Picture charming vineyards, gently rolling hillsides, lush cypress trees, winding sandy roads leading to farmhouses and moss-coated castles… Now, picture precious works of art, ancient, awe-inspiring architecture, delectable food and wine, charming cafés, spectacular recreational opportunities, centuries of history and colorful outdoor markets. That’s Tuscany.
We’re enchanted by Tuscany because, as a region, it encompasses both the tiniest hamlet and Italy’s center of culture — Florence. In Tuscany, you’ll find calm tranquility and a boisterous vibe. Romance and relaxation. Whatever you imagine, you can discover.
Borgo di Vagli offers the perfect vantage point from which to explore all of Tuscany and the best places of interest in Umbria. The resort is just 20 minutes from the popular unspoiled, medieval town of Cortona and within easy driving distance of Siena, San Gimignano and Florence.
You can easily explore the walled town and vineyards of Montepulciano and Montalcino, enjoy the famed "percorino" cheeses of Pienza and chocolates from Perugia, discover the Etruscan treasures and arts in Chiusi and other less well know but must-visit places such as — Arezzo, Assisi, Montone, Lucignano, Spoleto, Spello and Gubbio.
Just 20-minutes from Borgo di Vagli is Lake Trasimeno, made famous for a battle between Hannibal and the Romans in 217 BC.
Local Recommendations
Whilst staying at your home here in Tuscany at Borgo di Vagli, here
are a few of our recommendations for eating, relaxing and shopping in
our wonderful, local, medieval hilltop town of Cortona:
Restaurants:
Pane e Vino
The Taverna Pane e Vino is located in the historical centre of Cortona,
excavated inside a cantina of a 14th century palazzo. Here you can dine
in the warm atmosphere of the ‘taverna’, enjoying an extensive menu of
wines which are rotated weekly and good tuscan dishes such as,
bruschette, salami, cheeses, carpacci (very thinly sliced cured meats),
cruditè, traditional soups and fresh pastas.
Please note that the menu is limited for vegetarians.
Piazza Signorelli Luca, 27 52044 Cortona (AR) Tel +39 0575 631010
Il Loggiato
The restaurant La Locanda nel Loggiato, housed in a 12th century
building overlooking the main square of the town is a fine restaurant
with character and elegance. It is run by a young group of people and
the zest of youth can be felt in the restaurant's cuisine that looks
back to the gastronomic roots of the area without giving in to
uninspired fads and yet with some enjoyable variation. Particular
attention is given to local and in-season products and constant use is
made of typical ingredients from the Arezzo territory and other Italian
provinces ranging from the celebrated Chianina steak to red chicory.
Quality fresh ingredients are the basis for classic dishes such as
tagliata di chianina, pici in a duck sauce as well as chef-created dishes
such as spelt whisked with red chicory and grana padano cheese, red
turnip gnocchetti in a yellow pumpkin sauce with goat cheese, ravioli in
a pigeon sauce, tortelloni with savoy cabbage and truffle, diavola-style
spicy roast pigeon, strawberry pies and our jam tarts. Closed Wednesday.
Piazza di Pescheria 52044 Cortona (AR) Italy Tel +39 0575 630575
Fufluns
The pizzeria restaurant Fufluns, situated close too the main square in
the centre of Cortona serves typical Tuscan plates in a simple, fun
atmosphere and pizza from all regions of Italy . there is a variety to
satisfy everyones desires!! Also throughout the year they organise
special dinners in collaboration with various wine cellars and
breweries.
Good value for money. Closed Tuesday Tavern/Pizzeria. Via Ghibellina.
Tel +39 0575.604140.
Trattoria Toscana
An authentic family-style restaurant featuring typical Tuscan cuisine, all
prepared by Chef Santino. Their specialities include: Ribollita, a Tuscan
minestrone soup served over toasted bread, Zuppa di Farro, a white bean and
barley soup, Ravioli Porcini, a spinach ravioli in a delicate porcini mushroom
sauce, Pici al Ragù Toscano, a fresh Tuscan spaghetti in a rich meat
sauce, and ‘Tuscan Tripe’. Other specialties include a variety of
local meatdishes, prepared and cured using old-fashioned Tuscan recipes and
derived from our very own Tuscan countryside. A wide variety of other Tuscan and
Italian dishes are served on a daily basis to satisfy the appetite. They also
have a modest selection of local and regional wines to accompany any meal. The
restaurant is set in a small, but warm atmosphere recently restored to expose
the original architecture of its Medieval Cortonese heritage. Closed Tuesday.
