works and glorious marble floors.
Rome
188Km south and accessible by train. It is the Capital of Italy and also has the the Vatican City , which is the smallest country in the world. You can visit 2000 year old ruins like the Colosseum, and the beautiful pantheon. There is so much to see, the Trevi fountain, Saint Peters Basilica, Castel Saint’Angelo to name just a few.
Bologna
200km north. This is a beautiful underrated city with medieval terracotta building with miles of porticoes. The twin towers, tallest being 97m with a lean of 1.3degrees ( more than the tower of Pisa) sports 498 wooden stops to the top. Boasting views of the Piazza Maggiore the Palazzos.