Agriturismos in Italy
The Italian sun is particularly easy to enjoy when bathing in the hospitality of a rural farmhouse. What is your experience staying at Agriturismos in rural Italy? What is your favorite and why? Please include the REGION in the subject line.
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Italy Farmstay
I stayed at the Italy Farmstay near Sora (two hours south of Rome) last week and it was one of the greatest experiences anyone could ask for in Italy. It truly is a place to see *real* Italian culture and tradition a person cannot find in big cities full of tourists. It was such a relaxing stay and the Italian hosts are the nicest people you will meet.
The farm has rooms for one, two, three and four people and also has a newly renovated apartment about 20 minutes from the main farm. I stayed at the apartment and it is the perfect place for a romantic get-away. It has a kitchen, bathroom, fireplace, and a very nice bathroom and shower. Wonderful breakfest is included in the price and lunch and dinner are also available for a litle more.
One of the other aspects of this farm is that it practices sustainable tourist practices and organic farming. Solar panels and water conservation make this place a truly unique stay.
If you are looking for a non-tourist, authentic experience off the beaten trail, you cannot miss this experience it Italy.
The farmstay also has one of the best websites full of great information, prices and location details. Check it out at www.italyfarmstay.com. Buon viaggio!
Michael Calcagno <email>
Portland, regon USA 06/29/2009
Le Marche - La Tavola Marche, agriturismo & cooking school
Can you do something idiotic like I did: break your ankle while on vacation at a rural agriturismo in the Le Marche region of Italy, and have it turn into a fabulous experience? Yes! When you’re lucky enough to do it at Ashley & Jason Bartner’s gorgeous agriturismo and cooking school, La Tavola Marche. www.latavolamarche.com
Ashley & Jason are a dynamic young American couple (Ashley’s a Seattle native) who in a very short time have become valued members of their tiny little community of Piobicco – I think that speaks volumes for the type of people they are. They speak great Italian, and the little old Nonna’s light up and can’t wait to chat with them when they run into each other at the market, or walking on the road…La Tavola Marche is in an astonishingly beautiful location; large, comfy rooms that are spotlessly clean, with kitchenettes and ample room, indoors and out, for eating your meals; a glorious pool; and the charming, talented, extremely helpful inn-keepers. They know their region well, and can provide endless suggestions for things to do. But relaxing by the pool, or walking the gorgeous mountain trails, is a great way to spend your time there. Ashley is a bubbly, warm, gracious hostess who makes you feel completely at home, and Chef Jason is a fabulous cook, specializing in the hearty, flavor-filled cuisine of the region. He cooks seasonally and locally, using fruits, vegetables and herbs right from their own large garden, as often as possible. Meals are available to be had for an (extremely reasonable) additional price, which is well worth it. But there are also restaurants within a 15 minute drive. Note: breakfasts are not included (they can be for a small price) but the full kitchenettes are amply outfitted for self-catering. And if you are even remotely inclined, take a day or two’s worth of cooking classes with Jason (or a half-day or two, they will tailor them to your interests/aptitude/schedule) – even if it’s just a morning class on pizza-making (made in the outdoor, wood-fired oven), then sit down and eat the fruits of your labor for lunch.
You must have a car to get to La Tavola Marche – I took a train from Rome to Citta di Castello, 20 minutes away (3-ish hours by train from Rome), and you can rent a car there if you won’t already have one.
Have you ever wondered what would happen if you got sick or had an accident while on holiday? If it happened when you were at La Tavola Marche, I can tell you that Ashley & Jason would treat you like family; they would help you get the medical attention you needed, they would not leave you alone. I went to the emergency room, and subsequently had my surgery, at the hospital in Urbino; the care, and the facility, was all top-notch (AND – the food at the hospital was great, AND they serve wine with lunch!) I went back to La Tavola Marche and rested poolside for 2 days before flying home, and wished I could have stayed longer, even in that condition. Thanks to Ashley & Jason, even injured, I felt like I was on vacation.
Marella
Brooklyn, NY USA 06/18/2009
Tuscan Agriturismo - Poggiacolle
My wife and I recently returned from a 7-week stay at Agriturismo Poggiacolle, a lovely place with a magnificent view of the Tuscan countryside and the magical town of San Gimignano - less than 10 minutes away. The proprietor, Stefano Bartali, was all one could ever hope for - friendly, English-speaking, eager to do anything possible to make our stay perfect. The apartment was lovely and well equipped, the location superb, the views stunning, and we hated to leave.
Toby Citrin <email>
Ann Arbor, MI USA 06/14/2009
Italy (Abruzzo) farm vacation
I just spent the first week of a three month trip at an idyllic, friendly, authentic and welcoming place in the Abruzzo region of Italy. Only 2 1/2 hours by bus from Rome,my stay at this farm (italyfarmstay.com) was an almost perfect travel experience. Good for independent travelers because you immediately feel like family. Guests from around the world:Indonesia, China, Australia, Turkey, U.S., Austria.Good hiking and a great little market town (Sora) nearby. Highly recommended! I'm telling all my friends and family about this one...
