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Tag Archives: Tuscany

6 Reasons to Rent a Villa in 2017

26 Thursday Jan 2017

Posted by rentvillas in 1. Early Planning Stage

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Florence, food, France, home, house, italian, Italy, private, travel, Tuscany, vacation, villa, villa rental, wine

dsc_0206Planning a trip to Europe, but not sure about renting a villa vs. staying in a hotel?

Here are 6 reasons you should rent a villa in 2017:

  1. When it comes to accommodations, a villa rental offers the greatest return on your travel dollar.

2. Spend less per person, per night than what you’d spend in a hotel…

and you get a fully-equipped, self-catering private home plus outdoor areas for dining and lounging.

Did we mention a kitchen? Your villa offers everything you need to prepare memorable, affordable meals at home.

But that’s not all…

img_18613. We’re talking views, Old World charm, scenic settings, and swimming pools, to boot.

OK, now let’s face it:

4. The true value of a villa vacation lies in the unique experience of living in Europe like a local.img_2336

5. Renting a home-away-from-home affords the opportunity to shop at weekly open air markets, rub elbows with neighbors over morning coffee at the village café, and savor life at a slower pace. tot_2980

6. Combine this with the priceless opportunity to unplug and reconnect with loved ones in a beautiful European setting…

and you have the trip of a lifetime.3_tot_783

8 Tips for Italian Villa Rentals (UPDATED)

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Posted by rentvillas in 2. Before you leave...

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authentic, family travel, holiday, home, house, Italy, Italy travel, travel, trip, trip idea, Tuscany, vacation, villa, villa rental

Get the most out of your villa rental experience!

Get the most out of your villa rental experience!

 

Here are our updated step-by-step essential tips for renting a villa.

1. Before you depart call your cell phone company.

Why does this matter?

A working cell phone is essential when renting an Italian villa.

Check in with the owner or key holder as soon as you leave the airport to update them on your arrival time, or text throughout the week should a question or issue arise.

But first, do this…

Call your cell provider to ensure that your cell phone is unlocked and has the correct 900/1800 bands to be used internationally. You can then either sign up for an international call/date package, or rent or purchase an Italy SIM card.

Or, here’s an even better idea:

A personal WiFi hotspot, like the MiFi device, is the best way to avoid excess data charges and provides you with high speed Internet access anytime, anywhere.

This means you can email, share photos, and Skype while you’re at your villa, or on a day trip.

This portable device (about the size of an average cell phone) is rechargeable and allows you to connect up to 10 devices.

The best part? Renting one is very easy.

RentVillas will arrange for a device to be delivered to your home prior to departure, along with a postage-paid return envelope. Call us today to reserve 1-800-726-6702.

Plan on using a GPS during your villa rental week!

Plan on using a GPS during your villa rental week!

2. GPS!

Plan on using one—a lot.

Why?

Poor signage is common throughout the Italian countryside.

Your rental voucher will include GPS coordinates for your villa.

Rent a GPS unit with your rental car, or bring one from home with Italy maps loaded.

GoogleMaps is also a good bet… but bear in mind data roaming charges.

This is another great reason to rent a MiFi device!

3. Learn some basic Italian.

Don’t worry! It’s not about proficiency.

In reality, even a cordial “buon giorno” will earn you serious points.

We recommend having a few key phrases under your belt to be called upon when shopping or dining.

Because the sad truth is…

Americans are notorious for their lack of facility with foreign languages.

Do what you can to change this perception!

Stock your villa kitchen on arrival day.

Stock your villa kitchen on arrival day.

4. Stock up on groceries and household supplies before you arrive at your villa on Saturday.

Why Saturday?

Most stores are closed on Sunday.

Plan on stopping in the town nearest to your villa and visiting a local market (COOP, Conad, or Eurospin to name a few).

Buy enough food to last you through Monday.

Or, here’s an even better idea:

Request grocery pre-stocking so the initial shopping will be done for you. Contact RentVillas at 800-726-6702 for more details.

And don’t forget…

If you’re traveling in the spring, summer, and early fall, be sure to purchase plug-in anti-mosquito devices (Vape is a popular brand) and/or coils.

Mosquitos go hand-in-hand with countryside living!

