(83 Reviews)
98% Recommended

Rey Alton

Bellaire, TX
Travel Lifestyle Specialist

The process of planning, coordinating, booking, and managing travel arrangements can be a daunting experience.  But, with a seasoned and respected travel advisor, your travel planning experience will be streamlined and hassle-free. With more than ...
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Cortona Travel Agent Expert

Cortona is a charming hilltop town in Tuscany, Italy, known for its rich history, medieval architecture, and stunning views of the surrounding Val di Chiana. With origins dating back to the Etruscan era, Cortona boasts a mix of ancient ruins, Renaissance buildings, and narrow, cobbled streets. The town offers a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for leisurely exploration, and is famous for its art, culture, and traditional Tuscan cuisine. Visitors can enjoy scenic walks, historic churches, and the beautiful countryside that surrounds the town, making it a perfect blend of history and natural beauty. 


 


Top 5 Places to Visit in Cortona:



  • Piazza della Repubblica – The main square of Cortona, surrounded by medieval buildings and vibrant cafes, offering a lively atmosphere and great views.

  • Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta – A beautiful cathedral with impressive architecture and a peaceful interior, located in the heart of the town.

  • Museo Diocesano – A museum showcasing a rich collection of religious art, including works from the Renaissance and Medieval periods, housed in a historic building.

  • Etruscan Heritage Museum (Museo dell'Accademia Etrusca) – A museum dedicated to the Etruscan civilization, with archaeological finds and artifacts that reveal the town's ancient past.

  • Basilica di Santa Margherita – A striking basilica on the hilltop, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and the final resting place of Saint Margherita of Cortona.


 


Top 10 Activities in Cortona:



  • Stroll through Piazza della Repubblica – Enjoy the atmosphere of the town’s central square, where you can shop, dine, and take in the beautiful surroundings.

  • Visit the Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta – Explore the cathedral’s stunning architecture and its serene interior.

  • Discover the Etruscan Heritage Museum – Dive into Cortona’s ancient past with exhibits on the Etruscan civilization and artifacts from the area.

  • Hike up to the Basilica di Santa Margherita – Take a scenic hike to the top of the hill to visit the basilica and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

  • Explore the Museo Diocesano – Admire a fine collection of religious artwork, including paintings, sculptures, and ancient manuscripts.

  • Walk along the ancient Etruscan walls – Wander along the remains of Cortona’s Etruscan city walls, which date back over 2,000 years.

  • Enjoy Tuscan cuisine at a local trattoria – Savor traditional Tuscan dishes, such as pappardelle with wild boar sauce or ribollita, in one of the town’s cozy restaurants.

  • Visit the Parco Archeologico di Cortona – Explore the archaeological park, where you can see remnants of the town’s Etruscan and Roman past.

  • Shop for local crafts – Browse the artisan shops in Cortona for handmade pottery, leather goods, and other local products.

  • Take a cooking class – Learn to cook traditional Tuscan dishes in a cooking class, a fun way to immerse yourself in the local culture and culinary traditions.

My Reviews

73 of 117 people found this review helpful
Another fabulous trip!
Rey has booked several domestic and international trips for me over the years. Each time the experience was fantastic. Rey is not only a knowledgeable and experienced travel agent, he is patient with groups and always provides stellar customer service. The resorts are always fabulous and his recommendations on what to do when we arrive at our destinations make my vacations more enjoyable. I’ve counted on Rey to book fabulous vacations for over 10 years and he always delivers the best. I’ve always enjoyed the individual attention and care Rey provides his clients. He understands the apprehension that comes along with trying new places and is thorough and accommodating as a result. He’s also great at making suggestions on future vacations and I’ve never been disappointed when I follow his suggestions. Rey will remain my travel confidante for many years to come. He’s the best, hands down!
By  TC  from  San Antonio, Texas
Traveled to  Punta Cana ~ Dominican Republic ~ Caribbean
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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72 of 121 people found this review helpful
Travel Expert
We have worked with Rey for many years and have always enjoyed the experience. Most of our travel has been river cruises in Europe but last year we did a trip to South Africa. Rey is very thoughtful, thorough and responsive.
By  Randy  from  Houston
Traveled to  Europe
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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64 of 110 people found this review helpful
Destination Wedding Planner
Love working w/ Rey! Very knowledgable and detailed!! Definitely recommend to any and everyone traveling abroad.
By  Destination Wedding Planner - Elite Eventz   from  Houston, Texas
Traveled to  Jamaica ~ Caribbean
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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63 of 112 people found this review helpful
July 4th Fun!!!
Rey and the Almeda Travel family have been so good to my family in assisting us in all of our travel needs/goals from beginning to return. Rey has shown nothing but the utmost professionalism, patience,guidance, and quality service that is so difficult to find these days. We have trusted Almeda Travel for the last 5-6 years for our vacations and will continue to do so, I also strongly recommend if you’re looking for an agent/team that is knowledgeable and consumer responsive go with Almeda Travel!
By  Lady on the Go  from  Beaumont, Texas
Traveled to  Washington D.C. ~ District of Columbia ~ USA
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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56 of 101 people found this review helpful
Anniversary Trip
I have the opportunity to book travel with Rey at Alameda Travel several times over the past 5-8years. He is very informative and knowledgeable about different places to travel and the hospitality service companies in those areas. I have been very pleased with every interactions and trip we have been on.
By  Chris Cooper  from  Humble, Texas
Traveled to  Montego Bay ~ Jamaica ~ Caribbean
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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Destination Expert:

  • Cortona
  • Italy
  • Europe

Travel Specialist:

  • Honeymoons
  • Couples & Romance
  • Arts & Culture
  • Archaeology
  • Museums

Certifications/Awards:

  • CTIE
  • Travel Weekly Magellan Award Winner 2013
  • Travel Weekly Magellan Award Winner 2011
  • Travel Weekly Magellan Award Winner 2009

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