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Your Holiday Under the Tuscan Sun

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Interior
Spa
Room

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Spa pool
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor space
  • Mountain view

Explore the area

View map
Cortona, Toscana
  • Place, Piazza della Repubblica
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Giuseppe Garibaldi Memorial
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Cortona Cathedral
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Airport, Perugia San Francesco d'Assisi – Umbria Intl. Airport (PEG)
    ‪52 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 4)

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Dining area

About this property

Your Holiday Under the Tuscan Sun

This charming apartment, made of stones, consists of bedroom with queen size bed and a big wardrobe/closet, living room with a convertible sofa-bed and a breath taking view of the Val di Chiana Valley, full kitchen with dish washer, breakfast table and the same beautiful view as the living room. The bathroom has shower, bidet, sink and toilet. Also includes a washing machine for clothes, Free WiFi, Air conditioning and ceiling fans.
The house has been completely renovated in May 2009, taking care of any little particular and mixing the old Tuscan style with a modern touch.

NEW!!! Under The Tuscan Kitchen: Tuscan home cooking classes available now!

Free WiFi!

Air Conditioning

We also have 4 more apartments right next door, if you see that this one won't be available on the calendar. So, feel free to contact us and ask us about availability and price!

LAST MINUTE SPECIAL RATES: from time of inquiry till a month later (if not already rented out). Email us to get a special price!

Built on a hill, this stone town house is right outside the old city walls (dating from the 2nd century B.C.) of Historical Centre of Cortona, an old city founded by The Etruscans, the ancient civilization that built Rome. Cortona is conveniently located in a 1,15 hrs drive from Florence, 2 hrs from Rome and Pisa International Airports, 30 mins from Perugia (in Umbria) and Arezzo, 45 mins from Siena, 35 mins from Montepulciano, 1hr from Assisi (Umbria) e Montalcino (where the famous 'Brunello' wine comes from)...all the best sights of the famous Tuscan countryside, with yellow sunflower fields in the summer and multi colored trees in the spring!

Cortona is famous as the inspiration and setting for the book Under the Tuscan Sun, (that later became a movie) written by USA writer-novelist Francis Mayes. It also homes a branch of the Georgia University - USA, for artistic matters, since 1970.

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Exterior detail
Tuscany as it once was
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Outdoor space
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (40 reviews)
Tuscany as it once was

House Rules

Check in after 1:30 PM
Check out before 10:30 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Remove personal items
Turn off the lights
Spegnere aria condizionata e riscaldamento
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts cash
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
Property Registration Number IT051017C2S5RZHJAX

We should mention

All guests, including children, must be present at check-in and show their government-issued photo ID card or passport
Cash transactions at this property cannot exceed EUR 5000, due to national regulations; for further details, please contact the property using the information in the booking confirmation
A car is not required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Cortona

Cortona Old Town, a neighbourhood in Cortona, is home to this holiday home. Signorelli Theatre and Museum of the Etruscan Academy are cultural highlights, and some of the area's landmarks include Santa Maria delle Grazie and Casali Palace. Swimming offers a great chance to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with cycling, hiking and hunting nearby.
View more Holiday homes in CortonaOpens in a new window
Map
Cortona, Toscana

What's nearby

  • Piazza della Repubblica - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Signorelli Theatre - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Museum of the Etruscan Academy - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Giuseppe Garibaldi Memorial - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Cortona Cathedral - 6 min walk - 0.6 km

Getting around

  • Camucia-Cortona Station - 3 min drive
  • Perugia San Francesco d'Assisi – Umbria Intl. Airport (PEG) - 52 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Caffe La Saletta - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Ristorante La Loggetta - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Cortona Bistrot - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Trattoria Etrusca - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Trattoria Toscana - ‬7 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Your Holiday Under the Tuscan Sun pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Your Holiday Under the Tuscan Sun?

As of 20 March 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Your Holiday Under the Tuscan Sun on 21 March 2026 start from NZ$235, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

What time is check-in at Your Holiday Under the Tuscan Sun?

