Day Trips
Times given are from Sansepolcro.
AREZZO
25 mins
While Arezzo does not feature heavily in many guide books, its finer points generally leave people very satisfied with their visit. Its charming medieval centre is both impressive architecturally and yet tastefully modern. The Piazza Grande, where scenes from “Life is Beautiful” were filmed is beautifully balanced, but on a daily basis it is not the main hub of the town. Corso d’Italia is full of beautiful shops and the church of San Francesco is the home of Piero’s famous fresco cycle The Legend of the True Cross. A number of the local churches are well worth visiting and the Duomo has a Piero of its own. Twice a year at the Festival of the 'Giostra’ del Saracino the whole town comes alive to the sound of drums and trumpets, Knights in Armour and Noble Ladies. Splendour, costumes, flag throwing and men in tights make this an enduring spectacle. The celebrated Antiques market is held on the first Sunday of each month, and the preceding Saturday and draws people from all over Italy.
CITTA' DI CASTELLO
15 mins
Just over the border in Northern Umbria, Castello is a sort of twin city to Sansepolcro. they are roughly the same size, still have their ancient walls and their old cobbled streets and they are quite accessible, with parking areas just outside their ancient walls. Castello’s history goes back to Roman times and earlier. It was originally called Tifernum and its residents are still called Tifernanti. It has the relaxed feel and settled nature of a place that’s been lived in for aeons and its atmosphere grows on you. Most of its art treasures have long since departed for places like the National Gallery in London but it retains a quiet sophistication. It has some excellent bars and restaurants as well as a wide range of shops, which specialize in ceramics, truffles and other Umbrian delicacies. Its Art Gallery and churches are evocative and interesting. It is one of the few places in Old Italy to have a modern art gallery, honouring local son Alberto Burri. The nearby Morra Valley was the setting for the best seller “A Valley in Italy”.
FLORENCE
1 hr 25 mins
Florence is perhaps one of the best known cities in the world because of its history and all the art it still contains. What is not so well known is that it is easy to get to from the Valtiberina. Driving, via the autostrada, is efficient, but it is just as easy to catch the train from Arezzo [40mins with an intercity train] thus avoiding parking hassles and arriving in the heart of the historic centre. The home of Michelangelo’s David , Giotto’s Bell Tower and the Ghiberti doors to the Baptistry is obviously unique. The Uffizi houses a spectacular collection of Renaissance art and even overshadows the Pitti Palace nearby which itself has more art than most countries. The Medici family is inextricably linked to all these masterpieces, but the Palazzo Vecchio is also a powerful affirmation of the democratic force of the Florentine Republic. The Duomo and Ponte Vecchio are unforgettable, original and valuable historic wonders. Florence has an abundance of excellent restaurants and trattorie, the best are often in the smaller side streets.Then, of course, there’s the leather market, and the shopping, but we won’t mention those.
SIENA
1 hour 30 mins
Siena appears to have almost been preserved in aspic from its medievel days. It was a powerful and expanding vigorous rival to Florence, and then the Plague struck in the 14th Century and its population was so depleted that it has only recently reached the same number of people as it had in the 1300’s. It’s hugely well known for its twice yearly Palio horse race which competes well with Formula One for excitement, sensation, and specator discomfort. It’s a delightful city with Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles residing in harmony. Its great Cathedral is a work of art in itself and always included in lists of the world’s great buildings. The great scallop shaped piazza, Il Campo, is the heart of the historic centre as well as the heart of Siena itself.
Siena is also favoured with the famous Chianti wine district to its north, and the Crete Senese and Val d’Orcia (Montalcino and Montepulciano) to its south. Think countryside views of vineyards, olive groves and ancient stone villages and farmhouses.
CORTONA
45 mins
The ancient stone hillside that is Cortona goes back to the Etruscans and their huge stones are still visible in the foundations of the city wall where you park your car. Rebuilt many times Cortona is obviously a little gem parked in time. Its ancient streets and pallazzi have become famous thanks to Frances Mayes’ bestseller 'Under the Tuscan Sun'. It attracts a lot of daily tourists but is quiet off the main drag and it has a lot to offer besides some very obvious tourist shops. The museum is excellent as is the gallery of the Duomo (but you can forget the duomo itself). Despite the turnover many of its restaurants have managed to maintain their quality and standard of service so it’s still a very good choice for a daily outing.
URBINO
1 hour 40 mins
The road to Urbino goes straight from San Giustino, just south of Sansepolcro. This small town can be classified as an ‘undiscovered gem’ mainly because it’s not on the road to anywhere anymore. All our guests love it! It’s in the neighbouring region of Le Marche and this 15th century jewel of Renaissance architecture with it's magnificent Ducal Palace provides a delightful excursion. Built by some of the greatest artists and architects of the time and surrounded by a harmonious townscape Urbino is also a university town and so has a good buzz about it. Raphael was born here and Piero della Francesca painted in Urbino under the patronage of the Duke of Montefeltro. The Palace contains many art treasures including works by Raphael and Piero della Francesca and the Duke's study which is entirely constructed in inlaid wood.
about the Ducal Palace ... an excerpt from the Tuscan Master
GUBBIO
1 hour
Closer than Urbino, the other Palace of the Duke of Montefeltro is in the charming hilltop town of Gubbio with its panoramic views from the ramparts. Often referred to as the 'City of Silence' it was undiscovered for centuries and has been carefully restored preserving its Medieval roots. It is a centre also renowned for its hand painted ceramics, has an abundance of small artisan shops not to mention a delightful selection of authentic restaurants and family run trattorie.
The bronze Eugubine Tablets preserved in the Palazzo dei Consoli are intriguing and considered to be among the most significant of Umbrian treasures. A great way to enjoy the views is a trip on the funicular railway.
ASSISI
55 mins
One of Italy's most visited towns thanks to the famous Saint Francis founder of the Franciscan order. The best way to approach Assisi is to drive up to the main public car park and then walk down through this delightful town to the two stunning basilicas which once seen can never be forgotten. The Basilica of St Francis is considered to be one of the greatest monuments to 13th and 14th century Italian art. Back at your car you can turn left out of the carpark and just 10 minutes further up is the Hermitage of St Francis, well worth visiting with its tiny chapel, lovely gardens and incredibly serene and spiritual atmosphere. Back on the plain is the beautiful church 'Santa Maria degli Angeli' in which St Francis' tiny original church is preserved.
PERUGIA
45 mins
There is a local train service from Sansepolcro to Perugia, which takes around an hour and a half but is a great way to enjoy the scenery. Umbria is known as the 'green heart' of Italy. Perugia is the capital of Umbria, a town with plenty to see and do. With its Etruscan origins mightily evident, it really is a city of the Renaissamce. Perugino, a kind of understudy to Raphael and Michaelangelo naturally comes from here and there is a lot of his work in the local Art Gallery. Ethereal Madonnas, and beautiful saintly figures still and shining with holiness. The streetscape that forms central Perugia, Corso Vanucci, is regarded by many as one of the most beautiful in the world. It can also be one of the most crowded - especially at the times of Umbria Jazz in July, and the Chocolate Festival in October. Its narrow alley ways, tall pallazzi leaning on each other for support and occasional piazzas create a great setting for the many restaurants and bars that a buzzing very student orientated city warrants.