LaVialla is a beautiful organic farm estate about 8km north of Arezzo on the SP56, well sign-posted from the village of Castiglion Fibocchi. You can visit the estate and stroll along its paths in the woods, enjoying the most spectacular views. If the weather is fine (and it usually is!) you can enjoy a delicious lunch of cheeses, home made bread, salads and salami; all organically produced on the farm with LaVialla wines at incredibly good prices. All the produce is on sale at the "little shop" and accommodation is provided in converted farm buildings.

www.lavialla.it
Via di Meliciano 26-52029 Castiglion Fibocchi-Toscana
+39 0575 430020
Google map: bit.ly/lnNcYF

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If you have seen “Life Is Beautiful” and enjoyed watching the central character, Guido, attempting to woo his “principessa” then you have been transported to the Tuscan town of Arezzo.

Much of the backdrop for the first half of the film is the Piazza Grande, a large sloping square dominated by the Romanesque facade of the church of Santa Maria, the Palazzo della Fraternita and an arcade designed by Vasari, now occupied by antique shops and restaurants where you can watch fresh pasta being made.

However, if you look a little more closely you will notice a number of display boards dotted around the square, showing stills and dialogue from the film. Roberto Benigni, who scripted, directed and starred in the film, obviously picked his locations with care, and he won the Oscar for Best Foreign Film in 1999.

If you do decide to visit this classic film location you will also have the opportunity to visit one of Italy’s great fresco cycles, Piero della Francesca’s Legend of the True Cross, which adorns the walls of the church of San Francesco.

Eastern Tuscany; Tourist Information in Piazza della Repubblica (www.apt.arezzo.it)

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On a sunny spring afternoon while driving around Tuscany, we became lost and were desperate to find somewhere to stay. Just when we were about to give up and opt for a Motel, we came across "Agriturismo da Domenico" near the lovely town of Cortona.
As we parked our car, we were greeted by Domenico's family (including Granny) who welcomed us as if we were some lost relatives.
The rooms were rustic and beautifully decorated and the farmhouse something out of this world.
The evening came and we were served a wonderful dinner, full of locally grown ingredients including veal and veg accompanied by local wine and spirits.
We didn't only found a great place to stay, but we experienced the real Italy and made friends!

www.agriturismodadomenico.com/

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The Giostra is a great experience but from the square it is a nightmare. I go every year and it took me two years to find some spot from where I could really enjoy it, from a competent local enthusiast.

www.jacopodellatorre.com

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We stayed in this apartment during a recent trip to Italy and wished we had been able to stay longer. It's in a lovely little village called Loro Ciuffenna and is a perfect base for anyone wanting to live the Tuscan experience. Best for longer stays (a week or more) and for people who have access to a car to be able to get around to all the fabulous tiny places that nobody gets to see. Run by an American woman, Barbara (she lives in the apartment below), who took such wonderful care of us and knew all the best places to see and things to do. Fabulous hiking and nature experiences if you tire of all the antiquity. Generally, just a wonderful place to recharge the batteries and forget the world for a little while.

Loro Ciuffenna, Arezzo
Email: la.stanza@tiscali.it

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I recently spent two weeks in a beautiful part of
Tuscany called Val di Chiana, near a village called Pozzo della Chiana, in the province of Arezzo.
The place where I stayed was Villa Scannagallo - a beautiful country house divided into apartments, with an amazing garden, swimming pool, bbq facilities and breathtaking view of the surrounding olive groves.

The owners are very welcoming and each apartment is beautifully furnished. And it is not expensive either! I highly recommend it to anybody: families, couples, group of friends...

www.scannagallo.it

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It's an incredible medieval event, with the best choreography ever. Watch it from a private balcony or window (you won't see very much otherwise). Unforgettable!

Arezzo, June 21st and September 7
eventsinitaly@gmail.com

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Working hilltop farm on the borders of Umbria and Tuscany, within striking distance of all Tuscany landmarks. Buildings have been renovated to a high standard by an Italo-American gay couple. Outdoor pool with views down the valley. Relaxing friendly atmosphere. Recommended.

www.priello.com
Roughly an hour by train from Arezzo.

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