Greetings!
We're spending a few days in Florence October '26 and we'd like to stay somewhere more rural for a few days, as well. I've read through the RS book on the topic. I'm wondering if anyone has had a good personal experience at any of the listings? I'd also be interested in a place that isn't technically or officially an agriturismo but is along the same lines.
Please share! Thanks!
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
17801 posts
A couple of questions?
What does 'affordable' mean to you?
How will you be traveling? Car or public transport?
Posted by
seattle
2298 posts
Will you have a car or be traveling by public transportation/taxi?
Posted by
OP
12 posts
We will rent a car and we’d like to stay under 200 euros per night.
Posted by
42 posts
I don't know if it's in RS's listings, but I have stayed several times at the Palazzo a Merse - closest biggest city is Siena, closest town with shops, etc. is Rosia. I recommend it highly. It has apartments of various sizes and is family-run. https://www.palazzomerse.it/en/
Posted by
Hobart Tasmania
490 posts
@Lisa
Would be useful if you or someone has conversational Italian.
Regards Ron
Posted by
OP
12 posts
Thank you. I'll check it out.
Posted by
Niagara, Ontario
1898 posts
We once stayed at this place on the outskirts of Montepluciano:
https://www.fontecastello.it/index.php
Not exactly rural but it is on a very quiet road, and there are countryside views. You can walk to the edge of town in about 15 minutes, all downhill on the way back home. We stayed in the Portico apartment, which looks like it has been renovated and rearranged somewhat. Antonella, the lady in charge, is lovely.
Posted by
new york
1087 posts
A good place to begin a search is the official agriturismi site; the a look and then double-check reviews elsewhere:
Posted by
martinez, ca, usa
2838 posts
hey hey lisalisaroche
there are so many to chose from, tuscany is a large area that you have decide where. what does "affordable" mean as in euros, how many people (kids & ages?) october is a busy time with harvest times with fairs/festivals
another area after florence you could check out the lucca/pisa area.
apartmentslucca.com (properties inside wall "no parking space", outside walls "parking available"
luccaapartmentsandvillas.co.uk
visittuscany.com (search: lucca)
timelesswanderers.com
12 best things to do in lucca. so much to see and do around the area.
cucina-italiana.com
chef paolo monti offers several daily cooking classes and B&B accomodations. send him an email on website with more info.
some places have minimum day stays.
renting a car gives you more independence to places/towns, always check for parking, many charge a fee every day, some are located away from your place so walking with luggage. also it is mandatory to have an IDP in italy. you can get same day at aaa, cost about $25, good for a year, travel with both your driver's license & IDP. be aware some rental car places may ask or not ask, but if stopped by "police" for any reason they do ask and if none a big $$$ fine. better to have than an upset vacation.
aaa.com/IDP
keep asking questions, people are here to give info, good bad or ugly. have fun enjoy
aloha
Posted by
Tacoma, WA, USA
704 posts
In 2022 we stayed at https://www.lazzarona.it/ outside of San Gimignano. We booked through VRBO, but you can do it directly. It has five bedrooms and six bathrooms with two bedrooms on the main floor, a gorgeous pool and views. The host was very responsive to all of our needs.
Posted by
OP
12 posts
Thanks everyone! Your responses are very helpful. I'll be looking into your great suggestions.
Posted by
151 posts
Near San Miniato: Bella Vista. Nice places to walk, too. The owner is so nice and if you’re there when it’s warm, there is a pool and the view is beautiful and they have special evening dinners once in a while.
The breakfast in the morning is fantastic!