When you arrive at your villa, ask questions! The owner or manager is there to assist you.

When you arrive at your villa, ask questions! The owner or manager is there to assist you.

5. Ask questions.

When you arrive at your villa, you’ll be greeted by the owner or a key holder who will provide an orientation.

Take the time to ask for instructions on operating appliances such as European-style dishwashers, washing machines, and stoves, as well as steps to take in the event of a power outage.

Hot Tip: Google Translate is a great tool for overcoming the language barrier.

Don’t rely on written instructions!

Cover all the bases, including utilities, such as heating (available November 1st – April 1st) and/or air conditioning.

Shop at an open air market during your Italian villa rental experience.

Shop at an open air market during your Italian villa rental experience.

6. Shop at the weekly markets.

Every town and village in Italy has a weekly open air market.

Here you’ll find fresh, seasonal produce, cheese, bread, salumi, housewares, and clothing, to list only a handful of available items.

The best part?

The markets offer the perfect way to learn about local cuisine. Keep an eye on where the natives shop—they’ll guide you to the best vendors.

You'll find a bounty of fresh, seasonal produce at weekly markets.

You’ll find a bounty of fresh, seasonal produce at weekly markets.

7. Attend local cultural events.

If see a sign for an event in your local village, do yourself a favor and check it out!

Concerts, theater, and seasonal gastronomic and religious festivals are a fantastic way to get to know the culture of the region.

8. Allow time to simply enjoy your villa or apartment.

The secret to a great trip?

Do less.

It can be tempting to plan to spend every last minute day-tripping and seeing the sights.

Consider carving out a day (or more) to simply enjoy your home-away-from-home with family and friends.

You won’t regret it!

Take time to savor the villa experience!

Take time to savor the villa experience!

Authentic Italy

02 Sunday Mar 2014

Posted by rentvillas in 4. While at your villa, Things to Do

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Antica Rocca, La Cappella, Suzanne Pidduck, Torre Alfina, Tuscany

In this third installment, guest editor and RentVillas Founder Suzanne Pidduck follows up on part 1 and part 2 from her September 2013 travels on the border of Lazio, Tuscany, and Umbria:

Antica Rocca (sleeps 10) is located in a medieval hamlet.

Antica Rocca (sleeps 10) is located in a medieval hamlet.

This week I’ve got more to share about the area called the Alta Tuscia—situated on the borders of Lazio, Tuscany, and Umbria. In my opinion, this area really offers the best of all three regions. Although located at a cultural crossroads, it has somehow remained unspoiled, with authentic towns, un-inflated prices, rural peace and quiet, and abundant traffic-free hiking, road and mountain biking opportunities in striking natural surroundings.

La Cappella dell'Alfina is a charming farmhouse near Acquapendente.

La Cappella dell’Alfina is a charming farmhouse near Acquapendente.

I visited two exceptional properties near Torre Alfina (our home base for the week), La Cappella dell’Alfina and Antica Rocca, and did some additional exploring throughout the area. Here are the highlights!

Must-sees!

  • Perugia is about 1 ½ hours away, and is worth the trip. With a rainstorm brewing we had lunch on the piazza facing the Duomo and the Fontana Maggiore. Carpaccio with arugula and Parmigiano-Reggiano has never tasted so good!
  • Civita’ di Bagnoregio is a tiny, Etruscan village perched atop a plateau of volcanic tuff. It’s right out of a fairy tale! The village was made famous, quite literally, by Rick Steves! He put it on the map (and has done the same thing with the Cinque Terre) and thereby has helped to save it from disintegration. His photo is everywhere in town! We walked against howling wind along the pedestrian bridge that leads into town and wandered around the hamlet and found a great trattoria. It was a fun adventure!
  • The spectacular duomo in Orvieto.

    The spectacular duomo in Orvieto.

    Orvieto is only 20 minutes away from Torre Alfina and Villa del Castello. We headed there for a stroll, a little shopping, and to gaze at the extraordinary Duomo. We were thrilled to find the town almost empty. What a treat to have it to ourselves! Todi is also wonderful for a passegiata.

