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Cortona

Cortona a is wonderfully rustic, Etruscan town built on a hilltop, just south of Florence. It turned out to be one of my favorite places in Italy.

While there were a number of German tourists there, it was not crowded - and there were a number of places where one could explore in privacy. The town is filled with numerous cobblestone paths that wind up and down and around the hill.

At the top of the town's hill is an ancient midieval castle - exploring its keep and grounds is to step back in time... old stones, gnarled trees, towers - a fresh breeze and a gorgeous view of the farmlands in the plains below.

A pleasant park-like path wraps around the town and provides for a meditative stroll (perfect after spending a week in Florence).

Based on my limited experience in Etruscan towns, I came away feeling that they had a far more civilized view of urban planning than did the Florentines and Romans.


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For more information on this Italy tour, email italy@graphcomp.com.