Via Dardano 12 Cortona Arezzo Tel +39 0575 604192
Trattoria Dardano
At Trattoria Dardano you can taste ali the typical Tuscan specialities such as
the famous "Crostini neri" (black toasts) with chicken liver or the Salami of
our own production and the characteristic first courses such as "Ribollita",
"Pici alla Contadina", "Ravioli al Tartufo", "Gnocchi al Pesto", all made with
fresh pasta.
As far the second courses you can taste various roast meats such as Chicken,
Rabbit, Duck and Guinea Hen, all from the owners own farm, alongwith delicious
grilled lamb. The purely "Chianina" veal meat and the pork both come from our
countryside farm and to finish your meal, they have a selection of homemade
desserts or Cantucci biscuits that can be tasted with Vin Santo (Holy Wine).
They also have a selection of good wines, but our recommendation is the house
red.
Very good value for money. Via Dardano, 24 - Cortona (Arezzo) Toscana -
Tel +39 0575 601944
Osteria del Teatro
Located just off Piazza Signorelli, this restaurant offers you a welcoming
atmosphere, polite and professional. Dishes served here are typical Tuscan with
speciality dishes of lamb and rabbit.
Open both for lunch and dinner.
Bars/Café's:
La Saletta
The philosophy of La Saletta is to re-discover the good quality products of
Italy and serve them in and with a professional and friendly service. The
Caffè - Wine Bar “La Saletta” has been run by the Menci
Family for over 10 years and they offer a very relaxing atmosphere to while away
an afternoon reading and sampling a few of their many wines that they have on
offer. You can sample wine by the glass, purchase bottles and even purchase to
take away. They also have a wonderful selection of cheeses to accompany the
wines along with a very simple menu of pizzas and pastas for a quick snack.
Via Nazionale, 26 - 52044 Cortona Tel +39 0575 603366
Bar 500
Warm & welcoming. Wide selection of panini, snacks, sweets. Wine tasting; bar
drinks; espresso & other coffee drinks. Owners speak English, German, &
Italian.
Touscher
Relative new addition to Via Nazionale, and is a lovely venue to enjoy an
afternoon cup of tea with a slice of one of their many handmade cakes.
This bar offers a wide selection of teas, coffees, cakes, nibbles alongwith a
selection of wines and alcoholic beverages.
Quite pricey and fairly modern interior.
Bar Signorelli
Located on Piazza della Repubblica with outside seating in the square allowing
one to while away the afternoon, watching the locals go about their business or
just soaking up the atmosphere of this wonderful medieval hilltop town.
Ice Cream Parlours:
one can not visit Italy without sampling true Italian ice cream.
Snoopy's
Located in Piazza Signorelli, opposite the theatre, this is
Flavours, cones, cups and sprinkles, to wow any taste bud.
Bella Vita
Located on Via Nazionale, smaller selection than Snoopy's but also serve crepes,
with all toppings anyone can think of.
Wine Shop:
Enoteca Molesini
Family owned and run wine shop, now on its 6th generation.
Small delicatessen and wineshop that ship worldwide and English spoken. Very
helpful staff. Ask for Marco.
Art/Stationary:
Il Pozzo - tabaccheria
Not only tobacco products - paper & leather accessories, prints & original
artwork, cards, bus & train tickets, phone cards. Owner Ivan speaks English very
well & is very helpful.
Tel: (0575) 603730
Specialist shops:
Busatti Linens - as used by Borgo di Vagli.
The newly created shop in Cortona offers a perfect place to show and purchase
the wonderful linens created Busatti of Anghiari. Busatti was founded in 1842
and is still run by the Busatti-Sassolini family in Anghiari, Tuscany. Through
the years, they have kept using traditional methods of weaving and manufacturing
techniques which keeps Busatti and its products a step above the rest.
Gorgeous textiles hand made fabrics made out of precious fibres are used to
create home-linens, outfits, curtains, rugs, towels, cushions, aprons and
tablecloths in a vast range of colours, styles and with varying workmanship
details.
Busatti textiles are now used through out the world to furnish country houses,
hotels and private homes, all to bespoke requirements and to complete the range,
Busatti now offer a selection of accessories in earthenware and glassware to
match their fabrics and style.
They ship worldwide so you do not have to worry about the weight limit of your
return luggage!!
Via Nazionale, Cortona
Borsalino, Cortona
Traditional hat shop located just off the main square of Cortona, selling all
styles of hats from panama's to top hats along with handmade leather goods,
gloves, shoes and belts.