Ann Daws <email>
Kailua, Hawaii USA 06/13/2009
La Pieve in Cagli (Marche)
La Pieve http://www.le-marche.com/rental/html/pieve.htm
A wonderful apartment with a great host at a good price, 550 euro a week. The website is accurate and it is not a camera trick on the size of the apartment. This is the largest two-person apartment I have rented in Italy. It rained nearly everyday I was there and I still enjoyed my visit. The roads to the big tourist sites like Gubbio and Urbino are easy to drive and you can be in either in a half hour. The hosts provide the most comprehensive guide to the apartment and local area that I have ever seen. Since both Peter and Richard have written travel guides for Italy they are an invaluable resource.
The apartment was well appointed and everything was in good condition. The kitchen had everything you needed and some things you don’t usually get in Italy, like an electric kettle, toaster, purified water, etc. The bathroom was fairly large and the shower was very large and sunken so the water stayed in the shower. The couches didn’t convert to beds and were very comfortable.
There is a good restaurant about five minutes away and an outstanding restaurant about ten minutes drive. There is a supermarket in town, about ten minutes away that is easy to get to and park and has a good selection.
I highly recommend this apartment.
Henry <email>
Kansas USA 06/05/2009
La Crociona in southern Tuscany
La Crociona http://www.lacrociona.com/eng_index.asp
A great place with friendly people and a good price (about 600 euro a week). The website is accurate. It was obvious that the kitchen had been redone and things added to the agriturismo like a weight room. The location is outstanding with many quaint little towns within a half hour drive and only three minutes to Montalcino.
The apartment is bright and cheerful and the kitchen has everything you need to cook full meals. The bathroom is large and equipped with heated towel racks, hairdryers and soaps and shampoos. The bedroom was large and comfortable with a dresser and armoire and night stands so there was plenty of space to unpack and not trip over your luggage.
Besides the pool and hot tub the area around the apartments is gorgeous with a couple of patios and views of the vineyard. The new wine cellar and tasting room is a great tour. The restaurant about 100 meters from the apartment is very good.
I highly recommend this apartment.
Henry <email>
Kansas USA 06/05/2009
Agriturismi near Assisi
My son and I had a wonderful time at Alla Madonna del Piatto agriturismi which is in the countryside just outside of Assisi. Letizia our host helped us with resturant recommendation, maps, sites, shops, and even called our hotel in Rome to change our reservation, since they only spoke Italian. It is a wonderful country setting and so close to many great Umbrian towns. The rooms were so private and comfortable. The view is incredible, looking onto Assisi. Her breakfast was the best one we had while in Italy. She also teaches cooking classes. I recommend her place whole heartedly! You do need a car to get to her lovely place.
Virginia and George
Portland, OR USA 06/05/2009
Tuscany - Il Cielo and Cretaiole near Pienza
Raves for Isabella and Il Cretaiole. We recently rented their 2 bedroom apt , Il Cielo, in the tiny village of Castelmuzio (clean, comfortable, safe - with 1 1/2 baths, laundry, kitchen and outdoor terrace). Isabella provided tons of clear, concise printed information to make our stay easier and free use of a cell phone. She was only a call away whenever we had questions or needed help.
We were able to cook at home, and enjoyed salads with lettuce we picked from the Cretaiole garden. The highlights: the pasta-making lesson and Tuscan feast - enjoyed the guests from all over; an olive oil tasting lesson; and a welcoming visit to the family's working farm with a tour from the charming Luciano and lots of samples of wine, prosciutto (especially the fennel seed-crusted variety) and the fabulous pecorrino cheese they produce. All included in our rental cost! Isabella also arranged an outdoor massage session under the blue, blue Tuscan sky, and made reservations for us at the Trattoria in Pienza. Excellent service from a knowledgeable, welcoming, enthusiastic hostess who speaks fluent English. Would definitely stay with them again, but would likely pick aguroturismo Cretaiole with its amazing Tuscan views, or at the San Gregorio farm where we could walk into charming Pienza. Don't miss drving to nearby Montelpulciano and the Church of San Bagnio.
Anne L
Guelph, ON Canada 06/03/2009
Tuscany-Agriturismo Cretaiole in Pienza
This is the BEST PLACE we stayed in during our month in Italy. Beautiful, delightful, relaxing, idyllic....there are not enough good words to describe it! Isabella and her family are very genuine and we really got a sense of "real life in Tuscany". We went with another couple, but it would also be a great place for families with kids. The apartment was warm and cozy and had everything we needed for a great week. All in all, an amazing place with fun and hospitable people. It was a VERY memorable week! We cannot reccommend Cretaiole highly enough. It was simply amazing.
