This week of cooking school with Chef Franco has been even better than I hoped for. The cooking is…read moreexciting and can be done at home. The 16th century buildings are beautiful and comfortable and modernized. Everything has been amazing

"Fantastic Experience Tuscookany's. Torre del Tartufo villa! My top "complaints" are:…read more 1. My room and bed were too comfortable, While snuggled under the fabulous down comforter surrounded by the antique furniture it was too hard to get out of bed! 2. The house itself had too many cozy spots to spend time in. It was a difficult decision each day...should I sit in the fabulous outside grottos filled with pillows and enjoy the peace and solitude of the villa. should I curl up on the fabulously comfortable couch in the tower living room with the fire roaring as I read my latest novel. or should I sit in the cozy bar area with candles burning, sitting on my extra large down filled club chair as I sip a glass of wine and converse with some of my new friends. Or should I sit in the hot tub under the stars with a glass of wine...way too many choices. 3. Speaking of wine...the problem here is the fact that each night there was too much wine. With the many fabulous choices of wine available the problem arose of having too much fun; the laughing and multiple conversations around the table made us forget we were actually learning something! Oh and I dare you to get bitten by the "rattlesnake"...a fun after dinner drink tradition that makes for a late night filled with more giggles and conversation! 4. The food is too good. The dining tables are to comfortable and the dining locations are out of a magazine! The unique fresh flower center pieces, the glass of wine and mouth watering menus made you look forward to the next meal while finishing your present dish! 4. Franco the chef and his ever present amazing assistant Paula spoiled us rotten! You see I dont know how to cook nor like to cook. Each day at three o'clock we put on our personalized aprons and brought with us our complimentary cookbook which is filled with recipes and other very appreciated information. We were divided up into teams to prepare our four course meal for the evening. We chopped, kneaded, boiled and cooked together for seven days while Franco provided guidance (lots of extra guidance for me!) and tricks of the trade and Paula followed behind making sure each dish, knife, pot and table were spotless! It seemed so effortless for them to teach ten of us how to prepare multiple dishes at once. Spoiled rotten are we!!! 5. The field trip day is fabulous but it demands that you hop on a comfortable bus and enjoy a day out visiting farms, wineries, enjoying fabulous scenery, a homemade lunch in a family villa , etc. The problem here lies in the fact this requires you to leave the villa. This was such a difficult decision so I personally chose to enjoy the lounges by the pool, reading my book in the sunshine, taking a run along the scenic country paths of the villa, soaking in the hot tub and napped by the roaring fire. All were happy! 6. The other problem is that the instructions didn't ask us to bring a large amount of extra cash. You see you don't need cash for anything at the villa unless you want a fabulous massage in their beautiful spa...the massage is very reasonable so you will undoubtedly have enough cash but the problem there is the massage is so good you want another one..here comes the need for extra cash! Tipping is obviously not required but at the end of this fabulous week in paradise you want to make sure you show each and everyone of the staff members how much you appreciated the non-stop, above five star, service! 7. The villa experience causes deep depression. Saying goodbye to the staff brings tears, saying goodbye to your new cooking friends brings tears, and saying goodbye to "our" villa is gut wrenching! Once at home after getting over jet lag, enjoying your photos, having emailed all your new friends, you plan a dinner party with new found confidence. You can't wait to cook and share your new recipes. While preparing the dishes with my friends, setting the table with candles and fresh flowers I sit back and listen to the laughing and camaraderie around the table and wonderful memories and gratitude fill my heart. Memories are filled of my special time at cooking school and grateful for the experience of a lifetime. Thank you all for a most wonderful week of cooking, friendships, and memories. It was simply amazing!!!!! Can't wait to come back!

Our 2013 family vacation in Italy this year had it's home base at Podere Cocceto. It is a…read morebeautiful Tuscan villa with amazing views and incredible sunsets. It is beautifully decorated in Tuscan style and recently renovated - so it has large bathrooms and showers - very modern and comfortable. The home is located next to a vineyard with views of the hills and valley. The pool overlooks the vineyard and valley and has an infinity edge. There are large outdoor areas to dine and entertain. The villa has the ability to sleep 12 very comfortable with ample privacy. When we arrived, we were greeted by Asia, the concierge, Lucia and Antonella - the ladies who took care of the villa and cooked for us. These 3 ladies not only took GREAT care of us, but they are so nice and have such warm / wonderful personalities, they soon became part of our family. Cocceto is a very special place in and of itself, but it was the effort put out by Asia, Lucia, and Antonella that made it stand out as our favorite vacation place ever! I would not hesitate to highly recommend Podere Cocceto to anyone traveling to Tuscany.

