Lourdes or Valentina:
Although I have traveled throughout Northern Italy to Venice and the upper coast near San Remo I have never visited Tuscany. I have family members that had a memorable stay at Villa Montesassi near Florence and friends that will be staying at Il Borro (Ferragamo Family) Villas. I would like to plan a trip for the end of July - early August in the region for my husband and myself, daughter - 25, and son - 14 AND my 84 year old mother, daughter of early 1900's Sicilian immigrants. Our goal is a farmhouse or villa near Florence where we can either be together in one villa, apartment or adjoining units. A kitchen would be nice. A nice bed and breakfast where we get to interact with the owners is not out of the questions either. Air Conditioning I think would be nice, but I'm not sure about the necessity of this at this time of year. We would like to cook, be cooked for, see wine vineyards and olive groves, shop at the Prada outlet or similar nice Italian fashion stops, and sight see. My budget is up to $8000 Euro week, however, I would like to spend about half that. Comfortable beds and nice furnishings are desired but we are more about the experience, surroundings and culture. My desire is to give my modest mother a trip to her family's country in a somewhat rural setting. I have questions about, the best accommodations for this that will still allow us to get out and about easily. I am assuming a car rental is a must or perhaps there are places that have drivers or tour guides that will take you into surrounding areas. I am very confused as I search the internet and have stopped at your site sensing you both are very knowledgable and will steer us to the right place and help us avoid common mistakes first time travelers to the region may make. Thank you for your trusted advice.
Although I have traveled throughout Northern Italy to Venice and the upper coast near San Remo I have never visited Tuscany. I have family members that had a memorable stay at Villa Montesassi near Florence and friends that will be staying at Il Borro (Ferragamo Family) Villas. I would like to plan a trip for the end of July - early August in the region for my husband and myself, daughter - 25, and son - 14 AND my 84 year old mother, daughter of early 1900's Sicilian immigrants. Our goal is a farmhouse or villa near Florence where we can either be together in one villa, apartment or adjoining units. A kitchen would be nice. A nice bed and breakfast where we get to interact with the owners is not out of the questions either. Air Conditioning I think would be nice, but I'm not sure about the necessity of this at this time of year. We would like to cook, be cooked for, see wine vineyards and olive groves, shop at the Prada outlet or similar nice Italian fashion stops, and sight see. My budget is up to $8000 Euro week, however, I would like to spend about half that. Comfortable beds and nice furnishings are desired but we are more about the experience, surroundings and culture. My desire is to give my modest mother a trip to her family's country in a somewhat rural setting. I have questions about, the best accommodations for this that will still allow us to get out and about easily. I am assuming a car rental is a must or perhaps there are places that have drivers or tour guides that will take you into surrounding areas. I am very confused as I search the internet and have stopped at your site sensing you both are very knowledgable and will steer us to the right place and help us avoid common mistakes first time travelers to the region may make. Thank you for your trusted advice.