JLC
Bellingham, WA USA 05/31/2009
Tuscany always remembered
We want to let you know how much we enjoyed our stay at Casa Portagioia. As nice as your villa is, getting to know both of you and enjoying your wit and conversation put this vacation 'over the top'. Thank you for being such an important part of our enjoyment.
What a bonus, too, to receive those recipes.
The location, surroundings, construction, furnishings, beauty, restfulness, dining not only deserve a 5 star rating - it should be a 5+ or even a 6 (in my judgment). But over and above all those positives, I would like to let you know that you were the most gracious, thoughtful, informative, helpful and entertaining hosts we have ever encountered.
There is no question that we will never forget the week we were privileged to spend at Casa Portagioia; but more than that we will remember the two of you and the extra special touch you provided
Larry and Marlene Wyneken
Sacramento, CA USA 05/26/2009
Bed and Breakfast
Recently returned from a wonderful trip to Italy. Stayed in a lovely bed and breakfast outside of San Gimingnano. The name of this gem is Il Vicaro. Small B&B, six rooms in restored vicarasge from 1300's. Rooms tastefully decorated and modern bathrooms. Our hosts, Fulvio and Katia were wonderful. They offer wonderful cooking lessons and lovely evening meals. The surrounding countryside is beautiful. Reasonable rates. Will definitely return.
camille renner <email>
point pleasant beach, nj USA 05/25/2009
Agriturismo in Lucca
I recently stayed at the Casolare Lucchese right outside of Lucca when my grandparents rented it for a month. (My family is originally from Lucca) It is charming, spotless, and has a view of the mountains. (You might want a car, though...) The owner, Lia, has become a friend of the family and my aunt and uncle are there right now on a return trip. If you are going to Lucca, and you should, (Rick Steves is right!), stay at Casolare Lucchese! http://www.casolarelucchese.it/farmholiday.htm
Gina
St. Paul, MN USA 05/25/2009
Il Molinello Agritourismo, Asciano, Tuscany
Our 4 day stay at il Molinello, a 1300's farmhouse in le crete region of Tuscany, provided all the comforts of home (washing machine and internet)as well as an "off the beaten track" touring itinerary that gave us a view of rural hill towns, medieval cities, abbeys, and country roads amidst olive groves and sheep paths. We were the only guests attending vespers one evening! Our cozy apartment was private and spacious; perfect for lounging. Don't miss the BEST homemade country breakfast anywhere, provided by hosts Eliza & Allesandro.
Norma <email>
Hewitt, NJ USA 05/25/2009
Italy FarmStay
My wife and I stayed at Italy Farmstay in Sora this May. We stayed for ten days. It was a wonderful time, the staff was very nice and helpful. It felt like home, we didn't want to leave. It is 2 hours north of Rome in the town of Sora at the foot of Abruzzo National Park. You can ride horses,hike,visit the shepard to watch them make cheese. Or just relax and enjoy the mountains. I would recomend the farmstay to anyone traveling to Italy.
Eric Sams <email>
Lynnwood, WA USA 05/24/2009
Casa Portagioia, Tuscany
My wife and I spent 5 days at Casa Portagioia while exploring Tuscany. This B&B (located just outside the charming town of Castiglion Fiorentino) exceeds all expectations and was the highlight of our Italian vacation. The lodging is immaculate. The grounds absolutely beautiful. Terry and Marcello were the perfect hosts assisting in dinner reservations, guidance to local attractions and advice that made our daily excursions an exciting experience. Breakfast was far beyond what one would expect. They also offer a full 5-course Italian meal prepared by Marcello and Terry and served in a romantic setting. We highly recommend this mouth watering culinary experience. This farm has been updated to accommodate your every need, but contains a history dating back hundreds of years. To date, Casa Portagioia is the finest B&B we have ever experienced. Tuscany at its best! (www.tuscanbreaks.com)
Ed and Rita Kelb
Dayton, OH USA 05/22/2009
Aggriturismo Pomonte
We spent five nights at Aggriturismo Pomonte (in Umbria very close to Orvieto). The place is very clean, nice, simple, but the people were wonderful. The food is fabulous (be sure to have dinner there some nights) along with the wine and grappa produced there. Enrico and Georgio were our hosts (brothers) and their entire family made us feel at home. Not much English is spoken, but a friendly attitude goes a long way in communication. The price also cannot be beat. We found this in Rick Steves Italy book or at www.pomonte.it. The rooms are like hotel rooms, not apartments, but that is what we look for.
Jan
Houston, TX USA 05/18/2009
Ponte a Nappo
Ponte a Nappo is a very nice aggriturismo located within sight of San Gimignano in Tuscany. The views on the property are unbelievable. The owners are friendly, but very businesslike (they took two nights room pay from my credit card as "earnest money" about a month before our visit). So, if you book, be aware that they will require that in advance. The property is within walking distance to San Gimignano, but it is down a limestone rock road (quite dusty), so we chose to drive our rental car into town for visits.
