Arezzo Private Walking Tour with a Local Guide
Highlights
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Discover Arezzo with an expert guide who will share its fascinating history from an Etruscan city-state to a Roman city of strategic importance
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Admire the Cathedral of St. Peter and Donato (Duomo of Arezzo), and the Romanesque Church of Santa Maria della Pieve
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Enjoy a relaxing stroll along its cobbled streets and soak up the atmosphere of Piazza Grande, one of the finest squares in Tuscany
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Take in sweeping views of the historic center and Arno Valley from the Medici Fortress
Summary
While Arezzo is often overlooked in favor of more famous Tuscan cities, this 2.5-hour private tour will reveal its impressive history, rich artistic culture and offer you a new appreciation for this jewel. As you stroll through the medieval streets and piazzas, your expert guide will show you the must-see sites including the Cathedral of St. Peter and Donato, and Romanesque Church of Santa Maria della Pieve as well as the delightful Piazza Grande, which played a starring role in the film “Life is Beautiful” by Roberto Benigni.
Tour info
Duration
2 hours 30 minutes
Group Size
30
Pricing (From)
Commentary
English, Italian
Meeting Point
Scale Mobili, Arezzo, Tuscany, 52100 , IT
Dropoff location
Why take this tour?
Strategically located on a hilltop surrounded by four valleys, Arezzo often sits in the shadows of its more renowned neighboring Tuscan cities. On this 2.5 hour tour however, your local guide will unveil its most important cultural and historical sites, revealing why a visit to this hidden gem shouldn't be overlooked.
While soaking up the atmosphere of this elegant medieval city of cobbled streets, your first stop takes you to the imposing Cathedral of St. Peter and Donato. Built between 1278 and 1511 over an ancient pre-Christian church, Arezzo's Cathedral sits at the highest point of the city. The modest facade is deceiving as the treasures that lie inside include the beautiful fresco of the St. Mary Magdalen by Piero della Francesca and stunning stained glass windows.
Your tour continues on with a stroll by Piazza San Francesco as you head to the Romanesque Church of Santa Maria della Pieve. Here, your eyes will draw heavenward to admire its remarkable arched-facade with differently-styled columns. The most striking feature is its soaring bell tower, also known as ‘delle cento buche’ (the tower of a hundred holes).
Next, you'll visit one of the most beautiful piazzas in Tuscany, Piazza Grande. Did you know that the movie ‘Life is Beautiful’ by Roberto Benigni was filmed in Piazza Grande? Built on a downhill slope, you can't help but notice its odd shape and the remarkable way it resolves the steep slope and the buildings around it. Once the main marketplace of the city, it is today the venue of the historical enactment ‘Giostra del Saracino’ (meaning ‘Joust of the Saracen’) dating back to the Middle Ages, and the Antique Market, which is held on the first weekend of the month.
Moving on, you'll stroll to the leafy public park, stopping at the marble monument of the famous Arezzo-born poet Francesco Petrarca, and walk to the pentagonal shaped Medici Fortress situated on the hill of San Donato. This is the perfect spot to end your tour, where you'll be treated to splendid panoramic views of the historic center and the Arno valley.
At the end of your exploration of the city, you’ll understand why Arezzo deserves a visit when traveling in Tuscany - and is even a destination unto itself!
Sites Visited
Cathedral of St. Peter and Donato,
St. Francis Square,
Church of St. Mary of the Pieve,
Piazza Grande,
Francesco Petrarca monument,
Medici's fortress
What’s included?
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Local guide -
Expertly guided walking tour -
Gratuities
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Entrance tickets (should you wish to enter a site)
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Hotel pick up and drop off
Things to know
Before you book
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This is a walking tour. While there are stops along the way, guests should be able to walk at a light to moderate pace without difficulty. Comfortable walking shoes are a must.
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Please note, this tour does not include entrance to the main sites. If you’d like to visit any particular site, you will need to buy a ticket at the location.
Before you go
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This is a walking tour. While there are stops along the way, guests should be able to walk at a light to moderate pace without difficulty. Comfortable walking shoes are a must.
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Please arrive at the meeting point ready for your tour - prior to arrival use the bathroom and ensure you have eaten.
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Tours run rain or shine. Please dress accordingly. In the event of exceptionally heavy rain, the tour may be canceled and you will be given a full refund.
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Please note, this tour does not include entrance to the main sites. If you’d like to visit any particular site, you will need to buy a ticket at the location.
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Due to circumstances beyond our control, sites may occasionally close. We make every effort to stay as close to the advertised itinerary but substitutions/omissions may be necessary.
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No refunds or re-bookings can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows after tour commencement or departure.
Covid Policy
- Face masks required for travelers in public areas
- Face masks required for guides in public areas
- Face masks provided for travelers
- Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
- Social distancing enforced throughout experience
- Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
- Gear/equipment sanitized between use
- Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
- Guides required to regularly wash hands
- Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
Cancellation Policy
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Cancellations received greater than 24 hours prior to tour commencement are fully refundable.
Cancellations received within 24 hours of tour commencement are nonrefundable.
Amendment requests are subject to availability and price changes.
Late arrivals and no shows are nonrefundable. This is applicable to any tour participant that fails to arrive or arrives after tour departure.
Redemption information
Mobile tickets will be accepted
About operator:
Walks (takewalks.com, walksofitaly.com) began over a decade ago (2008, to be exact) in Rome, Italy. We quickly became the premier walking tour company in 7 countries - Italy, Spain, France, the UK, Greece, and Portugal. Our US cities include San Francisco, NYC, Boston, Chicago, and New Orleans.
In 2021, we joined The Hornblower Group (cityexperiences.com) expanding our reach and working alongside this powerhouse travel brand.
Our tour products vary but predominantly we #takewalks, exploring the world by foot - we believe, the best way to get into the heart of a city and its incredible people. From introductory strolls to food tours, day trips, cooking classes, and below the surface, in-depth tours, we have our hand in everything a traveler could want. Oh, and we also like to give our clients exclusive access to the biggest attractions in the world...
Despite the big changes in our brand over the years, our focus has remained simple - to relentlessly create tours with the client experience at the forefront and anchored upon the dedicated, intelligent, and above all, passionate local guides who want to share their cities with you.
Our tour products vary but predominantly we #takewalks, exploring the world by foot - we believe, the best way to get into the heart of a city and its incredible people. From introductory strolls to food tours, day trips, cooking classes, and below the surface, in-depth tours, we have our hand in everything a traveler could want. Oh, and we also like to give our clients exclusive access to the biggest attractions in the world...
Despite the big changes in our brand over the years, our focus has remained simple - to relentlessly create tours with the client experience at the forefront and anchored upon the dedicated, intelligent, and above all, passionate local guides who want to share their cities with you.
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