With a stay in Chiusi, every staple of iconic Italy is within easy reach, but without the crowds. Lakesides as luxurious as Como and Garda, renaissance cities in miniature and rustic Tuscan food to rival the fine dining of Bologna are all within driving distance.
Experience provincial Italy
Wander through the serene timeworn streets of Chiusi and it can feel like stepping back into the Middle Ages. Visit the main cathedral, one of Italy’s oldest churches, and soak up the peaceful atmosphere inside as candles flicker and glow in the cool darkness.
Head underground and explore the Labirinto di Porsenna, a tangle of tunnels leading from the cathedral. Once part of the Etruscan water supply system, these vaulted stone chambers are best experienced on a guided tour, so you can learn the history of this mysterious place. Go from here to the highest point in the city, where the cathedral’s bell tower affords panoramic views of the town.
Stop and refresh with a cappuccino in the outdoor café near the cathedral in the shade of leafy trees, before visiting the vast collection at the Etruscan Museum.
Alabaster urns, sarcophaguses, and classic Etruscan bucchero pottery are housed there, and the entrance to the tombs just outside of the city is included in the ticket price. It’s well worth a visit to the tomb of the monkey, adorned with ancient pre-Roman wall paintings.
A taste of Tuscany
After a day of wandering the idyllic streets of Chiusi, head to Pape Nero restaurant to refuel and relax. Grab a plate of “pici con sugo”, a traditional dish made from thick, homemade pasta with a sauce of fresh chopped pepper and chilli in this small but sleek establishment.
Just a five-minute drive from the center, head to Tuscany Divine for fine dining and fresh ravioli. A tasting menu is on offer featuring locally-sourced cheeses, cold meats and fresh Tuscan vegetables.
Chill by the lake
In the heat of the day head to Lago di Chiusi, a short drive from the town. Pooled beneath the Tuscan hills, this lake was once the main water source for the town. The calm waters are perfect for a swim, or you can admire the view with a picnic.
Alternatively, head to the idyllic shores of Lake Trasimeno. In less than half an hour, you can reach Castiglione del Lago for laid-back vibes on the banks of a serene, sapphire lake. Close to the walls of a medieval fortress, sipping a drink in one of the many cafés that line the shores, it’s proof that you don’t have to go to Lombardy to experience the luxury of the famed Italian lakes.
Scenic Siena
Head north-west to the nearby city of Siena, considered the smaller sister town to Florence, through the scenic countryside of Chianti.
Wander through streets packed with Renaissance architecture, step into art galleries with collections spanning centuries, like the golden altarpieces and works from Sienese masters at the Pinacoteca Nazionale - without the crowds you’d associate with the Tuscan capital.
Siena’s main cathedral is simply stunning. Stop for rich Italian coffee in the Piazza Campo and immerse yourself in medieval grandeur.
If you have time, make a beeline for the Umbrian capital of Perugia, just an hour’s drive away. Defensive walls surround an ancient heart and have protected the historic center for centuries. Wander the streets to find perfectly preserved buildings and frescoed churches.
Base yourself here and a rental car in Chiusi opens up this very special part of Europe, providing you with a big slice of iconic Italy at its finest.
