We collect reviews directly from our clients via email and publish them here. We hope you enjoy reading through them as much as we do, they are a paper trail of happy memories!
We also have reviews on UpFront and on our Google page
We collect reviews directly from our clients via email and publish them here. We hope you enjoy reading through them as much as we do, they are a paper trail of happy memories!
We also have reviews on UpFront and on our Google page
My friend and I enjoyed four days at this beautiful, peaceful villa and it was absolutely perfect - we couldn't have asked for more! The house has excellent facilities and is clean, organised and comfortable. The pool was glorious and the central location allowed us to explore the region with trips to Lucca and Florence via train, whilst also having a home base to unwind. Francesco was a wonderful host, going above and beyond to ensure our stay was perfect. He was so helpful and friendly and provided us with a lot of helpful local knowledge to get the best out of our time there. We will definitely be back, thank you for a wonderful stay!
Andrea G staying in Ambra. Jul 2024
We have been staying for years now and we can only recommend this property. The apartments are exceptional, well maintained, organized in every detail. The owner always very kind, helpful and makes you feel really at home.
If you want to stay in San Minato with the family this structure is ideal
Greta P staying in Ambra. Nov 2024
Very charming and great for everyone. Francesco is very kind and takes care of his guests. Excellent!
Absolutely great place! Such a nice historical house with, which has been greatly renovated! It keeps a very charming atmosphere! You feel the place is very special. Francesco and his family maintain the property at the highest level. Swimming pool is another highlight and a view on San Miniato castle from the pool creates top experience!
Petr and family staying in Ambra. Aug 2023
Families Aurora and Prasad from Singapore, Uk and US descended on Villa Fobbia for a family get together. And wow! All expectations have been exceeded! You're home is truly exceptional - we just loved the classic decor, the many artefacts around the villa giving us insight into the owners life and likes! The beautiful scented white wisteria was the perfect background for long evenings in this space, the table tennis and pool area insanely tempting. Your gardener does a fantastic job as the grounds and views are beyond words...
We've tried the reccomended local restaraunts, Valentinas and Ceccino, been on day trips to Florence, Lucca, Cinque Terre, Bolgheri Wine District, Forte dei Marmi and had Bernado and Chrisvinas, the private chefs cooking for a suprise 60th!
All Bellissimo! Can't wait to come back
Families Aurora and Prasad from Singapore staying in Villa Fobbia. Apr 2026
We had an amazing week at Villa Fobbia. The Villa is in the hills and you should expect a bit of narrow, steep windy roads to get there. Upon arrival, we were greeted by the Owners who showed us around their great home. The views are amazing.
The villa was clean, in great condition, well stocked, secure, and had ample space for our crew of 8 (including two young teens). Note there is no air conditioning, and we had a heat wave during our week, so the days were a bit warm in the house.... nights were not an issue as the air cooled down at night, and the fans in every bedroom helped too.
The pool was a great amenity during the warm days. We scheduled two chef dinners and one cooking class during the week, and the kitchen with the adjacent al fresco dining area worked great.
Note - it can get a little buggy in the evenings if eating outside. Local wineries and restaurants are within a 20 to 30 minute drive, and don't miss out on visiting Lucca. Our hosts and Invitation to Tuscany representatives were always available and very helpful. I highly recommend a stay at Villa Fobbia.
Gregory and family staying in Villa Fobbia. Aug 2025
We had a fantastic stay at Villa Fobbia and would thoroughly recommend. The house in the mountains makes the most of the enviable views and was very comfortable for our group of 10 (adults and teens), with lots of different areas to relax and unwind. The owners are generously sharing their home and this comes across in all the thoughtful touches across the whole property. We look forward to returning.
Rowena and Family staying in Villa Fobbia. Aug 2024
We loved Fobbia and had a very relaxing holiday, largely by the pool. The villa itself is beautiful, really stylish, and every room is lovely! More accessible to shops etc this time which is a bonus. I’m sure you’ll have very satisfied guests staying there in the future.
Sarah and family from UK staying in Villa Fobbia. Sep 2023
I had first visited this house in early 2023, but in June I finally had the chance to take our Danish Agents (Ponti&Sofia), our London Agent Laura and our Australian agent Marian to see Villa Fobbia. We stopped for a meal at Valentino's, in nearby Fiano, as we always like to test local restaurants whenever possible. Valentino's did not disappoint, with course after course of delicious Tuscan locally produced food brought out to us as we all surreptitiously loosened our belts. After our coffees, having refused the proffered Amaro Digestivo, we headed up to Fobbia where I was delighted to see everybody as bowled over as I was by the elegance of the interiors, the quality of the furniture and the generosity of the outdoor spaces. Villa Fobbia really is a very special place and I hope you all enjoy it! Dan.
Agency Visit staying in Villa Fobbia . Jun 2023
We had a very good stay in Pinolo. The location was perfect, we could walk into the beautiful village of Casole d'Elsa. There was a community supermarket very close opposite the petrol station which had everything you could want. 2 butchers in the village. Great restaurants and bar. We particularly like the little balcony where we ate supper, very private. We thought it was a great base to explore all the places of interest, Volterra, San Gimignano and Siena by bus from Colle di Val D'Elsa was so easy. Our host provided us with the timetable and all the info we needed. They couldn't have been more accommodating. We will recommend to our friends and family.
Alli Scott staying in Pinolo. Sep 2025
We had a really lovely time in Casole d’Elsa albeit extremely hot with the heatwave Europe is experiencing. Having a swimming pool was a must and greatly enjoyed. Seeing Elvira at nearly 90 years of age still looking so healthy and definitely the loved matriarch of the family was really lovely. I couldn’t understand a word she said but she was very welcoming as was her daughter-in-law, Katia who now manages the place. She even made us a cake which was so, so lovely😊
We did notice a few changes in the village although I would agree it still offers that authentic charm. We enjoyed walking into the village every day for a morning coffee. We really liked the Ristorante Pizzeria il Porrina – nice reasonably priced meals and the Ristorante Pizzeria il Colombaio di Cipressina (sit on the terrace so you get the view).
