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Recommended inexpensive Agriturismo's WITHOUT car in Italy?

My husband and I will be traveling during July via Eurail pass only, so we will not be renting a car. I've read the recommendations on teh graffiti wall re: agriturismos, but many really need to be practically reached by car. I did see that ItalyFarmStay can meet me at the train station, so I am checking into that (hope they have room!).
Anyone know of others near Rome/FLorence/Venice environs and between that we can get to by train + a little walking? Other criteria: 1. we're grad students, so we can't afford more than 100 euro per night for a room; 2. staying only 1-2 nights per place; 3. location where the owners/hosts could possibly take us for day trips to surrounding towns since we won't have car access (in other words, we don't want to take cooking lessons all day in the same place; we like to explore towns as well).

Any takers for recommendations?! Also looking for ones in Germany, Netherlands, and Belgium, but I'll post that on that separate thread category. Thanks! :)

Posted by
11 posts

Forgot to add: ** If we can't spend the night, we'd even be open to finding them around lunchtime to have a good meal there, then hop back on the train! The best meal I ever had was rabbit gnocchi at a rural agriturismo years ago, and I really hope to find some similar meals!* :)

Posted by
361 posts

Susan, I can't recall the name of the agriturismo or B&B that I read about on the Graffiti Wall. I believe it was near Florence and the owner, Graziella will pick you up from the train station. Maybe someone else on this forum will recall the name and respond.
Cheers,
Sherry

Posted by
1589 posts

Susan, did you spot this one over on the Agriturismo section? :
Casa Portagioia, Tuscany
My wife and I spent 5 days at Casa Portagioia while exploring Tuscany. This B&B (located just outside the charming town of Castiglion Fiorentino) exceeds all expectations and was the highlight of our Italian vacation. The lodging is immaculate. The grounds absolutely beautiful. Terry and Marcello were the perfect hosts assisting in dinner reservations, guidance to local attractions and advice that made our daily excursions an exciting experience. Breakfast was far beyond what one would expect. They also offer a full 5-course Italian meal prepared by Marcello and Terry and served in a romantic setting. We highly recommend this mouth watering culinary experience. This farm has been updated to accommodate your every need, but contains a history dating back hundreds of years. To date, Casa Portagioia is the finest B&B we have ever experienced. Tuscany at its best! (www.tuscanbreaks.com)
Ed and Rita Kelb
Dayton, OH USA 05/22/2009

There are about 20 others.

Posted by
11 posts

Bob--
I did already check that one out. It's much more than 100 euro per night, which we can not afford.
Thanks, anyway!

Posted by
83 posts

I know of a great place that is not an Agriturismo but just as good. The Fattoria Bassetto in Certaldo (Chianti) is great. It is an old winery converted into villas and a hostel. We stayed in the Lodge, mixed dorm 4 bed room (we were the only people there, so it was just like a private room) for 60E per night. They offer private rooms for approx 70-80EThere is an above ground pool, hammocks in the garden and may options for great walks/bike rides to nearby San Gim. or Certaldo Alto. You can get a ride from the train station with advanced notice or you can walk for 30 minutes (not a bad walk). We took a nearby cooking class that the owner of Fattoria Bassetto drove us to, it was life changing!! Cucina Guiseppiana was the name of it.