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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Il Molinello, Asciano near Siena - great cycling base!
Il Molinello makes a fabulous base for a "spoke and wheels" kind of cycling trip. We spent two weeks and had plenty of varied road cycling - gorgeous scenery, hilltop towns, and plenty of climbing when we wanted a hard day. Sandro (a professional bike guide) can guide each ride, upload his rides into your gps, provide route sheets if you prefer, or just give you ideas on routes you choose. Sandro even picked us up one day after we had a mechanical. They also specialize in providing fun things for a non-riding spouse to do (cooking lessons, winery and olive vineyard tours, wine tasting, cooking lessons, trips to Siena, etc) while the cyclist hits the roads. Sandro even took us to see a Giro d'Italia stage and provided fabulous local, organic foods and wine! They speak good english and strive to please. Can't go wrong.
Rosy Jacobsen
Boulder, CO USA 05/17/2013
Antica Olivaia - Umbria, near Orvieto
We stayed three nights at Antica Olivaia's charming farmhouse in April. Although the weather was cool and rainy, Daniella and Marco were warm and welcoming. We stayed in Room #4, which has a lovely view and large bathroom. I always worry about sleeping on a bed that is too soft or too hard, but the mattress was perfect. Two evenings we dined at the farmhouse, enjoying a delicious four course meal prepared by our hosts. Daniella's tiramisu and Marco's wild Boar ragu were definite highlights of our two-week trip. Since Umbria was the beginning of our trip, Daniella was an immense help with planning our time in upcoming destinations.
Nancy & Bob
Boise, Idaho USA 05/17/2013
Agriturismo La Crociona, Montalcino, Italy
My husband and I just returned from 3 weeks in Italy and a highlight of our trip was Tuscany. We stayed at Agriturismo La Crociona in Montalcino, Italy and had a wonderful time. The room was huge and the facilities modern, clean and quaint. The owners were wonderfully helpful and friendly and we loved chatting with them. They recommended wonderful restaurants and insight into how to spend our time in Tuscany. We also loved the central and picturesque location of La Crociona. We will definitely stay there again!
Christie
Denver, CO USA 05/12/2013
LA CROCIONA MONTALCINO TUSCANY
Excellent experience; highly recommended for a wonderful vacation!!! The rooms were very nice. We rented two apartment, one for the family and one for the grandparents. The staff was extremely nice and helpful. Very much enjoyed the wine tasting; their wines are wonderful. Plenty of parking, even for larger vehicles. Perfect location; a few minutes drive to Montalcino. Easy day trips to other hill towns (Pienza, Montepulciano, Volterra, Siena) and Florence. This is a great place to spend the week and use as a base for day trips; but make sure you spend at least one day relaxing on the property, wine tasting etc. We recommend Agriturisomo LA CROCIONA MONTALCINO to all of our friends.
Mark
Stuttgart, Germany 05/06/2013
An Amazing Tuscan Holiday
Recently my husband and I visited Tuscany for the first time and had a most wonderful experience. This was mainly due to the Moricciani family, and in particular, Isabella, who provided us with a beautiful place to stay, a tremendous amount of information, guidance and a genuine love of the area and her guests!
We were based in the Val D'Orcia made up of many scenic towns and villages. Our charming apartment
"El Nido", which is one of two under the banner of Le Casine di Castello, is located in Castelmuzio, a quaint village of 200 people.
Isabella is a most generous host as we found out upon entering our apartment. The table was laden with sweets, pastries, breads, jams cereals, pasta and many condiments for preparing home cooked meals. In addition, there were fresh eggs from the Moricciani farm, their own olive oil and wine. The bathroom was filled with skin care and beauty products, loads of towels and much more. Isabella was always ready to assist in any way from booking restaurants, massages and to having produced the amazing Red Book compendium of everything to do and see in Tuscany and Umbria.
The Family also offers free pasta classes, olive oil tasting, and special tours. There were many activities being offered but no pressure at all to participate. The bed at "El Nido" must get a special mention. It was incredibly comfortable and both my husband and I found it quite difficult to leave it! We are keen to return to this beautiful part of the world and there is no doubt we shall return to Le Casine di Castello when we do.
