Everybody Wants to Have a Good Vacation. And Everybody Loves a Good Deal.

(TRAVPR.COM) NEW YORK - September 27th, 2011 - Though Arezzo, Italy will keep you busy with its rich history, great works of art and opportunities for retail therapy, you might want to consider spending a day or two outside of its charming medieval confines and head to nearby day trip destinations that are definitely worth your time. 

If you don’t mind traveling a mere 10 miles from Arezzo, you will discover the beautiful town of Castiglion Fiorentino. This is another Etruscan settlement in times of yore and you can find remnants of this ancient culture in the area. When visiting town, make sure to check out Palazzo Pretorio where you can check out various Etruscan artifacts from the 5th century for an insightful glimpse into their traditions and customs. However, if the medieval period is what you are interested in, then a visit to the Ancient Library is a definite must for a look into a valuable collection of manuscripts and other important political documents.

For those of you who are Art enthusiasts, you can visit the town's Pinacoteca where a good collection of artwork and gold relics can be found. Some of the most interesting pieces on display include the 8th century Croce of Fra Mansueto and the 15th century Sant'Orsola bust. Of course, a stroll around the town's historical center is a must. There is always plenty to see and discover here.

Right next to Castiglion Fiorentino is Cortona - another wonderful setting for cultural and artistic excursions. This is also the perfect place to go if you delight in breathtaking panoramas and overlooking vistas. This idyllic small town with winding narrow streets is made for lazy strolls and relaxed explorations. There are several piazzas to visit - all featuring impressive architecture. These are Piazza della Repubblica, Piazza Signorelli and Piazza Garibaldi.

If flea markets interest you, be sure not to miss a visit to Piazza Signorelli on a Sunday because it transforms into a vibrant flea market with plenty of antiques on sale. You can also go church-hopping, simply to admire their imposing architecture and valuable collections of art. The most magnificent of Cortona's churches is Santa Maria delle Grazie. If you want to learn more about the city's history, you can visit the exhibits at the Diocesan Museum and the Etruscan Academy Museum. Of course, the Etruscan tombs are another attraction you might want to check out while you are here.

Another trip destination to visit when you are done exploring Arezzo is Monterchi. Monterchi, located about 19 miles from Arezzo offers plenty of scenic vistas. It is also home to beautiful Renaissance architecture such as the stunning Palazzo Massi dating back to the 16th century. It is a storybook location and perfect for those who just want to sit back, relax and soak up the lovely view. But if you want to go sightseeing, the town is also famous for the splendid 15th century fresco of the Madonna del Parto by Piero della Francesca. Other attractions worth visiting include the church of San Simeone for the artworks housed here, the Pieve Romanica and the interesting Museum of Balances and Weights.

Finally, the town of Lucignano - 16 miles away - is another side trip worth taking from Arezzo. This medieval town is also located on a hilltop, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. The town is of special interest for architecture enthusiast for its elliptical layout. Some of the notable landmarks in the area include the loggia, the castle, the Church of San Francesco and the Town Hall, among others.

Side trips from Arezzo combine the new with the old world charm and offer a traveler a delightful way to step through wonderful areas as you explore Italy and experience her culture.

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