Italian vacation rental homes: a working list of two bedroom homes or apartments priced under $750 USD per week during low or shoulder season

For reviews of the houses we rented for 1 week each in October 2000, see Tuscany 2000

Distances are measured as the crow flies (i.e. a ruler and a map!). This is only to give a rough idea for selecting the perfect houses! Prices are for a week for the unit. There may be extra charges such as heating - check the web link.


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Near Pisa and Lucca

Watch out for the tower.

Village house near Camaiore, Lucca
Camaoire, a pleasant little town in a fine position surrounded by the foothills of the Apuan Alps. Built on a regular plan with long straight streets. Several first-class restaurants in the area. 2 kms to basic shopping.

Piazza Verzani 4 in the village of Barga
A little out of the way, north of Lucca. Ancient hill town on the Serchio valley. Village is quiet and pretty. Dominated by hills and incredibly lush vegetation.

Ilaria in Lucca
Beautiful apartment (140 m2) in the historical centre of Lucca , which is famous for its Renaissance walls. You cannot reach the accommodation by car as traffic is not allowed into this part of the centre. $656USD.

Apartment Lardieri, Small apartment inside the walls of Lucca
The apartment is situated on a quiet street with a canal flowing down the centre. It is on the top floor of a three storied building and offers a large double bedroom, a single bedroom with bunk beds, bathroom, lounge and a large kitchen/diner.

Lucca
Apartment Ref. A07 Madonnina (persons 4; 80 sqm.)
This apartment lies in the historical part of the city of Lucca. First floor: entrance into an ante-chamber, living room with upholstered furniture, well equipped kitchen corner with heart/oven, fridge/freezer, 1 double bedroom, 1 twin bedroom, bathroom with shower, tv, washing machine. Terrace with table and chairs, views onto the old walls of Lucca.


Near Firenze

Near to culture!

Villa Panorama
2.5km Florence Country manor house with 10 apartments. 1 km to bus stop and good restaurant / food shop.

Villa Panorama
Same property, different agency. $696 US. Dishwasher, washing machine, fireplace, outdoor area.

Piano Rosso 1E in Mugello hills
3 kms to Marradi at the foot of the Apennines. (shops and train for Florence and Ravenna).

Mino
In Fiesole. Room with a view! balcony provides fascinating glimpses over the roofs and the countryside.
Expensive but 929USD but no car necessary to see surrounding area. Apartment (70 m2) on the 2nd and top floor of a small palace in the main square of Fiesole (bus links to Florence and airport), tourist destination for those,who, from Florence (5 km), climb the hill to admire the views over the city. The little square is full of small restaurants, ice cream parlours and a short distance away is a Roman amphitheatre where open air shows are held. Public parking.
Customer comment: "We had a wonderful time and enjoyed the property very much. Everything was as described, and the owners were very nice. Enjoyed Most: The location in Fiesole was perfect for exploring Firenze, and the small town atmosphere nearby was very relaxing. We loved having the pizza place downstairs. Unpleasant Surprises: It was a little noisy in the mornings with the bell tower next door. Surrounding Area: Shops and restaurants in Fiesole, lovely views of Firenze."

Villino
Villa (120 m2) recently restored in the hills surrounding Florence (historical centre 10 km away) in one of the most beautiful areas of the Florentine Chianti. 800 m bus stop, 1.5 km food shops, 5 km various shops. Views of the countryside. Peaceful and shaded position within a fresh-smelling pine wood. All modern conveniences! $730US.


Near S.Gimignano

To the West of S. Gimignano in an arc from North to South.

Casa Nel Borgo
In Certaldo Alto , north of San Gimignano, almost parallel with Florence.
A small, charming flat in an old stone building on the edge of the delightful mediaeval village of Certaldo Alto. The recently restored flat has two double bedrooms and two bathrooms, one en suite.

Pittrice, Casole d'Elsa, Siena District
In hill village. Pretty road to Casole d'Elsa. Romanesque Collegiata and Canonica and remains of a cloister, at present being restored. Antiquarium Comunale has Etruscan finds. 14C Rocca dominated the far end of the town, overlooking an extensive landscape, with hills in the distance. Shops, restaurant. 306 pounds ($707 CDN)

Francesco, Monteguide, nr Casole d'Elsa
Village house with flowery terrace. Bar, small shop, bocce. 205 pounds ($475 CDN)

Travicello 1
1.5 kms to Gambassi Terme , a small spa. Fine Pisan-Romanesque church just outside. Attractive public garden outside the Palazzo Civico. (museum) Various shops. $340 US (2000 price).



Gemoli in hamlet of Montegemoli (Volt)
Three apartments which have been perfectly restored and obtained from a building in the ancient hamlet of Montegemoli (300 mt a.s.l. with a small but typical restaurant and a school that teaches the art of ceramic making). The hamlet overlooks the beautiful hills of the area surrounding Volterra and is about 12 km from Pomarance (food shops). 15 km Volterra (various shops), 30 km the sea, 75 km Pisa and Siena, 95 km Florence. 7 km tennis. Shared laundry room (washing machine). You can purchase the farm produce.

