A Slice of Tuscan Paradise: The Ultimate Group Villa in Cortona

The Joy of Planning Group Getaways

Every other year, I take charge of planning a group trip for a dozen people – me and eleven of my girlfriends. These trips have grown to become highly anticipated occasions filled with excitement. We eagerly anticipate the next opportunity to explore new corners of the world together, sharing wonderful moments, sipping ample amounts of wine, and laughing until our eyes well up with tears.

The Search for the Ideal Tuscan Retreat

In 2016, we decided our next adventure would be in Tuscany the following year, so to get the ball rolling, I started the quest for finding the perfect accommodation for a group of 12. My requirements were precise: a residence with no less than six bedrooms, six bathrooms, a swimming pool, and an impressive outdoor area.

Balancing Luxury and Budget-Friendly Travel

While we certainly appreciate luxury, a perfect group villa should also have a reasonable price. It should offer a great value for money and be accessible to our budgets. The beauty of traveling with a group is that, collectively, the costs are divided among many, making the trip remarkably affordable.

Discovering the Hidden Gem

When I stumbled across this gem, I knew it was the perfect place for us, so after getting the collective thumbs up from my friends, I booked this lovely Tuscan villa.

The Road Less Traveled

Navigating our way to the villa proved to be a bit of a challenge. Once we turned off the main road, the network of dirt paths branching in various directions led to a few instances of backward maneuvers along the narrow trails. Fortunately, we arrived during daylight hours. Some of our companions, arriving after nightfall, had to spend the night in their car at the base of the road. A word of advice to future guests: make sure you schedule your arrival for daytime hours!

Poolside Paradise

After making our way through the security gate, we couldn’t contain our excitement. We promptly made a beeline for the swimming pool. It was beautiful, serene, and we couldn’t wait to get in our suits and take the plunge. Throughout our stay, we made the most of the swimming pool. It served as the ideal retreat after days filled with exploration.

The Villa That Exceeded Expectations

The villa itself exceeded our expectations. It effortlessly accommodated our entire group, offering each of us our own personal space. The living room had ample space, with comfortable sofas serving as the perfect gathering spot for our group. The kitchen was fully equipped with everything we needed to prepare group meals.

The Cherished Lanai

Our absolute favorite spot was the covered lanai, complete with a dining table for twelve. Countless evenings were spent here, sipping wine, indulging in homemade pizza from the outdoor pizza oven, engaging in spirited games of “Heads Up,” dancing, laughing, and creating indelible memories.

A Pizza Evening to Remember

Situated right off the outdoor patio, the pizza oven beckoned us one evening, and our villa’s caretakers, Antonella and Luca, treated us to an evening of homemade pizza. It left such an impression on Sheri that she had a pizza oven installed in her own backyard.

Tuscany’s Scenic Beauty

The villa sits perfectly in the picturesque hills of Cortona, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The charming old town of Cortona, with its charming restaurants and shops, is just a 15-minute drive away.

Convenient Day Trips

It’s also well-situated for day trips, and we utilized Get Tours to explore Volterra, Siena, Pienza, Montalcino, and a nearby winery. A hotel that offers cooking classes is not too far from the villa, and you can walk there.

An Unforgettable Experience

In the end, it was the ideal group villa that gave us an unforgettable and thoroughly enjoyable experience. I cannot recommend it highly enough. If you’re looking for the perfect place for a group trip, look no further than this villa where you’ll create memories that you’ll cherish forever.