Jan
Houston, TX USA 05/18/2009
Il Palagio Agriturismo- Panzano in Chianti
Absolutely incredible! The grounds were beautifully kept, with several sitting areas to enjoy a glass of wine and the view of the Tuscan hillsides. Located just 1km from the town of Panzano in Chianti, we were able to easily walk in to town for dinner or for just a nice stroll. Centrally located to Siena, Florence, and the rest of the Chianti area. Unforgettable and truly magical. Couldn't have asked for a more beautiful or convenient location!
Tony <email>
Minneapolis, MN USA 05/17/2009
A week in Tuscany
Our experience at Cretaiole was incredible. Our host family was warm and welcoming, spoke fluent English and was very knowledgeable about the culture and events of the area. We had a fabulous fun filled week and would go back again at the first opportunity.
Dan and Bev Kingery
Carlisle, PA USA 05/11/2009
Agriturismo Frallerenza
If you’re looking for an Umbrian experience of a lifetime, don’t miss Agriturismo Frallarenza! Francesco and Serena are two of the most gracious hosts you could ever hope to meet!
1. Location: Agriturismo Frallarenza is located in Umbria, near the beautiful hill town of Orvieto (about 8 easy miles).
2. Accommodations: We had a rustic, but exquisitely charming, spacious, and very clean three-bedroom, two-bath apartment that, with the additional loft space, would easily accommodate a group even larger than ours (5 adult family members).
Our apartment had a fully equipped kitchen as well, with everything we needed to prepare all our meals on those days when we were too tuckered out to go any further than our delightful veranda.
3. Host family: We were warmly received by Francesco and Serena. They treated us like family and made us feel right at home. Francesco was very helpful with maps, tips on the best routes to take, sending those essential e-mails to let family members know we were OK, and helping us with suggestions on things to see and do.
As soon as we arrived we had biscuits, bread, milk and eggs in our apartment... the basics that we needed to help us settle in. Best of all, a homemade breakfast tart was waiting for us. (We didn’t wait until breakfast... It was delicious!)
4. Cooking Class at Frallarenza: Serena is a magician in the kitchen, and Francesco is likewise! This cooking class is a must! Don’t miss it! They gave all of us a culinary lesson that we will never forget. Serena is the “Gnocchi Queen”! All was done from scratch and so incredibly good. Our magnificent dinner included an assortment of homemade Italian dishes, wine from local vineyards (including grapes grown at Frallarenza), and all was topped off by Serena’s heavenly tiramisu... Worth every Euro!
5. Value and Satisfaction: At Frallarenza you won’t be “nickel-‘n-Euro-ed” to death. There were no “hidden costs” or add-on surprises. If you read the fine print for other agriturismos, you’ll see that this is definitely an added advantage.
Frallarenza was a wonderful Italian travel experience, but don’t just take our word for it. We hope you’ll be able to confirm it all for yourself... Soon! Ciao!
Michael and Linda Brown
Lincoln, CA USA 05/06/2009
La Dimora Dei Cavalieri, Vaglio, Potenza
We recently had the pleasure of staying at La Dimora Dei Cavalieri in Vaglio (in the Potenza region of southern Italy). The food (all organic, all homemade, all traditional recipes) was better than any I've ever tasted in my life. One day they served us a 12-course luncheon - everything was phenomenal!! The rooms were comfortable. The vistas in this mountainous region are beautiful, and there are some really interesting archeological sites very close by. The cute town of Vaglio is about 3K away, and has a little marketplace where the vendors change daily. The village is located on the historic Appian Way (Via Appia). Bring your Italian phrase-book as this is truly an authentic immersion into Italian culture (of course, we found Rick Steves' phrase book to be the most helpful)! The agriturismo has 2 websites: dimoracavalieri.it (in Italian) and dimoracavalieri.com (in English, able to be Google-translated).
Gigi D <email>
St Paul, MN USA 05/01/2009
Bed and Breakfast in Basilicata region
La Dimora Dei Calvalieri is in Vaglio, Italy. It is in the Basilicata region of Italy. It is an amazing place to stay. The food is of such an intense flavor. Canio is the owner and he also raises the sheep that he make cheese from and uses the meat as well. All the food is homemade and the hospitality is just amazing. This is our second visit to this agurturismo or bed and breakfast. The scenery is breathtaking.
Irene Gottwalt <email>
Saint Paul, mn USA 05/01/2009
Italy Farm Stay - Abruzzi National Park
We had a great stay. Very nice people and beutiful accomadations. Anna and Antonello helped us with all we needed, and we got to do a great tour of the Organic Farm where they are growing there own organic vegetables, fruits, etc. Great and knowledgeable tour. We learned a lot about permaculture and organic farming. Thans again for a great stay.
Ryan Dawson
North Kansas City, MO USA 04/22/2009
Agriturismo Poggiacolle
We stayed at Agriturismo Poggiacolle in the city of San Gimignano, Tuscany, Italy.