Bellosguardo 3 farm estate near Volterra / San Gimignano
Two apartments, with their own separate entrance, in a characteristic and renovated farmhouse on a small farm estate. The house has been divided into a total of 4 apartments and sits on the top of a hill facing the Valdelsa valley. 2 km food shops, 9 km Castelfiorentino (various shops), 13 km S. Miniato, 17 km Certaldo, 30 km San Gimignano. $395USD.

Caserta
Situated on a hill dominating the village of S. Dalmazio (food shop) which is 1.7 km away by car and 300 m away on foot. 35 km the Etruscan town of Volterra, approx. 50 km Siena according to the web site. $445US in October.

Cuendet Choose quick search - house id number is 1.13.025
Casole 113
Casole
same unit
Setting:Cavallano, Town Center Apartment (75 m2) in a house with two apartments, in the tiny village of Cavallano (food shop), 4 km Casole d'Elsa, 10 km Colle Val d'Elsa, 22 km Volterra, 26 km San Gimignano. Panoramic views over the countryside from the terrace. Peaceful position. 150 m bus stop. Parking. Gr.fl.: living room leading onto a terrace, dining-room with fireplace, kitchen, 1 double bedroom, 1 twin-bedded room, portable extra bed, 1 bathroom with shower. Simple style furniture. Central heating. Midway between San Gimignano and Siena on the west side away from Florence. WEEKLY PRICE: USD 510

Torre
Situated in the historical center of Colle Val D’Elsa on the ground floor of a medieval tower. Due to the narrow streets the apartment is in a limited traffic area, therefore vehicle access is allowed only for unloading and loading. Accommodation comprises: a kitchen/dining room, a living room with double divan bed, a one double bedroom, one twin bedded room, another room with a French bed (1 1/2 size), a small bathroom and a shower room. From a small patio outside there is access to a covered terrace with panoramic views and furniture. Inside you’ll find gas heating and antique furniture. $490USD.
Lower town is a sprawl of light industry and new housing developments...upper town, Colle Alta, is a beauty, stretching along a ridge and with its one long street lined with medieval palazzi.(Rough Guide).
Blue Guide says "small town built high up...a delightful place with many interesting art treasures. The medieval upper town is particularly well preserved and its position offer magnificent views on all sides. The environs of Colle are also well worth visiting..."

Le Torri
In San Gimignano itself! a bit expensive $743 USD.
More information at this link


Chianti

North of Siena.

Fedi, Barberino Val D'Elsa, Chianti
In the old village. Town has defence walls amd a gateway at either end of the main street - several restored elegant palazzos. 15 km to Certaldo. Beautiful Romanesque Pieve di Sant'Appiano is a few kms sw of village. Due south, on the main road is Poggibonsi. 450 pounds ($1040 CDN)

in Chianti Classico, Tuscany. Pratale II 3 kms. to Sambuco where there are groceries. In Chiantishire!

Il Poggione nr Gaiole over $1000 US
Expensive but in the traditional centre of the wine industry. Many agriturit farmhouses near there. 2 kms to Gaiole.

l'ottava near Greve in Chianti
Greve is a pretty market town of 10 000. A by-road leads W to the charming little village of Montefioralle, perched on a hill with remains of castle. The house is on the edge of a hamlet with shops for everyday needs.

L'Ottavo - Greve in Chianti
Same place, different agent, different information.

Campo 3 (Campo agli Ulivi) in Chianti nr Radda
One half km from the centre of town with shops and services on a small estate made up by the farmhouse, where the owners live and where one holiday home has been created, and by the hay-loft where two other apartments have been created. A charming position (560 m a.s.l.) with views over the surrounding hills. 40 km Florence, 30 km Siena, 35 km San Gimignano. $572USD
Campo 1 (Campo agli Ulivi) in Chianti nr Radda
Same again, different agency.

Casa Serena
Completely restored independent house created from a barn, Casa Serena is located in the countryside on the outskirts of the village of Radda in Chianti: the village is within walking distance and offers all shops, facilities and restaurants. Castellina in Chianti is 12 kms away, Siena is at 30 kms, Firenze is at 40 kms. An expensive area, but this house is reasonable: $644US.
Casa Serena Same house, different agencies. Customer comments button on the picture page.

La Loggia near Radda in Chianti
Radda is only 500 meters away and offers all facilities. Ground floor apartment. Private entrance is from the private terrace overlooking the valleys below into the spacious living/dining room with fireplace. Fully equipped, modern kitchen corner with mixed range, gas oven and fridge. A door in the living room opens onto a corridor leading to the double bedroom, to the twin bedded room and to the complete bathroom with shower box. The house is quite comfortably furnished.
$546 USD

ARGENINA 3 (9)
Small Medieval hamlet that has been recently restored and is set in the heart of the Chianti Classico just 15 km from Siena, 5 km Brolio castle, 16 km Radda and just a few kilometres from the prestigious Chianti Classico wine producing estates. Vineyards and woods all around. Peaceful and relaxing position. The hamlet is made up of four pretty farmhouses and a small church that have kept intact their original architectural style. Each of five apartments has its own equipped outdoor area. Shared washing machine in an outside building and a room with gymnasium facilities. The furniture is both comfortable and tasteful. You can hire 3 bikes. 2 cots available. (approx. 70 m2) Gr. fl.: living/dining room with fireplace, kitchenette, 1 double bedroom, 1 twin bedded room, 1 bathroom with shower. $485USD.

