Essential Italy

We know car choice is important for the enjoyment of your holiday, our supplier – Maggiore Car Rental – will guarantee the following:

• highly competitive prices
• no major tour operator is working with them, therefore we are quite sure that queuing will be kept to a minimum, even in high season
• all cars have air conditioning
• a full and comprehensive back-up system

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We do not book flights, we leave it to you to choose the best departure point and flight times to suit your party. We have compiled a list of airlines flying to those regions in which we offer accommodation.

Flights are from the UK, if you are travelling from elsewhere, please don’t hesitate to contact us, we will recommend an airline flying from your departure point. If you are unsure which airport in Italy is closest to your accommodation, please call us on 01223 460100 or email

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Villa Serena Cortona

Villa Serena is one of the important houses of Cortona. It commands fine views over the Valdichiana and is but a short hike away from the beautiful village of Cortona. Within the grounds of Villa Serena lie the one bedroom villas of Serenella and Limonaia, which share the pool. A large group could rent all three houses and have a wonderful setting for a truly special holiday.

In front of the house there is a terrace and from here steps lead down to the pool (10 x 5m). Upon entry there is a large living room. To the left of the house is a well equipped and spacious kitchen (dishwasher, hobs, fridge and oven). From the kitchen a corridor leads to a downstairs bathroom. From the living room there is a staircase which leads up to the first floor. Here there are the three double bedrooms, one with en suite bathroom (shower), and the third bathroom with bath tub.

A few steps down the hill lies the swimming pool (10 x 5) which is set in the lush garden. The pool is approximately 20 metres from your house and is shared with the houses Limonaia (sleeps 2) and Serenella (sleeps 2).

For the more energetic Cortona is walkable and is full of activity throughout the year. This villa is comfortable and well equipped. The peace and quiet of Villa Serena will tempt you to stay very close to home but we are sure that with marvellous villages and towns such as Montepulciano, Pienza, Arezzo and Siena all within a short drive the odd day trip will be on your ‘things to do’ list. Your outings will be all the more relaxing knowing that you can always return for a dip in the pool and a glass of wine in front of your house.

New in Puglia for 2012

Helen & Sarah have just returned from a very fruitful trip to Puglia...

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