Tuscany Umbria Vacation

A vast, varied territory, from Cortona and the Chiana Valley in the south to Poppi and Camaldoli in the Casentino to the north, from Anghiari and San Sepolcro in the Tiber valley in the east to Montevarchi and Valdarno to the west, surrounds the Etruscan city of Arezzo.

Situated on a hill in eastern Tuscany and with the Apennines behind it, Arezzo was one of the greatest Etruscan cities and then went on to become a strategically important Roman city. Rich in works of art, fine architecture and archaeological sites, in June and September the city hosts La Giostra del Saracino, a jousting match in mediaeval costume.

The Casentino is a land of castles, forests, fortified towns which even today preserve their ancient splendour and isolated places of meditation such as Camaldoli and La Verna.

The valley of the Arno is fascinating with its “terre murate” – three fortified villages constructed by Florence in the 13th century – Terranuova, Castelfranco and San Giovanni.

The Chiana Valley is characterised by hill-top towns, interesting town planning, works of art, historical and naturalistic trips, hillsides of vines and olives and  its cooking with the unique flavour of the “Fiorentina” steak from Chianina beef.

Retreats and Franciscan monasteries, castles and small mediaeval towns characterise the Val Tiberina, the upper Tiber valley, the land of Piero della Francesca who was born in San Sepolcro. Here you can still find works by the artist to admire and also enjoy the experience of the Palio della Balestra, a traditional crossbow competition.

All of the municipalities of Arezzo province are included in this area: Anghiari, Arezzo, Badia Tedalda, Bibbiena, Bucine, Capolona, Caprese Michelangelo, Castel Focognano, Castelfranco di Sopra, Castel San Niccolò, Castiglion Fibocchi, Castiglion Fiorentino, Cavriglia, Chitignano, Chiusi della Verna, Civitella in Val di Chiana, Cortona, Foiano della Chiana, Laterina, Loro Ciuffenna, Lucignano, Marciano della Chiana, Montemignaio, Monterchi, Monte San Savino, Montevarchi, Ortignano Raggiolo, Pergine Valdarno, Pian di Sco', Pieve Santo Stefano, Poppi, Pratovecchio, San Giovanni Valdarno, Sansepolcro, Sestino, Stia, Subbiano, Talla, Terranuova Bracciolini.