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Itineraries
from Sansepolcro (
Guide books available
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AREZZO
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35 minutes by car,
a stunning medieval town, not yet touched by mass tourism.
Piazza Grande the main square is in the heart of the city – its appearance
is strictly medieval and unspoilt by buildings from later period.
Visit its numerous churches one of which boasts the famous Piero della
Francesca fresco. The first Sunday of each month an enormous antiques
market is held here that draws buyers and sellers from all over Italy.
Fascinating to see. Wonderful shopping to suit all tastes along the
main street “Corso Italia”. Don’t miss the tastiest ice-cream on the corner
of Piazza Guido Monaco straight up from the railway station. |
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CORTONA
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40 minutes by car,
wonderful Etruscan hill top town with glorious views across the Chiana valley renowned for producing the much-prized" bistecca alla
fiorentina". ‘Under the Tuscan Sun’ by Francis Mayes was set here. The town of
CASTIGLION FIORENTINO merits a stop along the way, as also does LAGO TRASIMENO. |
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ANGHIARI
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10 minutes by car,
voted one of the most beautiful medieval hills towns in Italy.
Surrounded by castles and country churches Anghiari looks out over the
beautiful High Tiber Valley landscape. Walk around its fascinating cobbled
streets and browse in its artisan shops that enrich the small squares of the
town. Breathtaking views to be enjoyed from every corner of the
ancient village. There are exhibitions, fairs and local festivals
throughout the summer. Stop and enjoy an excellent typical tuscan
lunch al fresco in one of its typical trattorias. There’s also an excellent shoe factory on the outskirts.
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FIRENZE
(FLORENCE)
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1 hour 20 mins by
car, or 40 mins by fast train from the station in Arezzo. Florence is
celebrated as one of the most beautiful cities in Italy. |
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ASSISI
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40 minutes by car,
is well known, thanks to St. Francis, Italy’s premier saint and founder of
the Franciscan order, and the amazing Basilica of St. Francis, one of the
greatest monuments to 13th and 14th century Italian
art. Assisi is one of Italy’s top attractions so early morning visits are
recommended. |
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SIENA
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1 hour 40 mins
away by car, is world famous as the location of the Palio held in July and
August. Siena’s great attraction is its cityscape, a majestic Gothic
ensemble that can be enjoyed with out entering a single museum. The
great scallop shaped piazza il Campo is the loveliest of all Italian squares, where
the Palio takes place. |
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PERUGIA
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40 mins away by
car or take the slow train (1h 20) and enjoy the scenery of Italy’s ‘green
heart’. Umbria’s capital, though less famous than some of the
smaller towns around, reveals a great deal of interest and style in its buzzing
centre. Umbria Jazz in July is its hippest contemporary music festival. There
are countless churches, palaces and fountained piazzas but take a break at one
of the city’s chic cafès for a cappuccino a a ‘bacio perugino’.
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LA VERNA
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25 mins by car,
monastery where St. Francis is said to have received the stigmata. Set
in a beautiful location the church has some of the best examples of Andrea
della Robbia’s glazed terracotta artworks; a stunning Annunciation in
the main church as well as an altar piece of the Assumption in the Cappella di
Santa Maria degli Angeli. |
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CAPRESE
MICHELANGELO
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20 mins
birthplace of Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475-1564)
Visit the museum
dedicated to this great sculptor. Try one of the fabulous local restaurants
that serve strictly Tuscan food in lavish quantities at amazing prices. Sunday
lunch often comprises a 10 course(!) meal for around 30 euros. Home made pasta
with porcini muschrooms is the speciality. |
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GUBBIO
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60 minutes by car,
the so called “City of Silence”, undiscovered for centuries, is a
beautifully preserved medieval city, with funicular railway for panoramic
views. |
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ORVIETO
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1,5 hours by car,
a rewarding trip. The Duomo is one of the greatest Gothic
buildings in Italy. Also renowned for its white wine. TODI – can be included
in the excursion. |
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RIMINI
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1 hour 15 mins.
Sea side town of the Adriatic. Splendid beaches attracting thousands
of package tourists. Lovely fish restaurants. |
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ROMA (ROME)
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2 hours 30 minutes
directly to the city centre by car (intercity fast train Rome-Arezzo 1hr 15
mins). Rome has perhaps the most compelling fascination. There
is more to see here than any other city in the world |
SAN GIMINGANO
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The patrician families who controlled the city built some 72 tower-houses as
symbols of their wealth and power. Only 14 have survived but San Gimignano has
retained its feudal atmosphere and appearance.
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MONTALCINO
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(2hrs) centre of
production of Barola wines, Brunello di Montalcino, reckoned
by many to be the finest in Italy. A 13th century fortress, it was
the last of the Sienese commune to hold out against the Medici’s. This trip can
be combined with stops at |
PIENZA
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(2
hrs) (a stage setting for Zeffirelli’s Romeo and Juliet and The English
Patient). MONTEPULCIANO, (2hrs) another medieval town noted for its wines and
offering many opportunities for tasting. |
SAN MARINO
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1, 5 hours by car
towards the coast, the world’s smallest existing republic. A small
state entirely surrounded by Italy. It has its own mint, own postage
stamps and an army of a 1,000 men. |
URBINO
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1hr 40, wonderful
ducal city. Centre of power in the middle ages. Raphael was born
here and worked for a time. Piero della Francesca painted here under
the patronage of the Duke of Montefeltro. Visit the ducal palace and all the works
of art. |
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