Among the rolling hills of Umbria and Tuscany lie some of Italy’s most beautiful villages, small historic towns where time seems to have stood still, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, vineyards, olive groves and spectacular views.
Choosing an agriturismo between Umbria and Tuscany such as Case Graziani means having the opportunity to discover a different village every day, combining culture, gastronomy, nature and relaxation. Case Graziani’s location, close to the border between Umbria and Tuscany, is ideal for visiting numerous destinations in the Valdichiana, Val d’Orcia and around Lake Trasimeno.
Città della Pieve: the village of Perugino
The first village to visit is naturally Città della Pieve, just a few minutes from Case Graziani.
Built on the Umbrian hills and characterized by its distinctive red brick buildings, Città della Pieve is a fascinating town, best known as the birthplace of Pietro Vannucci, known as Perugino, one of the most important painters of the Italian Renaissance.
Walking through the historic centre, you will discover narrow streets, historic palaces, churches and beautiful views over the surrounding countryside. Its geographical position also makes Città della Pieve a true borderland, where Umbrian and Tuscan influences meet.
To learn more about the town and its traditions, you can also read our article about the Palio dei Terzieri in Città della Pieve, one of the area’s most characteristic historical events.
Panicale: a terrace overlooking Lake Trasimeno
Just a few kilometres from Città della Pieve lies Panicale, one of the most charming villages in Umbria.
The town still retains the layout of an ancient medieval fortified village and stands on the top of Monte Petrarvella, in a panoramic position overlooking Lake Trasimeno.
From its panoramic terraces, visitors can admire the lake, the Umbrian hills and the countryside stretching towards Tuscany. The historic centre, with its walls, towers and intimate squares, is perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Panicale is also part of an interesting itinerary dedicated to places associated with Perugino, connecting Città della Pieve, Paciano and Panicale.
Paciano: a small village surrounded by greenery
Not far away lies Paciano, a small medieval village surrounded by the green hills of Umbria.
It is an ideal destination for those looking for a peaceful and authentic atmosphere, away from the busiest tourist destinations. Its walls, medieval gates and narrow streets tell the story of an ancient fortified village overlooking the countryside and Lake Trasimeno.
For those staying at an agriturismo, Paciano can easily be combined with a visit to Panicale and Castiglione del Lago, creating a pleasant day itinerary.
Montepulciano: wine, views and history
Crossing the regional border, you enter Tuscany and reach Montepulciano, one of the best-known villages in the Valdichiana.
The historic centre stretches along the ridge of the hill and is home to elegant Renaissance palaces, churches, squares and historic wine cellars.
Montepulciano is, of course, also famous for Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. A visit to the village can therefore be the perfect opportunity to combine art and culture with a tasting of local wines.
For those who love panoramic views, the route towards Piazza Grande passes through some of the most characteristic areas of the historic centre, while the surrounding countryside offers spectacular views over the Tuscan hills.
Montepulciano is also considered by Visit Tuscany to be one of the Tuscan villages not to be missed.
Pienza: the ideal Renaissance town
A short distance from Montepulciano lies Pienza, one of the most fascinating places in the Val d’Orcia.
The village is famous for its extraordinary Renaissance urban design and for the harmonious relationship between architecture and landscape.
Walking through its streets means immersing yourself in a unique atmosphere, with historic palaces, small shops, views over the Val d’Orcia and local gastronomic products, above all Pecorino di Pienza.
This village is a perfect destination for a day trip from Case Graziani, especially when combined with Montepulciano or other villages in the Val d’Orcia.
Cortona: art and views over the Valdichiana
Among the most beautiful villages in Tuscany, Cortona certainly deserves a visit.
Built on the slopes of a hill, Cortona offers wonderful views over the Valdichiana and Lake Trasimeno. Its historic centre is characterized by steep streets, squares, medieval and Renaissance buildings and numerous places of artistic interest.
It is a particularly interesting destination for those who love history and art, but also for anyone who simply wants to stroll through the streets of an authentic Tuscan village.
San Casciano dei Bagni: the village of thermal springs
For a day dedicated to wellness, you can choose San Casciano dei Bagni, a Tuscan village famous since ancient times for its thermal springs.
Located between the Val d’Orcia and Val di Chiana, the town combines the charm of its historic centre with the opportunity to enjoy an experience centred around its thermal waters.
The area is also particularly interesting from an archaeological point of view: excavations have uncovered important evidence from the Etruscan and Roman periods. San Casciano dei Bagni is now considered one of the most interesting Tuscan villages to discover.
Castiglione del Lago: the village on Lake Trasimeno
Returning towards Umbria, Castiglione del Lago, overlooking the waters of Lake Trasimeno, is another destination not to be missed.
The historic village stands on a promontory offering beautiful views over the lake and its islands.
It is a particularly enjoyable destination during the warmer months, when a visit to the historic centre can be combined with a walk along the lakeside or an outdoor lunch.
Umbrian and Tuscan villages: a heritage to experience in summer
The beauty of these places is not only linked to monuments and history. During summer, the villages of Umbria and Tuscany come alive with food festivals, concerts, tastings, historical reenactments, traditional celebrations and cultural events.
One example is Toscana Arcobaleno d’Estate, the major widespread celebration promoted by the Region of Tuscany together with La Nazione, with the support of Toscana Promozione Turistica and Fondazione Sistema Toscana. The event involves cities, villages and iconic places throughout Tuscany, with events dedicated to music, gastronomy, culture and outdoor experiences.
Case Graziani: the starting point for discovering Umbria and Tuscany
Choosing Case Graziani for your holiday means staying in a strategic location for exploring some of the most beautiful villages in Umbria and Tuscany.
From Città della Pieve, you can easily organize excursions to Panicale, Paciano, Castiglione del Lago, Chiusi, Montepulciano, Pienza, Cortona, San Casciano dei Bagni and many other destinations.
After a day spent visiting museums, squares, wine cellars and panoramic roads, you can return to the agriturismo and relax by the swimming pool, in the Finnish sauna or simply enjoy the peace and quiet of the countryside.
Discover our page dedicated to holidays in Umbria and Tuscany and plan your next stay exploring the most beautiful villages between Umbria and Tuscany.
For more information about Umbrian villages, you can visit the official Umbria Tourism website, while for itineraries, events and destinations in Tuscany, visit Visit Tuscany.