  • For a full day trip, I highly recommend Pienza and Montepulciano. Pienza is known for its pecorino, and Montepulciano has outstanding shopping. It’s also fun to do a wine tasting at the Col D’Orcia estate in Montalcino (book in advance), and then stop in either San Filippo Terme or Bagno Vignoni to soak in the thermal baths (just remember to bring swimsuits!).
  • I’d also encourage you to see the “tufo towns” of Sorano, Pitigliano, and Sovana—three towns in the Maremma (southwestern coastal area of Tuscany) carved into or built out of volcanic rock (tufo). If you leave early enough in the morning, it is possible to do all three. But if not, don’t miss Sorano. It’s a gorgeous little artists’ village in an area known for its “fjords”. If you are in Sovana at lunch time, stop at Taverna Etrusca for a light lunch.

One Week in Tuscany

28 Friday Feb 2014

Posted by rentvillas in Things to Do

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extra virgin olive oil, San Gimignano, Tuscany, villa rental, Volterra

Early morning light in Tuscany.

Early morning light in Tuscany.

A hilly, fertile region in central Italy, Tuscany was the home of the Etruscan civilization, and later the birthplace of the Renaissance. It’s known for its picturesque landscapes and charming, historic towns like Siena, Arezzo, Cortona, Lucca, San Gimignano, and Volterra. It’s also renowned for its bold red wines and fruity extra virgin olive oils. Tuscany’s capital, Florence, is a great art center whose well-preserved centro storico remains closely linked to its medieval past, in spite of year round tourist crowds. The region’s Tyrrhenian coast is famous for its white sand beaches and pine forests. Come August, Florentines depart en masse for spots such as Viareggio, Camaiore, Forte dei Marmi, and the island of Elba.

Ready to book your villa rental experience in Toscana? Here’s a one-week itinerary to inspire your travel planning:

The table is set for lunch at Villa del Cielo, near Siena.

The table is set for lunch at Villa del Cielo, near Siena.

Saturday – Arrival

Meet your local contact at the villa. Familiarize yourself with the property, ask for restaurant recommendations, the closest grocery store, and whether there are any special events happen­ing during your stay! Most stores will be closed on Sunday, so shop for any supplies you’ll need before Monday morning.

Sunday – Get Your Bearings

Sunday is a day of rest for most Italians, so relax at your villa. Head into town for a casual lunch at a trattoria; in the late afternoon, join the locals in la passeggiata, a leisurely stroll along the main street.

Explore the hill towns in Tuscany!

Explore the hill towns in Tuscany!

Monday – Hill Towns

Depending on your location in the region, visit a notable hill town such as San Gimignano, Volterra, Cortona, Montepulciano, or Mon­talcino. Spend all day in one spot or drive to another town after lunch. In the evening, return to your villa for a simple meal of pasta topped with chopped tomatoes, basil, garlic and a splash of extra virgin olive oil. Add a green salad and a bottle of local red.

Tuesday – Day Trip!

Spend the day in Florence, Siena, or Lucca. Visit museums, investigate churches, and shop for local crafts. Enjoy a leisurely lunch in the shade at an outdoor café or trattoria. Return home before dark so you can stop at a local rosticceria or tavola calda for delicious take-out.

Wednesday – Learn Something New

Shop for local salumi and cheeses--perfect for a simple supper at the villa!

Shop for local salumi and cheeses–perfect for a simple supper at the villa!

Sleep in; then eat breakfast Italian-style by visiting a bar and ordering un cappuccino e cornetto (a cappuccino and a croissant). Afterward, head to class! Cooking, painting, olive oil tasting, or perhaps a visit to a farmer’s market to practice your Italian – whatever your interest, take some time to learn something new. If you’re planning ahead, this is a great evening to have a chef come and prepare a gourmet Tuscan dinner for your entire group.

Tasting wine in Tuscany--a great day trip during your villa rental week!

Tasting wine in Tuscany–a great day trip during your villa rental week!

Thursday – More Hill Towns

Head out to a hill town you haven’t yet explored. Hand-painted ceramics, linens, and leather goods make great gifts and souvenirs. With dinner in mind, keep your eyes open for a salume­ria, where you will find cured meats such as salami, prosciutto, and bresaola. Don’t forget the marinated artichokes and roasted eggplant!

Friday – Pool and Relaxation

Enjoy the pool at your villa!

