Historic Center of Arezzo:

Start or end of your daytrip can be the cozy town of Arezzo – a former major Etruscan center and, in the following periode, Roman Center and nowadays an agriculture and economic city known for its jewelry and textile industry. Arezzos old city center holds a Medici Fortress and the cathedral. The painter Piero della Francesca, a forerunner in color and design, has left som beautiful pieces of artwork in the Arezzo area. Start your tour with the medieval historic old city centre and visit the Piazza Grande and the main shopping street Corso Italia.

Monastery and Franciscan sanctuaries

From Arezzo you follow the state road Nr. 71 towards Bibbiena through the Casentino, a lush green valley. At Rassina you´ll turn right towards La Verna.

The monastery is one of the most renowned and visited . In 1213 the mountain was given as a present to Saint Francis and together with a handful of followers the area turned into a small community. He returned many times to visit the community of recluses and it was here, in the month of Semptember in 1224, that the “poor friar of Assisi” received his stigmata, after this event the Verna became an important monastery, and began to be visited by innumerable devotet pilprims. Almost daily at 3 pm Georgian songs will be held. Next to the monastery the restaurant Foresteria offers local food and specialities.

Market and Lunch

Depending on the day of the week we would recommend the typical lokal markets of Bibbiena (always Thursdays) or Poppi (always Tuesdays) from 8 am to 1 pm. Here you can find fruits and vegetable from this area and a large variety of household products. In the historic part of Bibbiena is a good Restaurant called “Il Tirabuscio”, Via Borghi 73 – perfect for a delicious lunch and cozy walk through the streets afterwards.

Also the old centre of Poppi with its more than 1000 year old history is inviting for a walk. In front of the Castelo di Poppi is the excellent “Restaurante Casentino” (Piazza della Rupublica 6).

Casentino National Park and Lake

Continue on state road S71 towards Pratovecchio and Stia – two lovely small town perfect for a relaxed stop in one of the cozy coffee shops. Very close is the Casentino national Park with lush Mediterranean vegetation – perfect for small walks or longer hikes.

A pitoresque pass leads you to the village of Londa with a beautiful lake where you can swim in absolute clear water or just relax at the lake. At the lake there is a small restaurant with good food.

The vineyards of Rufina

From Londa just a few kilometres away is the village of Rufina where excellent vineyards offer the excellent wine Chianti Rufino. Visit a vineyard a do a winetasting with you group and learn more about the long tradition of wine producing. Maybe you´ll discover your favourite wine.

Incisa in Val d´Arno

On your way back to Arezzo you will drive in direction of Pontassieve and on state street S69 towards Rignano an Incisa, where you can visit the castle with 4 watch towers. Near Incisa you´ll reach the highway getting back comfortably directly to Arezzo.