I'm planning a vacation to Tuscany this June. I found a place called Fonte de Medici in Chianti; it looks wonderful but I am nervous without having any first-hand reviews to go by. Any advice on how much to trust the website?

Also, I live in the US and speak no Italian. Should I be ok in Italy?

I am unfamiliar with the place you mention, but keep trying and try searching all the different websites and guidebooks for a reference.

Thousands of folks from the US travel to Italy all the time. However, the smaller the town, the more Italian you may need. And, are you driving? It isn't hard to familiarize yourself with a little basic Italian, and road rules and road signs.

For beginner language tapes, I like Fodor's Italian for Travelers. It is very helpful and has all the basics. You just need to practice. If you start now, by June you will be fine.

If you haven't done so already, you might want to check tripadvisor.com to see if Fonte de Medici is reviewed.

Also check the Slowtrav.com website which is an invaluable resource for all kinds of information on Italian travel.

Just out of curiousity, what town is Fonte de Medici located in?

We were there 2 years ago, and friends of ours went last year; we loved it and I would say it's as good as the website is, if not better; we stayed at mamolo, the largest unit overlooking fields. When we return to tuscany next year , that is where we are staying for sure.

Mitch,

I would love to hear more about your stay at Fonte de Medici. I will be there on my honeymoon this June for one week. I speak very little Italian...how helpful did you find the staff with accomodations? Are there any towns, wineries, etc. nearby you could recommend? Any advice you have would be very welcomed. Thanks!

Many people in Tuscany know English. However, if you will be staying in the countryside or in a small town, and especially if you will not be traveling with someone who can manage pretty well with the language, I think it would be much better if you learn some Italian--as much as you possibly can in the time rmaining before your trip.

I know nothing about this place.