Need help with a Tuscan Agriturismo
 

9 of us are going on a family trip to Italy for our first time next May. I have researched for months where to stay and what to do. We will be staying a week in Tuscany. I have enjoyed many articles written on this site as well as Slowtrav. I even love an Agriturismo that Bob the Navigator recommended, Cretaiole. The most important aspect to me of a farmhouse is the views of which Cretaiole is like no other I have seen. I noticed though that it does not have a pool or a restaurant like many of the others. My question is.... how important is a pool when going in May and is not having a restaurant on the property a big deal? Also, are the restaurants open in the villages of Tuscany on Sunday? Help!

I prefer to stay in small towns (or very close) and walk to dinner (no drinking and driving on twisty country roads). Most restaurants will be open on Sunday, but maybe closed on Monday or Tuesday.

http://www.tenutaquadrifoglio.it/

Just outside of San Gimignano, restaurant on site, two pools, vineyard, charming accommodations...

Our experience has been that often if a place does have a pool it will not be open in May . It is usually too cool to keep it open earlier than June. Deborah

You do not want a pool in May.
The primary reason for that one is Isabella---she is a gem and will make your time work for you.

Dinner usually starts at 8:00+ in Italy and stretches on. It will probably be dark after dinner. Finding your way on unfamiliar country roads in the dark can be difficult. And remember Italy has very strict drunk driving laws, so no wine for the driver.

The scenery as shown at the Cretaiole web site is very typical of the Val d'Orcia in the spring. Maybe you can find someplace else more convenient. For 9 people what kind of accommodations are you looking for? 4 double rooms and 1 single? 3 triples (usually the third person is a kid)? Apartments? A villa?

We have stayed at the San Savernano twice and loved it. They serve dinner. The location is good for access to the A1 and surrounding towns. Check out the Tripadvisor reviews

http://www.agriturismosavernano.com/

I am ruined by the views of Cretaiole, but cannot afford it. Why are there are such differences in price in Agriturismos. I found one that seems great Romitorio de Serelle and is only 1/3rd of the price to sleep 9 of us for the week. The views are not the same though. Does anyone know of an agriturismo that has gorgeous views but is not as expensive at Cretaiole?

The reason there are differences in prices is become some agriturismos are legit, and others are just the equivalent of a Marriott Hotel (albeit with an "old" building in the center) with a bunch of land around them. E.g., in Sicily, we stayed at Agriturismo Gigliotto...what a farce.

My point is: be wary. Not all agriturismos are the real deal. Don't be suckered by the "idea" of an agriturismo...

Has anyone heard of Agriturismo Bonello? It was on the SlowTrav site.

Check out this agriturismo, in a perfect and lovely location (360 degree views of the valley) in the Val d'Orcia-

http://www.cretedisiena.com/Casa_Picchiata/english.htm

And this one, also well located with beautiful views and wonderful food-

http://www.lafonte.toscana.it/2006/ita/


You might research some of these, all in beautiful locations in/near the Val d'Orcia area-

http://www.santamariapienza.it/index.php?lang=ing

http://www.agriturismocasalpiano.it/index.html

http://www.terredinano.com/pages_eng...o_toscana.aspx

http://www.agriturismosangallo.com/ENG/home.html

http://www.tobruk.it/agriturismo.php?lingua=en
(Incredible views and a beautiful property)

http://www.casafrati.toscana.nu/
(Well priced)

http://www.lafoce.com/
(Beautiful apartments/houses/villa/property- very special)

http://www.lemaribelle.it/intro.en.php
(3 apartments located in lovely Monticchiello with a couple of good restaurants nearby)

If none of the above works for you, consider searching these two websites-

http://www.cretedisiena.com/english/

http://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals...cany/valdorcia

bookmarking

Sorry to dredge up an old thread, but must bookmark. Thanks to all who posted on this!