Arezzo holiday farmhouse: Rigutino

Everything about this property was just as wonderful as the description indicated. Very comfortable and quiet except for the peacocks. Good place to relax, but boring for children.
You MUST have a car and the home is difficult to find ....impossible in the dark. Owners met us as we arrived late due to plane delays. We never would have found it otherwise.
Silvia spoke very good English..but most in the village and elsewhere did not. You are pretty much on your own and should have a sense of adventure.
Some trouble finding good places to eat until after 8 pm. and then only in the more major towns such as Arezzo. ( a 20 min. drive) or Cortona. Good restaurant on left side of road 1/2 way toward Cortona and way back off the road. No English!
Get off the main roads and see how the Italians really live....but be warned....your must have a GPS!!!!
Head for the area North of Sienna and enjoy the wonderful area covered with vineyards. The driving is not for the nervous as it is VERY hilly with many winding roads..... Watch out for oncoming cars on the turns!!!!
Don't try to do too much in one day if you're not used to climbing hills as every town is uphill from the parking areas. Arezzo is especially confusing for driving. Park near the post office and walk.uphill.
Overall I would say this is a nice place to stay but not for more than 1 week.
Trip to Florence will take about 1 1/2 - 2 hrs. by car. We took the train from Arezzo station. Long term parking at right of station about 1/2 block. It was handy and much easier than driving. Ask at ticket window for most direct train as some are 50 min. and others 90 min. When you arrive in FLR. be warned that the WC is about 75c and you must have correcty change. Go on the train!
Florence is very crowded and you must make prior arrangements for the museums or you will be in line for hours. The Duomo will also have long lines but no reservation are taken. The Baptistry next door has beautiful ceilings...gold mosaic...and is better than the inside of the Duomo which is very plain. The outside is magnificent but cleaning crews have some of it covered.
Watch out for pickpockets as the city is extremely busy and crowded.
Hope this helps with some ideas for your vacations for the area south of Florence.