Il Cappellino
This ground floor apartment is situated in a Villa that is occupied by the owners year-round. The grounds surrounding the Villa are fenced-in to afford maximum privacy and there is a covered parking area for the guests. The Villa is in a residential area where other similar Villas are located and is within walking distance of the hamlet of Fonterutoli with restaurant and wine estate. Fonterutoli also offers a bus stop connecting Castellina in Chianti with Siena. Castellina in Chianti with all shops, facilities and restaurants is at 4 kms. Siena is at 14 kms and Firenze is at 70 kms. $546USD.

Villa Borgo Fietri, Chianti
Near Gaiole in Chianti. 2 km from the large pinewoods of Monteluco with restaurant and grocery-store; 5 km away the medieval village San Gusme with all kinds of stores. Castellina Scalo for major shopping is 8 km. In Chiantishire!

Villa Borgo Fietri 4, Chianti Same again, but different agency and pictures?
San Gusme is very picturesque. Near Castello di Brolio

GIULIANA (9)
code:1.08.236 www.cuendet.com
Characteristic apartment (100 m2) situated in the well known village of Gaiole in Chianti, in a strategic geographical position in the heart of Chianti and surrounded by the typical Tuscan hills where in the past extremely beautiful castles, manor houses, abbeys, picturesque hamlets were built and where there are still the prestigious wine estates producing some of the most famous and valued Chianti Classico wines. Just 500 m from the village's main square where there are food shops, bars, bank, chemist and bus stop with buses to Siena and Florence. 15 km Radda in Chianti a very beautiful Medieval village, 25 km Castellina in Chianti, 30 km Siena, 50 km Florence which is reached by driving along the famous ‘Chiantigiana’ road. WEEKLY PRICE: USD 696

Rough Guide says that modern times have caught up with Gaiole. Now a brisk market town, it has a wine cooperative which offers splendid tasting opportunities...not the pick of the Chianti towns for hotels and places to eat. Nearby, Castello di Brolio, a classic Chianti cantina.

Blue Guide says that it owes its importance as a market town to its position as a crossroads between the Chianti district and the upper Arno valley. The surrounding area is very beautiful.

Fodor's Exploring Italy says that "other villages - Radda in Chianti and Gaiole in Chianti, for example - are tarnished by a surprising amouunt of light industry. The region's real pleasures therefore are to be found in driving the back roads, exploring the smaller villages and sampling wine at any one of the several hundred vineyards open to the public.

TIGNANO 2A
1.08.150, weekly price: USD 613
Beautiful stone built house which dates back to the 13th century, on the road which leads to Tignano (food shop) just 500 m away. 2 km Tavarnelle (various shops), 20 km San Gimignano, 30 km Florence, 35 km Siena.

Blue Guide says about San Casciano in Val di Pesa and Tavarnelle: "this beautiful district, offering spectacular views of the delightful countryside is also in the Chianti area..." Frequent bus services. From Tavarenlle to Florence in 1hr 20 mins.

Tignano 2a
Same house, different company. High season: 1,236 CAD/week, Low season: 889 CAD/week.


Near Siena

Within 15 km of Siena.

Campalfi, nr. Brenna and Orgia, a place by the river
Campalfi is a group of ancient farm buildings with a central open-sided courtyard, entered through an archway, around which are arranged the apartments.
Nearby?, Orgia has restaurant / general store and bar.Pizzeria. 3 km. from Stigliano and a few minutes further from Rosia with shops and restaurants. Within walking distance is the tiny village of Brenna , also on the river side, which has a good pizzeria. A few minutes drive takes you to major arterial roads, making visits to all the centres of Tuscany and beyond very easy. The English speaking owner and his family live in a separate house to the rear of the main buildings. A professional chef, he prepares wonderful dinners almost every Saturday night, and on other occasions by arrangement.
Il Nido cost 225 pounds, Granaio costs 300 pounds.

Stigliano,
Two cottage and a medieval tower in a village near Siena. Tower 1 costs 276 pounds, Tower 2 costs 355 pounds, Tower 3 costs 355 pounds.
See Casa Linda at Rosia.

Casa Linda sw Siena, near Rosia
An old village built on a slope at the foot of which is an old Romanesque church. The Torrente Rosia (a river?). A by-road leads along this river and then climbs uphill along a cypress avenue to Torri which is a tiny medieval village surrounded by its old walls. Another 2 kms south from here to Stigliano. Torri has has a picturesque piazzeta and cloister. Extensive woods above Torri with fine views of Siena in the distance. Sounds like pretty country from the description in the Blue Guide.