Check-in begins at 1:30 PM.

What time is check-out at Your Holiday Under the Tuscan Sun?

Checkout is at 10:30 AM.

Where is Your Holiday Under the Tuscan Sun located?

Located in Cortona Old Town, this holiday home is within a 10-minute walk of Piazza della Repubblica, Giuseppe Garibaldi Memorial and Casali Palace. Museum of the Etruscan Academy and Signorelli Theatre are also within 10 minutes. Camucia-Cortona Station is 25 minutes by foot.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 71 out of 74 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 74 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 74 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 74 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 74 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

David N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Charming owner-manager of this excellent BB. Location is excellent, view is wonderful !
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Henry P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Exceeded expectations. Vanna is wonderful and the property was perfect.
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Treacy H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Uphill but within walking distance. Plan ahead to consider store hours.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2025
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Vic H.

Great Tuscan Rental

This rental was amazing. The location is perfect, just a short walk up the hill to the town of Cortona. Mirko was very helpful and answered all our questions. Vanna picked us up at train station and took us back on the day we left. We also took Vanna's cooking class which was quite a treat. She used simple, easy to remember recipes so we would be able to make at home. Also we were involved in the preparation of the food. This rental was everything it was presented to be. . We will definitely stay here again when we return to Cortona..Vic and Amanda
Stayed 9 nights in Aug 2016
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jessica D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cortona Magic

Beautiful location in Cortona just outside of the walled center. Easily accessible with parking directly across the street. Everything was clean and bright and the living room had a beautiful view overlooking the Tuscan countryside. Communication was fast and easy. I highly recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rosa G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Schöne helle Ferienwohnung mit toller Aussicht bis zum Lago Trasimeno

Die Wohnung besticht durch ihre Lage am Südhang der Altstadt von Cortona. Sie ist sehr gemütlich und geschmackvoll eingerichtet , alles für den täglichen Bedarf ist in der Küche vorhanden, die Betten haben sehr gute Qualität. Die Besitzerin Vanna kümmert sich liebevoll um ihre Gäste und ist immer erreichbar. Mein Mann und ich waren rundum zufrieden und haben eine wunderschöne Woche hier verbracht.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Merle V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

BEAUTIFUL & QUAINT PLACE TO STAY!! LOCATION!

My husband and I just returned from Under the Tuscan Sun in Cortona and what a beautiful place it was! Vanna and her son Mirko are lovely. Communication is on point and always responsive. Vanna is so lovely!!! We took her cooking class and had such a memorable amazing time. I fell in love with Cortona and definitely made new friends with Vanna and her charming cousin Reynaldo. They are lovely and the apartment is so comfy and perfect for two! The morning views were mesmerizing. The kitchen had everything you needed to either make a meal or reheat the leftovers from the great restaurants in Cortona or after Vanna's yummy cooking class. The bed was comfy and the room is dark which we loved. Bathroom shower is a bit small for a big person but we are not on the big side so it worked for us. The only thing i would have wanted was more than two towels for the week. Since it was raining when we were there (November rainiest month of the year in Italy) it was difficult to get the towels to dry for next use. Other than that easy fix, the apartment was just perfect!! We will definitely be back and for much longer than a week! Cortona's walled city is just across a parking lot and so much to see do taste and experience! Miss it already!
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Linda T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Under the Tuscany Sun: Bellissimo!

Our hostess, Vanna , was just outstanding. She is a very warm and welcoming person and we thoroughly enjoyed her cooking class. A variety of delicious food was the reward. Our apartment was classically decorated , very comfortable, and had a fantastic view of the Tuscan countryside. We loved Cortona and this location is right across the street from the entrance gate. Highly recommend this place
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Armand D.