We have now experienced 3 of the 4 accommodation options at Agresto and each has their own charm. Loved the space of and the views from first floor Pinolo and the coolness of Rustico which was on the cooler side of the house. The layout of Rustico was certainly a bit different with no lounge other than the couch situated in 1 of the bedrooms and the ‘throne’ and shower at the top of stairs in the bathroom. Of the 2 options Pinolo would be our pick of the 2 bedroom options due to its layout and views. We got to see the new addition to the accommodation options (Mandorlo) – which is a lovely modern tastefully done 1 bedroom apartment on the ground floor which as ideal for a couple
Larkins from NZ staying in Pinolo. Jun 2025
This was our second trip to stay near beautiful Casole d'Elsa - and this time at Pinolo just outside of the village. We thoroughly enjoyed our time there. The property was just beautiful and just what we wanted. Very peaceful and quiet - with wonderful views and a great pool to enjoy. We spent time relaxing at the property, walking the gentle walk into the village for coffee or meals - and also driving to nearby villages for further exploration. Pinolo met all of our needs and more - it exceeded our expectations. We even had the lovely caretakers leave us a freshly made tart one day to add to the wonderful experience. We would highly recommend this property and would stay there again.
Jason and Renee, UK staying in Pinolo. Oct 2024
We enjoyed our stay at Pinolo. Well equipped apartment with amazing views and Katia was an excellent host. Within walking distance of the lovely village of Casole D’Elsa and there is a nice bar serving great pizzas even closer. There is an excellent pool and well equipped outside seating areas so you can relax after a day sightseeing in this superb area.
Drew, UK staying in Pinolo. Sep 2024
Pinolo is situated in a beautiful picturesque location. It's an easy walk to the village (learning about the lift to the top of the town early is essential!). The setting is gorgeous with a lovely pool and countryside around. The accommodation itself seems a little tired in terms of furnishings, appliances and utensils and the bathroom is definitely utilitarian but if you don't mind quaint then this will be fine for you. Unfortunately the pool towels we had requested (and paid for) weren't left for us, and the single bed in the second bedroom wasn't made up (again as requested). These were attended once we raised it. All in all we had a lovely stay at Pinolo and would love to return - ideally after a bit of an upgrade of facilities.
Vincent from NZ staying in Pinolo. Jun 2023
My sister, a friend and I spent another wonderfully relaxing week here. We had stayed here last year and couldn't wait to return. Thank you to Katia and family for making us so welcome again. The wine that they produced was delicious and it was so nice to have the chance to try it. We had inadvertently timed our stay during the local Palio so we were able to enjoy the festivities too! I couldn't imagine a better location to stay as not only is it peaceful with beautiful views towards SAN GIMIGNANO , but it is a short walk into the little town of Casole d'Elsa which was a favourite place for morning coffee and breakfast. The kitchen facilities in the apartment are perfect which also enabled us to prepare simple lunches before returning to the beautiful pool.
We definitely plan to return to Pinolo and find it difficult to make any suggestions which could improve our stay next time !(perhaps bigger, softer pillows?)
Claudine & friends from UK staying in Pinolo. Jul 2023
Had a great last minute stay in Pinolo and received fabulous service from Dan – he came up with exactly what we were looking for. The apartment is in a superb location – being able to walk into Casole D’Elsa is a big bonus plus there are lots of great restaurants to choose from. There is also a supermarket within walking distance that is well stocked (not obvious from the road that it is actually a supermarket!). Apartment is well kept and has everything you need (no oven so need to bear that in mind) and has great views. The pool area is another added bonus. Overall this is a great base to visit the beautiful Tuscan countryside.
C.S. and family staying in Pinolo. Sep 2020
Our second stay at Pinolo only confirmed what we always felt about the place, the location, accommodation and amenities are, without doubt, exactly what is required for a peaceful, tranquil and restful stay in Tuscany. The first floor entrance is adjacent to the rear door to the owners accommodation and their kindness and generosity of spirit was wonderful, they gave us homemade cake, wine and ice creams and were always on hand for help and advice. The kitchen could perhaps do with being a little better equipped and the size of the drinking glasses a little small for beer drinkers, but on a score from 100 we would give it 99.5!
C.B. and family, UK staying in Pinolo. Jun 2013
Stayed at Pinolo in Casole d'Elsa - good sized apartment for 4 people, very clean and tidy and everything one would need for a holiday. Pool was a nice size with plenty of loungers/ seats around - and my favourite, a hammock hanging between 2 olive trees! 5 mins walk to nearest pizza house (which did pastries for breakfast too) and the local produce stocked supermarket and about a 15 mins walk to the town - which is beautiful with a good handful of restaurants and bars. Invitation to Tuscany - Very helpful in terms of booking and finding us something that would suit us and our small-ish children. Would highly recommend
H.B. and family, UK staying in Pinolo. Dec 2017
We were heartily welcomed by the owners, whose grasp of English was only marginally better than our Italian, but after creating a raport with suitable "thumbs up" hand signals to indicate our pleasure with the appartment, she moved on to describe the operation of the dishwasher in Italian, which was probably a little over-optimistic.
The Apartment was just perfect for 4 and had plenty of space in the lounge/dining area for relaxing out of the sun. Breakfast was often taken on the patio area overlooking the countryside - just fabulous. After a quick swim in the "its alright once you are in" pool, it was down to some serious sunbathing on the loungers - and there are more than enough for everyone. Lunch by the pool on a table conveniently located under a shady pergola with even better views and San Gim in the background. Afternoons spent relaxing - although sometimes interspersed with awesome thunder and lightning over the valleys!
Locals towns provide a good evenning entertainment, even Casola D'Elsa seemed to have enough going on to keep us going back, despite its small size. This place has everything you need for a quiet week or so, but a car is a must for getting about and shopping, the local supermarket and shops are limited.
Fantastic holiday made even better by the welcoming owners - even turned up with free homemade pizza and wine at 11pm one night, which we ate and drank in the moonlight! We would return tomorrow.
C.B. and friends, UK staying in Pinolo. Dec 2009
You know that scary feeling you get when you book accommodation on the internet that looks wonderful in the photos, but you're sure it couldn't possibly be that wonderful? Well, rest assured, Pinolo is wonderful! Charming hosts, beautiful, quiet, relaxed setting, yet still close to village. We stayed in the two bedroom upstairs apartment. Very clean, rustic and charming. I will always remember the view from the upstairs window - you can see the towers of San Gimignano in the distance. So many beautiful places to visit nearby, beautiful Tuscan countryside. We'll be back!
