Within 45-60 minutes it’s possible to be in Siena, Orvieto, Cortona, and Arezzo.

In only 90 minutes, you can reach Florence, Perugia, Assisi, Spello, San Gimignano, Greve in Chianti, Sansepolcro, the Abbey of San Galgano, Civita di Bagnoregio, and Castiglione della Pescaia.

In two hours, a long day but still possible, you can see Volterra, Lucca, Gubbio, Spoleto, and even Rome (by train!).

It is necessary to have a car to reach Cretaiole and to visit the surroundings during your stay. While it is possible to walk to Pienza using a hiking trail in only 45 minutes, this will be enjoyable as a special treat rather than as a necessity.

If you are using GPS, our global coordinates are: N 43° 04’49”   E 11° 38’56”

Arrival by Plane and Rental Car

Cretaiole is easy to reach because it is located just a little ways west of the Autostrada (the A1 super highway in Italy). Fly into one of many airports, and with a rental car, you will be at Cretaiole in a few hours:

Rome 2.5 hours

Florence 1.5 hours

Pisa 2.5 hours

Venice 3.5 hours

Naples 4 hours

Milan 5 hours

Arrival by Train and Rental Car

The two closest train stations are in Chiusi and Arezzo. Chiusi is closer and is very convenient to rental car offices; however, the car rental offices are usually closed on Saturday afternoons, whereas in Arezzo they are usually open. Please be certain to know your arrival and departure times and the opening hours of the car rental company you are using to ensure you are able to pick-up and drop-off your car at the times you have planned.

Both train stations are on the main line between Florence and Rome—with frequent stops throughout the day. Taking the train into Florence and Rome for daytrips is easy to do, and takes away the stress of driving into these very busy cities and hunting for the precious few parking spaces. Parking is free at the Chiusi station, and the drive to and from the train station is easy.

When you pick up your rental car, ask for a map and directions to the road to Pienza. Many rental car companies will include a GPS unit for a reasonable fee. Our guests tell us that these have come in very handy for their exploration of the area.

How to get here

From the North (from Florence):

• Take the A1 Firenze-Roma highway, exit at Valdichiana.
• Drive through Torrita di Siena/Bettolle and follow signs to Pienza.
• In Pienza turn right and follow signs to San Quirico d’Orcia.
• Approximately 4 km after Pienza, the road to Cretaiole is a left-turn off of the main road. If you get to San Quirico d’Orcia, you have gone too far by approximately 4.5 km. Watch for a black and white sign on the right-hand side of the road indicating the left turn to reach Cretaiole.
• Just a few yards after turning left off the main road, take the left fork to turn into the long driveway leading to Agriturismo Cretaiole. You will see a wooden sign with our name and logo pointing the way. Stay to the left and you will arrive at the farmhouse within 30 meters

From the South (from Rome):

• Take the A1 Firenze-Roma highway, exit at Chiusi-Chianciano Terme.
• After you pay the toll, follow the signs and drive through Chianciano Terme and then follow signs towards Montepulciano/Pienza.
• When you arrive at Montepulciano, turn left and follow the sign to Pienza.
• Drive 16 km, and in Pienza turn right and follow signs towards San Quirico d’Orcia.
• Just 4 km after Pienza, the road to Cretaiole is a left-turn off of the main road. If you get to San Quirico d’Orcia, you have gone too far by approximately 4.5 km. Watch for a black and white sign on the right-hand side of the road indicating the left turn to reach Cretaiole.
• Just a few yards after turning left off the main road, take the left fork to turn into the long driveway leading to Agriturismo Cretaiole. You will see a wooden sign with our name and logo pointing the way. Stay to the left and you will arrive at the farmhouse within 30 meters

Please be sure to see our “Helpful Links for Your Trip” for many travel-related websites!