Etruscan Hike

photo4.jpg ThumbnailNo one really knows where they came from, or where they disappeared to, but the decline of the Etruscans certainly did not mean the decline of Cortona.

Cortona is one of the oldest cities in Italy.  There are many legends and stories about it's origin, and the most popular says that Dardano of Troy was the founder.  The importance of the city is best told through one famous local quote, "Cortona, the Grandmother of Rome...."

Cortona was a Fortified town founded by the Umbrians almost 3000 years ago. The Umbrians, together with the Oscans and the  Faliscans,  settled in a  large area in central Italy. Later Cortona became a very important and prosperous town, between the VIII and VII Cen B.C. Cortona was, in fact, one of  the 12 Lucumonies - a sort of Etruscan federation - togheter with Arezzo, Caere, Chiusi, Perugia, Populonia, Roselle, Tarquinia, Vetulonia, Volsini, Volterra and Vulci. 

Cortona is a town brimming with riches. The Etruscans left us many artifacts that show their prosperity in Cortona, such as the large and impressive wall that measures over 2,280 meters that circles the town, and the tombs in the surrounding countryside.  The incredible amount of  archeological treasures, bronzes, and jewels that are kept in the Museo dell' Accademia Etrusca in the center of Cortona.  The bronze Etruscan lamp makes this one of the richest museums in Cortona.

italy-06-122-large-.jpg ThumbnailWalk with the Etruscans and picnic in the woods with delicacies from the region and Prosecco to enjoy.  Stefania, your guide, will start the tour at Piazza Garibaldi, the main piazza in Cortona where the views of the Val d'Chiana are breathtaking. .  You will take the bus down to the beautiful and recently uncovered Etruscan Tomba, the Etruscan Staircase.  From here, with picnic basket in hand packed with typical products from Umbria and Tuscany. Take a hike up into the mountain of the Monastery of St. Francis.  Le Celle, sits peacefully in the forest, and still today is the home for many a friar and pilgrim.  The place is magical and you will have a nice lunch, peaceful and tranquil with a sparkling glass of Italian Prosecco, while Stefania tells you the story of St. Francis and Le Celle. 

Full Day

After lunch, walk into the center of Cortona, and a tour through the Etruscan Museum, shows you many of these treasures and finishes your tour.   You can spend what is left of the afternoon lingering in the center, shopping, or having a gelato, and Stefania will leave you back at the Piazza Garibaldi at the end of the tour.

Prices do not include entrance fees into museums.
This tour includes the picnic lunch.
Transportation is included.
Pick- up at your Hotel/or in Piazza Garibaldi.
Resrvations will be held with a credit card, and paid in Euro at the time of tour.
You will not be charged for cancellation if made 48 hours in advance.

HALF Day 9,30 - 2,30

  • Per Couple 145,00 €
  • 3 people 60,00 € each
  • 4 people 50,00 € each
  • 5 people and more 35,00 € each

Full Day 9,30-5,30

  • Per Couple 185,00 €
  • 3 people 70,00 € each
  • 4 people 50,00 € each
  • 5 people and more 40,00 € each

stefania.jpg Thumbnail"Stefania is so sweet, and accommodating. For someone who is so down to earth and relaxed, she is very knowledgeable, and her knowledge spills forth in the nicest way!"

 

My guests say:

"Doumina gives you an up-close insiders view of the treasures surrounding the enchanted hill town of Cortona. You like olive oil? Meet a farmer who picks his olives, and the man who presses them. Art your thing? Listen to the passionate sermons of her guide, and real-life descendant of Cortona's own Luca Signorelli. Want to eat the way the heartiest Tuscans do? For breakfast, lunch, and dinner, you will. Guaranteed."

Tim Stark
Organic farmer/Writer

"...with Doumina, all i needed to do was enjoy myself! It was just amazing!"

Karie Hoffman

Il mio stato