Grazie mille Isa, Carlo and Luciano!!! Susan and Peter
Susan and Peter
Perth, WA Australia 04/29/2013
Val d'Orcia
We stayed in the top floor 1 bedroom apartment at Casa Moricciani for 12 nights in early December 2012 and it was spectacular! We knew from reading the consistently great reviews and the more than helpful email exchanges with Isabella that we would not be disappointed but to experience it was another thing entirely! The attention to detail, service and hospitality are second to none. We met Isabella and she took us to the villa ensuring we had everything we needed even giving us a mobile phone and GPS to use during our stay. On our arrival, the kitchen table was covered with a bounty of fresh produce, breakfast foods, pastries, wine etc and every few days Carlo would [INVALID] off a [INVALID]ion of pastries for breakfast!
The positives about this place are endless: the villa is very comfortable with quality furnishings and linen, very well equipped kitchen with quality equipment and appliances so you can cook up a storm, a gorgeous bathroom with a view from the shower and the views from the bedroom and the garden over the valley are breathtaking.
However, we think what sets Casa Moricciani is the warmth and incredibly generous hospitality of Isabella and Carlo. This not only makes you feel at home and respects your privacy, but also offers connections to real people, places and experiences that you would not otherwise find through guide books. In a sense you are welcomed into the community through Isabella and Carlo because they are so passionate about Val d'Orcia, its people and its produce. Through her local knowledge and relationships, Isabella helped us to see and experience things that were truly memorable because they were authentic and personal - we were able to connect with local people. Early winter in Tuscany is beautiful and Casa Moricciani is the perfect place to stay to explore the region and experience life in a small, hilltop village.
Stephen Williamson
Alice Springs, NT Australia 04/28/2013
Italy Farmstay, a culturally and naturally rich experience near Abruzzo National Park
Two hours south of Rome, on the edge of Abruzzo National Park, I found a great life experience at Italy Farmstay) http://www.italyfarmstay.com/). You can get there easily by bus from Rome, which will take you to a cute little Italian village named Sora, and from there the staff will gladly pick up both guests and volunteers to come and visit their sustainable, organic farm and bed and breakfast. I stayed there as a volunteer, working a few hours a day in exchange for room and board, and I stayed for three weeks where I was able to interact with people from all over the world, and be a part of real Italian culture and life. My favorite part of the experience was how many people this place opens its doors to, creating a cultural center where we could all learn from each other, and appreciate nature together, and work on projects that inspire creativity and sustainability. The landscape all around the house is so beautiful, mountains and fresh water and trees and flowers. I could feel myself breathe in all the open space and preserved beauty of the area. I would highly recommend this place to anyone interested in nature, Italian culture, good food, international integration, and a peaceful, fulfulling experience. Great job Italy Farmstay family!
Holly
Urbana, IL USA 04/25/2013
Unforgettable days in Tuscany
My husband and I were looking for a quiet and cozy place to recuperate and find a perfect holiday atmosphere. Our 3-day stay at La Brusciata exceeded our expectations by far. We found a familiar hearty welcome and enjoyed a multiple star cuisine, prepared by Laura`s mother – mostly home-made ingredients and house-own products. The apartment is very spacious, furnished with taste and loving care. Also the garden looks inviting, seducing for day and nightdreaming. We told all our friends persuading them to stay there. Our visit was certainly not the last one! It is the best place to get relaxed and to give wings to your minds. Listening to the sounds of the nature - in a great landscape.
