Planning a trip to Italy in the spring (three single gals) would like to stay in convents. Any suggestions or websites?

There are a couple of books available in major bookstores that list convents and monasteries, one is called "Bed and Blessings" and the other is something like "Staying in Monasteries in Italy". There are not too many websites, one I know is www.santasusanna.org.

In October, my husband and I stayed at the Instituto Oblate Assunzione at Borgo Pinti, 15 in Florence. I picked it out of "Bed and Blessings," and booked it about eight months ahead of our stay. We lucked out and got their "penthouse suite," a large triple room with a little dressing room and huge bath. There was a sunporch leading to the room that overlooked the convent garden and had a view of the rooftops and duomo. The room was very plain, the beds were tiny, but comfortable. The whole convent was spotless. There is a lift. Breakfast is not served. It looked like most of the rooms may not have had ensuite baths, but there were several baths on the floor where we stayed and I would not be reluctant to book a room there without a bath.<BR><BR>The convent is located in the Santa Croce district, about a 10 minute walk from the duomo and a little away from the tourist crowds. There is a self-service laundry and an American bookstore just around the corner. Be sure to have breakfast at my favorite bar in Italy, Cosi, which is a short walk away. Their cappuccini and cremini are delicious. It's also not far from Vivoli, the second best gelateria in Italy after Della Palma in Rome. <BR><BR>We learned a new Italian word there, "vape"--a little device that plugs into the wall to repel mosquitos. We learned this after swatting at mosquitos throughout our first night there. We also learned to keep the windows (no screens) closed until we turned off the lights at night. <BR><BR>We paid 65.000 ItL/person. We booked by fax: 39 01 55 234 629 and had to make a second request before the fax was answered. The lovely nuns speak Italian and French, but very little English. We didn't have any trouble communicating though.<BR><BR>I think this would be a safe, welcoming environment for three women in Florence. Just book early.<BR><BR>Buon viaggio

TtT

Thanks Ellen and Betsy, I checked the website and it was helpful. I'm going to get the book. We are getting excited and better get on the ball.