Mr. A.G. and family, Australia staying in Pinolo. Dec 2010
Situated in the heart of Chianti in Tuscany, this villa is in walking distance of a lovely village with restaurants and a weekly BBQ on the village plaza which is a must! The hosts are most welcoming and the Pinolo villa offers excellent views! Great sightseeing in the region. The hosts wine is worth the purchase. The outdoor pool is large and always clean. We are looking forward to returning.
Mrs. J.G. and family, Canada staying in Pinolo.
We stayed at Pinolo last summer and would highly recommend it. The location is excellent - within walking distance of the local village, and right in the heart of Tuscany. The family who own the property were incredibly welcoming and one evening we were brought homemade cake and a bottle of their own wine. Delicious. Having the pool also helped hugely on hot days. We will definitely return.
Mrs. C.J. and family, UAE staying in Pinolo. Feb 2011
The farm house is a little outside the village which is uphill and easily reached by car, bike or by foot. The latter will maybe take 30 mins. The apartment is on the first floor in the main building with its own entry. The two bedrooms have sufficient space for 5 and the living & dining room as well. In case you like outside dining you need to take note that you have to go downstairs, which is not very practical. There is a small outside sitting area, good for two and a glass of wine in the evenings. The pool is nice and the gardens (vineyard, olives) are lovely. The farm is a on a hill itself which allows for a cooling breeze and nice views. The owners are lovely and produce their own wine and olive oil. A good price compared to many other locations we saw on-line.
Mr. R.V.W and family, Switzerland staying in Pinolo. Feb 2013
Our apartment, Pinolo, was spacious and well equipped with beautiful views of the Tuscan countryside from every window. The building is a traditional farmhouse which added to it's charm and there were plenty of outside spaces to relax in. We found it a very convenient base to explore Tuscany, not far from San Gimignano, Siena, Orvieto and Florence.
Mr. K.M. and family, UK staying in Pinolo. Dec 2014
We knew we wanted to stay in Tuscany but could not find the ideal location. After stumbling across 'Welcome to Tuscany', the helpful staff recommended we stay at a charming, converted Tuscan farm house in the heart of Tuscany upon the outskirts of the small village of Casole'd Elsa. Father and sons the three of us set off from Carcassonne, and thus arrived late at Pinolo and Rustico after a beautiful, but winding drive through the Alpes and across the fateful Rubicon. Upon arrival the owner kindly stayed to greet us, which set the scene for the rest of the holiday; as the owners who lived on site worked tirelessly to ensure the accommodation and surrounding grounds were kept immaculate whilst remaining innocuous but there to help if needed. Both apartments well equipped with original features and large luxurious bedrooms. The complex was landscaped throughout with thoughtful touches like flowers and charming Cypress trees which framed the gentle descent from farmhouse to pool. The Village was a short walk on foot and although small it was a lovely example of some of the bigger and more impressive Casole's situated in Tuscany. With a great selection of Restaurants - in particular the Enoteca which runs a set course that changed each night of the week and friendly English speaking owners. Beware of 'White Tuesdays', when the whole towns descends to paint the town, 'white' (called so because they do not sleep - like another day and something of a tradition in much of Tuscany) In terms of location Casole d'Elsa was perfectly situated to explore the well known likes of Sienna, Florence and San Gimignano (recommend Quattro Gatti for super!) but also the lesser known, and less spoilt towns such as Volterra (see the Etruscan tombs - utterly fascinating - like steeping down through the gates of Hades explored in Homer's literature), Montalcino and the medieval walled city of Monteriggioni. For those who love red wine, not more could be asked in this delightful region; and a pilgrimage to Saasicaia and the aforementioned Montalcino is well worth it. We like it so much, we would consider hiring the entire complex the next time and bringing all our friends!
Mr T.H. and family staying in Pinolo. Dec 2014
We stayed in the upper floor of the farmhouse (Pinolo) at Agriturismo Elvira. The accommodation was great for our family of 4. A lovely large room for living/dining/cooking, plus 2 bedrooms and bathroom. There are pretty garden areas and terraces around the house where you can sit or eat al fresco with amazing views of the Tuscan and Chianti hills. The outdoor swimming pool and surrounding garden was great too! The hill town of Casole d'Elsa is a 15 - 20 minute walk with a good range of small shops plus some excellent places to eat and drink. Highly recommended
Mr. T.J. and family, UK staying in Pinolo. Dec 2015
We duly returned from Casole Saturday. There were no problems /breakages, the accommodation was perfect and the hosts very charming. All in all I would recommend to anyone and it has my highest credentials. We visited all around and had a great time. Thanks again for all your help
Mr T.H. and family, France staying in Pinolo. May 2014
We had a fantastic stay at Pinolo - beautiful part of the country. The accomodation was great, very authentic Tuscan farm feel while providing most of what we needed. The only suggestion would be for them to improve the WiFi reception within Pinolo itself. It was a bit hit and miss at times. Also to provide basic soap and shower gel. It was a bit of a surprise to us that this wasn't provided. Otherwise it was superb, and we really enjoyed having the private pool available to us. We also really enjoyed the local town of Casole d'Elsa. The pizza restaurant in particular was very good for lunch - great value for money and excellent service. We also had an amazing dinner at the restaurant attached to the local hotel. Can't remember the name of the hotel but it's on the main road to the left as you leave the housing estate area. Thanks for making this property and experience available to us.
Mr R.D. and family, UK staying in Pinolo. Dec 2014
Our second stay at Pinolo only confirmed what we always felt about the place, the location, accommodation and amenities are, without doubt, exactly what is required for a peaceful, tranquil and restful stay in Tuscany. The first floor entrance is adjacent to the rear door to the owners accommodation and their kindness and generosity of spirit was wonderful, they gave us homemade cake, wine and ice creams and were always on hand for help and advice. The kitchen could perhaps do with being a little better equipped and the size of the drinking glasses a little small for beer drinkers, but on a score from 100 we would give it 99.5!
