places to visit
You can day-trip out to a number of towns. Remember that all of them will close for siesta between about 12:30 and 3:30, so don’t sleep in, or you’ll arrive just as everything is closing. However, if you do sleep in, go to the town of your choice and enjoy a long leisurely lunch and wait for things to open back up. Generally things are open until 7:00 or 8:00 p.m.
ASSISI – It’s worth the trip to see the Basilica of St. Francis. Very impressive and also lots of tourists will be there.
If you want a guided tour in English (highly recommended) call 075-8190084 – Information Office. The guides are Franciscan friars. There is no charge – but a donation is appreciated – perhaps 10 euros per person Site:www.sanfrancescoassisi.it.
CORTONA – that is where “Under the Tuscan Sun” was filmed. Drive to the top of the town before parking or you’ll have a long walk. Their market day is Saturday. A must see – lots of shops.
CHIUSI – Both the upper town (with an Etruscan museum) and the lower town are charming. Their market day is Monday. This is where the train station is if you want to go to Florence or Rome. Remember Florence is Firenze. Train station is in Chiusi Scalo (lower part of town)
CASTIGLIONE DEL LAGO – Great town that juts out into the lake. Market day is Wednesday. Nice to walk around castle area.
MONTEPULCIANO – One of the most beautiful hilltowns. Home of Vino Nobile. There are tasting rooms everywhere.
PIENZA – Home of Pecorino cheese. A very charming town with many shops.
MONTALCINO – Home of Brunello wine. As you enter the main parking area, you will see a large fortress just outside the walled city. They have wine tastings in there.
BAGNO VIGNONI – Town with thermal spring right in the middle of the piazza where the Medicis used to soak.
AREZZO – about 1-1/2 hour drive from apartment on scenic route (SR 71). If you go the first Sat and Sun of any month, they have a huge Antiques Market.
SPOLETO - Famous for its music festival – very scenic.
ORVIETO – A great town to visit on your way back to Rome. Again drive to the top of the town which is flat and has parking lots. One of the most beautiful cathedrals in Italy. Great gelato shop on same square. Lovely shopping streets. Famous for ceramics.
TODI – Another wonderful hilltown – go to Ristorante Umbria.
DERUTA – Maybe one of the most famous ceramic towns. If you go there, go to Ubaldo Grazia and tell Grazia that we sent you.
MONTAFALCO – Called the Balcony of Italy and famous for Sagrantino wine. The Sagrantino grape had become almost extinct until Antonio Caprai brought it back to cultivation. There’s a restaurant there called Coccorone that is very good.