I am finalizing our itinerary for visit to Italy in late September and would appreciate any advice on Cortona. My husband and I will be traveling by train and plan to visit Venice, Florence, Cortona and CT.

We are planning to spend two nights in Cortona and I would appreciate a suggestion for a nice hotel in the $100-150 range. Also, any day trips to places in the area that shouldn't be missed that we could take a train or walk to?

Also, can anyone tell me how long the train trip is from Florence to Cortona and is the station in the town or nearby?

I can't answer your questions, but I can recommend a great restaurant in Cortona -- Osteria Teatro. We had lunch there in May. Absolutely wonderful.

It takes approx 1h15m by train. See www.trenitalia.com

For hotels, have you looked at the "hotels" link at the top of this page, or searched on "Cortona hotels" in the search field of this site?

We were in Cortona last June 05 and stayed at the Hotel San Michele which is a converted palace. Wonderful hotel,close to the center of town.The train actually stops in Camucia and you'll need to either catch the bus or get a cab to get into Cortona(about a 10 minute drive).
There is a wonderful fresh fruit stand down the street from the hotel as you make your way into the town square that had the best fruit.
The rate on Orbitz is around $120 US/night.
You might also want to look at the Hotel San Luca. My parents have stayed there and enjoyed it.

Have fun.

Hi Portobello,

I spent just a partial day (a Sunday) in Cortona last Sept. Very nice town, also very steep.

There are nearly no hilltowns with train station IN town. The stations are down on the flats. You will probably need to take a taxi from the station to your hotel of choice.

Highly recommend a car.

buon viaggio!

The St Michele would be my choice too. Rooms differ a lot so have a look at them if you can choose.
Around he corner there was a great trattoria. Excelent.
Thanks to rgando, I did not think small hotels like the St Michele could be found in Orbitz. Good to know, or does it depend on the time of the year...??

Another vote for the San MIchele... we've stayed there twice.

Hotel Italia is right in town and would fit the bill. Sorry I don't have email or web page for it.

Great hotel in Cortona is the San Luca. The location is ideal - the view from the terrace is to die for. (Make your reservations ASAP&gt

Florence to Cortona is about 1 hr 15 min. and the stop is Camucia which is a
short bus or taxi ride up the mountain to Cortona.

It will take the two days to see all that is worth seeing in Cortona, without side trips.