Top 5 Routes from Cortona by Car: Discover the Most Authentic Tuscany

Introduction

Cortona, a jewel of Etruscan and medieval art, is the ideal starting point to explore some of Tuscany's most fascinating areas. With a rental car, you can discover breathtaking routes through hills, vineyards, and historic villages.

Route 1: UNESCO Val d'Orcia (Estimated time: 6-7 hours)

Route: Cortona → Montepulciano → Pienza → San Quirico d'Orcia → Montalcino

• Distance: approximately 140 km

• Highlight: Vino Nobile di Montepulciano wine tasting

• Photo spots: San Quirico cypress trees, Val d'Orcia

• Recommended lunch break: Pienza, with valley views

Route 2: Chianti Classico (Estimated time: 5-6 hours)

Route: Cortona → Castellina in Chianti → Greve in Chianti → Radda in Chianti

• Distance: approximately 120 km

• Highlight: Visit to historic wineries

• Experiences: Oil and wine tasting

• Recommended stops: Brolio Castle, Panzano in Chianti

Route 3: Lake Trasimeno Villages (Estimated time: 4-5 hours)

Route: Cortona → Castiglione del Lago → Passignano sul Trasimeno → Tuoro

• Distance: approximately 80 km

• Highlight: Panoramic lake view

• Activity: Lake fish lunch

• Photo opportunities: Rocca del Leone, Isola Maggiore

Route 4: Valdichiana Senese (Estimated time: 4-5 hours)

Route: Cortona → Lucignano → Monte San Savino → Civitella

• Distance: approximately 70 km

• Highlight: Lucignano's Golden Tree

• Gastronomy: Chianina beef and local products

• Shopping: Valdichiana Outlet Village

Route 5: Arezzo and the Golden Lands (Estimated time: 5-6 hours)

Route: Cortona → Castiglion Fiorentino → Arezzo → Anghiari

• Distance: approximately 90 km

• Highlight: Piazza Grande in Arezzo

• Events: Giostra del Saracino (June/September)

• Art: Piero della Francesca frescoes

Practical Tips

• Start early in the morning to avoid traffic

• Book wine tastings in advance

• Download offline maps

• Bring a camera

Conclusion

These routes represent just a few of the endless possibilities that Cortona's strategic location offers. With a Fratelli Rent rental car, you can customize each route according to your interests and schedule.