We only planned our trip to allow a one night stay in Modena, but, after staying here and seeing…read morethe town, we wished we had stayed much longer. The room was large and included a kitchenette. They brought a lovely breakfast tray to our room, but we never figured out how to work the coffee maker. There were two huge windows and the room's temperature was very comfortable. The city itself is lovely and virtually tourist free compared to Rome and Florence. The food is fantastic, and there aren't the typical tourist traps. I'd highly recommend coming, even if you aren't able to get into Osteria Francescana. The only downside was that the staff doesn't speak much English and we didn't speak much Italian. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay.

His is by far our favorite stay in Italy!…read more The apartment is clean, and looked like a museum! Such wonderful furnishing, got everything you need! Local ion is great, in the center of this wonderful city, and close to Osteria Francescana, if that's where you are heading (which we recommend)! Breakfast is served in your room, and it is fresh and tasty, great pastries and savory stuff. This was a highlight for sure! What was not so good, is a minor detail that should be added in the information about the b&b. Check-in time is very strict, since they only have a few rooms they are rarely in the office. Hence, when we arrived at 12 no one was there to open the door, we called them but their English wasn't that good, and our Italian is nonexistent, so we walked around with our luggage in 30 degrees heat. We are used to be able to leave luggage when the room is not ready, but that'd ones not work here. So take the check in time literally and you will be fine! Staff is very helpful, after we tried to reach them, an English speaking person called us and let us in. So it all worked out fine. This would never make me not stay here again, we truly loved it's! But we think people should know this, so it does not happen to any one else.

We recently came back from our Italian adventures and I couldn't rave more about Modena and…read moreQuartopiano. This is by far the best B&B we've ever stayed at. Located on the top floor of an apartment building, the two room feels like your own Italian home. In some strange way, I really felt that Quartopiano was my home away from home. Each morning, either in the kitchen our at their cute cafe (Mon Cafe) nearby, freshly baked pastries were available with your choice of caffeine. Best part of all? I really think its the owners, Alessandro and Antonio. They made us feel extremely welcome and answered any questions we may have had. I promise, this beautiful B&B will not disappoint, if anything, it'll become one of the highlight of your trip as it did for us.

I am very surprised this place has so few reviews! You people don't know what you are missing! I…read moreagree with everything Ngo says! We spent four nights there recently and could not have been happier. The decor is simply delightful country French - I know - we are in Italy, but it's so lovely you can forget that detail. So many creative and elegant touches in the furniture and furnishings. It almost feels like you are at the home of a very sophisticated relative. Antonio, who lives on the same floor, but in his own apartment, could NOT have been more HELPFUL! He knows everything and everyone in Modena - especially in the restaurant game, since he and Alessandro have a lovely cafe (Mon Cafe) of their own. Need a reservation? Tell Antonio what you like and he will recommend the most amazing places -- AND call for your reservation, because not all the really authentic and great places speak English. But when you arrive at the restaurant and they know Antonio sent you, you won't need to speak English or Italian, you will simply be taken care of like the best customer in the place. One one more KEY thing - and I hope this is still available when you go -- Antonio was able to reserve a parking space right in front of the door of the B&B for our rental car (we used Modena as our base for visiting the region, Parma, Reggio Emilia, Mantua, etc.) and what a LUXURY to just cruise up the street and pull into the ONLY spot available (Antonio's) at any time of the day or night. This place is really special, thanks to the owners - I hope you get to experience it.

if I could give this place 10 stars I would. This b&b is in the italian countryside near the town…read moreof bardi. It is the definition of a hidden gem. When we arrived we were greeted by Challie and her husband the owners who was more than accomodating to us. From start to finish, she was there to help us with everything we needed. She even prepares breakfast for you in the morning and has fruits/chocolates available throughout the day if you are hungry. She treats you like you are a guest in her house. The views from the property are awesome. The pictures don't do it justice. I would highly recommend you use the spa. The jacuzzi bath overlooks the countryside and is very relaxing. We also did massages and turkish baths. It is one of those hidden gems and I would recommend to anyone looking to relax and unwind. We came on our honeymoon and loved it.

This was the greatest experience I have had in Italy. I have been here multiple times. The house is…read morebeautiful and amazing. The village is quiet and peaceful. The views of Bardi the valley are terrific. The spa was wonderful. All services available. The food was outstanding. It was only a few hours drive to many places I wanted to take a day trip too. Cinque Terre, Parma, Bologna to name a few. All the meats were fresh and hanging in the cellar. A nice selection of wines, many are local and great. I haven't had them before. I will be coming back.

Delightful employee who was working during the afternoon and who checked us in. She explained how…read moreto use the water machine, the orange juicer. Beautifully decorated patio with view of street. Nice size room, bright, wonderful breakfast. Collection of books to borrow, including travel guides for the Cinque Terre region. Able to buy local train ticket at a discount from them. Be sure to ask for senior rate if 69 or older.