Rough Guide says about the Rosia valley "a belt of ancient farmland, strung about with patches of vineyard and overlooked by a series of soft creamstone villages built along the wooded ridge to the south. All these villages are pastoral beauties, approached from the valley floor along cobbled roads and avenues of cypresses, with farmyards backing onto many of the houses..."

Toiano, Poggiarello estate in the Siena countryside nr Sovicille
A walk away from a bar / restaurant and simple shop. Toiano A costs 485 pounds, Toiana B costs 485 pounds.

Villa Borgo Fietri, Chianti
Near Gaiole in Chianti. 2 km from the large pinewoods of Monteluco with restaurant and grocery-store; 5 km away the medieval village San Gusme with all kinds of stores. Castellina Scalo for major shopping is 8 km. In Chiantishire!

Le Meridane, Siena
Posting says it is outside the gates of Siena and walking distance but a longish walk into Siena. Bus stop is 100 metres away. Private parking.

Podere Le Piazze
A farmhouse. 2 kms. to Siena. Bus connection - 800 metres.


Near Cortona

Cortona is 50 km East of Siena.

Cortona Town House
Traffic-free street - restored medieval townhouse - in a small historic city.

Severini Apartment
Town centre apartment in this lovely ancient Etruscan town, quiet residential area. Situated on one of Cortona’s quiet narrow roads. About 50mts up hill to the town centre. A first floor flat, on one floor. Very cool and bright with wonderful views over the whole of the Val di Chiana. Simply furnished with 2 double bedrooms, kitchen/dining room.
The flat has no central heating but there is an open fire in the kitchen and electric heaters in the other rooms. The kitchen has a washing machine but it is very basic. The bathroom has both bath and shower. Very convenient for public transport, shops, restaurants, theatre, museums Cortona’s historical churches and the Parterra gardens.
Rough Guide says that Cortona is a town where you can treat your stomach without ruining your finances.

Antica 3v 13 km from Arezzo CHEAP!
500 metres from food shops. Small hamlet.


Near Monticiano

20 km SW of Siena.

Il Quadrifoglio, Monticiano, Delightful house with garden on the edge of a medieval hill village
Village with shops, bank, bar, restaurant (382 m high) has a piazza, steps, fine Romanesque church. Pretty cloister and chapter house. Road leaving the village winds through woods of oaks and chestnuts passing beneath the fortified village of Torniella. Cost 300 pounds ($700 CDN)

Il Casale, Iesa nr Monticiano
Very nice property in a small hamlet with a grocery store and part-day opening post office. No English spoken in village - "real Italian".

La Ginestra - Casal di Pari (Grosseto area)
Shopping 100 metres. Fairly cheap. Casal di Pari is a characteristic medieval hamlet on a hilltop south of Siena (30 km), with wide views over the wooded hills of the Alta Maremma and the valley where the small rivers Farma and Merse join the Ombrone river. Situated on the edge of this small hamlet. At Petriolo, only 4 km away, there is an old thermal spa.

La Ginestra in Casal Di Pari
Same as above. Different agency, slightly different information. Inexpensive.

Violetta
The small village of Iesa is situated on the hills near "Monte Quoio" 30 km south of Siena. The apts. are in the centre of the village and have simple furniture. Public car park c. 100 m. away. Distances: Monticiano 13 km. Inexpensive (under $500CDN but 1999 prices.)

Casa Sughera
Once a small farm building, Casa Sughera has been restored into a characteristic holiday house. Its position, on the edge of a typical little village (small grocery store) is beautiful and panoramic. This area, called Alta Maremma, offers beautiful sceneries and unspoilt nature... At 6 km you find the thermal spas of Petriolo, and Siena (35 km) as well as the Tyrrenian coast can be reached easily. Various shops at Monticiano (10 km). The interiors are well appointed, with typical furniture. In front of the house there's a paved area also for sitting or eating outside. TV and heating. Ground floor, entrance from a loggia with old oven: living/dining room with fireplace, kitchen corner (dishwasher), very light studio room with double sofa bed, bathroom with shower; 1st floor: double room, twin bedded room, wc. $450US in October.

Casa Gioia
On the edge of a small hamlet (basic shops) in the “Montagnola Senese” hills lies Casa Gioia, a charmingly restored typical Tuscan cottage built in stone and bricks. A spacious terrace with beautiful views and the fenced grounds offer plenty of space outdoor (built-in barbecue). The position southeast of Siena (35 km) is ideal for trips to many interesting places of the area, starting with the nearby Abbey of San Galgano: San Gimignano, Volterra and Florence, but to the Tyrrhenian sea.


Near Montalcino

30 km South of Siena.

Brunello
An ancient building set in a peaceful location in the historical centre of Montalcino, completely restored and transformed into a comfortable residence and divided into 10 welcoming apartments. Various shops in a 500 m radius.