Beautiful, friendly, cosy and romantic. The views are beautiful. Stefano was wonderful, he made our stay enjoyable and unforgetable.
Lou
Cincinnati, OH USA 04/18/2009
Italy FarmStay 2 hours South of Rome
What an absolutely wonderful weekend! I have been traveling all over Europe for the past three months, and this has definitely been the highlight. The kindness of the people in this area is unbounded and incomparable. One of the best afternoons was spent having a delicious homemade lunch to raise money for the people affected by the recent earthquake in the town of Aquila. The people at the Italy FarmStay realize how fortunate they are to have not been negatively impacted, and their natural response is to help those who were. Another highlight was horseback riding through the beautiful Italian landscape. We loved getting to know the families and other students staying at the farm, and over a few short days we became a family. Definitely a MUST for your visit to Italy! www.italyfarmstay.com
Teal Martin <email>
Eugene, OR USA 04/12/2009
Outside of Siena
We stayed at Agriturismo Marciano at the end of March this year. It is about 2km from Siena (northwest). It was an amazing place-accommodations, breakfast, wine, grounds, etc! Website is www.agriturismomarciano.it
Stephanie
Colorado springs, CO USA 04/10/2009
Agriturismo - Emilia Romagna
In March, we stayed two nights between Parma and Modena at Antica Cascina San Geminiano. The cost was only 50 euros a night and the hosts were very friendly and spoke reasonable English. Our room was private and very comfortable and beautiful. Free range hens wandered the property. Our host directed us to a small trattoria where we had the Best Meal of our entire trip. He also arranged for us to have the opportunity to tour a balsamic achetaia. We loved this area and highly recommend it. Every dairy gave samples of parmesan cheese and we enjoyed driving around the countryside to see the medieval castles and markets.
Susan Fish <email>
Waterloo, ontario USA 04/09/2009
Fattoria Voltrona - lovely views, great food, kind staff!
Fattoria Voltrona is a short drive from Siena, near San Gimignano. This is a lovely relaxing farm where they make olive oil and wine.
The staff is kind and very helpful. Breakfast is generous, and included in the very reasonable rate.
We paid an extra 20 euro per person a few nights for the dinner...which was delicous and a lot of fun! We were able to meet the other guests and sample the house wines (even brought some home!).
This is a great location for touring North Tuscany if you have a car. We were able to see Colle Di Val d'Elsa, San Gimignano, Certaldo, Volterra, to name a few, with short scenic drives.
I highly recommend Fattoria Voltrona...one small misgiving - it's best to request accomodations that are not in the main house, but in an outbuilding instead. They hosted a group of loud teenagers who didn't want to go to bed at night! But if you're in an outbuilding you will not be disturbed.
Amy Goodnow <email>
Boston, MA USA 04/06/2009
Agriturismo Poggio Salvi
Agriturismo Poggio Salvi is just a few minutes south of Siena, in a beautiful and peaceful country setting. (Just what we needed after Rome! We awoke to songbirds and a rooster crowing, rather than the sirens, traffic, and late-night partying of Rome.) We stayed here three days in March 2009, and thoroughly enjoyed our stay. The apartment (Il Girasole) was spacious, very clean, and very nicely furnished. Host Massimo speaks excellent English, and was very gracious and thoughtful. He even had a fire waiting for us in the fireplace when we arrived very late and tired. Be sure to print the map and directions from his web site (http://www.poggiosalvi.net/).
The Rick Steves Italy book lists this agriturismo under Siena, but says they rent only by the week. We just asked on the web site and he was happy to rent it to us for 3 days. This is a great place from which to explore Tuscany. It's 15 minutes to Siena, about an hour to Florence, San Gimignano, Volterra (our favorite), or Civita di Bagnoregio (another favorite). The pizzaria in San Rocco a Pilli has great calzoni, and the Coop grocery next door has everything you could need. There is a Siena bus stop about 200 meters from the apartments, but we didn't try it. Theoretically you could get here by public transport, but a car is very convenient for exploring Tuscany. We wholeheartedly recommend this place. Spend a whole week here if you can. We hope to return some day.
Alan Rea <email>
Boise, ID USA 04/04/2009
Italian Farm Stay
ItalyFarmStay has been a ridiculously fun experience!! It has all the components that make up a quality vacation: plenty of activities to enjoy while also having plenty of time to relax in the Italian sun.
Oh, did I mention how good the food is? Maria is an excellent chef and you are able to enjoy her authentic Italian cooking for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Farm Stay also provides the opportunity to help Maria in the kitchen. Maria and I made fettuccini from scratch! She's as good of a teacher as she is a chef. She gave me plenty of time to write things down, encouraged whatever I was doing, and even took a picture while I was kneading the dough. The fettuccini is then enjoyed by everyone at dinner (And I do mean enjoyed...if Maria can make sure I don't mess it up, she can make sure that no one will mess it up).
