Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
THREE PERFECT DAYS
Day 1: Arezzo
Two major films are set in Eastern Tuscany's major city, Arezzo. Spend the day exploring the historic
streets and piazzas where Roberto Benigni filmed scenes of
La vita è bella
(Life is Beautiful). On your
wanders, pop into both the
duomo
and the Pieve di Santa Maria and be sure to pay homage to Piero
della Francesca's genius by viewing his frescoes in the Basilica di San Francesco's Capella Bacci,
where Anthony Minghella shot the most memorable scene of
The English Patient
.
Day 2: Della Robbia Trail
This famous family of sculptors took ceramics way beyond teacups in the 15th century, creating mag-
nificent devotional sculptures for churches throughout Tuscany. Visit the medieval monasteries at
Camaldoli and La Verna in the Parco Nazionale delle Foreste Casentinesi, Monte Falterona e Campig-
na to admire masterpieces in glazed terracotta by the most famous member of the family, Andrea
(1435-1525).
Day 3: Val di Chiana
Home to apple orchards, olive groves and lush pastures where porcelain-white Chianina cattle graze,
the huge Val di Chiana is worth exploring when travelling between Arezzo and Cortona, or from
either town to central Tuscany. Make your way off the beaten track to visit hilltop towns such as
Castiglion Fiorentino, Foiano della Chiana and Lucignano.
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Getting Around
Arezzo is on the Florence-Rome train line, as is Camucia, a 15-minute shuttle-bus ride
from Cortona's historic centre. Regional rail lines link Arezzo with the Casentino, and
Sansepolcro with Perugia. Buses in this part of Tuscany are few and far between - you
can travel from Arezzo to Sansepolcro via Anghiari, or from Arezzo to Cortona via
Castiglion Fiorentino, but that's about it. To explore the Casentino and Val di Chiana,
you'll need a car.
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Off the Beaten Track
»
History buffs will love the unspoiled medieval hilltop town of
Anghiari
, near Sansepol-
cro, where the famous battle of the same name occurred in 1440.