Brunello 3
Same as above. Different agency, different information. An ancient building set in a peaceful location in the historical centre of Montalcino,completely restored and transformed into a comfortable residence and 10 welcoming apartments. In a radius of 500m, various shops. Given its location close to the historical centre, you can visit the famous "Brunello di Montalcino" wine centre capital or relax in the characteristic and peaceful garden (900 m2), reserved for guests, with shaded lounging areas and a lovely characteristic pergola. There are great panoramic views over the valley from the apartments' terraces. $622US.

La Ghibellina
To stay in a restored house facing the Piazzetta of the historical center of an old medieval village such as Castelnuovo dell'Abate, is a unique experience that allows you to sample the pleasures of Tuscany's rural peace. Situated just a few kilometers away from Montalcino, on a hill that rises behind the famous Sant'Antimo abbey. La Ghibellina is in a village with a restaurant and a food store as well as a bar.

Blue Guide says "south of Montalcino is the picturesque village of Castelnuovo dell'Abate , overlooking the abbey church of Sant'Antimo...One of the finest Romanesque religious buildings in Italy. It is in a beautiful setting in the Starcia valley, surrounded by olive growves and hills covered with ilex woods ...A lovely road (partly unsurfaced) leads west from Sant'Angelo in Colle (also reached by a direct road from Montalcino. This is an enchanting well-presevered village on top of a hill...


Near Montepulciano

40 km SE of Siena.

Palazzo Costanti, San Quirico d'Orcia - a bit expensive but worth it?
The house is in a little medieval hill town (2200 people) 40 km. south of Siena. Stretches of walls survive as well as some of the former watch-towers, partly incorporated into other buildings. Beautiful Orcia valley. Pretty drives to Pienza and other places. Splendid panoramas from Contingnano. "A rambling part -walled village"..."quiet and rather decayed - an odd mix of modern and medieval, overlooked by the precarious ruins of a 17th century palazzo.."
A regular stop on the Siena-Buonconvento-Pienza-Montepulciano TRA-IN bus route as well as a stop on the once-daily SIRA Montacino-Rome service.
2 bedrroms, 2 bathrooms! Rates include linens and final cleaning.

Fonte alla Vena - S.Quirico d'Orcia
See Palazzo Constanti for info on the small town. Fonte alla Vena is a characteristic small house on the edge of the village San Quirico d'Orcia. The apartment is situated on the second floor and enjoys a lovely view over the hilltop town Montalcino, the Monte Amiata mountain and the famous "Brunello" vineyards. Garden around the house.

near Montepulciano
10 minutes walk, but don't forget that Montepuliciano is one of the highest (steepest?) hill towns! Peaceful apartment in the upper part of owners house, with independent entrance. Just ten minutes walk from the historic town in Siena province, surrounded by spectacular countryside, olive groves and vineyards, with Lake Trasimeno in the distance. Down a private road, with a wide lawn, fruit and oak trees and a comfortable patio-veranda furnished for eating outside. Siena and Perugia can be reached in less than 1 hour, Rome and Florence in about 90 minutes. $665 Cdn. Includes linen.

near Montepulciano
Spacious apartment in villa just outside and over-looking the medieval town of Montepulciano with large garden and wonderful view. Situated in the heart of one of Tuscany's top wine-growing areas. Large open fireplace in living room with independent entrance and parking. About $630CDN. Includes linen.

Gallo in village of Montisi
Montisi is a picturesque village on a hill (413 m) with a castle and Romanesque church. Numerous medieval buildings including a granary (at entrance to the village.)
Two characteristical apartments which are part of an ancient farm, within the small and picturesque village of Montisi (essential shops) 5 km Trequanda, 15 km Pienza (various shops), 25 km Montalcino, renowned for its Brunello wine production, 25 km Montepulciano.

One side of the farm overlooks the main road of the village whereas the other faces onto the beautiful countryside. From the large entrance gate you enter into an ancient and well preserved courtyard where there is an awe inspiring staircase that leads to the 1st floor of the main house, where, to one side is GALLO 1/2 and to the other side is the owner's house. Each apartment has its own equipped outside area with views over the countryside. Parking.

Gallo
Same house, different company and pictures.


Near Junction of A1 & S326

A1 is the main road East of Siena that goes to Firenze. The S326 goes East from Siena to join the A1.

Scrofiano near Siena
Interesting pictures of a small town. To see the house, go to House in Scrofiano

Arezzo region, Vencia
Montebenichi , ancient hamlet, is 2 kms. with various shops. Rapolano Terme (spa) with groceries is 1.5 kms. This is a bit expensive, though.

Laura's T.V.H. Sinalunga, Siena Dist.
Singalunga is an industrial town, but there are interesting nearby places - Rapolano Terme (16 km), a medieval town with spa waters and travertine quarries. Then S from Sinalunga through Torrita di Siena, Montefollonico, Trequanda, Montisi and Castelmuzio (all part of Valdichiana). Excellent restaurant within strolling distance.

Serre De Rapolano, Siena district
20 minute walk to village with weekly market. Local restaurant.

La Costa
Situated only 5OO m. from the small town of Asciano, with beautiful views over the medieval villages and the "Crete Senesi" (bare clay hills, with deeply eroded slopes with clusters of trees). Less than 20 kms to Siena, as the crow flies. Buses and rail from Siena.

