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There are some journeys that stay with you long after you have unpacked your bags. Trips that you will notice in daydreams about or time and again raise coffee with your family and friends.
My recent stay in Cortona, Italy bee Relay La Corte dei Papi was one of that.
From the moment my wife and I arrived, it felt like we had stepped a fairy tale – a perfect mix of Luxury, Charm and Tuscan Rural Magic.
If you are looking for a place where the time slows down and the beauty of Italy rinses over you, this is a top candidate.
Move over Florence!
Before you go to CortonaWe brought in some time Florence– and to be honest, we were Freely.
Everyone we knew had hyped it as a must-see destination, but after just a day we were ready to leave.
The charm felt a bit lost in the sea of tourists, and it just didn’t meet the romanticized image that we had in our head.
Yes, the Ponte Vecchio was amazing and we found good food, but in general we were impressed and the city simply did not match our atmosphere.
But then we came in Cortona– And suddenly, everything we hoped for Florence would come to life.
Peaceful streets, rich history and authentic Tuscan charm Without the shoulder-to-shoulder pressed. If you dream of an idyllic Italian escape, then switch Florence and instead go to Cortona.
A hotel with soul and style
One thing that our Cortona experience really brought to the next level was where we slept every night.
But Relais La Corte Dei Papi is not just a place to sleep –It’s an experience.
The building itself is a work of art, and there is a good reason: it is actually Has its own resident painter!
And she not only decorates the strange corner – she creates the whole atmosphere of the building.
Each Mural, furniture and even the room keys are painted by hand and give the whole place a customized, unique feeling. We even had the chance to meet her while working on a new mural – Brush in her hand, creating more magic.
It was one of those unexpected, special moments that made the stay even more memorable.
Our own private spa -retraite
Let’s talk about the room now. Call it one ‘room“ Feels almost wrong – it looked more like our own private palace with a spa. The decor came directly from a royal fantasy, with gilded accents And luxurious accents that make it impossible to feel elegant.
But the best part? The Jacuzzi in the room and steam sauna.
After spending the day with the wandering of the paved streets of Cortona, we would come back, give a glass of wine and relax in the jacuzzi while watching a movie on our iPad. It was bliss and a much needed delay of our weeks of travel.
Mins were just as magical. We threw open the windows, let the soft Tuscan breeze in and narrow tea while we look out over the Rolling countryside. It was the kind of scene that you would expect from a movie – but we were alive.
Food that feels like home
One of the most charming parts of stay in La Corte Dei Papi was the owner himself, David.
He not only ran the place – he became part of the experience. Every evening he helped the dinner, chat with guests like an old friend.
And the food? Incredible. The flavors were rich and rustic and perfectly put Tuscany on a plate.
The wine was directly from the building’s own vineyardAnd it was so good that we could not leave without buying anything to take home (and we will order more!).
Breakfast was just as memorable – one relaxed, self -service distribution With many local delicacies, plus the option to order eggs made to order. Now that the morning sun flowed through the windows, this was the perfect way to relieve the day.
We spoke with David during our stay and learned that the building had been converted from a family farm in the port of Luxe that it is today. We walked with him on the site and it was heartwarming to hear how much passion he had for the experience he created for guests to enjoy.
Your experience is the most important thing for the staff, and you can feel that in any interaction.
Cortona: A peaceful step back in time
As much as I loved the hotel, Cortona itself Was the kind of place that you immediately ensure that you want to slow down and motive it all.
When you arrive, park around the edges of the city and Walk through old stone wallsleave the modern world.
The city felt wandering like Get in a different era. Surely alleys, weathered stone buildings and no crowds. It was so quiet and peaceful that we could take our time and enjoy every corner without feeling rushed.
One of the most magical moments was the Walking to the top of the city. At the top we looked at the sunset of the Church of Santa MargheritaAnd it was absolutely breathtaking.
The golden light The stretching over the Tuscan hills gave it the feeling that time was only paused for us.
Hidden gems and local connections
If you ever visit Cortona, do yourself a favor and come by Galleria “Il Pozzo”. We came across it while exploring the city, and it became one of the most memorable parts of the journey.
The owner, Ivan, who had personally the entire space renovatedtold us about an incredible discovery he made – one Old good Hidden under what used to be a courtyard. Instead of covering it, he changed one Koi poundCreating this unique center point that feels like a small portal for the past.
The gallery was filled with Beautiful pieces of local artistsAnd we couldn’t resist buying some art to take home. When we asked where we could find authentic Tuscan olive oil, the owner casually said that his Own son was a producer.
He even arranged for his son to take bottles of them Family made olive oil Directly to our hotel before we left. It was so good, we are already planning to order more.
Explore the countryside
Although we spent most of our time in Cortona itself, we could not resist Explore the countryside.
The weather was perfect, so we took a picturesque walk right next to the hotel Fields and Olijggaarden.
One evening we decided to keep it simple and Walked to a nearby pizza store For dinner.
Eating authentic Italian pizza under the Tuscan air was the perfect way to end the day.
Tips for a visit to Cortona and La Corte Dei Papi
If you plan your own escape CortonaHere are a few tips to make your experience even better:
- Rent a car: You need to get around the countryside and reach the hotel. Cortona itself is walkable, but you want wheels for the surrounding areas.
- Catch the sunset of the church of Santa Margherita: It is a bit of a walk, but the view is worth every step!
- Visit Galleria “Il Pozzo”: Whether you buy art or just admire it, the space itself (and the koi pond!) Is worth seeing.
- Bring home some local olive oil and wine: Believe me – you want a taste of Tuscany when you get home.
A place that I will always dream of
Leaves Relay La Corte dei Papi And Cortona was not easy. It is the kind of place that Seeps into your soul– Where the wine tastes richer, the sunsets feel warmer and the people welcome you as an old friend.
Whether it was weeks in our private jacuzzilook at the sunset over the Tuscan hills, or Chat with local artistsEvery moment felt special. It was not just an outing – it was an experience that I will dream about for a long time.
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This article originally appeared on Traveloffpath.com
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