Arezzo, 30km away, dates from the 4th century BC, with the oldest part maintaining its architectural character within its surviving 13th century walls. In the first weekend of every month there is a large antiques fair, and in August and September the Giostra del Saracino (Joust of the Saracens) is celebrated and jousting matches are held.
Perugia lies 45km away in the neighbouring region of Umbria. In continuous habitation for more than 25 centuries it has many Etruscan and Roman remains, with well-preserved buildings from every era of later Italian architecture. Its old Etruscan city walls still survive.
At the heart of Chianti, Siena (60km away) has a marvellous 12th century Gothic cathedral of black and white marble. Its Campo, site of the Palio horse races each summer, is probably the most complete Gothic piazza in Italy. This is also a marvellous place to eat, to shop, or just to wander.
And Assisi, 60km away, is a picturesque mediaeval hill town and famed as the home of St Francis. His life is commemorated in frescoes by Giotto and Cimabue in the Basilica di San Francesco, Italy's oldest Gothic church.
Finally, a trip to Florence, 100km away, and the heart of the Renaissance, with its wealth of architecture, museums, galleries and fine churches, should not be missed.
To discover more about this marvellous holiday in the Tuscan countryside, simply click below.