Melettina
Characteristical apartment (70 m2) in a two family farmhouse in the green hills of Tuscany, full of olive groves. 1.5 km Gambassi Terme (various shops), 6 km Certaldo, 18 km San Gimignano. Panoramic views of the countryside and the Elsa.$547 US 2000 price.


Near Spello & Assisi

The houses furthest to the East.

Spello, a Medieval City - Umbria - Italy
Beautifully restored houses and apartments in the historic centre of Italy's most perfect, small walled city. Spello is the next town east of Assisi on the side of Monte Subasio. It is just ten minutes from Assisi and is itself a 'cittŕ d'arte'. All narrow streets with small shops and artisan workshops. Considered to be the most perfect example of an Italian City of the Middle Ages. The properties are in the upper part of the town below the city wall. Car parking is available within at least two hundred yards of each property. Spello has a rail station and has good connections to the rest of Umbria and Tuscany.

Monterione Residence in Spello
In Spello (see above) 9 comfortable holiday apartments, designed to sleep up to six people, in restored medieval buildings with a garden or terrace with a magnificent view over the green Umbrian valley.

Santa Catarina
Cittá di Castello, Historical town centre. Perugia: 30 mins, Florence: 1 hr 30 mins, Rome: 2 hrs 15 mins, Assisi: 45 mins.
This is Umbria's northernmost town on a plain whose very nice centro storico is a touch spoit by the industry on its outskirts. It flourished in the high Renaissance. A delightful airy apartment on the top floor of a 15th century palazza, one of the oldest in Cittá di Castello. Being on the corner of the palazza the apartment has plenty of windows and natural light. A glass enclosed terrace has views over the whole of the town including the famous five towers of Cittá di Castello. 300 Pounds.



SOME GUIDEBOOK OPINIONS ABOUT TUSCANY AND UMBRIA TO HELP US CHOOSE AREAS TO VISIT


Choosing a Self-Catering Property in Tuscany
A good overview of the geography and the "best" areas to look.

Michelin Guide gives Florence, San Gimignano, and Siena ad Assisi 3 star - worth a journey. Montecatini-Terme, Lucca, Pisa, Volterra, Gubbio, Orvieto, Todi, Perugia - 2 star, worth a detour

Michelin says:
Tuscany
Low-lying hills with clean, graceful curves under a limpid light, plains, forests and vineyards join with the serenity of cypress and pine to make this country a temple of beauty...The region has a variety of soils...To the north of the Arno the Apuan Alps are quarried for marble. In the heart of Tuscany the Arno Basin lies fertile and beautiful, an ideal setting for Florence. Festoons of vines and silvery olives come to meet fields of wheat, tobacco, and maize. Peppers, pumpkins and the famous Lucca beans grow among the mulberries. The old farms, with their nobly designed buildings, often stand alone on hill tops.
Southern Tuscany is a land of hills, soft and vine-clad in the Chianti district south of Florence, quiet and pastoral near Siena, dry and desolate round Monte Oliveto Maggiore, and massive and mysterious in the Colli Metalliferi (metal-bearing hills) south of Volterra. On the borders of Latium, Maremma, with its melancholy beauty, was formerly a marshy district haunted by bandits and shepherds. Much of the area has now been reclaimed.

Which? Guide to Italy (British consumer assoc) says:

For many British people Tuscany (and to a lesser extent its neighbour Umbria) represents the quintessence of Italy. The landscape is what Italy ought to look like: hummocky hills, fields of poppies, tailored vineyards and silvery olive groves, and isolated old farms and villas guarded by sentinel cypresses. Add a few medieval fortified hilltowns and the landscape looks just like the backdrop of a Sienese trecento painting. Agricultural methods have changed...many vineyards have been industrialised, cash crops like sunflowers and tobacco have supplanted the traditional olive in some areas...yet the rural way of life prevails...

Yet this "typical" Tuscany is confined mainly to the heartland of the area, the wine-producing Chianti hills between Florence and Siena.

The coastline is flat and featureless (the Versilia).

To the east of Florence stretching down to Arezzois the Casentino, an area of mountains covered the thick woods of oak and chestnut. Often damp and cool...wild mushrooms.

Beyond the Chianti hills to the south-west are reddish metalliferous hills and the Maremma, once a marsh, reclaimed in the 18th century as pastureland.

One of the chief charms of both Tuscany and Umbria is their medieval hill towns which often seem a natural rather than a man-made feature of the landscape...many are Etruscan origin (Volterra, Chiusi, and Cortona are good examples.) Romans left their mark too.

To explore both Tuscany and Umbria in any depth (excluding Florence) would take about three weeks...well-preserved medieval hill towns with plenty to see and some lovely countryside in between...It's worth considering a strategic base (near Siena, for example) and making daily excursions within a comfortable radius. From a villa in the Chianti you could easily visit Florence and many other parts of Tuscany by the day.

