AREZZO, CORTONA, & TRASIMENO
1 hour or less north-east of Podere Palazzo

We recommend you visit the city of Arezzo either by itself for a thorough exploration of its beauties
or combined with the nearby town of Cortona which is one of the most charming and elegant towns
in Tuscany. These towns are tied to one another historically and geographically and deserve in our
opinion an in depth visit to their artistic patrimonies in churches and museums.

We also suggest taking the time to visit the nearby towns of Lucignano and Castiglion Fiorentino
which are gems lost in time. Lake Trasimeno might require an additional visit as, similarly to Lake
Bolsena, it has many interesting towns and charming beaches to be explored.

THE ARGENTARIO & THE TUSCAN COAST

The Tuscan coast boasts beautiful beaches and lovely towns. Tuscan cuisine,
generally known for its heartiness and tasty meats, gives way to the catch of
the sea.

Worth visiting in this area are the cities of Orbetello which sits on an island
between two lagoons, Porto S. Stefano a charming fishing village and port town
situated in a picturesque bay at the base of Monte Argentario, and Porto Ercole
with its fortified castle, beautiful port and elegant shopping. Hikers will enjoy
Monte Argentario as it offers one of the most beautiful National Parks in Italy
where Mediterranean vegetation thrives and is highly protected. Vistas of the
sea and the Island of Giglio are superb.

LAKE BOLSENA & SURROUNDING AREA
30 minutes south-west of Podere Palazzo

The lake gives the unique opportunity to visit historical and archeological sites combined
with outdoor activities such as biking around the lake, sailing or simply enjoying the beaches.
We recommend two possible itineraries:

Itinerary 1
Includes visiting the towns of Bolsena, with its rich historical and archeological sites,
Montefiascone for its Papal fortress, famous est,est,est wine and the views of the lake
below, combined with a stop at the Commonwealth War Graves, a World War II cemetery, and
at the fishing village of Marta.

Itinerary 2
Includes a visit to the towns of Grotte di Castro and Gradoli with their unique settings
and views as well as the town of Capodimonte on a beautiful promontory over the lake
where you can also take a boat tour to explore the two historical islands of Martana and
Bisentina. You can also rent your own boat if you prefer.

For more information you can visit: www.lagodibolsena.org/en/index.html

ORVIETO & BAGNOREGIO
30 minutes south of Podere Palazzo

We recommend visiting the town of Orvieto for at least a half a day to savor its indoor,
outdoor, and even underground beauty. The many elegant shops and restaurants might
entice you to stay for the evening. We also suggest visiting on the same day the small
village of Civita di Bagnoregio, situated atop a crumbling hill that is only accessible through
a pedestrian bridge. Although the town does not have any particular monuments of special
interest, its geological uniqueness and vistas make it worth the while.

SIENA
Approximately 1 hour north of Podere Palazzo

The city of Siena cannot be easily described in short due to its rich history but we highly
recommend spending a full day visiting this splendid city with a good guide in your hands.
With its famous Piazza, Cathedral and museums where the finest example of early
renaissance art can be seen Siena is a unique gem of a city.

THE VALLEY OF THE CHIANA
30 minutes north-east of Podere Palazzo

This exquisite valley was the breadbasket of the Etruscans. Hannibal fed his troops
here before he advanced with soldiers and elephants in his drive to take Rome.
The views from many of the hill towns around are out of a renaissance painting.

We suggest visiting the towns of Cetona, for a walk on its fortified walls and trough
town to enjoy the beautiful landscape around, and Cittá della Pieve just across the
valley for a visit to Perugino’s masterpieces and a passeggiata with the locals
combined with a nice gelato on the main square. If you are interested in Etruscan
history visit also the town of Chiusi and its museum.If you still have time Sarteano
is also worth a stop and Fighine is a unique jewel of a borgo that will bring you back
in time... one of the best kept secrets in the area.