Excellent location; wonderful " landlady"

We enjoyed 28 days in " Under the Tuscan Sun".The apartment is very comfortable with a small but well equipped kitchen.The location could not have been better- just outside the old walls , but within an easy walk to the town's central square, and a mere 5 minutes to the local bus stop. Mirko is very prompt to reply to emails , and his mother ( the " landlady ) is absolutely lovely , helpful and responds quickly to any minor questions , all with a big smile. We highly recommend this property.
Stayed 30 nights in Oct 2018
Verified

8/10 Good

Alice F.

Amazing View

Vanna, the charming proprietor of this hillside apartment, was there to meet us on our arrival. We had a car and concerns about parking,,,,turned out the apartment was directly across from a parking lot for the village of Cortona and we always found a close and safe place to park. The apartment is well appointed and we found everything in working order. The owner of this 19th century building lives in an upstairs unit and was available had we needed her for anything. Cortona is lovely with many shops and excellent restaurants. It is vertical from every direction, so I wouldn’t recommend it for anyone with mobility issues. On the other hand, just outside the center of the village you will find a perfect place to walk or jog on a mile long flat path with great views of the surrounding countryside. From Cortona we took day trips to Castiglione del Lago, Perugia, and Montepulciano.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2018
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sharon M.

It was a dream come true

The location is wonderful as a relaxing hideaway and close enough to walk to all the major attractions in Cortona
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2018
Verified

10/10 Excellent

scott g.

Beautiful view, convenient location

Stayed here for 8 days during our 40th anniversary trip to Italy and felt like we struck gold! The location, just outside the main gate of the city was convenient and close to parking as we rented a car for day trips to Siena, Montepulciano and the quick train ride to Florence, yet only a 5 minute walk to the main plazas of Cortona. The best part of our experience was Vana! She and her son Mirko were responsive and helpful with all aspects of our stay. We arrived to a friendly wave and “Ciao” from Vana leaning out of her window next door! Vana was a wonderful resource for local information about shopping and sightseeing and always available to answer questions if needed. Take advantage of her Italian cooking class.. it’s a wonderful chance to learn to make some delicious food and make a new friend. We will always cherish our memories of our stay, and plan to return to Under the Tuscan Sun again during our next visit! Grazie Vana and Mirko!!
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2018
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Orville N.

Enjoyable

Very good host. Well organized. Beautiful view over the expansive valley.
Stayed 73 nights in Jan 2018
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Cortona was Special for Us

The property was spotless and very comfortable. Vanna was a delight. We would highly recommend the property to all. It is close to the city gates. You must stop by Birrificio Cortonese (restaurant and IPA beers) half way up the hill. Mickey and Mossimo are great hosts.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

tami k.

I love Cortona!

Vanna and Mirko were very easy to work with. The views are amazing!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Joann m.

Amazing Place!!!

Staying in this apartment was everything we could have asked for. The view from the living room was even more incredible than the photo. It was ideally located just outside the walls of Cortona. Vanna was there to greet us on arrival and was available if we needed anything. I also highly recommend taking her cooking class. We learned a lot but it was really fun just to get to know Vanna and a few of the other travelers that took the class with us. It was the highlight of our stay. I can't recommend Cortona and this apartment enough. We will definitely return!!!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Colleen G.

Loved it!

We really loved our stay at Mirko & Vanna's. The home was sweet & charming and had everything we needed. Our cooking class with Vanna was amazing. Well worth the money for the amazing meal & experience. She was sweet & helpful the whole time we were there. Since it was our first time to Italy I had many questions, and Mirko was ALWAYS fast getting back to me. They were both helpful, accommodating and welcoming. I highly recommend this home. Also, it was close to EVERYTHING! The location was PERFECT :)
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2016
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Judith M.

“Spectacular views of Tuscan countryside from terrific apartment!”

