New Review Submitted for Casa Ivan located in Cortona, Tuscany, Italy.
Rental Date: Saturday 22nd of May 2010.
Renter: Barbara S. (cleethorpes, North East Lincolnshire, United Kingdom).
Renter Rating: 5/5.
Review Details:
If you want a special holiday we can strongly reccomend Casa Ivan. The pictures and reviews mean you arrive and it feels as if you have stepped into your dream holiday. The warmth and generosity of the owners made us feel so welcome and "at home". If you can learn even a little Italian it will be much appreciated by the Italian people. If not then be prepared to speak like the Italians do - use lots of hand gestures! It's hard to explain how the family show you a side of Italy that makes the holiday so magical without giving too much away of the love they give.
You will find certainly find Cortona a very friendly area.
We had no car so used the bus or walked. The bus runs into Cortona at 7.10am, 15.10pm and approx 18.45pm and returns at 14.10 and 17.45hrs (no last bus on Sat and no buses Sun). The bus takes approx 10 minutes and links with buses to the train station (again only 10 mins) as well as buses to other places. We walked into Cortona a few times and it takes about an hour - the road winds gently into Cortona and the views are amazing but be sure to take care and look out for traffic although the road is not that busy. If you are visiting the tombs or museums be sure to check out the opening hours before setting out - we were caught out a few times. If walking look out for the strada basilata (the Roman roads). Walk up to Portole which is just half an hours walk. The little bar sells groceries too and is a very cheap place to have a drink. The hotel too is reasonable and friendly and the village has an active social life which seems to centre around the hotel/bar. We found leaflets there and were able to join in an organised free walk and watch a mountain bike race.
Catching the first bus we were able to have days out in Florence and Castiglione del Lago (mkt day Wed) by catching the train in Camucia. Train travel is cheap and we were able to be back in time for the last bus and still see quite a lot. Be sure to validate your ticket in the yellow machines at the station before boarding the train. Tickets for the bus can be bought at the tourist information centre or at tobacconists. Tickets for the train can be bought at the station or at the tourist information centre and are valid for 2 months on an open ticket. If travelling down on the overnight sleeper from Paris we suggest booking to Florence outward and from Rome on your return. Leave your luggage at the station and explore the cities before your onward journey to the villa or home.
So what are you waiting for - book Casa Ivan to experience a truly memorable slice of the real Italy.
Barbara and Mark, Cleethorpes, England.
You will find certainly find Cortona a very friendly area.
We had no car so used the bus or walked. The bus runs into Cortona at 7.10am, 15.10pm and approx 18.45pm and returns at 14.10 and 17.45hrs (no last bus on Sat and no buses Sun). The bus takes approx 10 minutes and links with buses to the train station (again only 10 mins) as well as buses to other places. We walked into Cortona a few times and it takes about an hour - the road winds gently into Cortona and the views are amazing but be sure to take care and look out for traffic although the road is not that busy. If you are visiting the tombs or museums be sure to check out the opening hours before setting out - we were caught out a few times. If walking look out for the strada basilata (the Roman roads). Walk up to Portole which is just half an hours walk. The little bar sells groceries too and is a very cheap place to have a drink. The hotel too is reasonable and friendly and the village has an active social life which seems to centre around the hotel/bar. We found leaflets there and were able to join in an organised free walk and watch a mountain bike race.
Catching the first bus we were able to have days out in Florence and Castiglione del Lago (mkt day Wed) by catching the train in Camucia. Train travel is cheap and we were able to be back in time for the last bus and still see quite a lot. Be sure to validate your ticket in the yellow machines at the station before boarding the train. Tickets for the bus can be bought at the tourist information centre or at tobacconists. Tickets for the train can be bought at the station or at the tourist information centre and are valid for 2 months on an open ticket. If travelling down on the overnight sleeper from Paris we suggest booking to Florence outward and from Rome on your return. Leave your luggage at the station and explore the cities before your onward journey to the villa or home.
So what are you waiting for - book Casa Ivan to experience a truly memorable slice of the real Italy.
Barbara and Mark, Cleethorpes, England.
Please visit Casa Ivan for more details about this accommodation. Visit this page for other villas in Cortona, Tuscany, Italy.
