We have just returned from a 2 1/2 week vacation in Italy and this was our 2nd stay in "Il Nido", in Castelmuzio, Italy. Our 2nd stay was as wonderful as our 1st! It could not have been more perfect. Isabella and Carlo Moricciani, our hosts, who also own Agriturismo Cretaiole in Pienza, about 10 minutes away, love what they do, and it shows in every way. Carlotta, who works closely with Isabella, is another member of the team that together manages to take care of every detail at all of their properties all week long, to make your stay one that will be cherished forever, and also make you want to return. You may arrive as a guest, but you will definitely leave feeling like a member of the family!
"Il Nido" is a small, rustic apartment for 2 in the charming, tiny village of Castelmuzio. As you enter the apartment, your eyes are immediately drawn to the kitchen area directly ahead of you, with all the charm of a Tuscan country kitchen on a smaller scale, complete with the Bialetti Moka Pot on the stove. The kitchen table overflows with fruit, vegetables, bread, cookies, pasta....a wonderful welcome gift! There is a co-op in the village where you can pick up additional supplies you may need during the week.
Isabella has lovingly prepared a very thorough travel book for use during your stay, complete with suggestions for dining and sightseeing in the area. You will feel like a local after going through this book!
A washing machine is available for your use, as well as a drying rack.
"Il Nido" is immaculate and tastefully decorated throughout and there is a wonderful shower, with the highest quality shower and skin care products available for your use. There is a welcoming patio outside the kitchen area where you can have a meal or just relax in a chair.
I would definitely recommend you opt for the "Dolce Vita" package when making your reservation, as this will include additional activities that you don't want to miss....a few options include a tour of the area, a tour of the Moricciani farm and the products they produce, an olive oil tasting with professional olive oil taster, Carlo! There is also included in this package a not to be missed fun evening of a dinner, which begins with making pici pasta with Isabella and Carlotta, followed by a wonderful dinner of grilled meats, and sides that guests help contribute. There are many more fun and unique activities to choose from during the week, at reasonable prices, that you are free to sign up for, depending completely on what you what to do or how busy you want to be.
Castelmuzio is about a 10-minute drive from Pienza, a wonderful town to explore, with many interesting shops and dining options.
For a quiet, relaxing retreat, with plenty of charm, and close proximity to many wonderful villages to explore, I would definitely recommend "Il Nido"!