Italy
Farmhouse Arezzo
Arezzo, a historic city of Etruscan origin in eastern Tuscany, near the border with Umbria, from where you can easily take a trip to, for example, the famous Lake Trasimeno in the province of Umbria.
The famous film 'La vita è bella' by Roberto Begnigni was largely filmed in the historic city center of Arezzo. The center of Arezzo is the Piazza Grande, where the film's most important scene was shot, but you can obtain information about all the locations and follow the filming route through the Arezzo Tourist Office.
The Palazzo delle Logge Vasariane, which Vasari – born in Arezzo in 1511 – completed in 1573 with the porticoes you walk through, and the Palazzo della Fraternità dei Laici, which actually looks like a church, also make it the most beautiful and unique square in Arezzo, where many activities take place.
For instance, the medieval game La Giostra del Saracino is traditionally held on the penultimate Saturday of June and the first Sunday of September, where knights defend the honor of their district in a jousting tournament; furthermore, the largest antique market in all of Italy is held every first weekend of the month, attracting many people who come to browse the more than 500 stalls from across the country.
Here we also find a wide variety of shops and restaurants, where you can discover many of the typical products from the area.
Arezzo and art
The Duomo (officially the Cattedrale di San Donato) is also a prominent place in Arezzo where you can admire artworks by Piero della Francesca, but you can also find artworks in the Cappella Bacci of the Basilica di San Francesco, including the ten frescoes depicting the story of the cross on which Christ died.
The former home of Giorgio Vasari, the famous painter and architect, on Via XX Settembre is now a museum, featuring frescoes by Vasari himself as well as many paintings, sculptures, and other objects by his contemporaries.
Additionally, the house of Francesca Petrarca, the writer most famous for his Decameron, and the house next to Vasari's house can be visited on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.
Near Arezzo, there are plenty of places of interest to visit, such as Poppi and Cortona, where you can enjoy the authentic and hidden part of Tuscany, away from the crowds, with tradition, folklore, and delicious food. Città di Castello is also well worth a visit.
Arezzo and the valleys
The province of Arezzo consists of, among others, four valleys: Valdichiana, Valtiberina, Casentino, and Valdarno. The Valdichiana valley is known for historic Cortona and Lucignano, the “Chianina” steak, and Sirah wine.
The Valtiberina Valley is home to the birthplace of Piero della Francesca and Michelangelo, as well as the source of the River Tevere.
The Valdarno is rich in parish churches and typical landscapes, such as The Balze, the backdrop for Leonardo da Vinci's artwork La Gioconda.
In Casentino, the Arno River originates, and with forests, castles, and spiritual places such as the Camaldoli Hermitage and the Sanctuary of La Verna, it is an area rich in nature.
Cortona and the Etruscans
You discover the history of the Etruscans at the Museo dell'Accademia Etrusca on Piazza Signorelli, where Palazzo Casali is also located. As you walk through Cortona, you understand why people fall in love with this little town – not least Francis Mayes (“Under the Tuscan Sun”), who chose Cortona as her home and wrote about her new life there.
We discover the city squares with their many majestic buildings and churches, described as the “jewels of Cortona”. Piazza Garibaldi, with a beautiful view over the Valdichiana. Piazza della Repubblica, the site of the forum, the city center. Then Piazza del Duomo, where the cathedral is dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta. Visit Cortona from your 'own villa', for example Villa Tramonte, about 6 km from the center of Cortona.
Sansepolcro and the Tuscan cigar
In the Valtiberina Valley, we find the finest tobacco; for nearly 500 years, it has been the cradle of tobacco used to produce the famous Tornabuoni cigar. Explore the tradition of this type of cigar, its production, and the tobacco plants with their flowers.
Sansepolcro is also the birthplace of Piero della Francesca, and four beautiful works by the artist hang in the Museo Civico, which you can admire.
