Anghiara, Italy
 

Nearly finished planning a 2-month trip around UK, France & North Italy for late Aug to late Oct, but not booked yet. Just received an email from friends saying they've booked a villa in Anghiara, Tuscany, for a week in July and would we like to join them? Well, tempting, of course, but it would mean changing a few plans. Does anyone know Anghiara? What do you think of it? It certainly looks handily placed to Florence, Cortona, Poppi, Arezzo etc. We could change the timing of our plan and replace North Italy (Nice to Venice & places in between) with a week in Anghiara - would that be a fair trade-off?

The outcome in the end may be decided by which timimng is most acceptable to our respective employers. But some feedback from people who know the areas will be helpful in determining how hard we may or may not want to push our employers!

I cannot help you very much but, sure, one info I can give you for sure: IMO Anghiari is one of the most beautiful small towns of Tuscany and of Italy, also.
That's all.

Ciao.

Vincenzo

Yes, I would go. It's a beautiful hilltown, pretty much bypassed by tourists. The climb up there is hair-raising and the views are wonderful. We did it as part of a trip to see the paintings of Piero della Francesca in Urbino, San Sepulcro and Arezzo. Hired a car, got a map and fell over Anghiara on the way. It would make a good base for that area.

Anghiari is a perfect place to explore both Tuscany and Umbria. It is very beautiful and has great historical signicance, if that is of interest. You didn't meantion a car but if you will have a rental you can use this easily as a base.

I seem to recall that there is a famous shop for linens in this town. And yes the town is totally charming or it was 7 years ago. I think a well-regarded restaurant too.
a.

The whole area is full of interest: http://www.anghiari-info.com/ but the main thing is to stay in a villa with your friends. That sure beats jumping from one hotel to another!

Thanks everyone for your positive remarks. Anghiara sounds beautiful - and to think I'd never heard of it until our friends made this booking!

At present my DW's employers are being difficult about her bringing her absence from work forward to accommodate this change of plan, but if we can possibly do it we will.