For the more adventurous side of you, I reccommend the horseback riding. Antonello drives you to a ranch where you can feed the horses a handful of hay before you ride them. Then, an Italian cowboy guides you across a river, up a huge hill, and near a castle. They have horses for every skill level (Helloooo beginner!). The sights that you see while riding are absolutely breath taking, tear jerking, once-in-a-lifetime picturesque views. So take your camera. :)
All in all, ItalyFarmStay is the way to experience Italy outside of tourist Italy. While most everyone speaks English, they are patient enough to help you with your Italian. They are friendly enough to make you feel at home right away. I would recommend it to every single person I know...and even some people I don't know. Ciao Italia!!
Jill <email>
Chicago, IL USA 03/28/2009
Italy Farm Stay - The Whey to Go!
My wife and I read the reviews for Italy Farm Stay months before our trip. They seemed too good to be true; friendly hosts, organic farming, authentic meals, and exciting excursions. We were sure people were getting paid to write about this place on the message boards. We decided to try it out for the first week of our trip down South towards the Amalfi Coast.
We were not disappointed! We had a great time and it was a perfect start of our trip. We flew into Rome during the middle of May and traveled directly to Sora by bus. Our host Antonello greeted us with open arms and drove us to the farm and gave us an orientation and offered us some food and wine.
This area near Abruzzo National Park is not touristy so if you're looking for English menus in cafes or taxis, you might want to go elsewhere. If you're looking for an authentic Italian experience and willing to try out your Italian phrase book, Sora and the area surrounding the farm is the place for you.
You don't need a car during your stay. Sora is within walking distance and there are plenty of good hikes/walks to nearby attractions. Antonello can suggest lots of excursions that are easy on your pocketbook too. Cheesemaking with the local shepherd or horseback riding with an authentic Italian cowboy. Overnight camping and even hang gliding if the weather is right. Antonello's mother is an amazing cook too and you can spend some time with her in the kitchen and help create some great dishes.
The food on the farm is fresh and tasty. Everything is locally-made and organic.
We did rent a car for part of our stay and there are lots of half or full-day excursions and Antonello can suggest the best things to see in the area. We didn't have an agenda during our week on the farm and that was the best plan.
Oh, and Antonello and his folks are great. Antonello is always funny and ready to help out at any time. He's also willing to share with you the greatness of nutritional values of whey...his beverage of choice.
Italy Farm Stay is a great experience. One that you'll be talking about for many years.
Nate & Molly
Portland, OR USA 03/26/2009
Bologna Area
Does anyone have any information or recommendations for an Agriturismo in the Bolgona/Emilia-Romagna area?
Thanks.
Kirk
Chicago, IL USA 03/23/2009
Agriturismo Fattoria Poggio Alloro-San Gimignano
We recently returned from a weeks stay in Italy. While there we had the pleasure of spending 2-nights at Fattoria Poggio Alloro. It is located about 20 minutes outside of San Gimignano and our stay (in March) was 75 Euro per night, plus 30 Euro per person for dinner. The farm is truly a family affair with about 15 members of the Fiorini family taking care of its operation. For us it was the perfect Tuscan experience. If you enjoy breathtaking views (San Gimignano out our window) and authentic Tuscan cuisine, this is the place for you. For dinner each night, a meal is prepared with 90% of the ingredients coming directly from the farm. All of the ingredients are organic and many of their products are available to purchase. Sarah gave us a tour of the farm and was delightful to talk with. They offer 10 beautiful and clean rooms along with breakfast each morning. Their website offers photos and lots of useful information. www.fattoriapoggioalloro.com
Christy Schurter <email>
Rantoul, IL USA 03/18/2009
when posting delightful info on agriturismos, could you please include approx. prices per day? Thanks.
USA 02/26/2009
Italy Farm Stay- Great Trip!
As a student studying in Rome, constantly traveling and struggling to keep up with school work, Italy Farm Stay was a great relief. The outdoor hiking, the tasty food, the adventures in nature- I couldn't have asked for a better trip. Italy Farm Stay's staff is so helpful and friendly that I felt like part of the family by the time I left. So far, Italy Farm Stay was my favorite weekend trip- winning over Tuscany, Dublin and Amsterdam. I want to go back and recommend a stay there to anyone and everyone who needs a refreshing break from the hectic city life.
Abby Wise
Woodbury, MN USA 02/25/2009
La Tavola Marche
Last October I stayed in a wonderful agritourismo in a region of Italy that was perfect for back-roads exploration. Le Marche is the region, Ca'Camone is the agritourismo, and La Tavola Marche is the restaurant/hotel situated in a classic stone farmouse. La Tavola Marche is located in the picturesque Appenine Mountains, surrounded by beautiful forests and farmland (the fall colors when I was there were amazing). It's hosted by Ashley and Jason Bartner, a fun-loving couple who relocated to Le Marche from Brooklyn. Jason is a professional chef, skilled enough to impress the locals, while Ashley's experience in hospitality makes her a supreme host, and they both speak Italian very well. They offer dinners, cooking classes, and guided trips through the hills and towns of Le Marche. Meeting the locals is a pleasure, and it's very satisfying to eat cheese and drink wine that you buy from the artisans themselves. You can find the prices and more information on their website, www.latavolamarche.com. I recommend following the link to Ashley and Jason's blog. The enthusiastic entries of their adventures help to get you excited for your next trip.
