Amazing Tuscan vacation at La Cretaiole near Pienza

My husband and I recently spent a week at La Cretaiole just outside Pienza, and how we wish we could have stayed another week! Isabella, her husband Carlo, Carlotta (Isabella's "right arm"), and Luciano, the patriarch of the Moricciani family made us feel like family from the moment we arrived. Our apartment, La Cantina, was perfect for us, and the attention to detail went way beyond expectation, from the décor, to the fine linens, to the kitchen supplies. We had booked the Dolce Vita package, and we arrived to a table loaded with fresh fruits and vegetables, cakes and cookies, granola, yogurt, cheeses and sausages, fresh eggs, milk, olive oil, wine, nuts, olives etc, more than enough to last us through the week for breakfasts, a few dinners, and snacks. We were also free to pick anything from their garden as well. As part of the package, we also toured their farm and were treated to a lunch of products they produce (sausage, olive oil, cheeses, wine etc). A visit to their ancient Hermitage (fascinating, and not to be missed!), a winery tour, an olive oil tasting, a pici pasta making class and Tuscan dinner were also included. Highly recommend the package, as it is well worth it and allows you to get a closer look, and more intimate feel for the Tuscan culture, history, and lifestyle.
Isabella's "travel book" gives you detailed information for everything and anything you could possibly want to see or do in a 2 hour radius from Pienza, right down to detailed driving instructions including the gps coordinates for the best places to park at your destination. You would need a month to see and do everything in her book! Guided tours of Siena, Montepulciano, and other Tuscan towns can also be arranged. We are typically not "guided tour " travelers as we prefer to go at our own pace etc, but we were so happy that we did do it for Siena and Montepulciano. Our guides were excellent, spoke perfect English, were engaging and very knowledgeable.
We befriended several other couples during our stay, and we did several of the tours and activities as a group....including having a private chef, Giancarlo, come in and prepare an amazing four course dinner for us, another highlight of our week there!
The Val D'Orcia is absolutely stunning, and my 2000+ pictures can attest to that. It always took us twice as long to get anywhere because we were constantly stopping to take pictures! La Cretaiole overlooks the valley with views of Pienza on the hilltop, 4 km away. You are also surrounded by the Moricciani's olive groves and vineyards, and a huge lawn, perfect for families with children. The location is convenient for touring the many famous hilltowns of Tuscany, as well as the many hidden gems recommended by Isabella.
Carlotta was like our best friend...she made sure all our needs and desires were met. We could reach her at any time with questions, restaurant reservations requests etc , via the phone that was provided for our use during our stay.
Luciano, patriarch of the family, had the foresight and vision many years ago to restore La Cretaiole and to create the first Agriturismo in the area. He loves to visit with his guests in the evenings, and shares his grappa, limoncello, and vin santo with them while swapping stories by way of his recently discovered translation app on his ipad. Because of his dream and the hard work of the Moricciani family, we were treated to the most amazing Tuscan vacation.