I'm looking for a little help. My family, 13 people (9 adults and 4 kids), are looking for a Agriturismo. I'm heading up our Italian adventure and looking for something in between Sienna and Florence. I"m also wanting to hit Assisi on the way up and over from Rome. It seems like Arezzo fits the bill but after searching the Italy Forum, it doesn't seem there are suggestions for an Arezzo Agriturismo. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
15154 posts
Just because you didn't see any suggestions here, it doesn't mean there are none. Most Americans tend to stay between Florence and Siena (like the Chianti), which is by far the most expensive area in Italy to get an agriturismo.
But Arezzo is the province in Italy with the 3rd highest number of certified agriturismo units, after the other Tuscan provinces of Florence and Siena, with over 450 agriturismo farmhouses out of a total of 4000+ in Tuscany. The number of available beds is 6,000 (13 each on average).
If we exclude the area near Cortona, where there is a sizable American presence (prob due to the novel and movie "Under the Tuscan Sun"), the province of Arezzo is much more popular with Northern Europeans, especially Germans, and largely unknown to Americans (Rick Steves' hasn't stopped there yet). That is also due to the more affordable prices compared to the province of Florence and Siena (and we all know Germans are thrifty travelers).
I don't have a specific one to suggest for the area you want to stay, but you can do a search on many websites:
www.interchalet.de
www.agriturismo.net (and also .it and .com)
www.booking.com
and many others.
Use the maps on line to find the locations. I'm sure you will find one you like.
One more thing. I presume you have cars. Agriturismo accommodations are not ideal for public transportation travelers as they tend to be in isolated localities out of town.
Posted by
105 posts
We stayed at Villa Vignamaggio....presumably a one time home of Mona Lisa. Lovely accomodations. We were there during the harvest and were able to 'help' and see the whole operation. Just outside of Greve. You will want a car.
Posted by
OP
Westminster
53 posts
Roberto, thanks for the input. I've looked at 2 of those 3 sites and am finding an abundance of information. Your information about attracting Germans makes much more sense now, as there were plenty of travelers from there. Thanks again for the info.
Mschonekas, thanks for the personal insight. Exactly what I am looking for.
Yes, we will actually have 3 cars as there is NO WAY I'm driving a lager car in Italy. ;)
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16893 posts
Grazie, tutti.
Posted by
Arcadia, CA
528 posts
While on a Rick Steves tour, we stayed at La Ferriera in Loro Ciuffenna and it was wonderful. There were apartments with bedrooms and kitchens, a pool, a lovely walk into the small town. The food in their dining room was top notch. http://www.residencelaferriera.com/index.php?lang=en
This was very convenient for heading into Florence for the day.
Enjoy your travels!