One of the special joys of Tuscany is that the artistic glories of Florence, Siena, San Gimignano and other famous towns and villages keep the majority of visitors so enthralled, the lesser gems slip quietly through the tourist net. Sarteano and nearby Cetona are the epitome of such places, not only for the beauty of their hilltop sites, unheralded palaces, intact medieval walls hiding cobbled streets, and medieval fortresses, but also for the genuine friendliness –and complete lack of humbug – of inhabitants. Strangers are usually met with smiles and offers of help and advice. In small squares, little knots of people often gather to gossip whilst on market day, everyone seems to converge from the countryside around. From a backstreet “trat” or an unpretentious pizzeria to a grander restaurant, Sarteano and Cetona offer the opportunity to enjoy genuine country cooking. Well-know towns such as Cortona, Siena, Montepulciano and Pienza are within easy reach by car, for the Rome-Florence autostrada is under 7 km away. Umbria is equally accessible; Perugia, Assisi, Orvieto and Todi provide a huge choice of outings during a stay at Moggiano. For those who enjoy rail travel both Florence and Rome are only an hour by train from nearby Chiusi, so a visit to one of these famous cities could be the highlight of your holiday
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