Eastern Tuscany
Eastern Tuscany is an area of Italy that many people don't know about. Stretching through the hills and vineyards, this is a lesser-known region that's every bit as wonderful as other parts of Tuscany but without the crowds.
Wild nature
The nature of Eastern Tuscany is still very wild and unspoiled, with dense Mediterranean vegetation and an abundance of wildlife. The landscape is characterized by hills, water springs and low mountains, where olive groves and vineyards prevail, as well as orchards and fields of sunflowers. Some mountainous areas range from the Apuan Alps to the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines. You can find lots of hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding opportunities.
Medieval Cortona region
This part of Tuscany is full of little villages often forgotten by travelers who rush past them on their way to Florence without ever stopping to admire their beauty. This makes them so special. The region's best-kept secret is the area around Cortona in eastern Tuscany. It features ancient villages surrounded by lush countryside.
Cortona itself is perched on a hilltop overlooking Lake Trasimeno, one of Italy's largest lakes. The town dated back to Etruscan times and was made famous by Frances Mayes' book Under the Tuscan Sun and its film adaptation starring Diane Lane. Cortona ranks among Tuscany's best-preserved medieval towns, so you will find plenty of ancient architecture to explore. The town also has an excellent museum that houses works by Fra Angelico, Luca Signorelli and Pietro Lorenzetti.
The eastern city of Arezzo
Arezzo is a remarkable city on a hilltop with many medieval buildings that survived World War 2 unscathed. It is a historic, walled city located about halfway between Florence and Siena among two rivers. It was founded in the Bronze Age as "Arretium" by the Etruscans and became a powerful city-state in the Middle Ages. Its main attractions include ancient churches, medieval buildings and a Roman amphitheater. And you should also visit the Piazza Grande, where every Sunday takes place the oldest outdoor market.
