Covering the big three (Rome, Venice and Florence) we also spent some time touring the Tuscany region. Now, our trip already seems like a distant memory. Fodor’s proved an invaluable asset whilst touring and looking for those off beat places that make a trip like this so pleasurable. One place we stayed (not in the guide) was Casa Portagioia, meaning “Door to Joy and Tranquillity”, - so appropriately named. This was where we based ourselves to cover Cortona, Montepulciano, Siena, Assisi and other medieval towns and wineries of Tuscany. (Florence is about an hours train ride away)
It was our last stop and the most enjoyable stay of our entire trip! The grounds and surrounding scenery are gorgeous. The owners have done such an incredible job renovating the old farm into such a comfortable beautiful updated accommodation, yet keeping it authentic to the original feel. Tradition with all modern amenities (A/C etc).
Not only were our hosts Terry and Marcello welcoming and genial, they were extremely helpful in planning our various itineraries. They offered a lot of ideas for day trips, booked reservations at restaurants, wineries and museums, and had a wide assortment of maps and travel books.
We had delightful breakfasts (of assorted fresh fruits, cornetto, cereals and, eggs to order) on their terrace with beautiful views of the Tuscan hills, olive trees and flower gardens. Dinner was also a plus point, and at last we had some vegetables! We also decided to take time out to use their stunning pool with its gorgeous vistas of the valley the locals call “the valley of God”.

If my travel plans ever bring me back to Italy (which I hope they will) Casa Portagioia will be on my itinerary. www.tuscanbreaks.com.

Sounds lovely, but I must warn you that posts like this that appear almost as ads for B&Bs from a poster who has no other posts on this board get taken with a grain of salt and sometimes worse.

Hi J,

Did you do anything else?

First ever post that reads like an ad...hmmm....

I agree with Julie - you aren't going to convince Fodorites to stay at this place.

I am usually "tolerant" of someone's naivte and enthusiasm, but this one, IMO, should be removed by the editors as it seems to be a blatant advertisement. There are so many red flags in it, that I feel as if I have just had my picture taken w/an old fashioned flash and am seeing red dots everywhere!!

"Hosts Terry and Marcello welcoming and genial, they were extremely helpful in planning our various itineraries."

I'm still laughing at this ad. I can just picture these two writing this amazing marketing plan up on the kitchen table.

See gang, we are not as stupid as we look! Or is is not as stupid as we sound? LOL.

However, I did Google it and it does look lovely and good reports on TripAdvisor about this facility.