Cortona, Tuscany · September – October 2027
September 12 – October 24, 2027
The idea
We're getting married. To celebrate, we're inviting you to join us for a relaxing Tuscan holiday — a chance to spend real time together in one of our favourite places.
Instead of one big day, we're spending six weeks in Cortona, and inviting our friends and family to come and join us for up to one week each. There's no schedule and no agenda — just shared meals, pool time, pasta, wine, and being together.
Your invitation
Your invitation will tell you which week you're part of. Each week is its own gathering — a small group of people we love, together in one place. Below you can see who's joining when.
Week 01
Family
Sept 12 – Sept 18, 2027
Week 02
Charleston & College
Sept 19 – Sept 25, 2027
Week 03
Colorado
Sept 26 – Oct 2, 2027
Week 04
Just us
Oct 3 – Oct 9, 2027
Week 05
Deloitte
Oct 10 – Oct 16, 2027
Week 06
BaseUp & Marist
Oct 17 – Oct 23, 2027
Travel
Cortona is a hilltop town in the heart of Tuscany. The easiest way to reach us is via Rome, then by train north into the valley. We'll take care of the last stretch.
Fly into Rome Fiumicino International Airport (FCO). This is the most well-connected international hub for Tuscany-bound travellers.
From the airport, take the Leonardo Express Airport Line direct to Roma Termini — Rome's main train station. The journey takes around 32 minutes and runs every 15–30 minutes.
From Roma Termini, board a northbound train. It's approximately 10 stops and 2 hours to Camucia–Cortona station. Book ahead on Trenitalia or Italo for the best fares.
Once you arrive at Camucia–Cortona station, we'll collect you and bring you to the house. Just let us know in advance and we'll be there to meet you.
Visas & entry
For Aussie passport holders
Italy is part of the Schengen Area. Australian passport holders can typically stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa. Please verify current requirements closer to your travel date.
For US passport holders
US passport holders can also enter Italy and the Schengen Area without a visa for short stays. Note that the EU's ETIAS travel authorisation system may apply by 2027 — we'll update this page with specifics.
The town & house
The town
Cortona is a quintessentially Tuscan town. It's set atop a hill, with sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. In Cortona, you'll find everything we need for our stay — groceries, restaurants, cafes, bars, and a handful of historic sites.
The house
We've booked a large villa just outside Cortona — about 2km / 1.2 miles walk from town. That will be home base for our time in Tuscany. The house has 10 private bedrooms and 11 bathrooms. There's a pool, outdoor dining, a well-equipped kitchen, and wifi. At the house, we'll have 2 rental cars for guests to use.
Our recommendations
Beyond Cortona
We know many of you will use this as an opportunity to explore further afield. If you're planning a broader European itinerary, take some inspiration from our 2025 Balkans favourites:
Slovenia
Croatia
Montenegro
Bosnia
RSVP
Please respond by 31 March 2027
Questions
Everything you need to know. If your question isn't here, reach out directly.
Are kids welcome?
Yes, they are. Many of the people important to us have young families, and we'd like to make a trip to Italy viable for as many people as possible. The house has basic equipment for kids — cot, crib, etc.
Please note: the pool is not fully fenced. And while each couple will have their own private room, all rooms are in a common house — we can't prevent noise during reasonable sleeping hours for children.
What's the weather going to be like?
We'll be in Tuscany during autumn/fall.
Late September: daytime averages of 25°c / 80°f, nights around 15°c / 60°f.
Early October: daytime averages of 20°c / 70°f, nights around 10°c / 50°f.
What should I wear?
Alex and Emily plan on mostly wearing linen. Don't forget swimmers. There is no formal part to the week — the most dressed up you'd need to prepare for is a nice dinner in town.
Who should I contact if I have questions?
Please contact Emily and/or Alex directly with anything you need.
Is there wifi at the house?
There is, but we aren't sure of the quality. Reviews from other guests have not raised it as an issue.
Is there a gifts registry?
No, there is not. Your presence is a present.
What will we be doing during the week?
First and foremost, relaxing — we're not planning any rigid itineraries. We have a beautiful house in walking distance to a charming country town. A typical week might include cooking pasta together at the house, a wine tour, dinner in town, swimming in the pool, a cooking class, long walks, and day trips to the lake.
How will we manage meals?
We're expecting to cook most meals together at the house. Each week we'll do groceries and prepare pasta, pizza, or salads for dinners. Cortona also has many restaurants we're excited to try — a great way to break up the cooking.
Is there anything I can bring?
Here are some essentials to remember:
Sunscreen, sunglasses, light layers for the evenings, swimmers, comfortable walking shoes, a smile and an appetite.
Can I drive in Italy?
If you can drive in your home country, you can drive in Italy. Just bring your regular driver's licence.
with heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Natalia Skeba for the illustrations