Surroundings Area
Agriturismo Santo Stefano is strategically located to easily visit wonderful places in Tuscany, such as Cortona, Montepulciano, Siena, Firenze, as well as in Umbria such as Perugia, Gubbio and Assisi.
On top of on-site amenities, the perk of a vacation at Santo Stefano is the variety of sightseeing possibilities for everybody’s taste. Immerse yourself in art history and culture, discover the treasures of small medieval towns, enjoy culinary traditions and wineries, experience the countryside with hills and vineyards, bike along a river or hike ancient roads. Our staff is always available to help with recommendations to meet your vacation expectations.
Castiglion Fiorentino
Located on a hilltop between Arezzo and Cortona, Castiglion Fiorentino is a fascinating medieval town overlooked by its characteristics Torre del Cassero (“Cassero” tower), symbol of power and prestige in the 14th century.
At the feet of the tower lays a historical complex with the footprints of the old Castle, the Etruscan archeological site and museum, the art gallery with invaluable renaissance masterpieces, the “Pieve” (church) of S. Angelo from the 11th century, other ancient churches and the stunning “loggiato Vasariano” (Vasari external gallery) with its extraordinary view on the Valle di Chio.
Distance: 9.3 km (5.8 miles) - 14 minutes drive
Cortona
Cortona is a small medieval town laying on a Tuscan hillside, a magical place that entices the imagination of anyone who visits. Its cobble stone streets, the historic buildings and the scenic view of the surrounding countryside create an enchanting atmosphere. Cortona is an open-air museum, with churches, galleries and monuments that tell stories of centuries past.
Among other art pieces in Cortona museum, the famous “Annunciation” from Beato Angelico stands out.
Local cuisine is a real pleasure for the palate, restaurants and osterie offering traditional tuscan dishes prepared with fresh and delicious ingredients.
Distance: 19 km (11.8 miles) - 26 minutes drive
Arezzo
Arezzo is a fascinating city with a rich art history and vibrant cultural life. Its most precious jewel is the Piazza Grande (Great Square), enclosed by characteristic historic buildings, among which the majestic Palazzo dell Fraternity dei Laici (‘Lay Fraternity Palace”) and the San Francesco Basilica.
The city is famous for being home to Piero della Francesca: you can admire some of his most meaningful artwork in Arezzo museums and churches. The Tuscan cuisine in Arezzo has it own take and the city offers a large choice of restaurants serving traditional plates such as Ribollita and Fiorentina stake.
Distance: 27 km (17 miles) 38 minutes drive, or 10 minutes train from Castiglion Fiorentino
Florence
Firenze, the Cradle of Italian Renaissance, amazes its visitors with is extraordinary wealth of art and architecture masterpieces. The Uffizi Gallery hosts a superb collection of renaissance artwork, including masterpieces from Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo. The Duomo of Santa Maria del Fiore with its Brunelleschi cupola, the icon of the city, is mesmerizing in its grandeur and details.
Ponte Vecchio is a fascinating place to explore with its jewelry and artisan stores. Florence cuisine is world renowned, and restaurants can offer the most famous dishes such as Bistecca and Ribollita, and can make you discover the less renowned yet local traditional plates.
Distance: 105 km. 1 h 38 minutes drive or train from Castiglion Fiorentino
Siena
Siena is an extraordinary city that will stun you with its medieval beauty and the famous Piazza del Campo, the vibrant heart of the city where the renowned traditional horse race Palio takes place. The Cathedral of Siena is the paramount and gorgeous example of gothic architecture with is green and white facade and its precious interiors. The city is also famous for its Palazzo Pubblico (Public Palace), with its Civic Museum hosting extraordinary art masterpieces.
Wandering around the streets of the city is a unique experience: you will not regret getting lost and discovering unexpected artisanal shops and many local “trattoria” where you can taste the famous Chianti wine.
Distance: 78 km (1h 17min drive)
Bagno Vignoni
Bagno Vignoni is a small hidden gem of Tuscany, known for its hot water springs. The uniqueness of the city is at the heart of the town, with the central square which is actually a large thermal pool supplied by natural springs.
This charming location was the center of Romans thermal baths and is still nowadays appreciated by visitors for its regenerative hot natural waters. Relax yourself in these thermal baths enjoying the beautiful and peaceful surrounding of Bagno Vignoni.
Distance: 67 km (1h 20min drive)
Pienza
Pienza is a Renaissance town located in the picturesque Val d’Orca, famous for its optimized urban design. The town was constituted by Pope Pius II in the 15th century and built in Renaissance style with large squares and small streets. The specialty of Pienza is its famous Pecorino (sheep cheese), which you absolutely have to try once in life.
While walking in the cobble stone streets, you can admire and be inspired by the amazing panorama of the Valle d’Orca, declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Distance: 53 km (33 miles) (1h 7min drive)
Montepulciano
Montepulciano is a Tuscan city of rare beauty, mostly famous for its exquisite Vino Nobile. The local wineries offer tasting of this renowned wine, and the town is surrounded by vineyards producing some of the best wines in Tuscany. The historic downtown is an example of medieval architecture that with its charming streets and historic buildings will take you to a different age.
The center of Montepulciano is Piazza Grande, enclosed by elegant buildings among which the Palazzo Comunale (Downhill). You shouldn’t leave Montepulciano without tasting the local cuisine accompanied by its famous wine in one of its local restaurants.
Distance: 45 km (28 miles) (56min drive)
Perugia
Perugia is the capital of Umbria, a city that fascinates with its history, architecture and vivacious cultural life. The historical downtown is a labyrinth of small cobble stone streets, hidden courtyards and ancient squares where you can be discover lively local markets. The Palazzo dei Priori is a masterpiece of gothic architecture and is home to an exceptional art collection.
Do not leave Perugia without tasting its chocolate, a “perugina” tradition stemming from centuries ago. The city is also famous for its International Fair of Journalism with journalists and columnist from all over the world.
Distance: 67 km (42 miles) (1h 07min drive. Direct train from Castiglion Fiorentino)
Assisi
Assisi is a city of great religious meaning, famous for being the hometown of Saint Francis. The majestic Saint Francis Basilica is a sacred place for pilgrims, and in its naves you can admire the renowned frescos by Giotto and Cimabue.
Assisi is a fascinating medieval town with the typical cobble stone streets, majestic city walls and breathtaking views over the surrounding Umbria countryside. The atmosphere is quiet and meditative, making Assisi a special place to visit, inspiring its visitors to spirituality and contemplation.
Distance: 89 km (55 miles) (1h 36min drive. Direct train from Castiglion Fiorentino)
Rome
Rome, the Eternal City, is a destination that will amaze its visitors for its extraordinary show of layers of history, art and culture. The Coliseum, a majestic amphitheater that hosted games and shows in the ancient Rome, is one of the iconic symbols of the city. The Pantheon, a temple dedicated to all Roman gods, is an incredible example of Roman architecture. The Vatican City is the see of Saint Peter Basilica, a renaissance masterpiece, and of the Vatican Museums, that safeguard some of the most important art pieces in the world, among which the Sixtine Chapel with Michelangelo frescos.
Rome is a city where each corner reveals a piece of history and an excellent Italian cuisine tradition. Taste the typical Roman dishes like Pasta alla Carbonara, Pizza Margherita, and artisanal Gelato. Wander around the squares, fountains, old streets of this timeless city and you will be attracted by its eternal charm. Rome is a place for unique experiences where the past and present merge in a fascinating and unique mix.
Distance: 210 km (130 miles) (2h 32min drive. Direct train from Castiglion Fiorentino)