For part of our 21 days in Europe (paris, Venice, Florence, CT, Rome), we are spending (husband, 2 girls- 10&17) 5 (3 full days) in Florence. For what we are interested in, I think we could be very happy with 1 1/2 to 2 days in Florence and the rest of the time enjoying the countryside. This would be a nice change of pace esp. for my 10 year old who I'm sure will be burned out on Museums/Churches, etc.. It seems like it might be best to rent a car- maybe in the city of Florence and return it there (will probably be arriving from Venice by train.. but I didn't see any rentals available to/from there for our dates) and drive in (park outside the city of course..). Would you agree? Also, I would love to hear any suggestions for places to stay-- I'm trying not to stay too far out (max would be 1.5 hrs b/c I really don't know how heavy traffic will really be...) A great place would have a pool, maybe an interesting activity on site/possibly near a winery/olive grove...near by and of course beautiful Tuscan scenery.. Thank you for your ideas/suggestions!!.
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10743 posts
I think this place meets your qualifications.
http://www.agriturismo.it/en/farmhouse/tuscany/florence/FattoriaLavacchio-6040809/index.html
I stayed there last week. The views are stunning. They have a pool, horseback riding and other activities. It is 18 kilometers east of Florence, but in reality the narrow winding roads make it a slow drive. We took a train from a nearby town into Florence. A car is imperative. The smallest one you can get by with.
Enjoy your trip!!
Posted by
OP
Seattle
83 posts
Andrea, Wow! What a find!! This would be perfect. Unfortunately they don't availability for our dates. I'm crushed!! I'll keep looking because there has to be another, right? Thank you! -- updating.. maybe I'm reading their site wrong b/c I think I found something available. I've e-mailed them and will keep working on this angle . again, Grazie!!
Posted by
85 posts
Andrea, I like your idea. I am trying to find like this but we do not need to sleep there. We could go for the day. We would like to go for swim and horseback riding and then maybe if we have time to take cooking lesson. Where is the best place all in one ?
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10743 posts
I know their restaurant is open to the public. Horseback riding is an additional charge and very likely can be arranged through them. They also offer a ceramics class and other activities. They may allow use of the pool for a fee. It doesn't hurt to contact them!