Arezzo - Cortona - Castiglione del Lago is a recommended itinerary for a day trip to the east of San Sano.

Arezzo was home to one of the oldest universities in Tuscany, or indeed anywhere in Europe, and is now the capital of one of the provinces forming the region of Tuscany. The city abounds in artistic treasures and was home to some of Italy’s most prominent poets and artists, including Petrarch, Vasari and Michelangelo Buonarroti. Walk along Corso Italia to what locals call the prato, a park between the cathedral and the Medici fortress. Not far away is Piazza Grande, where the traditional Giostra del Saracino is held every year, an equestrian jousting tournament dating back to the Middle Ages. Roberto Benigni’s film “La vita è bella” was filmed in Arezzo.

Continuing another 30 km south from Arezzo, towards the border with Umbria, you will come to Cortona, a city of Etruscan origin perched on a hilltop. Boutiques selling traditional local crafts, food and wines line the steep road to the town centre. When you get to the top, look south for sweeping views over Lake Trasimeno!

Just to the south of Cortona is Castiglione del Lago, also included in the list of the most beautiful villages in Italy, on the shore of Lake Trasimeno, in Umbria, just over the border with Tuscany. Stroll around the town centre and visit the Rocca del Leone fortress. The view from the top over Lake Trasimeno is amazing!