Do we need advance reservations for rooms on Italian farms? Where would I find listings of available farms? Is it inadvisable to just drive until we see a place that looks appealing? Will be in Tuscany for 2-3 days sometime between 9/28 and 10/3. Thanks

I am exploring agristurismos in Tuscany, and think you need to do a bit of self-research dirctly on specific websites. Check slowtrav.com to generate some leads, or google Agriturismo in Tuscany. That should put you on the right track. Good luck!

Since I feel responsible for having you
switch to this forum I'll try to answer your query:

YES you need advance rez for agritourismo and since September/October are still prime months for travel to Tuscay you will be
lucky to get the places you want.

If you google 'agritourismo - Tuscany'
you should get lots of listings. Also,
check the SlowTrav website for names.

I see from your other thread that you're two couples - all the more reason to book ahead as it won't be that easy to fit your requirements.

As llamalady said, go to google. I'll add that if you do decide to ad lib it, at least have names, addresses, phone numbers, etc (and a mobile phone) with you.

Yes, you should book ahead. That is still a very busy part of the tourist season. The weather should be great! But, the more popular agriturismos do book up far in advance. Check out agriturismo.net. As far as places to stay, I recommend Fonte Di Medici (Antinori vineyards), which is located about 30 mins south of Florence, well situated for visiting places like San Giminagno and Siena. Down the road is another agriturismo called San Andrea. About 5 minutes from there is Castello Il Palagio. One good way to find an agriturismo is by checking out vineyards in the specific area of Tuscany you're interested in, and then seeing if they have accommodations. So, if you like to drink Chianti, then stay at an agriturismo there, or if you like Brunello, stay south of Chianti and so forth and so on.

Oh, one more thing. I wouldn't advise just trying to drive and find an agriturismo that looks good. To see many of them, you'll generally need to drive off the beaten path on little dirt roads, so it could take a long time to find somewhere that you like and that has vacancies for 2 couples. The back roads can be confusing little mazes if you aren't familiar with an area. It could be fun, but why waste time and risk settling for a place you don't really like because you can't find anything better?

Many of the more popular agriturismos will rent only on a weekly basis. You are going at a peak time. Can you extend your stay to a week? That might help you find something.

You should check the Italian Agriturismo link on Rick Steves Graffiti Wall website for reviews.

Many thanks! I am researching and hope to find just what we need. It'll be a relief not to be concerned about "where we'll sleep tonite".

Hi

I started out by looking at http://www.in-italia.com/ but when I found the place I wanted to stay at (a place called Capovento near Castellina) I just sent them a mail and booked with them directly and saved some money by doing that
My trip report is not ready yet but send me a mail on [email protected] and I'll let you know when it is ready

Regards
Gard
http://gardkarlsen.com - trip reports and pictures

I can recommend Agriturismo "La Gavina"

located about 30 mins. from Sienna.

Fantastic Food & Hosts and the rooms were large. We paid 60 Euro per day per person which included breakfast, dinner and wine. That was two years ago.

www.lagavina.net

We enjoyed our one week stay here...

www.larasina.it

A duplex unit with two bedrooms upstairs and a living room, kitchen and terrace downstairs, it'd fit your criteria.

While it may be prudent to book ahead, there are soo many farms with rooms to rent along most back roads in Tuscany, you shouldn't have any trouble finding one. We came across a very beautiful farm just outside San Giminiano in early October. It had a pool, and was $75 a night.

On my bike trip we stayed in two Tuscan agriturismi and it was a lovely wonderful experience. Since they are on the bike tour circuit (mine was with VBT) they might be booked up, but one I particularly loved was called the Agriturismo Montebelli.