The beautiful Italian city just as pretty as Florence but without the crowds

For decades, cities like Florence, and Rome were must-see stops on any trip to Italy. However, in recent years, there has been a dramatic shift, with travellers starting to skip the icons and seek out quieter, lesser-known corners of the country.

The answer to why is simple - hotspots have become too busy. Florence, for example, remains as beautiful as ever, however the crowds have become relentless. The narrow streets are packed at all hours of the day, museum tickets need to be booked well in advance, and even grabbing a coffee can mean standing in line with dozens of other . For many, it's just not the experience they came for, so it is no surprise that visitors are choosing Italian hidden gems for their holidays instead.

The picturesque city of Arezzo in Tuscany lies around 50 miles southeast of at about 971ft above sea level. Known as the city of gold and high fashion, Arezzo was home to artists and poets such as Giorgio Vasari, Guido of Arezzo and Guittone d'Arezzo.

Meanwhile, its province, of the same name, is known as the home of iconic Renaissance artist Michelangelo.

An unmissable stop while exploring Arezzo is inside the Basilica of San Francesco, which boasts stunning frescoes by Piero della Francesca. A crucifix by Cimabue also hangs inside the Basilica of San Domenico.

Its handsome Medieval square is one of the city's main attractions, used in the Oscar-winning 1997 film "Life is Beautiful".

For those keen to do a bit of , Arezzo is as well known for its shopping as it is for its art, with clothes, home-wear, jewellery and antique stores dotted throughout the narrow streets.

If in need of a bit of greenery, from the Cathedral square, an easy walk takes you to Il Prato, where you can relax under the shade of the pines.

After a busy day of exploring, sample the local cuisine with fresh products from the nearby Valdichiana and Casentino Valley at one of the city's many authentic eateries, especially in Piazza Grande.

If you time your visit right, as a special treat on the first weekend of every month, the Piazza Grande becomes the setting for the most popular Antiques Fair in .

Arezzo is connected to the Firenze-Roma national railway line and is also served by the Milano-Napoli high-speed rail. The central train station is located in Piazza della Repubblica, a few steps from the historic centre. Alternatively, you can drive, which takes just over an hour from Florence via the A1 and E35.