Arezzo Travel Forum

Hi,
I'll be visiting Arezzo this summer, does anyone here has some ideas about what's nice to do or see there? I'll also spend a day in Firenze, but is a day trip to siena or perugia also an option? And how are the trainconnections with those areas from arezzo?
thanks in advance...

Arezzo feels like a real working city, not as pretty as Siena or over-run as Firenze, but worth a look in its own right. Its churches have amazing architecture and frescoes and other art, like an early Cimabue altarpiece. Its 'church of the many windows' is quite special. It is also where 'Vita e bella' was filmed.

Fairly near to Arezzo on the train (aside from Firenze, obviously) are Cortona and Orvieto. Both are stupendous and cannot be missed. Try to get out as early as you can each day to beat the heat and crowds. Signorelli's frescoes in Orvieto's cathedral might just be the best outside the Vatican--get here early like I did (8am) and you could have them all to yourself to admire.

Siena is bit of a distance, and San Gimi and Volterra are even further, but all are possible day trips if you drive. Not so sure about trains as these can be very slow (check www.bahn.de for times and connections--click the Int'l Guests tab for English).

My advice is to rent a car for your daytrips (with the exception of going to Florence) The countryside surrounding Arezzo is filled with small villages that are inaccessable by train. We usually spend 2 weeks in a nearby village during the summers. The tourist towns are lovely, but SO crowded. I think driving into the hills to 'discover' that perfect out of the way restaurant is the most wonderful way to spend a day in the Valdarno.... check out www.ilborro.it....this is where we stay and is a lovely stop for anyone.

Thank you both for your advice...
The problem is that I don't drive a car, so I'll have to do all by thrain. But that will be alright. I'll visit Florence and some things around, and will discover all over Arezzo, I think. Are there some more ideas?

I would definitely recommend Cortona. You can take a bus. just ask at the train station. Busses are actually the best way to get to the small villages anyway if you don't have a car. Cortona is the setting for the bestsellers "Under the Tuscan Sun" and "Bella Tuscany" I would recomment reading one or both of them also before going. There isn't a whole lot to do there, but it's a great place to just walk around and soak in the atmosphere. It's built on a rather steep hill, so wear your comfy shoes. I hope this helps!

Ellen

Have you had a look at www.arezzoweb.com?

I find Rick Steves has good recommendations for independent travellers and up to the minute advice on using public transport: www.ricksteves.com.