Each week our holiday hero, Neil Simpson, digs into a great holiday theme and does all the legwork so you don’t have to. This week: Farm holidays in Tuscany.
Agriturismos are the quintessential Italian countryside retreat, combining agriculture and tourism to offer farm stays in spectacular countryside.
Italian agriturismos began welcoming guests in the 1960s when small family farms struggling to survive turned to tourism for extra income. In popular areas such as Tuscany, many have since added luxury features, including stylish en-suite bedrooms, sunny terraces and private pools.
Since guests live next to a working family farm, the owners are usually on hand with fresh groceries, local knowledge and vacation advice. Guests can usually walk the fields with the farmers, help with simple chores, and taste food and wine in the farm’s kitchen.
Some agriturismos are booked on an overnight basis only, while others include meals to showcase local produce. Welcome packs for stays often include fresh bread, cheese, honey, olive oil and wine.
Heaven on the Hills: Holiday hero Neil Simpson rounds up the best farm stays in Tuscany. Agriturismo Rocca di Pierle near the mountain village of Cortona (above) will appeal to families or groups of friends, he reveals
Choose a farm in the Tuscan hills and you’ll be perfectly situated for day trips to Florence, Siena, Pisa, San Gimignano and more.
Luxury retreats suitable for families or groups of friends include Agriturismo Rocca di Pierle, near the hill town of Cortona, where three restored apartments can be booked individually or as a holiday home, sleeping up to 14 people.
Flower gardens with swimming pool are next to the farmhouse and cooking courses and traditional Tuscan farm dinners can be booked with the owners. From £110 per night for two people (roccadipierle.com).
On the farm I Greppi di Silli, between Siena and Florence, there are six agriturismos with sunset views on private terraces. The bedrooms have a mix of terracotta floors, stone walls and beamed ceilings.
Guests can explore the farm on foot, mountain bike or horse, explore the wine cellar and relax by the pool. From £80 per night for two people (igreppidisilli.it).
Sitting by the pool at the luxurious Agriturismo Rocca di Pierle (photo)
Upstairs is Villa Dianella Vinci near Florence where guests have the opportunity to go truffle hunting
Villa Dianella Vinci is nestled in the beautiful Tuscan hills. On the left is the farm’s wine cellar and on the right breakfast is served in the garden
Villa Dianella Vinci costs from £180 per night for two people
The Agriturismo Villa Dianella Vinci is located near Florence and yet in the picturesque hills of Tuscany. It offers luxury accommodation in a 16th-century building. The farmers’ hosts organize truffle hunts and breakfast can be served in the garden. From £180 per night for two people (farmstayplanet.com).
The five rooms of Agriturismo La Tinaia are surrounded by views of the vineyard. The fully equipped kitchens are perfect for self-catering, while a village restaurant is a short walk away.
The owners of the agriturismo intend to prepare one shared meal a week so that guests can meet under the olive trees. From £83 per night for two people (latinaia.it).
Most agriturismos are booked directly with the owners or through agencies such as tuscanyaccommodation.com and myitalyselection.co.uk.
EasyJet flights to Pisa start from £34.99 one way. British Airways starts flights to Florence in the summer from £84 one way and weekly car hire is around £375 in mid-August. Visit visittuscany.com for more inspiration.
READ MORE: MailOnline’s TED THORNHILL is staying at the chic Paris hotel where Nicolas Sarkozy celebrated his election victory.
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James is an author and travel journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a love for exploring new cultures and discovering unique destinations, James brings his readers on a journey with him through his articles.