THE VALLEY OF THE FIORA
30 minutes south-west of Podere Palazzo

The Valley of the Fiora is located at the southern tip of Tuscany and into the Maremma
region. Geologically formed by numerous eruptions of volcanos, this extremely beautiful
and unique valley now comprises Lake Bolsena and Monte Amiata and is composed almost
entirely of tufa rock.

We recommend visiting the three towns of Sorano, Sovana and Pitigliano which are closely
related both historically and geographically. All three towns are currently undergoing
significant restoration after a period of abandonment and are now lively with street markets
and tourists from all over Italy and Europe. This area is still a secluded part of Italy and not
spoiled by mass tourism.

Worth a visit are also the nearby towns of Saturnia with its charming streets, the thermal
pools and cascades of sulfuric water in the nearby woods, and the town of S. Fiora towards
Monte Amiata with its fortified walls, the Peschiera (a pool of water in the heart of town)
and the Chiesa della Pieve where you can admire an incredible collection of ceramics by
the early renaissance artist Andrea della Robbia.

THE VALLEY OF THE ORCIA
30 minutes north of Podere Palazzo

This incredibly beautiful valley is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site for
the unique history of the transformation of this rocky valley into a fertile oasis. Many of
the classic pictures of Tuscany that you have seen were taken in and around this valley.
We recommend two possible itineraries:

Itinerary 1
Includes visiting the towns of Pienza, Bagno Vignoni and Montepulciano. We suggest
combining a visit to two or all three towns in the heart of The Valley of the Orcia
depending on how leisurely you like to travel and visit. Montepulciano is the largest
of the three towns while Bagno Vignoni the smallest. Pienza is the most interesting
historically. Although it is a small town, a thorough visit might take a half day especially
if you like pecorino cheese of the best kind! Bagno Vignoni is unique for its thermal water
pool right in the middle of town.

Itinerary 2
Includes visiting the two charming towns of S. Quiricod’Orcia and Montalcino and the
beautiful Abbey of S. Antimo. All the best of Tuscany is comprised in this itinerary. Scenic
vineyards and fields adorn the landscape around these towns and the Abbey is a jewel
of Medieval architecture that maintains an active community of Friars who sing Gregorian
chants throughout the day.

VITERBO & TUSCANIA
1 hour south-west of Podere Palazzo

Coming soon!

PERUGIA & ASSISI
1 hour north-east of Podere Palazzo: All day trip

Perugia is the capital of Umbria, the home of two universities, and the birthplace of the famous baci (kisses), hazelnut-filled chocolate candies known the world over. The pageantry of medieval life comes to life in Perugia as you stroll the streets and take in this hilltop townÕs atmosphere. Surrounded by Etruscan and Roman walls, you can walk streets covered by arches and bordered by palazzos. An acqueduct crosses the oldest part of the city, the Conca, and brings water to the 13th century Fontana Maggiore. The Corso Vanucci is the street that divides the city and contains the best shops. It passes in front of the imposing stairway of the Palazzo Communale. Home to some great art, the PriorÕs Palace houses the National Gallery of Umbria, which features work by local favorite Perugino as well as Piero della Francesca, and the Church of San Severo is home to a great Trinita by Raphael. In the month of July the city comes alive with the Umbria Jazz Festival, the most important jazz festival in Europe.

If you still have the energy, you can go on to another great Umbrian destination, the magnificent walled city of Assisi, home of St. Francis. Pilgrims from around the world come to this hilltop town with its terraced slopes and long horizontal streets connected by steep stairways. The beautiful church, Santa Maria degli Angeli, is where St. Francis gathered his first followers and the convent of San Damiano is where he wrote his manifesto based on humility, poverty, and charity. The art of Cimabue, Giotto, Simone Martini, and Pietro Lorenzetti decorate the Basilica of St. Francis. The cycle of twenty eight frescoes by Giotto in the upper chapel is one of the greatest masterpieces of the Italian Renaissance. As you walk the streets of Assisi you will find artisans who specialize in sacred objects of all kinds, adding the the charm and interest of this historic town.

If Perugia and Assisi are to your liking, you can go on to explore two other Umbrian treasures and Medieval gems Spoleto and Todi!