Dr. Treml
Salzburg, Austria 04/21/2013
Cretaiole
My daughter (age 11) and I spent nearly a week at Cretaiole agritruismo (near pienza) in end March 2013. It was one of the best experiences of our lives (and I have travelled a ton). The place is special: charming, stunning, cozy, welcoming, and beautiful. The views are amazing, and taking walks in the surrounding area was exhilirating. Isabella, Carlo, Luciano, Carlotta and the whole family were so welcoming and kind, they made us feel right at home. Their advice on local outings was invaluable (as was Isabella's masterpiece binder) - We discovered many amazing places we would never have found on our own or even with a good guidebook (many were off the map!). We also loved visiting their working farm, (san gregorio) and Sandra's organic sheep farm. From the 11-year-old perspective, you cant beat a farm vacation with baby bunnies, baby kitties, easter with wonderful Luciano (her nonno tuscano), a chance to make pici pasta, playing soccer on the lawn with other visiting kids, and such nice people in such a wonderful place. What more could we ask for? Wish we had stayed longer! We *definitely* plan to return, hopefully many times! One logistical tip: we took train from Rome to Chiusi, then rented car (from Eurocar) for the Cretaiole week, them returned car to Chiusi for train to Florence. This worked very well and we avoided driving in Rome or Florence ... Just check to make sure that the rental car place is open (watch holidays and hours) when you need it... Will do it again, hopefully soon!
Kathy L.
Washington, Dc USA 04/17/2013
Tuscany / Pienza
My family and I stayed at Cretaiole Agriturismo just outside of Pienza for just over a week this March. We found it through a general Google search about traveling in Italy with children (we have a 7-year-old). We had considered arranging a family-friendly group tour of Italy, but are so happy we opted for Cretaiole instead. It was a perfect place from which to explore Tuscany (Florence, Siena, Montepulciano, Pienza, etc.) and to relax in the beautiful countryside. The accommodations were beautiful and the Moricciani family [Isabella, Carlo, and Luciano] made our visit easy and comfortable. They helped us plan our day trips, provided fun (and free!) activities at the farmhouse, and fed us an amazing dinner after teaching us how to make pici. Carlotta, a new member of the staff, was especially helpful and welcoming. And our son loved it; he could play outside with the cats or other children staying at Cretaiole. It was a perfect solution for us!
Kim Heikkila
St. Paul, MN USA 04/14/2013
La Falconara, Montepulciano, Italy
This was our first time at the beautiful La Falconara, but hopefully will not be our last. It is situated on a hilltop amidst an olive grove very near the town center of Montepulciano. The scenery is beautiful in any season. We traveled there during the winter months.
Alex and Ingrid, the most wonderful hosts and owners, communicated everything we needed to know before our arrival. They assisted us in making our transportation reservations as well. All arrangements worked out perfectly.
The agriturismo has three unique apartments with many ammenities. Our apartment, Il Portico, was rustic and beautifully appointed. It included everything we needed (and more) for a comfortable stay. Il Portico has a spiral staircase to the bedroom. The bedroom has a fabulous viewpoint from where you can enjoy the Tuscan scenery and the morning sun. There is also a pool to enjoy in the warmer months.
Alex assisted us with our daily travel itinerary, which always included a fabulous restaurant. Their knowledge of the region, the culture, the food and wine is endless. The agriturismo is in a great location from which to explore the treasures of the Tuscan countryside.
Alex and Ingrid went out of their way to insure our visit was exceptional and memorable. We are disappointed that we did not have more time at La Falconara. We highly recommend La Falconara to everyone seeking an genuine Tuscan experience and the warm hospitality of two amazing people.
Celine
Auburn, WA USA 03/24/2013
PUGLIA -Buffalo Farm Near Foggia and the Gargano
PUGLIA - Buffalo Farm Near Foggia and the Gargano
If you liked Casa Portagoia and Cretaiole, you will like Le Querce Di Mamre (LQDM) located in the Puglia region in southeastern Italy, where Italians like to vacation. My wife and I have visited most of Italy in the last twenty years and decided to explore this region based on a recommendation from an Italian friend. We spent 12 days at 4 different agritourismos in this area of Italy that has it all, great food, great things to see and it's relatively inexpensive.