We stayed 5 nights in this lovely apartment and it was the highlight of our 20 day trip through Italy. The apartment has everything one needs - it is clean, nicely decorated and really charming! We were greeted with a bottle of wine waiting for us in the kitchen after our hostess Vanna so kindly picked us up at the train station in Camucia. The bedroom has a wonderfully comfortable bed and storage closet, the kitchen fully equipped and a comfortable sofa bed to relax on. There is a cute terrace also available with table/2 chairs -accessible a few steps from the apartment door. Vanna offered a cooking class which we took advantage of and it was a wonderful evening of conversation, fun, food and wine! The one thing I can say that meant so much was having a hostess close by for any questions or needs we had --Vanna was just one door down and so helpful. We fully recommend "Under the Tuscan Sun" and we are already planning our return trip!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Gregory L.

Great location, great view!

Absolutely beautiful apartment well located just outside the wall of the town. The view from the living room windows is stunning, even prettier than the picture. The apartment is very well furnished with quality fixtures. Parking was usually available across the street but a couple of times we had to park a block away. The center of town is just a long block away, but it is straight up hill. A highlight of our 2 week stay was the cooking class by Vanna, Mirko's mother. Vanna lives in the apartment next door and was very helpful in anything we needed. Overall a great experience.
Stayed 14 nights in Jun 2016
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca D.

Lovely appartment. Just as the pictures show

Vanna very helpful, picked me up at station. Everything you needed there. Other apartment equally good too. Lovely atmosphere and good that it's near parking and bus stop.Would definitely recommend. .
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2016
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Ann T.

Beautiful views

During our whirlwind trip throughout Italy, we took some time to stay at Under the Tuscan Sun for 4 days. It was amazing and a treat to be away from all the tourists in the large cities. Vanna welcomed us with a hug. We enjoyed exploring Cortona and the beautiful surrounding countryside of Tuscany. Free parking was very close to the apartment. Vanna made us a wonderful Tuscan meal in her private kitchen. It was a pleasure getting to know her and having her answer our every need.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Jean S.

Your Italian Dream Come True

Look no further if you’re on the hunt for your own little Italian hill-town fantasy. LOCATION: While on a fairly well-travelled street, the door is accessed on a side pedestrian path and the windows face the opposite direction over a magnificent view. From the apartment, you’ll need to climb uphill a bit to reach the town center, but it shouldn’t be a problem for any reasonably-fit person. COMMUNICATION: Mirko responds quickly and kindly on-line. He manages the apartments for his mother, Vanna, who stays on-site. APARTMENT: Roomy, well-equipped, modern fixtures, good bed, nicely designed. What a pleasure to sit and gaze out down the hillside in this delightful gem of a place. We did a small amount of cooking here and found it fun to purchase basic groceries in the tiny food stores in town. (Just make sure you don’t visit during their lunch break of 1:30-4:30 PM, when they’re closed. This is Italy, after all!) TRANSPORTATION: On our first visit to Cortona, we had a rental car. This time we decided to use our feet and public transportation. Vanna may offer to pick you up from the train station in Camucia if she’s free. Otherwise, she will help you reserve taxi rides from one of the local drivers to help get you around as needed. COOKING CLASS: We booked Vanna’s cooking class, which was a highlight of our time in Cortona. How many opportunities do you get to learn how to cook Italian food at the hand of an Italian grandmother? Vanna used recipes she had memorized from watching her own grandmother cook in this very location so many years ago. Vanna is a little shy about her English skills, but she actually does quite well if you speak slowly and simply and enunciate well. OVERALL: What fun we had here. Largely we attribute that to the delightful Vanna, who made us feel completely at home during our eight days in Cortona. This is an excellent value, and an opportunity of a life-time. NOTE: This apartment is just one of five owned by Mirko and Vanna in the building. I would not hesitate to rent any of their units. Just look for “Mirko T” as the contact person.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

John J.

