Between Arezzo and Firenze

AREZZO

Arezzo is one of the wealthiest cities in Tuscany. Located in southeastern Tuscany, it sits a top a hill (where else?) at the crossroads of four valleys: Val Tiberina, Casentino, Valdarno and Valdichiana.
Its ancient origins are verified by the stone tools and the so-called Man of the Elm discovered here and found to date back to the Paleolithic era. The Etruscan Arretium was founded around 9th century B.C., and quickly became one of the most important cities in Tuscany, playing an important role over the centuries due to its strategic position along the Via Cassia.
Even though the Medieval center was destroyed during the World War II, Arezzo has plenty of monuments, churches and museums remaining that offer visitors a chance to step back into history. The Church of San Francesco is probably the most famous in Arezzo, with the incredible Early Renaissance fresco cycle by Piero della Francesca depicting the Legend of the True Cross. You should then head uphill to the Medicean Fortress, visit the Cathedral dedicated to San Donato, then back down to the Roman Amphitheater and the Church of San Domenico with the wooden Crucifix by Cimabue.
Arezzo has much to offer although it generally is not included in the main itineraries of Tuscany. If you're visiting Tuscany for the first time, then there are certainly other places in Tuscany more famous that merit being visited during your short vacation. But if you're returning to Tuscany and want to see more of the beauties Tuscany is well-known for, make your way to Arezzo and the surrounding countryside. You'll find less visitors and many more locals, as well as the many treasures in the towns and castles that played an important role in the history of Tuscany. Visit Cortona, Anghiari, Monterchi and Sansepolcro (if you love Piero della Francesca) and the beautiful castle of Poppi - these are just some of the most beautiful towns in the province of Arezzo that wait to be discovered on your Tuscan trip.
FIRENZE - FLORENCE

Florence's museums, palaces, and churches house some of the greatest artistic treasures in the world. The most popular and important sites in Florence include the Cathedral, the Baptistery, the Uffizzi, the Bargello, and the Accademia. The churches of Santa Maria Novella and Santa Croce are veritable art galleries, and the library of San Lorenzo is a magnificent exhibition of Michelangelo's architectural genius. Wander some of the oldest streets in the city until you reach the Arno River, cross the Ponte Vecchio, and experience the "newest" area of Florence, the Oltrarno. Be sure to set aside time to see the vast and varied art collection housed in the Pitti Palace When you grow weary of museums and monuments, head outdoors. Spend a day at the Boboli Gardens or climb the hill to the church of San Miniato al Monte to experience an enchanting view of Florence.

Florence and its magnificent treasures await your visit!

It is important to know that Florence's main historic center is relatively small so that it is easy to move around on foot. Using a car around Florence is not advisable, as there is little parking, many streets are pedestrian only and streets are often one-ways. A fleet of small electric buses also provide links between main key areas in the center.

Make sure to ask for a map of Florence at one of the five tourist information offices so you can plan your movements around the city. Many hotels also offer publications with their own maps, in case you can't get to the tourist offices right away.

Florence, at the heart of the Italian Rennaisance, might seem like an open air museum to most visitors. The piazzas and buildings themselves are a testament of the history of architecture and of past eras. Florence's cathedral, churches and many palaces were designed, built and decorated by many of the most illustrious of artists of the time, from Brunelleschi to Michelangelo, and can be admired freely from the outside. But in order to see another side of Florence, the side the contains most of its treasures, you need to go indoors and visit at least one or two museumswhile you are here. There you will find the paintings, sculptures and frescoes imagined and created by the greatest minds of all time.