I assume there is much variability between sites. (Looking at Malvarina, for example) -Is it bad form to ask for dinner only one night and then go restaurant hopping? How intense are these "family" meals? How does the food compare to more traditional restaurant experiences? I am truly curious to hear first-hand accounts.

Hi Student. It's fine to ask for dinner only on the nights you choose. Usually we just seek out someone in charge around the property before we strike out in the morning and let them know whether we'll be there for dinner or not. It's a fairly informal system. By the way, we had dinner at Malvarina on two of the four nights we stayed there and the food was outstanding. Course after course kept coming, all supervised by the matriarch, Maria, in their beautiful dining room. The meal lasted from about 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm, ending with a choice of limoncello or noccio (?sp) liqueurs. <BR><BR>Buon viaggio<BR>Buon apetito

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We stayed 4 nights at Madonna della Grazie in Umbria. This included breakfast and dinner but we informed them in the morning on one of the days we would be eating out. They didn't adjust the price.<BR><BR>At their place the dining room was small and the guests ate at one big table together. This was actually the most special aspect of our experience since the other guests included Italians and people from other European Countries. It was great fun and the food was very good.

Just to reassure you, Student. If you're going to Malvarina, dinner is not included in the price (breakfast is included), so you don't lose out if you decide to dine elsewhere.

Dinner experiences at Agriturismos anyone?? Please share......

2 years ago we stayed 2 nights in Greve in Chianti at a Agriturismos and dinner was optional. One night we did opt for the dinner and although I wouldn't say it was outstanding it was about a 13 on a Zagat's scale. The wine which was produced right there was about a 22! The service and overall all experience a 25 when you add in that the meal was very reasonably priced. If you get the opportunity definetely give it a wirl.<BR>Andrea

I too am interested in feedback on Agriturismo experiences. Thank you for any input.

Liz: Could you tell us what the Malvarina breakfast includes? Thanks. Mark

Betsy: Sorry. My question was directed at you. Mark

Betsy: And the cost of the Malvarina dinner? Thanks. Sal

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Mark and Sal<BR><BR>Breakfast at Malvaria was typically Italian and included fresh home made cake and/or pastry, a couple of fresh cheeses that were sort of like ricotta, pieces of fresh fruit grown on the property, cold cereal, several choices of juice and a huge tray of at least ten different kinds of jam and honey that came from the bees and trees on the property. And wonderful cappucino. It's served in their pretty breakfast room.<BR><BR>Dinner cost the equivalent of about 20 to 25 USD/per person. Well worth it.<BR><BR>If you stay there, please report in when you return.<BR><BR>

Betsy: Many thanks. Mark