The best bed and breakfast we've ever stayed at!! The owners…read moreare the sweetest and the most caring hosts you'll ever meet. They make sure every detail is perfect. Due to Covid, the breakfast buffet was replaced with custom orders but wow they were extremely generous with making sure we were taken care of. The room is cozy and nice. We had the Manarola room upstairs which was cleaned to perfection daily (also a very sweet lady). The bed was comfortable and the AC unit kept the room nice and cold in August. We had such an amazing time staying here, it really felt like home. Grazie mille Stefania and Giovanni!!!

Oh Villa di Porporano, I keep calling you porcupine but I really mean well, trust me. This French…read morechateau meets Italian villa is located about 15 minutes from the center of Parma (so you need a car) and I stayed for only one night. Which is too bad because I really loved it. Driving there might have you in a tizzy, the neighborhood is very residential and nothing too special but the Villa itself is amazing, Elena the owner has created a paradise here, a beautiful bed & breakfast, as romantic as they come, in a large and gorgeous garden. Our room 'le dame' was perfect, very Italian romantic, with sheets as tight as you can get them, with antique furniture and everything impeccably clean, the bath products were of the highest quality, I was impressed to see that they give their guests Ortigia (which is famous from Sicily) and conditioner. Seriously hotels in Italy never have conditioner. Elena herself is a very nice person, she gives you a map and suggestions (which are great) on where to eat in town, visit and park. I saw on trip advisor that some douchebag said her parking suggestion was expensive, instead I assure she actually gave a spot on place as I checked with several different people on the parking situation in Parma. Essentially in many Italian towns that preserve their historical center, you want to avoid driving into the ZTL or limited traffic zones when not authorized, doing otherwise can make you incur really hefty fines which is no fun when you're on holiday! One of the best things about Villino di Porporano was breakfast, beautifully laid out with a selection of both savory and sweet options. I loved the various cakes she had on offer and you can ask for an egg cooked to order. She also keeps her butter in a glass case which always wins me over. My cappuccino was huge and just what the doctor ordered after one has drunken a bottle of wine the night before. They are pet-friendly and our beagle quickly became the duchess of Parma getting acquainted in their large and closed garden. Elena has two dogs who are both friendly (one has arthritis, poor girl!). For those looking for a friendly and welcoming oasis from Parma, this is the perfect hideaway that won't break the bank, so much better than the faceless hotels you tend to see in some of these smaller towns.

Elena Ciotti has created a paradise at her property in Parma. The 200 year-old totally renovated…read moreinn is beautiful, peaceful and quiet. The extensive gardens, pool and patio areas are all designed for serenity and relaxation. Each day at Villino starts with an amazing traditional Italian breakfast over which you will want to linger for an extended period of time. Elena greets guests at each table with a delightful smile and "buon giorno!" She brings you all the coffee you care to drink - cappuccino, espresso, cafe Americano. I highly suggest you also sign up for one or two cooking classes taught by Elena. We had a wonderful time learning how to make hand-made gnocchi and pasta, melanzane di parmigiana, beef involtini, as well as sides dishes and desserts. The cooking classes are family affairs as Elena's delightful daughters help out in the kitchen and one of her sons is called upon to fetch fresh herbs from the garden. After five nights at Villino di Porporano we felt like part of the family. When looking for cooking classes in Parma, make sure you book directly with this property and not with an over-priced tour company.

Rita Lucherini's hands on cooking class was a delight. With one day's notice, she picked us up at…read moreour hotel in Barga. In her large kitchen we made bruschetta, farro soup, 4 kinds of pasta from scratch (tagliatelle, maccheroni, ravioli, and spaghetti), 4 sauces (pomodoro, ragu, Salciccia , and butter with fresh sage), and tiramisu. Lots of chopping and simmering and getting our hands "dirty"! While cooking we had white wine, then red with dinner. She's a great teacher. Nothing fancy, just how to make good food in a simple way. Price was 85 euro each....we thought that was quite reasonable for 5 hours of cooking and eating, with recipes to take home! She's Italian, born in Scotland, so excellent English. Rita also has a few apartments and a B&B called La Mezzaluna, so she offers 4 and 7 day cooking experiences with some side trips to nearby places in Tuscany. Much less expensive than the upscale, pricey things I've seen advertised. I think her website is www.residencelamezzaluna.it She's also on Facebook.

From the owner: Have fun and join our cookery and wine tasting holiday in this beautiful part of Northern Tuscany…read more Combine cooking and wine tasting and learn all the basic Italian cooking techniques and traditions la bella "Garfagnana and Serchio Valley has to offer. We will visit our local market, wander the streets of Barga, known as one of the prettiest villages in Italy and we shall visit Lucca and Pisa .The most part of the time there are concerts, folk festivals, outdoor food festivals (where you can savour typical products), theatre, Barga Jazz and the Opera Barga. Available is my 4 night and 7 night holiday which includes accomodation all meals airport and local transfers,cooking and wine tasting sessions plus live entertainment with Alex. You may want to join my daily lesson which lasts 4 hours and we will then savour together our meal prepared with a glass of finest Tuscan wine. Come to La Mezzaluna and Cook and Dine with Rita Tuscan Style..

An incredible B&B in a wonderful village…read more The location is perfect and the owners Susi and Ron are gracious and kind. You will enjoy the time and dedication put into making this a comfortable home for your holiday.