Mr C.B. and friends, UK staying in Pinolo. Feb 2013
I stayed here with my family when our son Ben was around 2 years old and we loved it. I know the village well, as it's where I grew up, so it was great to be able to walk in every morning - Ben and I would go in to buy breakfast for mum from the local cafe. The living room/ kitchen is large and comfortable, and the little loggia perfect for an evening drink with an ear out for sleeping children.
Dan R. and family staying in Pinolo. Dec 2012
We felt so comfortable in this spacious apartment, with its lovely light and generous spaces just right for a small family holiday. The good-sized pool and the views of the vines to one side and the valley to the other are delightful. Strolling into Casole d'Elsa was so convenient for picking up supplies or going out for a good meal - truly an ideal location.
L. and L. staying in Pinolo. Dec 2015
The apartment was lovely, perfect for 2, although with the help of our hosts we managed to comfortably fit in our adult daughter. The location is idyllic, staff charming and the wine is superb. On arrival, tired and hot, we could have done with some help transferring luggage to the apartment ( not near the car park). We did point out but it wasn’t too much of an issue, that the fridge only kept thinks slightly cool not chilled. Overall it was a super break and we would most certainly return.
Mike from UK staying in Trebbiano. Jun 2022
This is a little gem of a place! Clean and comfortable in an excellent location with a fantastic pool. Excellent location in a small village.
There is a very good restaurant 2 minutes walk away and the shops are a short drive. We would recommend the wine tour and tasting as, apart from being fantastic wine, it is also very informative. We had a car for the duration of our holiday, collecting and returning at Pisa Airport.
After discussion with Invitation to Tuscany we went with EuroCar and were very pleased with the car and the service we received. We had purchased a European Garmin prior to our trip and this served us very well. The roads are easy to drive but having the Sat Nav just made things so much easier.
Mrs. K.R., UK staying in Trebbiano. May 2015
Lovely quiet house. Plenty of space. Appreciated the kettle and coffee maker. Great pool and seating in the olive grove with amazing views. Bus to Sienna goes every day from outside the gate. Easy access to the motorway and surrounding area. So much to see! Places such as Castellina in Chianti, Monterigioni, and Sienna are close by. There are 2 restaurants near by and a lovely bar with coffee and food at Fonteruolo. And there is the lovely wine of the Lornano Estate to enjoy.
Mark Gore staying in Trebbiano. Sep 2026
Very charming and helpful villa owners. Not easy to find with villa directions issued by London company - very steep access , much better suited to a 4 by 4 or car with high ground clearance .
Comfortable villa with plenty of indoor and outdoor space - plenty of bathrooms . Kitchen could do with additional small saucepans - ( only frying pans available ) Bed mattresses were hard - could do with the option of toppers ! However the views are amazing and the swimming pool is kept immaculately. Additional towels for the swimming pool would be beneficial. Todi was a picturesque local town with a choice of many eating places . Would visit villa again.
Thanks Ilona, directions now corrected.
Ilona and family staying in Casa Umbra. Jun 2026
Located in the beautiful Tuscan hills of Morre, Todi, Casa Umbra is an amazing retreat. We visited in October so spent much of our time walking the local area of Collelungo, Izzalini and Todi and enjoying the views from the villa in the evenings with a glass of wine, before settling in by the fire. The villa does also have an amazing outdoor pool and we will definitely be back to visit in the summer months when we can take advantage of this too. Mario and Valentina are amazing hosts and very kind, thoughtful people. They were so helpful in suggesting things for us to do, as well as giving us lifts to places and delivering groceries to the villa, whilst also allowing us all the space we needed to enjoy the villa. We had a hire car so were wary of driving too much on the paths leading up to the villa (which are very steep and gravelled) so we were very grateful for their help. We can’t wait to return to Casa Umbra again, it is a truly special place!
Connor and family from UK staying in Casa Umbra. Oct 2025
This house is so beautiful and serene, surrounded by trees and the sound of cicadas and with a lovely view of rolling Umbrian hills. With thick stone walls it remains fairly cool irrespective of the surrounding temperature, and there is a good air flow through the house once doors and windows are open. The large pool is fabulous and warms nicely in the sun, but has the benefit of being increasingly shaded as the afternoon wears on. It is easy to spend the day lolling around the house without the need to go anywhere. But there are things to do: the area is very rural and sparsely populated, but the stunning hill towns of Todi and Orvieto are in relatively easy reach and there are numerous other places a bit further away.
Mario, the host, is very kind and helpful. He is able to offer recommendations of all kinds, and attends quickly to any questions or issues.
The road to the house is indeed a genuine challenge - I expected it to be a minor issue, but the steep and unpaved sections would likely be beyond the capability of smaller cars. I think Mario is working to pave the whole road (in which case it will be steep but otherwise perfectly fine) but is awaiting relevant permissions. The access road and other potholed roads around Umbria somewhat shredded our car's front tyres, which needed replacing in a Norauto garage before driving back to the UK.
David & family from UK staying in Casa Umbra. Jul 2023
We loved our stay at Casa Umbra, a wonderful spacious rustic house and fabulous clean large pool, surrounded by wonderful countryside, wild flowers, butterflies and birds. Lovely walk up behind the house.
Our host Mario went out of his way to ensure all our needs were met, provided recommendations for local events/places, introduced ours kids to his horses and helped arrange a private yoga instructor/masseur visit. Yet at the same time did not intrude at all.
The area of umbria also proved very enjoyable with trips to Todi, Asissi & Spello, Orvieto and Marmore Falls by Terni. Plenty options for vineyard, olive farm, horse riding visits also.
Highly recommend Kairos restaurant in Izzalini, just short drive away.
When booking you are warned about the road and type of car to use to get to the house, this is genuine advice and should be heeded. The house is off the beaten track but 100% worth it !
Carmel & family staying in Casa Umbra. Jun 2023
Casa Umbra is the perfect setting for a peaceful and relaxing break. Nestled in the hillside, surrounded by nature and incredible views, it really does offer a everything you need for a complete getaway. We could not have asked for a better place to enjoy Southern Umbria. The access road is steep, so a larger car (4X4) is recommended.