LQDM was our first three night stay and I chose it because its restaurant was rated #1 in the area on TripAdvisor. The restaurant exceeded our expectations, with the buffalo meat a fabulous surprise. Boy, what a fantastic find, not just the restaurant but the rooms, the grounds and most of all the service provided by Noemi and Mateo, the young owners. Their kindness, enthusiasm and passion for what they do is apparent and they made our stay a memorable one. They are fluent in English and were very helpful in planning our day. They have a 150-acre farm (tomatoes, peppers, wheat etc.) 20 minutes northeast of Foggia with 100 head of buffalo among its livestock. They have applied for a permit to make mozzerella which I look forward to tasting on my next visit, in the meantime, the "buffalo cappuccinos" (a speciality of Mateo's) are the best you will ever have. The farm is quiet, peaceful and conveniently located for day trips to the Gargano with its beaches, medieval villages and religious shrines. The ensuite rooms were clean, spacious and, above all, the bed was comfortable.
I am counting the days when I can return for a much longer stay and if you should find youself in the area, do yourself a favor and book early. Their website is http://www.lequercedimamre.com/index.html
Jim C.
San Diego, CA Traveled Nov.10, 2012
Jim C
San Diego, CA USA 02/13/2013
Antica Olivaia Orvieto Umbria
After the hustle and bustle of Rome, and a not so great experience with our apartment rental, Antica Olivaia was the perfect retreat. Owned and operated by Marco and Daniella Paris and
opened just last summer it feels like these first time inn keepers have been at it a life time. We were the only ones there for two days but they had their first full house over New Years and were unflustered pros.
Daniella never stops moving and cheerfully dispenses travel advice and bits of local history. Marco is in the kitchen lovingly and competently preparing dinner. The food is fresh, locally sourced when possible, and of course has lots of their own delicious olive oil. We ate in every night and were never disappointed. The highlight was the wild boar ragu from a boar killed on the property. Marco's two delightful daughters were visiting from England and helped serve and assist Daniella with the tasty pastries for breakfast.
The rooms are simply and tastefully decorated, the beds sooooo comfortable and the linens envy worthy. We were the first guests to have the upstairs suite with a little terrace and separate entrance. The room was huge with a high wood ceiling, tile floors and beautiful fireplace, amazing views from every window and a wonderful bathroom with great towels and plenty of hot water. It was completely comfortable.
This 600 (?) year old farmhouse is beautifully remodeled while retaining its character. Situated in the hills above Orvieto is has nearly 360 d. views of the city and surrounding countryside. Marco and Daniella, along with the playful pup Miles and the kitties, are wonderful hosts and felt like friends after just a short time. It's a great location and perfect base for exploring as yet unspoiled Umbria. We would definitely go back and stay longer and recommend it to all.
meg volpe
suisun valley, ca USA 01/25/2013
Cretaiole
This most fantastic family made our week at Cretaiole perfect in every way. I'm sure there are many special places in Tuscany, but I will definitely return to spend time with Isabella, Carlo, Luciano, and Lilliana. As Rick would say, the experience allows you to live like a temporary local. By joining into the farm tours, visiting food producers, having slow lunches, and private tour guides that Isabella offers, we really were immersed in the culture and daily life we so wanted to experience. If it were possible to give 10 stars, Cretaiole would have them from me!
Lynette
Santa Cruz, CA USA 01/25/2013
LaBruciata Agriturismo-(Montepulciano) .THE BEST
La Bruciata Agriturismo near Montepulciano was the highlight of our October trip to Italy. We stayed a week and hated to leave. Laura was so helpful with tips on places to see, and the most charming restaurants with the best views Our room (apartment with kitchen) was clean, spacious, comfortable with a fabulous view of the olive vineyards, and hills beyond. The roses and other flowering plants made a perfect backdrop for our "time under the Tuscan sun". The breakfasts were always a delight with homemade cakes (now I crave cappuccino every day)! And the evening meals prepared by Mama were just like going to restaurant, only better, more fun and more relaxing. Next visit, I will definitely schedule a cooking lesson and learn how to make her Cannoli in Bianco with spinach.
Gloria
Atlanta, Ga USA 01/09/2013