Spending 6 nights in Tuscany early May. Preliminary idea is first 2 nights in Florence, then 3 nights somewhere south of Florence (perhaps in the Greve in Chianti area? Suggestions in this regard welcomed), then last night back in Florence. Can anyone recommend a castle that we can actually stay inside? I'm noticing rooms available only in the farmhouses outside of the castles. <BR><BR>Thanks.

We loved our stay at a TINY village call San Sano. Hotel Residenzia San Sano. It's near the Castello Brolio for tasting. You can tour the grounds of the castle, but the owners currently live there so it's not open to the public. You might check www.initaly.com. They have a section for historic residences. Have fun!

ciao lynn<BR><BR>there is a castle near greve in chianti what you will love, once you have seen it life. it's castello vicchiomaggio, famous for there wine (i personally go nuts for the wine from them) and they have appartmens for rent. they are in the castle itself. it's a national monument now, but dates back to 970 A.D. a marvelous renaissance garden and an unique view.<BR><BR>www.vicchiomaggio.it<BR><BR>tanti saluti<BR><BR>christina

Thanks, Dayle & Christina. Christina, this may sound odd, but does this castle have a moat? I know, most people are concerned with air conditioning and size of room - - -we just really want a castle with a moat. I've already emailed them about availability. Thanks.

I stayed at the Vicchiomaggio about 5 years ago with my family. We had a huge apartment in the castle. It was very atmospheric with beautiful views and the property is a working vineyard so it smells like wine. The only downside, which may not still be true 5 years later, was that the property was run like an apartment so there was very little if any housekeeping service. If things like fresh towels, etc. are important to you then you may find it a little rustic. However, I think that small point is far outweighed by the beautiful location and unique experience. <BR>Definitely try the excellent restaurant in Greve in the town center. I forget the name but think that there is only one. Also a famous butcher shop there.

ciao lynn<BR><BR>no, there is no moat at castello vicchiomaggio and frankly, i never saw a castel here in the area (i live close to vicchiomaggio) with a moat. it's too hilly. you might find them more in germany and def. in england. <BR><BR>ilene<BR><BR>there are several restaurants in greve, did you meant the one of hotel vicchiomaggio? that's still there. but then there are a lot of real good restaurants in the surrounding area. if you want to have the adresses, tell me. even you lynn, if you want to have adresses from good restaurants and trattorias tell me. if you want you can e-mail me and i send you the whole list.<BR><BR>tanti saluti<BR><BR>christina

Christina, unfortunately, this castle requires a minimum 7 night stay - starting on Saturday. Their requirement does not suit my itinerary. Max I could do is 3 nights. Any other suggestions? (Okay, we'll forget the moat).<BR><BR>Thanks,<BR>Lynn

Well, this isn't in Italy - - but www.burg-hotel-anholt.com - - Parkhotel Wasserburg-Anholt ni Germany, near the dutch border) has an absolutely awesome moat. Wonderful little terrace area as part of the breakfast room that actually sticks out into the moat. You can see it at about six o'clock on the picture of the website listed above. Toss crumbs from your croissant to the swans in the morning.<BR><BR>An incredible place.<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>