Anonymous from UK staying in Casa Umbra. Sep 2022
You will need to take care with the road leading to the accommodation as it can be steep and narrow in parts. But the villa is in an enviable location with excellent views of the surrounding hills and villages. We had a very relaxing stay. The kitchen is excellent, well equipped and very convenient for cooking. Bedroom very comfortable. The swimming pool is wonderful, with good sun-beds, and we liked very much the hammocks on the lawn at the front of the villa. There are a number of places outside to eat, so you can choose depending upon the time of day. Mario is a very welcoming, helpful and generous host, always available but also very conscious for the privacy of the guests.
D.C. staying in Casa Umbra. Dec 2018
It is just a wonderfull place, beautifull villa with a very nice, romantic view of the small walley and surrounding hills. Ideal for families looking for silent place in umbrian nature. We spent there 1 week which was not enough for us. I would recommend to stay for 2 or even more weeks so you can discover the whole area and enjoy umbrian food, nature, history...one thing should be highlighted here, the owner - Mario Santoro. His helpfull attitude and personlity made our stay much more pleasant. Thank you
M.O. staying in Casa Umbra. Oct 2017
Located on a remote hill with a stunning view of the breathtaking landscape of Umbria, the Casa Umbra is the perfect hideaway in Italy's heartland. The elegant and luxurious residence is fully equipped with everything one needs for a perfect vacation. One can relax by the pool or read in one of the hammocks overlooking the hillside. The three bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms are spacious and provide perfect privacy even when sharing the house. The kitchen is fully equipped and even though one is fully surrounded by nature there is a fast internet connection, a TV and telephone. While it could be easy to loose oneself in the serenity of the place and just never leave the villa, one is still very close to the gems of Italian art and culture. Beautiful must see towns such as Todi, Orvieto, Perugia, and Assisi are just a short drive away and offer fantastic dining and outstanding cultural experiences. Me and my family would have loved to stay the whole summer and hope to come back soon.
N.D. staying in Casa Umbra. May 2017
Time at this Villa is simply remarkable. The food, the staff, the hospitality, the comfort and the view are simply unmatched
C.T. staying in Casa Umbra. Aug 2017
One of the most beautiful places in the world! Peaceful surrounding, ideally arranged villa with exceptionally good taste, never ending visual and physical pleasure. To come back and experience again and again
K.I. staying in Casa Umbra. Dec 2017
A marvellously tranquil part of Umbria, and a great house high on a hill. I have spent happy days there, and highly recommend it. Day trips to great places are to be found in every direction. I only hesitate to recommend it because I want to keep it to myself!
W.A.E. staying in Casa Umbra. Dec 2017
We want to express our appreciation to the fantastic staff at Lornano, Malvasia. They were very anxious to meet any of our requests and answered questions providing us with locations of restaurants and groceries. The location is quite central to many of the hill towns in Tuscany and close proximity to the highway.
We certainly enjoyed tasting the wines!
Ruth Jackson staying in Malvasia. Sep 2022
I rented Malvasia for one week and was there by myself - I enjoyed that week as I had an opportunity to contemplate as I wanted. The facility was great as was the countryside.
Angelita was kind, charming and extremely helpful. I then rented all four villas for the second week and had a changing cast of family and friends over the two weeks. Everyone loved it immensely. The physical settings and Angelita's and Silvio's support made for a wonderful time for everyone. The wine, of course, assisted.
Having all four villas allowed for an intermingling of people, some of whom knew each other and some meeting for the first time and it all worked well, in large part because of the warmth of the physical setting. My single complaint is about the WiFi which was a bit challenged. A pain in the modern era but hardly the biggest issue in life. I would recommend Fattoria Lornano without reservation and if I can organize it, would do it again. All the cottages met or exceeded expectations.
Mr. P.B. and friends, Canada staying in Malvasia. Sep 2015
We did have a lovely time in Lornano and the surrounding area but I have to say that Malvasia is suffering from quite a few damp problems particularly in the basement areas (kitchen and bathroom) and although it did not spoil our stay at the Fattoria it is not something you would expect at what is after all quite an expensive rental, everything else was just about perfect and Angioletta provided a great tour and tasting session to boot - the Lornano chianti is actually very good!
In terms of local restaurants then Ristorante Enoteca is recommended albeit having a limited menu that could be varied a bit between lunch and evening meals but in general we would suggest that unless visitors intend cooking we would recommend they take their main meals at lunchtime when visiting the local and very attractive villages most of which have some very good restaurants with prices to suit all. Once you are back at Lornano after a long day out, it is a long trek out to try and find a good local restaurant - Badesse is not one of them though!
That being said, we had a great time with good weather, beautiful scenery in a very relaxing and quiet environment, which is why Lornano caught our imagination when we started to look for a place in Tuscany.
Thank you again for all your help in organising the break, if it wasn’t for the damp problem there would be five stars all round.
Mrs. L.K. and family, UK staying in Malvasia. Aug 2014
The house was great, and I would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone. We were able to visit Siena in 10 mins and Florence in 45, or just hang around and play in the wonderful swimming pool.
They dropped just one star on erratic hot water supply and less than perfectly comfy beds.
Mrs. V.R. and family, UK staying in malvasia. Aug 2013
We stayed here is summer 2010. The property was very comfy, clean and a great location. The wine and olive oil from the vineyard on site was fantastic. The owners were very accommodating in showing us around the wine cellar. We loved the restaurant in the village. The pool was great to cool off in. The bus to Siena was also very handy. Overall a fantastic place.
M.F. from UK staying in Malvaisa. Jul 2010
I have been holidaying in Tuscany for several years and without doubt the most memorable trip was our visit to Malvasia at Lornano last July. The villa is in an ideal location for exploring all of Tuscany's treasures - you are minutes away from the main Siena to Florence motorway with San Gimignano and the fabulous Chianti towns of Radda and Gaiole also within easy reach.
However if you want to completely chill out and relax the villa is situated in the idylic hamlet of Lornano which is set in some of the most stunning countryside Tuscany has to offer. The villa itself was beautifully decorated with everything and more you can expect from a Tuscan villa. It is also a working vinyard which produces fabulous Chianti wine, grappa and olive oil - no visit to Lornano can be complete without a tour to the wine cellars and a tasting. You can also expect the warmest of welcomes at Lornano as the staff go out of their way to make you feel at home and do whatever they can to help you get the most from your holiday. A
lso give the restaurant in the town a go - you won't be disappointed. There are too many reasons to explain why I will be going back to Lornano in the very near future but I can assure you I will be and my advice to you is to take up this Invitation to Tuscany - you won't be disappointed.