Outstanding

It is difficult to top all previous the excellent reviews but I'll try. The property description is too modest. This one bedroom apartment has an great kitchen, a comfortable bed. a good size bathroom. I wish we would have stayed a month. The view is better than the picture. The restaurants in town were very good to excellent. The town center is a short walk but you will climb a hill or two. It is a hill town. Good opportunity to burn a few calories. But the most important attribute of this property is the owners. Mirko and his mother Vanna are first and foremost high quality individuals. They are honest, affable, funny and helpful. They treat you like you are a member of their family. Make time to take a cooking lesson/dinner with Vanna. You will learn both macro and subtle techniques that will make your cooking better. Most importantly it is simply a fun evening. Take a week and do this. Don't stay in a hotel and change every 3 days. This city is centrally located to many other Tuscan cities. We had a car and enjoyed our daytime drives.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

ELISA P.

UNSURPASSED TUSCAN WARMTH AND HOSPITALITY! EXTRAORDINARY VIEWS!

It’s difficult to find words to describe the incredible experience we had staying in this LOVELY apartment, but I’ll try. First, the location is wonderful;a town gate & free parking across the street;a reasonable 5-minute walk up to town & main piazza. The few steps to the front door, alone, will immediately charm you. Upon entry you immediately sense the loving care that goes into making this space one that makes you feel as if you are entering as cherished visitor into the family’s home as opposed to renter in a rental unit. The entire apartment is immaculate, well-equipped, renovated & decorated beautifully while maintaining signs of its ancient origins & has, as the “icing on the cake,” an incomparable view. The bed is incredibly comfortable, linens crisp & snug, closet sufficient to store our clothes. LOVED that we had the option of opening the French doors to the spectacular view yet could pull the screen down to safeguard against mosquitoes at night. There is a little terrace below the French doors where you can sit & enjoy the view while sipping on a glass of Prosecco. As beautiful & comfortable as this apt was, it is eclipsed by the warmth & cordiality of Vanna & Mirko who are the heart & soul of their lovely residences. I had corresponded with Mirko over a few months & had already felt as if I had known him always. Meeting beautiful Vanna seemed a natural extension of a friendship already launched. Mirko was kind enough to pick us up at the station, & Vanna was waiting to welcome us, literally with open arms, to 'Under the Tuscan Sun'. The highlight of our visit was spending an evening with them cooking, laughing, singing & creating a wealth of beautiful memories. Vanna’s home is charming & warm, and her & Mirko’s generosity of spirit creates an incomparable ambiance imparting a true flavor of genuine Tuscan hospitality. The apt’s proximity to Cortona proper is a great boon, there is so much to explore here, but it is also an excellent base from which to visit surrounding towns. Dardano’s & Bucaccia in Cortona, & Rist Masolino in Panicale stand out as our outstanding dining experiences, though we ate great food everywhere (1 major disappointment, Il Gozzoviglio). But in the end, our trip was made especially exceptional through the warmth and solicitude of this special mom and son combo. We can’t wait to return. Mille grazie Vanna e Mirko! Baci!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Superb Apartment, wonderful view, all the right kit, Air-Con, Kitchen, Freezer, Washer etc etc

The apartment had everything. Fully equipped kitchen, comfortable bed, good storage for clothes. Washing machine did come in handy. Air conditioning, mossie guarded windows, overhead fans were all welcome in the heat we experienced. Mirko's attention to detail really makes this a comfortable home from home. Good parking nearby but also a good bus service to connect to nearby towns and the Station in Camucia. You do need a method of getting up and down to Camucia at some point.

About the host

Hosted by Mirko Tessandori

Host profile image
I'm a musician traveling the world, living between the US and Italy and I manage my family properties from wherever I am. I cherish the friendship we get to establish with our guests, that then become our friends and come back to stay with us! :-)

Why they chose this property

This is my family house and we owned it since ever as far as we know. My mother, grandparents and great grandparents lived here.

What makes this property unique

A breath-taking view of the Valdichiana Valley, 2 steps away from a nice park and 5 mins walk from the Historical Centre, the 'Rugapiana' promenade with all its shops, the main square with its clock tower and flight of steps over the 'Piazza'! I also enjoy very much walking at the 'Parterre', a long tree-lined unpaved road that takes you to a Tennis court overlooking the whole Valley...priceless!!!

Languages:

English, Italian
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