euclid6

Hello - I am new to this forum so I appreciate any help you can give me. We have 8 adults who are looking to rent a villa in Tuscany for 6 weeks during June and July of 2008. Following those 6 weeks we would like to spend a week in Rome. I've only been to Italy once and did the Rome, Florence, Venice trip. I had a fantastic time. We are looking for that old villa perched on a hill overlooking wine country. We do not want a hotel feel but more of an individual home. I've looked at several websites but you can only tell so much from their description. This will be the trip of a lifetime for us. We're not looking for anything fancy and cost is definitely a factor. If anyone has any recommendations on a villa that you have used and would seem to fit our needs, please let me know. We will also be looking for some place to stay in Rome for a week. What is the most economical way for 8 people to stay in Rome for a week? Specific recommendations would be great.

One last question, is there another area of Italy that someone has rented a villa in that you would highly recommend? We are not dead set on Tuscany. Again, we are looking for that hillside villa in the country. We would prefer it to be close to some small towns that might have a market or restaurant. It would also be great if it was located in an area where we could day trips to some larger towns.

Thank you very much.

cls2paris

I stayed in this house in Umbria, on a hill above Lake Trasimeno and the town of Passigano(spelling?). It has 3 bedrooms but several couches that pull out so it could accomodate 8 easily.
The house was beautiful, in the country, and we visited many towns for day trips. You do need a car because there is not a restaurant or store within walking distance. But it is quiet and beautiful there.

http://www.ourhouseinumbria.com/

euclid6

cls2paris - Thanks for the reply. It looks like a great place but it's not available for the number of weeks we need. This is the type of place we are looking for.

LoveItaly

Hello euclid6, there was a Fodorite who posted here on Fodor's some time ago..they were from NY I believe. They bought property in Tuscany and I believe they could accomodate up to 12 people. Unfortantly I do not remember their Fodor's screen name or the name of their property but I am posting in case some other Fodorite does remember who I am referring to. I don't think I bookmarked their website but if I have I will post it tomorrow. Their property sure sounds exactly what you are desiring.

Philip

http://www.lupinari.com/

We stayed here for three weeks two years ago. We have made reservations for 10 of us for next May/June. Beautiful everything. This villa has outbuildings for one week rentals. We have reserved two for the ten of us ~ 3/3 and a 2/2. About an hour south of Florence west of the A1. Good luck.

bobthenavigator

Go to www.slowtrav.com and look at their favorites. Then stay and read about Tuscany.

barbmike

Out of curiosity, could someone please give me a definition of a European Villa. I've stayed in "palaces" in Venice which were simply nice homes.

euclid6

Any other suggestions for me out there? Thanks.

J62

You could check with an agency such as Parker. www.parkervillas.com.

For 6 weeks you may have a hard time finding a single location available for that long. If you split your time into 2 (4+2 or 3+3) it would give you more options, and allow you to explore a different part of Tuscany or Umbria as well.

For Rome, I'd recommend 2x 2bedroom apartments. Check slowtrav.com for recommendations and good agencies.

I recently stayed in this place residenzagiubbonari.com. Good location, comfortable, not fancy, not high end. They have 4 apartments in the same building, close to Campo dei Fiori.