Mr. J.H. and family, UK staying in Malvasia. Jul 2009
Stayed with kids. The setting and accommodations were beautiful but it was the people involved who each made the trip truly memorable. Their timely responses to our multiple enquiries and requests made the planning and execution of this once in a lifetime trip for 25 family members (ages 4 to 80) seamless. There were plenty of opportunities for group activities in the various luxurious rooms, that easily accommodated the entertainment, dance parties, workouts, Easter hunts, trivia events that we had planned. There were also many quiet locations, both inside and outdoors for some "alone time". All in all, we couldn't have asked for a more perfect experience.
Lesley staying in Villa Cosimo. Apr 2024
Here is what my husband and I, and all of our friends and family who joined us, loved about this experience.
Our family of 11 spent a week+ at the property and it was outstanding. Luxurious and comfortable at the same time. Daria the property manager was always available and even tried to help arrange transportation when we missed flight connections.
We were welcomed with delicious cheese and meats from Tuscany and wine from Valle Valle. After a long travel day from the US, we felt so cared for!
The pool was wonderful and a blessing in the heat of summer. The kids and adults spent most of our time relaxing and enjoying the beautiful grounds.
Laura from Invitation to Tuscany helped arrange a chef for a private birthday meal and a photographer for family photos.
We could not have imagined a better place to have a special family vacation!
Miles and family staying in Piaggia. Jul 2026
This Villa is stunning and great for a large group or family , Daria the hostess is delightful and the quality is very high right throughout. Fabulous pool area and if we return to tuscanny we would immediatel return to Piaggia without thinking twice
Grant & family from NZ staying in Piaggia. Jun 2023
Our stay here was out of this world. We had such a great time splashing by the pool and eating delicious foos. You are such sweet people and made our trip something we will always treasure. We are so apperciative of what you've done for us to make everything just perfect! We loved Lucca and enjoyed every moment of our trip. We had a wonderful time celebrating Nancy and Bob's 50th wedding anniversary we couldn't have asked for a better way to relax and explore Italy.
Adeline, US staying in Villa Ponte. Jun 2022
Very good. Especially pool, outside pizza oven and barbecue.
Breakfast bakery service and rubbish service very good.
Matthew, Germany staying in Scudo. Aug 2024
The villa is excellent but the roads take some manoeuvring which is mentioned before arrival. It's in a peaceful location with a small pool that is probably not for people with mobility issues as it's off ground with steps to access it. But very welcome.
The walks are pleasant but challenging as it's extremely hilly. The owner was extremely helpful when we had our car damaged when we went off route on an unmade road. Excellent service and help from him. Wonderful food delivery courtesy of Valentina which we were very grateful for. A wonderful experience overall.
Jaak Tikerpae staying in Casa Carina. Sep 2026
We had a wonderful holiday in Casa Carina, what a fabulous villa! Comfortable stylish with the most magnificent views. Mario was invaluable! He welcomed us and guided us up the steep but manageable path to the idyllic venue set on two levels with the pool which was a delight to regularly jump in and cool down. Our week was so peaceful, relaxing and enjoyable, Mario gave us such a warm and kind helpful welcome. Thank you Mario! Would highly recommend. A 5 star experience.
Alison, UK staying in Casa Carina. Aug 2024
We stayed a week at Casa Carina in early October, and had a wonderful time. The villa itself is spacious and charming (save the disconcerting ceramic mask on the wall), and its best feature is the covered veranda with a beautiful view across the valley to the nearby villages of Colelungo and Morre. I thoroughly recommend relaxing there as the sun sets, sipping wine and listening to the local wildlife (we heard cicadas, crickets, owls, other birds of prey, and wild boar) and watching the bats chase down the insects.
Mario is a lovely host and could not do enough for us. HIs wife made us some delicious lasagne and tiramisu which were waiting for us on our arrival along with a couple of bottles of local wine. Mario also offered to stock the villa with supplies from the local supermarket if we had so wished. He brought us firewood when we wanted it, and kindly took the time to make recommendations of local walks and restaurants, and to walk with us about the local agriculture (olives and vineyards). We happenned to be there around the start of the grape harvest, so he obtained a bottle of mosto from his friend and brought it to us (it was very tasty).
I have very few negative comments about our stay: The fixings of the toilet seat had been broken by a previous guest, and it would have been nice if the seat did not move about so much, but I believe that Mario was still looking for the necessary parts to fix it, so that's understandable. I would echo the comments made by other guests about the driveway. It takes about 8 minutes to get from the house to the main road, and he driveway is steep and heavily rutted in places, covered with loose stones and dust. We had a front-wheel drive rental car, which coped with it all, but I am glad the rental car came to us with considerable pre-existing scratches and dents, because I did not have to worry too much about chipping the paintwork on it. I would not have wanted to drive a shiny new car up and down that driveway, and rear-wheel drive would be a no-no. Apart from laying rough concrete for the length of the driveway, I'm not sure there's much that Mario could do about it. Overall, we had a wonderful week, thanks in no small part to Mario's kindness and readiness to help. I have no hesitation in recommending Casa Carina to all. But Mario, please get rid of the ceramic baby's-face mask to the right of the fireplace; I'm still having nightmares about it! ;-)
Andrew, UK staying in Casa Carina. Sep 2024
Casa Carina was everything we hoped it would be.
It’s a wonderful, peaceful, beautiful location. Despite the heat of August, the house wasn’t too hot.
Mario was an excellent host - he helped us with the drive leading up to the house, and was incredibly friendly and welcoming. He even helped with an issue with our car, and gave our girls the opportunity to meet his horses.
Altogether we had a wonderful time and could not fault it.
Priscilla and family from the UK staying in Casa Carina. Aug 2024
Casa Carina is a smaller villa full of rustic charm, located well off the beaten track. We had a super week here, surrounded by the sights and sounds of unspoiled nature - in particular there were lots of butterflies. The pool was ideal, very refreshing on a hot day and the villa had pleasant outdoor spaces to relax and unwind, along with pretty walks on the doorstep. There was ample room for the four of us (good to have the two en-suite bathrooms) and we experienced it all in some of the best and worst weather. We were glad we to have a pack of cards and decent TV with Casting option when the rain was pouring down and the wind was howling!
