Arezzo & Cortona Day Trip from Florence
Piero della Francesca's frescoes and a hill town over the Valdichiana
A one-day drive from Florence to Arezzo & Cortona — 154 km round trip, about 2h 16m behind the wheel, with stops, timings and where to eat already worked out.
Piazza Grande
Arezzo's sloping medieval square, backdrop for the Giostra del Saracino joust and the film Life Is Beautiful.
💡 Come mid-morning before tour groups arrive; the slope and arcades photograph best in soft light.
Piazza Grande, Arezzo
Basilica di San Francesco
Houses Piero della Francesca's Legend of the True Cross fresco cycle, a Renaissance masterpiece worth the detour alone.
💡 Book the timed fresco viewing slot online in advance — entries are limited and often sell out.
Piazza S. Francesco, Arezzo
Ristorante La Lancia D'Oro Arezzo
Classic Tuscan trattoria right on Piazza Grande for a proper Aretine lunch.
Piazza Grande, 18, Arezzo
Arezzo Cathedral
Hilltop cathedral with striking stained glass by Guillaume de Marcillat and views over the rooftops.
Piazza Del Duomo, 1, Arezzo
Medici Fortress (Arezzo)
Medici-era fortress park with panoramic views over the Tuscan countryside — a quiet spot before heading back.
💡 Walk the ramparts near sunset for the best light over the valley.
Cimitero, Viale Bruno Buozzi, 1, Arezzo
- Arezzo's historic centre is largely pedestrian — park at Parcheggio Pietri or Parcheggio Baldaccio and walk in
- Florence's centre is a ZTL restricted zone — avoid driving in on return, use peripheral parking if stopping
- Book the San Francesco fresco cycle slot online well ahead, especially on weekends
- Sunday is antiques market day in Piazza Grande (first Sunday of month) — charming but crowds mean pricier parking
- Cortona+30 km
Hilltop Etruscan-Renaissance town with sweeping Val di Chiana views, made famous by Under the Tuscan Sun.
- Abbazia di San Fedele, Poppi+35 km
Not in Poppi itself, but the nearby Castello di Poppi is a striking medieval castle worth a quick stop.
- Monte San Savino+25 km
Quiet walled town with Sangallo architecture, far less touristy than Arezzo itself.
Make this trip your own
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