Patrick
Sequim, WA USA 02/20/2009
I Cedri Villa Mordini
In September 08 we spent 6 magical days at this wonderful Agriturismo in the Capanna del Rosso formerly a hay barn. This property has been in the Mordini Family since the 12th Century, and the property overlooks the medieval town of Barga and the Apuan Alps. Peaceful, relaxing grounds and gardens brimming with warm ripe plum
tomatoes figs, pears and apples waiting to be picked, and we did! The
infinity pool just above our Casa was a refreshing end to a busy day of exploring the northern parts of Tuscany, down to Sienna. Daniella, and her staff were extremly warm and helpful. Do have the breakfast extra but worth it. They serve the best coffee, the freshest eggs and the most wonderful ham plus toast and croissants Italian style. Everything about this place is top quality and fabulous. www.agriturismoicedri.it
HarLyn and Jerry Mlynek <email>
Colorado Springs, Co USA 02/09/2009
Agriturismo Frallarenza, Umbria near Orvieto
We had a lovely 5 night stay at Frallarenza in December 2008, and would highly recommend this accommodation to anyone desiring a tranquil location near Orvieto. Francesco and Serena have created, with their own skill, hard work and artistic and ecological attention to detail, a beautiful and comfortable house and two guest apartments surrounded by an olive orchard and vineyard. We stayed with our two children in the smaller apartment, which was immaculate and invitingly furnished with Serena's pottery and fibre-art handiwork. Serena's delicious zucchini pasta and breakfast tart (and their newly pressed olive oil) were awaiting us upon arrival, and the kitchen was furnished with all necessities, including ingredients for our first breakfast. What made our stay especially special was the helpfulness of our hosts, and our "cooking lesson" night with them and their son Giorgio, during which we discovered like concerns and shared ideas with Francesco for a more environmentally-progressive future. Grazie a Serena also for a fun pottery lesson and the lovely pieces we purchased from you; and grazie a Giorgio from our kids for the fun ping pong recreation! We wish them all the best in their endeavours.
Gillian & Steve
Kingston, Ont Canada 01/28/2009
Agriturismos
When planning my trip to Italy I discovered Agriturismos Cretaiole through Rick Steve's graffiti wall and was impressed with what I had read. Because of that wonderful review, my mom, my sister and I had an unforgetable experience in the beautiful area of Val'd Orcia. When I emailed Isabella, she promptly answered and although the rooms were full at her place she offered an apartment in the village of Castelmuzio. We loved staying there and we were very close to Pienza which was wonderful to visit. The area is just beautiful with plenty to see, wine to taste, delicious food and very friendly people. We also visited Siena, Florence and many towns right in the Val'd Orcia area. Isabella really provided us with so many options of how to best enjoy our stay that it made our trip very special.If you stay in Castelmuzio it is necessary to rent a car-a small one-gas is expensive!! Don't worry about the driving-unless of course it is in the big cities! Take the train in that case. Get an International driver's license before you go from AAA-quite easy. We flew into Rome and we had read so many things about crazy driving we all were anxious about it. Don't worry, the Rome airport is on the outskirts of the city and it wasn't too difficult to follow the main highway. The only thing that takes some getting used to is the very curvy roads with hairpin turns in some cases-not to mention very fast Italians and in my case my mother!!But honestly the adventure was fun:) Go on the wine tour Isabella suggests (Brunello wine I believe)and you will have a wonderful meal along with it. Really just go. Take in the absolute beauty of Tuscany. I will be going back without a doubt and I will arrange it through www.lecasinedicastello.com again...maybe I shouldn't tell everyone about it!
Kim Clairmont
Dover, NH USA 01/27/2009
Agriturismo Savernano
This place is fantastic. Check out the postings on trip advisor. David, the owner makes the best scrambled eggs I've ever tasted! We stayed in June 2008. The pool was a huge plus. This is a family run place and David and his wife are extremely welcoming. The breakfasts,included are incredible with more than enough food to last you well into the morning. Dinner is available for a small fee and that too is cooked by David and his wife. They tell you the menu at breakfast and you just let them know if you'll be wanting dinner that day. You do need a car but can leave it at the local station to take the train into Florence. We also took day trips to Arezzo, Siena, and Volterra from here. Set on acreage surrounded by olive trees, a vineyard, and a small animal farm with a pond, swans, peacocks, goats, and a miriad of beautiful birds. You can take walks through the surrounding vineyards to other small villages in the vicinity. I highly recommend this place and can't wait to go back someday. We could have stayed in a small stuffy hotel room in the heart of Florence, or at this beautiful agriturismo for the same price! You won't regret staying here. David makes his own wine and olive oil both are very good.