Anghiari, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy
The origins of the town of Anghiari date back to the eleventh century and the monks of the Camaldolese order. The town itself is a jewel: stroll through the medieval streets and discover the abbeys and small churches of this “borgo”.
Fabric making is Anghiar's greatest tradition. The major player is the Busatti family, which began producing textiles at the end of the eighteenth century, weaving sheep's wool and local hemp. The company has gained fame for its tablecloths decorated with garlands and inspired by the terracottas of Della Robbia.
You can take a tour of the factory here and also visit the shop where you can purchase the products.
Agriturismo Arezzo, discover the accommodations
Visiting the region from your 'own' agriturismo is a great way to see all the beauty and enjoy a fantastic holiday. A stay at an agriturismo gives you the chance to experience local life in Tuscany. At Borgo Cristina, you can witness and taste their own wine production. And at Agriturismo Casa Resti, you have a fantastic view over the Valdarno and can enjoy lovely walks in the 40 hectares of woodland, away from the hustle and bustle and mass tourism. Naturally, you will also find detached villas with a private pool in this area where you can stay with the whole family or a group of friends, such as at Villa Fiorentino.
Find the most beautiful accommodations in Arezzo here
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FAQ
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Yes, our accommodations are very suitable for families with children. Many accommodations feature spacious family rooms, safe play areas, and sometimes even child-friendly facilities such as a swimming pool, entertainment, or baby cots. There are also often fun activities for young and old in the surrounding area. If you have specific requests, we are happy to help you find a solution!
Yes, Tuscany is a dog-friendly destination. The landscape is perfect for walks, there are many quiet paths, and in most villages you will receive a warm welcome, even with a dog. Many of our accommodations welcome pets and have a large garden or even fenced grounds. Let us know that you are bringing your dog, and we will ensure a stay where you both feel at home.
Yes indeed, Tuscany is still the place to be for a spontaneous holiday. Especially outside the high season (spring or autumn), there are often beautiful spots available, sometimes with a nice discount. Keep an eye on our website or contact us for personal advice. Before you know it, you’ll be sitting among the cypress trees with a plate of fresh pasta and a view over the Tuscan hills. A spontaneous getaway has never been so tempting.
Tuscany is actually beautiful all year round. In spring (April-May), nature comes to life, with blooming fields, fresh air, and quiet roads. Ideal for those who enjoy walking or cycling. The summer months (June-August) are warm and lively, with sun-drenched days, cultural festivals, and long evenings outdoors. In autumn (September-October), tranquility returns, the grape and olive harvests begin, and the soft light makes everything even more beautiful. Even in winter, Tuscany offers charm! Think of cozy village markets and museums without crowds.
Yes, many agriturismos are pet-friendly. You often stay in the middle of nature, where your dog can run and sniff around freely. In the description of each accommodation, you can see whether dogs are welcome and whether there is, for example, a fenced garden. Please let us know in advance if you would like to bring your dog, and we will be happy to find a suitable spot for you.
Yes, certainly. Especially outside the high season, there are often beautiful agriturismos available for a last-minute holiday. You can filter by availability on our website, or just get in touch and we'll help you search. Ideal for a spontaneous escape to the Italian countryside.
An agriturismo is a holiday accommodation on an Italian farm or estate, where hospitality and rural life take center stage. You stay right in the heart of nature, often among olive trees, vineyards, or rolling hills. Sometimes you sleep in a centuries-old farmhouse, sometimes in a modern studio on a working farm. Many agriturismos serve their own products, such as fresh pasta, wine, olive oil, or cheese. Often straight from the land to your plate. It is the ideal way to truly experience Italy.
An agriturismo is often more than just a place to sleep. You stay on the grounds of a farm or wine estate, and the owners usually live on the premises themselves. There is a focus on local traditions, homemade products, and a personal atmosphere. With a holiday home, you usually rent a self-contained unit without the agricultural context or direct involvement of the owner. In an agriturismo, you feel a stronger connection to the place and literally taste the surroundings.