From the owner: Immerso nel verde delle colline della Val di Pierle, a due passi dall'antica città etrusca di…read moreCortona, in Toscana, l' agriturismo Rocca di Pierle è innanzitutto luogo ideale per poter ritrovare tranquillità e pace a contatto con i ritmi della natura. La posizione dell'agriturismo, a soli 17 Km. da Cortona e ad un'altitudine di 500 mt. s.l.m. Si affaccia su di una vallata incontaminata ed è baciato dal sole, dall'alba al tramonto.Gli appartamenti sono tre: "La Valle" (4 posti letto), "Il Monte" (4 posti letto) e "La Loggia" (2 posti letto). In alcuni appartamenti è possibile aggiungere letti singoli , e anche possibile affittare l'intera struttura. La vantaggiosa posizione dell'Agriturismo permette inoltre di raggiungere velocemente le principali città di interesse storico e culturale della Toscana e dell'Umbria e di compiere escursioni uniche attraverso i sentieri naturali

We've travelled to Italy several times and always look for accomodations where we have cooking…read morefacilities, comfortable beds and run by amazing people. La Mucchia delivers on all of the above! We were here for New Years so we didnt get to see the beautiful gardens and sunflowers that this area is known for, but we were treated to the kind of hospitality you can only find in Italy. We rented a 2 bedroom suite (#4) and had the place to ourselves. The location is perfect for visiting Cortona, Montalcino, Montipulciano, Assisi and Siena. Next time we come we will definitely plan on coming in spring or summer and take advantage of the pool and picnic grounds - and spend more time relaxing!

From the owner: Villa La Mucchia is located in Cortona, Tuscany, in the Chiana valley, an area of immense…read morehistorical and artistic importance. The Tuscany vacation Villa is situated at the foot of Cortona, an ancient Etruscan town, founded by the inhabitants of Umbria about three thousands years ago. The authentic Tuscan villa for rent is currently divided into nine luxurious suites, Tuscan style, encircled by seven thousands square meters of terrain used for lawn, gardens, olive trees, sun terraces, swimming pool, barbecue and private parking place and children's play area. The farmhouse on rent is surrounded by nature and history, with splendid views of Cortona hills and the town.

We have stayed at Molino di Bordone on a couple of occasions (most recently in late October 2013)…read moreand have also toured with Caspin Journeys in Tuscany and Umbria. Every visit is a delight with new discoveries. Pino and Caroline are wonderful hosts with a talent for creating fabulous and interesting vacation experiences. Whether you just want to relax by the pool and enjoy great Italian food while you rest and relax, or you are eager to learn the history of the region and soak up some culture, they can help. We highly recommend the Molino as a base for exploring the area - both Tuscany and Umbria - and having a wonderful Italian vacation.

From the owner: Self catering Apartment Rentals in a Tuscan villa in Tuscany with swimming pool among glorious…read moreTuscan and Umbrian hills, only minutes from beautiful Etruscan Cortona and with Siena and Assisi nearby. Completely private setting with landscaped garden of roses and poppies, lavender and rosemary, chestnuts and cypresses, olive groves and sunflower fields, perennial flower beds and much more. Luxurious interiors, exquisitely decorated with the utmost attention to detail and furnished with country charm; chestnut beamed ceilings, terracotta tiled floors, twin and double bedrooms, marble tiled en-suite bathrooms, fully equipped kitchens, large living rooms with wood burning fireplaces, a reading library, TV, DVD, telephone and private terraces with barbecues for al-fresco dining.

We arrived as strangers and left as family. The Bianchi…read morefamily welcomes you and helps make your stay in this area of Italy perfecto! Gianni's enthusiasm for life and Italy is truly contagious and is a good complement to Marusca's calm warmth. Some of the sights nearby (within 1 1/2 hours or less) are Sienna, Cortona, Arezzo, Badia a Coltibuono, and an unexpected spot Rondine Cittadella della Pace. We walked through the fields up to the Peace InstituteRondine) and met 2 women from Croatia and Syria who were studying there. We had an interesting discussion. The home has 3 bedrooms and 2 baths, very comfortable with a complete kitchen and living room. Looking out the windows to the countryside is wonderful We were truly transported to another world! I highly recommend this Bianchi property and they are opening another soon which, I am confident, wil be just as perfecto!

I can't say enough about the beauty of this home, inside and out...other than it radiants from the…read moreowners. I felt so wonderful staying here with my family and knew I made a perfect choice in seeing the happiness they showed. It is taken care of quite well and the owners are very concerned that you are happy. I recommend beyond words that you stay here on your Tuscany visit...you won't regret it. Ps...great restaurants, bakery n grocery store....adorable town.

The Best Ever!!! My Dream Visit…read moreMy Cooking Inspiration My Dearest sister The Best Chef Ever--Laura Giusti

Thank you so much for the experience of a life time. We made wonderful friends at this cooking…read morevacation in Tuscany and will treasure the memories... From the minute I went through the gate my cooking vacations in Italy was unbelievable. Each lesson felt more like a cooking party... As soon as we drove up to cooking vacations in Tuscany, I could see that this was the right choice for me, The grounds and villa are very impressive but for sure once i saw the "cook book"- I was impressed!... Gratzie! For your vision and flawless execution to create this amazing place the cooking vacations in Italy was great with all recipes and teaching skills... We loved the cooking tips and the professionalism at your Italian cooking vacation, we loved the villa and the beautiful room with a breathtaking view! We will spread the news in for the cooking vacation in Italy...

This is the real deal in Italy. An authentic castle dating back to the 1200's. Amazing history and…read morecharacter. The hostess is gracious and so knowledgeable about the castle and the surrounding area. Great wines and dining near by.