Centralparkgirl,

I've been living in Italy for 4 years, so I include Tripadvisor reviews or urge people to look them up rather than relying on my outdated experiences -- and in general I like agriturismi much more farm-y and rustic -- and cheaper than 200-300e per night! -- than what I offered up in this thread.

But in trying to help rosa here, I did google searches using her wish list, such as: "winery romance agriturismo accommodation Tuscany" -- (or in this case, I may have used Montalcino instead of Tuscany since I thought she was better off south of Siena).

Most of the places that come up as hits have Tripadvisor reviews.

I may have included the word "relais" or "honeymoon" since rose sounded like she wanted something special.

Have you tried using your target towns as searches on Tripadvisor for "specialy lodging" - ?

I also like this website. I always use the search filter so I can pinpoint places with restaurants onsite:

http://en.agriturismo.it/

I have to say that I've never found guidebooks -- other than Fred Plotkin's guide to Italy for the Gourmet Traveler, and the Michelin Red Guide -- very useful for lodgings. Most of them (and not just for Italy) are so conservative and so determined to be "safe'" 3 star choices -- usually with some kind of hoked-up stereotypically European charm -- that I think I do better on the internet looking for the real deal Italian stays.

Since I am so food-oriented when traveling in Italy, I often look for "albergo ristorante" or "locanda" when searching for town accommodations or even rural accommodations. If I don't need a pool, or am just passing through, staying in the upstairs rooms above a good restaurant can be really ideal.

But if the idea is a stay of several days, I include in my google string for agriturismi words like "pool" or "animali" -- because I love staying on farms with animals! But I always want a "ristorante" or I include the word "cucina".

Hope that helps! I don't know where you are going, but try some searches that include the name of your nearest town plus "italy" plus "agirturismo" and whatever else is your heart's desire. And don't forget the word "relais" or "luxury" if you want something upscale.

Good luck! Google is a great resource if you plug in a search string that really reflects what you want.

PS: If you find an agriturismo you like, see if you can find reviews on Tripadvisor or anywhere on the net. It's amazing how much gets reviews all over the place these days.

z - thanks for those suggestions. I will be starting a thread soon seeking more specific advice on our trip. I had the thread last month about where to stay before flying from Rome - you were in on that. I ended up booking into Milan and out of Pisa. I'll be seeking more of your advice soon!

zeppole-
as far as the us$, do most places accept or should i exchange?

just trying to sort all the last minute details :)

Nobody will accept your dollars, but you can get Euro cash at the airport using your ATM card in an ATM machine. (Called a Bancomat in Italy). Call your bank and tell them you will be using the card in Italy so they don't block it for security reasons. Also call your credit card company so you can use your credit card.

You need to have a basic guidebook for Italy with you. Go to the bookstore and pick out one with basic information in it about how to use the trains, etc.