Rough Guide to Italy says;

For most visitors, the Tuscan landscape is archetypally Italian....if the countryside of Tuscany has a fault, it is the popularity that its seductiveness has brought and in many respects it's the lesser-known sights that prove most memorable and enjoyable: remote monasteries like Sant'Antimo or Monte Oliveto Maggiore, the weird sulphur spas of Bagno Vignoni and Saturnia, or the eerily eroded terrain of the crete (craters) south of Siena.

Which is not to suggest that you ignore Tuscany's established city attractions...Florence, Pisa and Lucca... quite compete with Siena's charm. The places that can are the smaller hill-towns - the majority of them tucked away to the west or south of Siena. San Gimignano..is the best known, though too popular today for its own good. Better candidates for the rural Tuscan escape are the towns of Montepulicano, Montalcino and Pienza, in each of which tourism has yet to overwhelm local character and life.

Southern Tuscany is the region at its best: an infinite gradation of hills, trees and cultivation that runs across the crete - the Sienese badlands - and through the vineyards of Montepulciano and Montalcino, before climbing into the hills around Monte Amiata. Over in the west of this region, rugged Massa Marittima presides over a coastal plain...Inland, magnificent monastic architecture can be savoured in the tranquil settings of San Galgano and a short distance east on the Montepuliano road, Monte Oliveto Maggiore...

Perhaps the finest of the towns of southern Tuscany is Montepulciano with its independent hill-town life and a Renaissance ensemble that rivals neighbouring Pienza. Famous for its wine, Montalcino is also close to the superb abbey of Sant’Antimo; while further south, there are medieval centres and mountain walking at Arcidossa and Abbadia San Salvatore, the remarkable sulphur springs of Saturnia and the isolated drama of Pitigliano and Sovana.

Umbria is a predominately beautiful region of rolling hills, woods, streams and valleys and despite the growing number of visitors has largely retained an unspoilt air. Within its borders it also contains a dozen or so classic hill-towns, each resolutely individual and crammed with artistic and architectural treasures to rival bigger and more famous cities.

To the east, pastoral countryside gives way to more rugged scenery,none better than the dramatic twists and turns of the Valnerian and the high mountain scenery of the Parco Nazionale dei Sibellini...Most visitors head for Perugia, Assisi or Orvieto.

For a taste of the region's more understated qualities, it's best to concentrate on lesser-known places such as Todi, Gubbio, ranked as the most perfect medieval centre in Italy, and Spoleto, for many people the outstanding Umbrian town.

Although there are few unattractive parts of the Umbrian landscape the factories of Terni and the Tiber Valley being the largest blots, some districts are especially enticing: principally the mountainous Valnerian, Piano Grande and Lago Trasimeno, the last of which is the largest lake in the Italian peninsula, with plenty of opportunities for swimming and water sports...Distances between the main sights are short, and there are excellent rail links both within the region and to Florence and Rome.

Fodor’s Exploring Italy

In exploring Florence - with all its treasures - you barely scratch the surface of Tuscany’s artistic heritage. Almost every town in Tuscany boasts attractions that could occupy a day’s sightseeing. Siena deserves at least that...Little known Lucca is as graceful a town as any in Italy, often overlooked in favor of Pisa...Lofty Volterra, too, has its medieval moments but is better known for its fine Etruscan museum. Arezzo might be ignored altogether, except for its great frescoes, while nearby Cortona seduces with its fine and atmospheric streets. Pienza and Montepulciano, too, are both as attractive for their own sakes as for any outstanding art and architecture they offer.

The Landscapes. Chianti encapsulates for many people Tuscany’s archetypal landscape. There is more than just vineyards and soft rolling hills. In the far north, for example, rise the mountains of the Orecchiella and Alpi Apuane, famed for their marble (Carrara) and their scenic splendour. Caught between them is the green valley of the Garfagnana. South of Siena lie the crete, the region’s strangest landscape, bare clay hills checkered with prairies of rippling wheat. In the east are the Casentino, Mugello and Pratomagno, all Chianti’s scenic equals, but all still largely unexplored by foreign visitors.

Baedeker Tuscany

Suggested Routes: distances are the main routes only, not detours

Carrara to Lucca via the Apuan Alps and the Garfagnana (about 110 kms)

Pisa to Florence (avoiding the motorway) (about 140 kms)

Florence to Arezo via the Casentino (about 140 kms)

Florence to Siena by the Via Chiantigiana (about 70 kms)

Siena to Monte Amiata (about 130 kms)

From Siena via Volterra and Massa Marittima to the coast (about 140 kms)

From Grosseto to Pitigliano through the Maremma (about 120 kms)

Blue Guide - Tuscany
Famous Towns

The most famous towns of Tuscany - Florence, Siena, Pisa, Lucca, Arezzo, and San Gimignano have many of the most important buildings, works of art and museums in the region. The Campo of Siena and the Piazza del Duomo of Pisa are unforgettable sights.
Less known small towns and villages

The region also has numerous less well-known small towns which are extremely interesting and pleasant places to visit...These include Cortona, Pienza, Volterra, Massa Marittima, Montalcino, San Quirico d'Orcia, Pitigliano, Sansepolcro and Colle Val d'Elsa. Near Florence the town of Prato and Pistoia, often overlooked, have much of interest.