Margaret <email>
Renton, WA USA 01/23/2009
Agriturismo Metina Montepulciano
Our holiday at Agriturismo Metna this autumn was great!
My husband and I never had an exerience in an agriturismo before.
Monica and Alberto are very nice and friedly people. Monica gave us many informations about places to visit, restaurants and shops while tasting their excellent Vino Rosso.
Alberto is most of the time in the souvenir shop they have in Montepulciano but he and Monica do their best to make you feel home and are always available for any problem.
I hd a problem with my car and she called the AVIS for me...
The place is simple and there is a wonderful view on the country .
There are only 5 apartments... peace and birds singing all night.
we had a walk in the vineyard with Monica and her dogs and other guests with their children and in the evening had a barbecue on the terrace all together. Everyone cooked something and it was nce to meet people from other caountries.
Monica is trying to sell Metina but wil go on taking al the reservations even if she can sell, which I hope she won't!! (Sorry Monica!)
If you're looking for a simple but true place, Metina is the on for you!
Florence (excuse me for my english, I am French)
Florence
New York, NY USA 01/22/2009
Great Agriturisimo
Last October, another couple, myself and my wife, spent a wonderful 5 days at a mini-villa in Tuscany, near Sambuca. Villa Sant' Andrea ( www.villas-andrea.it ) Offers 3 mini-villas, as well as apartments in the main villa. The views of the olive groves and vineyards were spectacular! My friend cried when she saw the apartment! It's located at an ideal spot for a home base, to visit Tuscany, Siena, Volterra, San Gimignano, and Florence. The main Siena-Florence highway is only 10-15 minutes away!
Martina, Elenora, and the rest of the staff were incredibly accommodating, and spoke perfect english! The host a very nice wine cellar for tasting!
I would definitely check out their website if Tuscany was a destination for your trip! Cheers!
Brian <email>
Portland, OR USA 01/21/2009
Amazing Toscana Adventure!
Agriturismo Cretaiole was just soooo wonderful, Isabella was insanely helpful and treated you like you were her family showing you the inside of the region. You felt like you were a local. I never ate so good with her garden fresh veggies for salads (biggest zucchini's i've ever seen!), the amazing lunch at the pecorino farm and also our dinner in the monk kitchen at the monestary. Just had a wonderful time. I will be back to make pasta with them, so sorry I missed that!
Allison
Chandler, AZ USA 01/12/2009
Cretaiole Under the Tuscan Sun
If you are looking to get a true local flavor of Tuscany don't look any further than Cretaiole. We stayed only a short 5 days but should have planned our entire vacation (at Cretaiole) in that region alone. If you would you like to be a part of another family, then Cretaiole is for you. Isabella and her family are outstanding hosts that make you feel so welcome. Cretaiole is a beautiful renovated farm house with all the right touches. Just looking through the wealth of information that is in the book that Isabella made for each room you can tell she has thought of everything. The rooms were quaint and very clean. We enjoyed the Pici pasta making/dinner and olive oil tasting session we had while we were there. The other optional activities that were suggested were of extreme quality as well. The winery/vineyard tour, the organic farm and the flea markets were all great ways to feel that you are a part of the local culture. If you are visiting Tuscany(Pienza) I would highly recommend Cretaiole as the place for you to call home.
Wendy <email>
Muskego, WI USA 01/11/2009
Cretaiole, Tuscany
Our visit to Cretaiole in Pienza, Italy was the perfect vacation for my 2 daughters, son-in-law and 3 year old grandson and myself! Isabella and her family were gracious hosts and made us feel like family during our weeklong stay.We loved the cooking class and talk about it all the time. I will never eat pasta again and not think of her. We look forward to a return visit in the near future and would never think of staying anywhere else. Cretaiole is heaven on earth!We vacationed there in May, 2008, with sunny weather, red poppies dotting the countryside and the beautiful yellow broom, everywhere!
Sharon Everingham and Family
Austin, Tx. USA 01/09/2009
Agriturismo Cretaiole
Isabella,
We wanted to thank you again for such a wonderful experience. Kim and I loved every moment at Cretaiole! You and your family are amazing people. Kim has adopted Luciano as her Italian grandpa in her heart! Thanks for everything!!! It was truly a one of kind experience! I know we wouldn't have enjoyed Italy quite the same without our amazing week at Cretaiole!!!
Thank you again for helping us with our renewal of our vows. The ceremony was everything Kim always dreamed of, it was perfect! Kim loved it. Carla was great to work with and did a fabulous job down to the last detail! The bouquet, food, the violinist, everything!!! We are so thankful for you and your family!!
We hope to return soon and know the Cretaiole is number 1 in our book, we've told everybody we know that they have to stay with you guys when they come to Italy!!! Ciao!!!
Chris & Kim
Evans, CO USA 01/04/2009