Mario was an excellent host, always responsive and able to offer help and advice as required. We were very grateful to have a selection of wine and groceries waiting for us on our arrival after a long day of travelling. The kitchen could have been slightly better equipped but it was adequate for our needs. We cooked a few meals ourselves and also enjoyed eating out at a couple of excellent local restaurants (Osteria La Cruccola in Acqualoreto and Kairos in Izzalini).
We made trips to Todi (the nearest town), Assisi, Orvieto and Florence (a long but brilliant day). The duomo in Orvieto was particularly awe-inspiring! We visited Trebotti organic winery on our return from Orvieto for a fascinating tour and tasting experience. Definitely recommend!
Do heed the advice regarding the track to the villa - it has some extremely steep gradients to negotiate which are not for the faint hearted! A 4x4 would cope fine (would definitely recommend), but if you have a front wheel drive hatchback like we did then you might want to disable the traction control when you leave the main road. We got used to it though and it's worth the effort for the view when you get there - all part of the adventure!
Angela from UK staying in Casa Carina. Aug 2023
Travel advisor since 1981, traveled around the world. By far, the best Villa/home experience. Gorgeous property !! Every room in Villa is equally superb. En-suite bathrooms in all. Think old world villa vibe with enhancements of a new build. Serene property & excellent staff.
Kathleen G. staying in Borgo Rinnovato. Sep 2024
I have traveled to many places in the world, this place and the staff are the best I have experienced so 5 big stars from here. Can definitely be recommended.
Boye from Denmark staying in Borgo Rinnovato. May 2024
The trullo was not just an accomodation, but a whole experience thanks to the attention for each little detail! Beautiful interiors equipped with all the facilities we needed for our group of 7 and a gorgeous outdoor space with pool and olives. It was a great base for us to explore some key destinations in the area: Alberobello, Polignano, Monopoli and Ostuni (by car). We also appreciated the excellent communication with our hosts and the additional support they offered us - as our plane landed really late, they supported with groceries shopping, so in the moment we arrived at the trullo everything was waiting for us.
Ana-Maria, Romania staying in Trullo Olievo. Sep 2023
Quality rental and holiday experience that exceeded our every expectation. The villa is better than the pics, and a few highlights include: fully stocked kitchen that was clean, organized and easy to use; the living area is extremely comfortable with excellent seating and enough for everyone; several areas for dining that can seat everyone; bedrooms and bathrooms that are well stocked, clean and comfortable; the pool and area around it are everything anyone could ask for; and, the view is GORGEOUS! A few ideas to make this exceedingly comfortable, enjoyable villa better would be simply more plastic glasses to take drinks to the pool area, and wine glasses that are not so nice (thicker glass). That said, we weren't charged for broken glass. This villa is operated by real professionals. For the price this is the best rental we've ever encountered.
Judy M, USA staying in La Selva. Sep 2023
Fantastic old house in a secluded location.
E. H. staying in La Selva. Aug 2024
We had a great family holiday, with a wide range of ages in our group, from two babies to grandparents, plenty of space for everyone. The villa has 5 good sized en suite bedrooms and the large pool was enjoyed by the children and adults. We also appreciated being able to walk to local restaurants.
Barbara and family staying in Villa Chiara. Aug 2024
This is a review from my agency visit to the villa - not a client review. I visited the house in Feb 2023 and was struck by how well-appointed the villa is; it's remarkable to see a house with a full private spa, gym, sauna, Turkish bath, heated recliners and a large Jacuzzi. The hedges around the fenced garden make the house feel very private while still giving beautiful views of the surrounding hills from the gazebos that are close to the pool and outside the living room. I know the area well through walking and climbing close by (there's a sport climbing quarry close by) and it's a great spot to be based in to explore Tuscany.
Dan Wrightson staying in Villa Chiara. Feb 2023
The Villa was wonderful and perfect for a family vacation. The hosts were responsive and great to work with. One thing, be sure to rent a car or have a driver available if you rent this house. Our driver Roberto was wonderful!!
Michael staying in Panfilo. Jul 2024
Amazing Italian Villa with plenty of room and views for days! Beautiful done and a true sense of this beautiful region. The owner is so accommodating and welcomes you throughout your stay. Love the owner. Close driving trips to many beautiful areas and towns. Totally privacy. You must have a car or a driver. You will need to plan to drive most everywhere. Will definitely come back and Loved it all.
Anthony R. staying in Panfilo.
Absolutely wonderful villa. Do not want to leave!!! Francesca is fantastic and here to help in any way she can. Will not be our last trip for sure.
Mark from USA staying in Terrazzino. Sep 2023
Riga the hostess was excellent. I can’t say more about how personable and informative she was. We really liked the architecture of the villa and the facility. In fact, it was exceptional. We spent evenings around the large table located between the bar and pool. We wish we could have enjoyed the pool as well but the weather did not cooperate.
The primary negatives is that the front entrance location was very confusing. The first time we arrived at the back door because it presented itself with iron large gates around a walled courtyard. The actual ‘front’ parking area was harder to find, in part because we arrived after sundown and missed the small sign. After we did find it, three times in four days I turned from the gravel driveway into the wrong parking area. It was particularly difficult after dark.
Also, while the huge kitchen table was fantastic, the cabinet and silverware/china arrangement could use improvement, but this is a minor complaint.
Joe Sirvinkis staying in Lunetta. Sep 2026
Travel advisor since 1981, traveled around the world. By far, the best Villa/home experience. Gorgeous property !! Every room in Villa is equally superb. En-suite bathrooms in all. Think old world villa vibe with enhancements of a new build. Serene property & excellent staff.
Kathleen G. staying in Lunetta. Sep 2024
Wonderful location, stylish accommodation, and excellent staff who were friendly and efficient. The perfect combination for a wonderful Tuscan holiday.
David from UK staying in Lunetta. Jun 2024
The host could not be more gracious and accommodating. Doing the on site dinners is a must as they are fun interaction and the food is great. Dinner night the sell the wine pizza night you can bring your own. The villas are spacious and clean with a rustic feel.
