We just returned from a fantastic week in Tuscany staying at the Cretaiole Agriturismo. We participated in many of the activities organized by Isabella and her team. We felt immersed in the Tuscan culture from the moment we set foot in our apartment which was generously supplied with local produce, eggs, pastries, bread, milk and wine. The package also included a tour of the family farm, several wine tastings one which included a 7 course pairing of wine and food, a tour of Cortona and a Monastery where Saint Francis stayed, a truffle hunt with truffle sniffing dogs, and of course a Tuscan Thanksgiving Dinner. We had high expectations going in and all were exceeded. We also met a great group of people who were staying at Cretaiole as well as the Moricciani family's other properties. Carlotta provided tours and translations throughout the trip and Marta made sure everything went as planned including arrangements for dinner reservations as well as for the Uffizi gallery.
The apartment which included a living room with a fire place and full kitchen was also fantastic. The property has stunning views of Val d'Orcia as well as hiking trails. The best part was that you really felt part of the family and everyone wanted to make sure you had a great time. Carlo (Isabella's husband) provided hikes in between working at the farm. Luciano (the Patriarch) would use google translate to communicate with us and provide nightly Grappa and Rosso for guests as he checked to make sure everything was well. He even helped this city dweller start a fire in the fire place after a failed attempt. The location is just outside of Pienza and a great home base for visiting Tuscany with a car. This time of year you also have many places to yourselves as tourism is winding down in the region for the Winter. Mind you it was cold and the days were shorter but there was always plenty of parking and crowds were sparse. I highly recommend Cretaiole for anyone who wants a unique immersion in Tuscany.