Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

We have tried to answer our most frequently asked questions below. If we've missed your question please email Sioban and she'll be in touch soon.

 

Useful travel information

Cortona is situated 2 and half hours north of Rome and 1 hour 20 minutes south of Florence.  You can come from either direction easily by train, there are regional trains coming from Rome every 2 hours and even more frequently from Florence.  As it is a regional train you can only book 7 days in advance, and you can only see the itinerary 3 months in advance (saying that, it hardly changes). You can view the train timetable on line at www.trenitalia.it and your destination station is Camucia/Cortona.

Please be aware that even though they give you a first class ticket option, there isn't always a first class carriage. It's a quirk of the Italian train system! Please remember to convalidate your ticket before you board the train.

Should you prefer to have a private driver bring you to the villa we can organise this for you. The cost from Rome to Cortona is around 280 euro and from Florence to Cortona is 170 euro.

 

Check in time

Check in time on the Saturday (the day your tour starts) is strictly between 3.30pm – 6pm.  Please be aware that we are unable to pick you up any earlier than 3.30pm as we don't have access to the villa.  We will pick you up from the train station from 3.30pm, but if you arrive early there's a bar and coffee shop where you can enjoy a glass of vino.

 

Weather or Seasons in Tuscany

We chose to run our 7 Night Tours in May, June, September and October to avoid the hottest months of July and August and also to avoid the crowds of tourists.

  • May – Expect some nice sunny days, probably a maximum of 25 degrees and in the evenings you will need a jumper/cardigan and long pants.

  • June - Warm days between 20-30 degrees, some pleasant nights where you will not need a jumper, but other nights could be cooler so bring some warmer clothes as well.

  • September – Warm days but cooler evenings, still enjoyable to sit outside.

  • October – Cooler (but not cold), fresher days and evenings where you will require a jumper/cardigan and long pants

 

Travel insurance

All guests are required to have their own. Italy and Australia have a reciprocal agreement through Medicare, so it is worth bringing your Medicare card with you should you require medical assistance

 

Level of Fitness required

All villages we visit on tour are situated at the top of a hill, and the streets are made of cobblestones and are therefore quite uneven. It is essential that you wear comfortable, flat shoes or trainers. On one of the tour days you will need to walk up a steep hill to the village as no cars are allowed to enter in.  This would be at least 500 metres each way.

 

Children

Children and families are welcome on private tours. The nature and activities of our 7 Night and 1 Day group tours means that they are not suitable for children under 18 years.

 

Food and wine

Tuscany is famous for both fabulous food and wine and during your week with us you will enjoy a culinary journey of the best produce of Tuscany. 

We have catered for 1/2 a bottle of wine per person with the 5 lunches and 6 dinners that are included along with water and coffees. Additional beverages such as beer, soft drinks or spirits or more wine can be ordered at your own cost. Sioban is more than happy to suggest local bottle shops, where you can purchase your own drinks to enjoy at the villa.

A continental breakfast is included daily, plus cereals, toast and English Breakfast Tea for our Aussie guests. 

 

The Villa

Your accommodation is a magnificently restored 17th century stone villa, nestled amongst olive trees, with stunning views, located 10 minutes from Cortona.

The bedrooms differ in size, and they all have very comfortable beds, ensuite bathrooms and a spacious shower. You'll have fresh towels on day 3.

Please note that toiletries are not provided so please bring your own soap, shampoo, toothpaste and other toiletries with you. There is a washing machine drying and iron in the villa for your use.

There is WIFI internet in all rooms at the villa.