An amazing property!!!!
We had a fantastic stay - such a beautiful setting and really friendly, helpful people - many thanks!
Mrs. A.B. and family, UK staying in Virginia B. Dec 2015
If you are looking for a "classic Tuscan farmhouse" in a beautiful setting in Tuscany and perfectly situated to visit other parts of Tuscany, this villa would be a good match for you. It is well taken care of by the caretaker, Angela, who is a lovely person. It is a good villa for a group bc each bedroom has an ensuite bathroom.
However, the brochure describes it as "a stylish and elegant villa." It is not. All of the fixtures in the bathrooms and the kitchen are antiquated. All of the showers but one are European style meaning they are handheld. Europeans may be accustomed to these showers but Americans are not. There is only one shower where the shower head is attached to the wall. The hot water situation was problematic: some days we had none, some days we had enough for a few showers and in both cases, it was necessary to wait 5-10 minutes for the hot water to make an appearance.
The living room which should have been an inviting place to sit and chat, read, have drinks and appetizers, etc was severely compromised by the overly worn and uncomfortable furniture. And last, but not least, the lighting throughout the villa is completely inadequate. When we came home after dark, we turned on every light in order to feel at home there. It is close to impossible to apply make up in the bathrooms due to the inadequate lighting.
Bottom line: if these shortcomings don't dissuade you, then this is a good rental property for the price.
Dan says: "Thank you for this balanced review. You've fairly captured both the property's charms and its traditional (rather than modernised) character. I've added a note about the showers to our description and discussed the hot water with the owner. Glad you enjoyed your week and found Angela so helpful."
Andrea from US staying in Podere Sant'Adele. Oct 2025
Thank you to Inv. to Tuscany, Katia, Italy Car Hire. We shall come again. The views, pool and garden are stunning.
Joseph Alston staying in Rustico. Jun 2026
My wife and I stayed here 17 years ago and loved it. We have now returned with our son and daughter in law and it is just as wonderful as it was then. The pool and its vineyard location are stunning and the welcome from Katia and the family made us feel at home and relaxed. Casole d'Elsa is a beautiful Tuscan village. There are a few more bars, restaurants and shops than there were 17 years ago which have added to its attractiveness without spoiling its character. I can't understand why it has taken us 17 years to come back to this beautiful place. The Rustico apartment comprises two large bedrooms and a large kitchen, all with original brick vaulted ceilings. The pool, garden, barbecue and views are fantastic. We would recommend it to anyone.
Joseph and family from UK staying in Rustico. Jun 2024
Rustico is in a stunning location and the views are incredible. Elvira, Katia and the rest of the family were so welcoming and helpful the whole time we were there. The pool is perfectly located and there are plenty of sunbeds to use.
We would definitely return again !!
Jane staying in Rustico. Aug 2022
We stayed at Agriturismo Elvira - Rustico the last week of May in Casole d'Elsa. It was HEAVEN!!! Elvira was warm and welcoming and took care of us as if we were part of her own family. I stayed there with my husband, friend and toddler and it was a place never to be forgotten by any of us. The grounds are immaculately kept, the apartment (Rustico) was super clean and had everything we needed to enjoy our stay. It was cold but we even used the great swimming pool. My son loved running around the property and we loved sitting out in the sun and having a meal. This is a place that we will be going to for years to come! It is also a fairly short drive from Siena and an hour and a half drive from Florence. I recommend renting a car as it makes it a whole lot easier to see the beauty that surrounds this home. This home exceeded our expectations. Thank you Elvira!
Mrs. S-J and family, USA staying in Rustico. May 2015
We really enjoyed our recent stay at Rustico. We thought the property was in a beautiful setting with spectacular views. The owners were lovely and very helpful and certainly made us welcome. The pool was one of the highlights of the property and was perfect for our 8 yr old daughter.
The villa was as described on your website apart from the TV was missing and it took 3 days to get this setup to watch. We felt the villa was also missing a few basic supplies, like kitchen roll, oven glove, toilet rolls, soap, which we had to purchase. I think the most useful information that would have been nice to know at the beginning of our vacation was that there was a supermarket less than a mile down the street. There was no mention of this in the folder in the villa or in the information emailed to us. We only found out from the owners towards the end of our visit, after spending almost a whole day driving to the PAM supermarket several miles away. I appreciate this is a much larger supermarket but the local one had a good selection of basic supplies and groceries.
We enjoyed the peaceful location of the villa without being too far from restaurants and the village. We would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to stay in the Tuscan countryside and is interested in visiting the larger, more touristy towns like Siena and San Gimignano, which are only a short drive away.
We hope these comments are helpful to you and future visitors to Rustico.
Mrs. J.T. and family, USA staying in Rustico. Dec 2014
Excellent location, really nice house, the owners are really helpful and nice.
Mr. C.H. and family, Sweden staying in Rustico. Dec 2011
Clean property, good facilities at both property and local town. Only thing we could pick up on is that the printed directions given from Pisa airport were incorrect for the last couple of miles or so (they erroneously jump to directions from south). Confusion added half hour to journey but figured out eventually. Didn't detract from a great week.
Mr. C.G. and family, UK staying in Rustico.
Die Villa ist unfassbar schön, toll eingerichtet, ein riesiges Grundstück, rundherum Olivenbäume und Weinberge, alles super sauber, gepflegt und toll in Schuß, der Pool schön groß und wird jeden Tag gereinigt, man kommt an und entspannt sich sofort, wird sehr nett empfangen und wenn man während des Aufenthalts Fragen zu Restaurants, Ausflügen oder was auch immer hat, werden diese prompt beantwortet. Absolut empfehlenswert! Unbedingt bei Savini Tartufi Trüffel kaufen, nur 3 Kilometer entfernt
Translation
The villa is incredibly beautiful, beautifully furnished, with a huge property surrounded by olive trees and vineyards. Everything is super clean, well-maintained, and in great condition. The pool is a lovely size and is cleaned every day. You arrive and immediately relax. You receive a very warm welcome, and any questions you have about restaurants, excursions, or anything else during your stay are answered promptly. Highly recommended! Be sure to buy truffles at Savini Tartufi, just 3 kilometers away
A, Germany staying in Leccio. Aug 2020