*** Chiusi is a town full of history and culture as well as an important archeological centre at an international level. It has Umbro-etruscan origins. It experienced a period of great expansion between the VII and V centuries BC; afterwards, it was under the Roman influence. 
Chiusi is part of Tuscany (""Toscana"") and is placed halfway between Rome and Florence, both of which can easily be reached by car and train in about one hour.  
From Chiusi Scalo station it is also possible to reach Siena, Perugia and Arezzo with comfortable cross-country trains (30 minutes) or by car.  
Other unmissable locations near Chiusi include : Chianciano Terme, famous for its baths, a recently opened Etruscan Museum and a lively programme of Summer shows, events and plays; Montepulciano, Medieval and Renaissance village in whose countryside the renowned wine ""Nobile di Montepulciano"" is produced: you can visit many open wine caves where it's possible to have free tastes of wine; Pienza, a true jewel of Renaissance architecture and art, planned by Pope Pius II Piccolomini and Leon Battista Alberti; Monticchiello, yet another wonderful Medieval village; Bagno Vignoni, a unique village with its main square consisting of an ancient bath; Montalcino, Medieval village, where is produced the famous wine ""Brunello di Montalcino""; Cortona, an ancient Etruscan location but with important Medieval and Renaissance buildings; the Trasimeno Lake, with its islands, reachable by ferry; the medieval Citta' della Pieve, with frescos by Perugino; Monte Amiata with many nice typical little towns; from there you can drive to Monte Labro, where is the most important Buddhist community, in a very suggestive plateau called ""European Tibet"".