Cortona is no secret, thanks in part to the famous book and movie, “Under the Tuscan Sun.”

Without the fame, Cortona would still be a stand alone stunner.

This hill town has everything a traveler could hope for: sweeping views, amazing restaurants, architecture, art galleries, shopping and museums. Cortona is home to some of my favorite accommodations in Italy. Train connections make this a perfect home base for those not wanting the stress of a car. Drivers love the proximity to sites and villages for exploration.

When planning for my clients, Cortona is my secret weapon. There is something here for every travel style and budget.

Would it surprise you if I said that despite all my raving so far, that is not what puts Cortona on my favorite list?

The atmosphere, the intimate culture and connection of the people. That authentic vibe everyone is grasping for. Cortona has it, and then some.

Things to do in Cortona:

• Walk up to the top of the town to visit the church
• Walk the stations of the cross.
• Visit Le Celle, a nearby hermitage
• Antique shop
• Shop in general
• Have a cappuccino and people watch in the morning.
• Have a spritz and people watch in the late afternoon.
• Take a cooking lesson from my dear friend Alessandra.

Where to eat in Cortona:

• Ti Amo for your mandatory gelato
• Trattoria Dardano, hands down our family favorite for a local and casual atmosphere.
• La Bucaccia and Osteria del Teatro
• Ristorante La Loggetta (think view of the square)

Where to stay in Cortona:

• Casa Chilenne for a quaint B&B and a hostess with the most-ess
• La Corte di Ambra for a stunning and pampered stay

Cortona in the evening.

Le Celle

Trattoria Dardano

Hamming it up with some local gentlemen.

In love with the views

Window shopping

Taking coffee seriously

Picture perfect at every turn

Market magic

Who we are:

Once in a Lifetime Travel is a passionately run company focused on mindful and fearless travel through authentic experiences and connections. We feature small, fully

guided group tours to Italy for women

. Our

Italian travel consultant

services feature focused itinerary reviews and detailed

Italy travel planning.

Go Travel, and Travel Fearless.

Andi Brown, Once in a Lifetime Travel ©copyright 2019

The post Cortona Italy Visitor Guide appeared first on Italy Travel Planner | Consultant | Once In a Lifetime Travel.

The story is short and sweet today. Is it TMI? Probably.

I am almost 45 years old and I still get grossed out when my parents show too much PDA.

Several years ago, in our favorite trattoria in our favorite hill town, my parents had a little too much of the house wine. They were getting frisky. We hug and say I Love You constantly in my family, so affection isn’t shocking to me.

French kissing like I’m invisible is.

I made them promise not to give me nightmares that night as I tried to focus intently on my second plate of Tuscan sausage. Or was it my third plate? The salsiccia at Trattoria Dardano in Cortona is to die for. The meat is perfectly cooked, served simply and without frills on a little plate. A mandatory side for our family regardless of what we are eating (or drinking). Which, in my parents case, was quite a lot that night.

Buon Appetito,
Andi

Who we are:

Once in a Lifetime Travel is a passionately run company focused on mindful and fearless travel through authentic experiences and connections. We feature small, fully

guided group tours to Italy for women

. Our

Italian travel consultant

services feature focused itinerary reviews and detailed

Italy travel planning.

Go Travel, and Travel Fearless.

Andi Brown, Once in a Lifetime Travel ©copyright 2018

The post How to Survive When Your Parents Get Too Frisky in Tuscany appeared first on Italy Travel Planner | Consultant | Once In a Lifetime Travel.

I’m starving just sitting down to write this.
Years ago, I had the luck of spending a day cooking with Alessandra making her incredible Bolognese sauce.

“This is not an Under the Tuscan Sun Experience.” (her words)

Nope. It sure wasn’t.

We gathered in her home, around her personal kitchen to learn the art of Tuscan cooking while her TV belted out Talking Heads videos in the background.

We learned about the careful sourcing of the beef we would be using. Did you know that the butcher not only lists the farm the meat comes from but also the animal?

We listened to her views on politics and the recent exoneration of Amanda Knox. Alessandra and I exchanged stories of heartbreak and hopeful healing.

She was quizzed about the ins and outs of a bidet.

And the bolognese simmered on.

The aroma filled the room and mingled with our stories.

Ale’s recipe is a frequent star on my menu at home, the delicious scent mixing with the laughter, stories and sometimes tears of my family.

Un baci,
Andi

Link to Alessandra’s cooking class.

The post You Need Some Bolognese in Your Life appeared first on Italy Travel Planner | Consultant | Once In a Lifetime Travel.