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Location
and Access
The
nearest major train station and hub for
other destinations, is in Chiusi/Chianciano Terme which is a 30 minute drive from the villa. Rome's
Termini station is 90
minutes away on the express train. You will, however, require a car during
your sojourn at Poggio Martina. The villa is
readily accessible by autostrada (A1) which
connects Naples,Rome,
Florence and Milan. (This
is a toll highway so you will need some euros when
you exit).
If you
are picking up your car from Rome's
Fiumicino
Airport,
take the road called GRA (Gran Raccordo Anulare - the Great Ring Road which circles Rome). From
the GRA, exit onto the A1 north towards Florence. The A1 to Florence is
an easy drive, well signed with excellent rest stops on the way. If you are
coming from Florence
or Milan, take
the A1 south towards Rome. The exit is Valdichiana/ Bettolle). The
house is approximately 10 km east of the A1 autostrada
exit at Valdichiana. This exit will take you to the
rendez-vous point where you would meet our
neighbour, Jacopo, who will lead you to the house and provide you with the
keys. (See Map)
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One of the great advantages of this location is its proximity
to the major routes linking north-south (A1 autostrada)
and east-west (Sienna/Perugia Raccordo). Yet it is
far enough from major roads that the restful atmosphere of the Tuscan
countryside prevails.
The villa
sits on top of a hill and is surrounded by vineyards. It has a magnificent
view of the Val di Chiana.
Siena is 40 km
to the west, Arezzo
and Cortona are 35 & 25 km respectively to the
north, and Perugia
is 50 km south east. This area offers a tremendous variety of artistic and
historical places of interest - from the Etruscan sites in Chiusi and Cortona to the
magnificent medieval & renaissance towns of Montepulciano,
Pienza, Lucignano, and Montalcino. Umbria with its wilder
landscapes and fabulous food is not to be missed. All a very pleasant scenic
drive away. Many world-renowned vineyards are nearby. Our favourite is the Poliziano vineyard (Montepulciano)
where one can buy DOC wine in bulk. Val di Chiana is noted for its Chianino
beef used in the famous Bistecca Fiorentina and for its fabulous pecorino cheese.
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