• Monterchi

• Anghiari

• Sansepolcro

• Spas of Bagno di Romagna

• San Marino

• S. Giustino (Castle  Bufalini)

• Citta di Castello

• Montone e Umbertide

• Castiglion Fiorentino

• Cortona

• Pierle

• Lago Trasimeno

Monterchi

Monterchi, which is known for Piero della Francesca's unusual Madonna del Parto. This fresco, the renovation of which was completed in 1993, can be found in a little museum on the edge of town. The extremely pregnant Madonna, flanked by an angel on either side, challenges the viewer with an inimitable Piero gaze, and, today, is shielded by a pane of protective glass. The work is impressive, even in these modest surroundings.

Anghiari

From Monterchi, the road leads past the medieval settlement of Anghiari.

The town gets its name from relics of Christ's tomb that were preserved here.
Sansepolcro is a peaceful little place, but is also has a several fascinating art treasures. As the birthplace of Piero della Francesca, the town's Pinacoteca Communale houses some of his most famous works, including the Resurrection, Madonna della Misericordia (Madonna of Mercy), and others. Other sights include the Palazzo delle Laudi (late-16th/ early-17th centuries), today the town hall; the Palazzo Pretorio; and the Cathedral, which also contains valuable works of art. Along the central Via Mateotti, 14th- and 15th century tower houses convey a flavor of the Middle Ages - an appropriate background for the Palio della Balestra, a crossbow competition that is held on the second Sunday in September.

Bagno di Romagna, steeped in the green of the Apennines between Tuscany and Romagna 500 metres above sea level, lies on the E-45 Highway which links Emilia Romagna with Rome. Open from March to November

Nowadays, S. Giustino is a town of modern aspect. Bufalini Castle, which was erected in 1422, testifies to the ancient history of this town, which was first feud of the Dotti, then of the Bufalini family. This building, which was transformed into a magnificent villa by the Vasari, contains, in the interior, decorations in the grotesque style which have been attributed to Cristoforo Gherardiand, and outside, gardens and a labyrinth. Here it is also possible to admire very fascinating  paintings such as the "Madonna with Child and Saints" by Signorelli, a "Madonna" by Andrea del Sarto and other works of art by Guido Reni.

Originally called Tifernum Tiberinum. An ancient Umbrian city not subdued by the Etruscan. Was a prominent Roman municipality mentioned by Plinio the Younger, who erected a temple there.  Having become a Commune, it was in turn free, or subject to the Church, to Perugia, and to Florence. Then became the dominion of the Pietramala and, in the fourteenth century, of Branca Guelfucci; in 1422 was seized by Braccio Fortebraccio; finally, after having been a source of dispute among the rival families Tarlati, Giustini and Fucci, became in the second half of the fifteenth century, the "Signoria" of the Vitelli. With Caesar Borgia, the city passed into the hands of the Church, but in fact, even in the sixteenth century, continued to be governed by the Vitelli.

Umbertide lies on the left bank of the Tiber, 30 km from Perugia and 20 km from Città di Castello.The origins of the town are obscure as is the original meaning of its ancient names: first "Pitulum" and later "Fracta". According to many historians Umbertide has its origin in ancient "Pitulum", a Roman or Carthaginian settlement that can be dated back to 217 B.C., after the battle of Lake Trasimeno. Until 1860 it remained under the dominion of the papacy and was governed by institutions and a judiciary similar to those of Perugia of which it was a northen outpost. In 1863, after the proclamation of the Unity of Italy, the town coucil decided unanimously to give the town the new name of Umbertide. During the Second World War, on 25th April, 1944, the town was heavily bombed causing death and destruction. Owing to the industry of its inhabitants, reconstruction was rapid and, after the sixties, the desire for renewal brought housing and industrial developement which gave Umbertide a new and more welcoming appearance. The hills surrounding Umbertide, with their castles and churches, offer tourists and scholars ample opportunities for trips and excursions.

Castiglion Fiorentino

The area of Castiglion Fiorentino has been inhabited since the pre-historic and proto-historic eras. The .nhabited nucleus was developed in the Etruscan period (6th - 5th c. BC) and the Hellenistic period (4th c. BC). After the Romans conquered the Arezzo territory they organized agricultural production in the form of villas. During the reign of the Emperor Augustus, the Valdichiana began a period of decline; the population, due to the flooding of the valley, moved to the hillside areas that were safer and more salutary. From 1800 to 1814 the township was garrisoned by Napoleons troops. With the fall of the French government, the Lorena returned in 1814 and began reclaiming the Valdichiana. Castiglion Fiorentino then followed the fate of Tuscany and the Italian Republic. The passing of the war front during World War II caused notable damage to both the historic center and a large part of the surrounding territory.

Cortona

A day trip to the beautiful hilltop town of Cortona is highly recommended. It is a beautiful drive from Tuscan Oasi (approximately one and a half hours) with outstanding views of Castiglion Fiorentina on the way. Once in Cortona, you can stand on the terrace next to the park and enjoy a breathtaking panorama which includes Lake Trasimeno, another place well worth a visit.

Even without its art treasures, this is a good place to visit just for the views, shops and excellent restaurants. Maps are available from reception.

Pierle