Small well preserved villages in lovely countryside include (not in order) Uzzano, Barga, Bolgheri, Tirli, Caldana, Montepescali, Capalbio, Montefioralle, San Gusme, Monteriggioni, Certaldo Alto, Torri, Bagno Vignoni, Cartiglione d'Orcia, Cetona, Magliano in Toscana, Pereta, Sovana, Sorano, Poppi, Cennina, Anghiari, Civitella in Val di Chiana, and Lucignano.
Landscape

Some of the most beautiful landscape in Tuscany can be found in the Chianti region, the Casentino, the forest of Camaldoli, the Mugello, the Garfagnana, the Maremma, particularly inthe Parco dell'Uccellina, and vear Capalbio and Pitigliano at the nature reserve at Bolgheri, the Lago di Burano and Cala Martina and Cala Violina on the coast near Flollonica. Fine countryside can also be found in parts of Monte Argentario (and the Tombolo di Beniglia), Elba, and Capraia.

Etrsucan sites and tombs in interesting towns or lovely countryside include those at Chiusi, Cortona, Vetulonia, Volterra, Arezzo, Populonia, Roselle, Fiesole, Pitigliano, Saturnia, and Artimino.

Roman monuments are to be found at Lucca, Arezzo, Fiesole, Volterra, Cosa dna Roselle.

Renaissance architecture

Masterpieces of Renaissance architecture (apart from those in Florence) include Santa Maria delle Carceri in Prato, the Tempio di San Biagio at Montepuciano, Santa Maria del Calcinato at Cortona, and the Renaissance town of Pienza.

Near Pisa and Lucca

To the north-west of Florence and the Arno is the Garfagnana, the wooded foothills of the Apennines...rugged chain of the Apuan Alps which forms a stark and jagged backdrop to the fertile plain of the Arno valley with its maize fields, lanes of pollarded trees and towns of green-shuttered houses.

Near San Gimignano

San Gimignano...still an evocative sight despite thousands of summer visitors.

Near Montepulciano

40 km SE of Siena. South of Siena are more villages, most notably Montalcino...In this same area, lost in lovely countryside, stand three beautiful abbeys - Sant’Antimo, San Galgano, and Monte Oliveto Maggiore.

Near Junction of A1 & S326

A1 is the main road East of Siena that goes to Firenze. The S326 goes East from Siena to join the A1.
Crete- barren rolling hills known as the Crete (southeast of Siena) which form one of the most impressive and most unusual landscapes in Tuscany, lie southeast of Siena between Taverne d’Arbia and Asciano. There could hardly be a greater contrast to the gentle green hills found elsewhere in Tuscany. (Note: it looks like a quite small area).

Near Spello & Assisi

Umbria has emerged from Tuscany’s shadow...a beautiful and varied region in its own right...a dozen or more hilltowns, each crammed with artistic and architectural treasures. Its pastoral countryside has earned the title the Green Heart of Italy. Pink-stoned Assisi...Perugia, its more stern neighbour has a warren of dark medieval streets...Orvieto has finest Gothic cathedral. Spoleto and Gubbio (the Umbrian Siena) are both delightful medieval towns. Lesser and less-visited places also have their charms, notably Todi,the epitome of a hilltown, Spello, steep and sleepy; and Montefalco, a lofty belvedered...

Part of Umbria’s charm is its soft gentle countryside...some is spotted with light industry, but off the main roads the region is a picture of pastoral perfection - all olive groves, oak woods, vineyards and silver-hazed hills rolling into the distance.

Landlocked Umbriais a gentle, tranquil landscape of verdant valleys and wooded hills. The central plain (Piano degli Angeli) is a patchwork of neat fields of cereals, sunflowers and tobacco, with haystacks still house-shaped or conical in the old-fashioned way. Here and there an ancient abbey or monastery is a reminder that Umbria has been the birthplace of many saints...countryside is still recognisable in the frescoes of The Life of St Francis painted by Giotto at Assisi.

Lake Trasimeno, (Hannibal's triumph) is not scenically memorable.

There is a harsher side to the serene Umbrian countryside. The east is earthquake-prone with remote rugged mountains and damaged industrial town. In the south, volcanic plateaus are geologically akin to neighbouring Lazio.

Umbria The gentle land where St. Francis lived is a country of hills, valleys and river basins, where the poplars raise their rustling heads to limpid skies. This is the greeen Umbria of the Clitumnus Valley (Valle des Clitunno) whose pastures were already famous in ancient times. Umbria has two lakes, Trasimeno and Piediluco and many rivers, including the Tiber. Medieval cities which succeeded Etruscan settlements overlook ravines and valleys: grim Gubbio, haughty Perugia (capital), Assisi, Spoleto and Spello. Others stand in the centre of a plain, such as Foligno and Terni, the metallurgical centre.

Blue Guide Umbria
Recommended medieval towns: Assisi, Bevagna, Todi, Spoleto, Trevi, Gubbio, Spello, Narni


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