Last March we spent 5 days in Sinalunga and enjoyed our visits to Montalcino, Pienza, Montepulciano and surrounding hill towns. We enjoyed exploring and experiencing the towns and villages and eating in neighborhood restaurants. We're returning this October and have to make the difficult choice of staying in Tuscany (Cortona) or Umbria (either outside of Perugia or Bevagna). We haven't been to Umbria so I'm more partial to that new experience, but Cortona is supposed to be a charming town and convenient to the auto/superstrada. Any suggestions? Thanks!

Mike, Geographically I consider Cortona as really in Umbria. It is all so close I think the question is moot. I do like the Bevagna location, however.

Hi Mike. We were just in Cortona this April. Planned on only spending a few hours, but we loved it so much that we spent the entire afternoon and early evening there. Not only is it very charming, but it has spectacular views across the countryside. It was one of our two favorite hilltowns in Tuscany, the other being Volterra. <BR><BR>Although I haven't been there, I'd bet the Umbrian choices would be nice too. Good luck with your decision.

Don't forget to check for the festivals - in October, the grape harvest may be ongoing, depending on the area, etc. I usually plan to stay close-by to at least one festival on my trips. Info on the various festivals should be available on the town website - I know Bevagna has one listing local events.

Thanks for your advice. I guess looking on the map makes the distances seem farther than they actually are. How is Umbria different than Tuscany? Any recommendations of hill towns in Umbria besides the major sites of Assisi and Orvieto? Any "undiscovered" town or village that you can share? Last year, we really enjoyed Pienza and Cetona.

October is my favourite month in Italy. Cortona is a lovely place to stay but if you want to tour Umbria you would be better in a more central position. At present my favourite town is Bettona - it is so central and close to the main road complex but it is away from it all at the same time. <BR>It is really fabulous.<BR>

Whichever location you choose, be sure to go to the Sagra de Tordo festival in Montelcino in October.

MIKE:<BR><BR>Just finished "Vanilla Beans & Brodo" which beautifully describes the Sagra de Tordo. BTW, Montalcino, Pienza and Montepulciano are all worth while.<BR><BR>Having said that, we have stayed in the Bevagna area for a week four times in the past two years and almost consider it home. Nearby and worthwhile visits are: Spello, Montefalco, Gualdo Catania, Trevi, Norcia, Spoleto and Todi.<BR><BR>If you need more info: restaurants, places to stay, etc. Email me. Ciao.

Isn't there a chocolate festival in Perugia during October ? I remember a post quite awhile ago about chocoholics and there being some yearly soiree in Perugia. At least I know the factory is located there (Perugina chocolates).<BR><BR><BR>

Add Gubbio and Narni to your list of Umbrian towns worth visiting. Gubbio has amazing shopping, linens, bookbinding and better pottery prices than in Tuscany for rather creative pieces. It also has some terrific vistas and excellent restaurants and an interesting ruin of an old marketplace and arena...altogether worthwhile. Narni is small, but the upper town is virtually untouched mediavel architecture with a castle well worth visiting at the top of a peak, you will need a strong stomache to drive there: we hiked and it was worth it. Check out the small hotel in city centre (sorry, forgotten name) for a memorable meal in the courtyard restaurant.