Enjoy the pool at your villa!

Spend your last full day sunning by the pool, catching up on your travel journal, and reliving the week’s adventures with your companions. In the late afternoon, pack your bags and treat yourselves to dinner in a local restaurant.

Tuscan Food Experiences

24 Sunday Jul 2011

Posted by rentvillas in Tuscan Food Experiences

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Bagno a Ripoli, chef, Cortona, dinner, Florence, food, gourmet, guided tour, Italy, jewelery, luxury, market, market walk, private, travel, trip, truffles, Tuscany, vacation, villa, villa rental, wine tastings

Matisse, your private Tuscan chef

Enjoy a culinary tour and wine tasting during your villa rental week!

Booking a food and wine experience during your villa stay is a fun, enriching way to truly savor life in Tuscany.

Here are a selection of culinary tours and tastings available through RentVillas:

Explore the San Lorenzo market with a local guide!

Explore the San Lorenzo market with a local guide!

1. Florence Market Walk (half day with lunch) (RP)

  • Overview: Acquaint yourself with the heart and soul of Tuscan cuisine by visiting Florence’s  famous open air markets: Mercato Centrale di San Lorenzo and Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio. Your tour includes transportation, a guided walk through the historic center, and lunch.
  • Meet your guide at the Mercato Centrale di San Lorenzo or, if you’re staying at a villa within a 30 km radius of Florence, enjoy pick up at your door.
  • Your food experience begins on the newly renovated upstairs level of the market, which has multiple artisan food courts featuring fresh and prepared foods, including seafood, meat (salumi and offal included), pasta, cheese, and bread. Your expert local guide, a language student at Florence University, will introduce you to the very best of Italian cuisine!
  • Next, enjoy a stroll through the historic center of Florence as you make your way to Sant’Ambrogio, the market that is most popular with locals, not tourists. Your guide will educate you on local history and architecture along the way.
  • Tour the Sant’Ambrogio market and then sit down to a typical Florentine lunch with the locals in the market trattoria (meal includes vino della casa–house wine).
  • A driver will return you to the San Lorenzo market, or directly to your villa near Florence.
  • Cost: 90 Euros per person. Minimum 4 people. Maximum 7 people. Transportation and lunch (including wine) are included. Free pick up/drop off applies only to villas that are within a 20 km radius of Florence. For an additional cost, wine tasting in the San Lorenzo Market can be arranged.
Plan an evening to remember at this historic jewelry shop in Cortona!

Plan an evening to remember at this historic jewelry shop in Cortona!

2. Artisan Food & Jewelry in Cortona (evenings) (FB)

  • Overview: Enjoy a private, gourmet tasting dinner in a magical setting–an exclusive artisan jeweler’s shop in Cortona.
  • Your special evening includes private access to the historic show room (which is also comprised of a cigar room and dining room) and handcrafted gold and silver jewelry. Handmade shoes are also on display. Guests will be treated to a jewelry-making demonstration.
  • The meal includes an aperitif with gold and silver flakes and gourmet tasting dinner.
  • You will meet the Jewelry Tour Guide in the Cortona Main Square. Transportation to/from Cortona may be arranged for an extra cost.
  • Cost: 210 Euros (2-3 pax); 139 Euros (4-5 pax); 112.50 Euros (6-7 pax); 98 Euros (8-20 pax). Children are welcome, but adult rate per child applies. 
  • Note: wine is not included in the price.
Enjoy dinner at the home of a Tuscan winemaker!

Enjoy dinner at the home of a Tuscan winemaker!

3. Dinner at Winemaker’s Home (evenings) (CDF)

  • Overview: Experience firsthand the harmonious relationship between Tuscan food and wine. Enjoy a chef-prepared dinner and wine pairings at the home of a local organic winemaker, located between Montepulciano and Chianciano Terme.
  • During the meal your host will share his passion for wine and describe each pairing.
  • Sample menu includes: a Tuscan appetizer with chicken liver paté and bruschetta with organic extra virgin olive oil paired with Somaio Bianco IGT 2013; a first course of handmade tagliatelle with Tuscany ragù paired with Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 2011; a second course of grilled sliced steak with rocket salad and parmesan accompanied by a side dish of Tuscan white beans–both paired with a Riserva di Vino Nobile 2008; and classic tiramisú for dessert.
  • Cost: 112.50 Euros per person (minimum 4 people).
A Tuscan truffle hunter and his trusty hounds on the scent.

A Tuscan truffle hunter and his trusty hounds on the scent.

4. The True Truffle Hunt Experience (half-day) (GB)

  • Overview: Join truffle hunter Giulio and his truffle hound Edda on a hunt for black truffles.
  • After your time in the woods, you’ll proceed to Bagno a Ripoli (near Florence) for a delectable lunch in Giulio’s Tuscan kitchen featuring truffles in each course. A local Sangiovese will be served with lunch.
  • Available weekdays during March-December (except May) (10 AM – 2 PM). Cost per person: 130 Euros (4-5 pax); 120 Euros (over 5 pax). Transportation not included.
  • Note: Scroll down to the bottom of the page to read a customer review of  The True Truffle Experience!
Dining at Casa del Tartufo

Dining at Casa del Tartufo

5. Wine and Truffle Tasting  (evening) (GB)

  • Enjoy an evening of wine tastings paired with local fare highlighting truffles in Bagno a Ripoli (near Florence).
  • Taste four different Tuscan wines (all produced by friends of your host, Giulio) and savor light Tuscan fare such as local prosciutto and salame, olives, garden salad, and frittata with truffles.
  • Giulio, your host and guide, will discuss the wines and truffles and share insight into regional food culture.
  • Complete the meal with homemade dolci.
  • Available Monday-Friday March-December (except May). Cost per person: 90 Euros (2 pax); 85 Euros (2-5 pax); 75 Euros (more than 5 pax). Transportation not included.

Customer Reviews:

My husband, Paul and I, would like to formally thank you for offering the “True Truffle Experience” to your clients. Never in our wildest dreams did we ever think that we would go on a truffle excursion while vacationing in Italy. Not only are we true foodies, but we are also morel mushroom hunters. This is an experience that we will certainly never forget, and one that we will share will family and friends for a lifetime to come.

We had been in contact with Giulio prior to leaving for our trip. His emails were very helpful and his directions were very easy to follow from our villa. Upon our arrival, we were greeted by him and his lovely partner, Christina, at their beautiful estate La Limonaia. They were very welcoming and spoke great English.

Giulio presented us with an overview of the evolution of truffles as well as his credentials. The knowledge and passion that he has can be seen by a certain twinkle in his eye whenever he speaks of the truffles. We were pleasantly surprised to have an impromptu olive oil tasting. We definitely learned a lot and have expanded our pallets. Unfortunately, we are now spoiled with Tuscan olive oil, and we will probably never be able to use anything else!

When it came time for the actual “hunt”, we first had to meet his partner in crime. Etta or Edda, is his beautiful hunting companion. The very key to a successful truffle experience. After she happily responded to us, we loaded into his car and drove up into the hills. From up top, we had the most amazing view of Florence. We quickly headed into the woods and followed 10 steps behind the hunting duo. Not knowing what to expect, we were very surprised to have found a black truffle 15 minutes into our hunt. We continued up the hills and through the woods for over an hour. The end result was 5 truffles!

When we returned to his estate, we were shown the correct way to clean the truffles. Christina then prepared a phenomenal potluck of dishes that were blessed with a generous amount of truffle shavings on top. My husband and I still talk about her Tuscan white bean soup. She is as gifted in the kitchen as he is in the woods. In fact, on our next visit to Tuscany, we want to do the truffle experience again as well as a cooking class with her.

We were very sad to say our goodbyes. It was as if we were leaving old friends. The only satisfaction we had was knowing that we will meet again.

This was definitely one of the highlights of our whole Italian experience.

Thank you again,

Brandy & Paul, October 2011

FOR RESERVATIONS:

Please contact RentVillas at (800) 726-6702.To confirm a reservation, a 20% non-refundable deposit is required. Upon receipt of the deposit, you will be put in direct contact with the Cook or Tour Guide, who will be able to answer your specific questions regarding the details of the meal and/or tour, including balance payment, extra costs, and the meeting time and place. We recommend that reservations be made at least two months prior to your departure.

Request Your Food or Wine Experience

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