Trails of Hidden Tuscany

,Accommodation Notes This tour stays at an agriturismo, where guesthouse accommodation is located on a working farm. Started in the 1950s as an initiative to reverse the closing down of small non-profitable farms, Italy's agriturismo movement encouraged farmers to redevelop their properties for paying guests by converting parts of the farm such as old barns and outhouses, into guest accommodation to supplement their agricultural income. We use two different properties, both enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains, offer comfortable, rustically furnished en-suite rooms and have outdoor swimming pools. They provide home-cooked, traditional Italian meals, often using produce from the farm. 'Le Casine di Braccicorti' is surrounded by vineyards, fields and woodland, yet is still close to the centre of the small village of Villetta San Romano. Guests are accommodated in both the main farm building (a former barn) and independent chalets which have been converted from the farm outhouse buildings. There are plenty of open terraces and patios equipped with tables and chairs where you can relax, and a beautiful wood burning stove for chillier evenings. The communal dining area is located in the main villa along with a lounge and relaxing reading area, where WiFi can also be accessed. The chalets accommodate guests in independent apartments, each for two people. Some have private bathrooms whilst others share a bathroom between the two apartments. No more than three people will share one bathroom. The two double rooms in the main villa have en suite bathrooms and are next to the communal lounge and dining room. 'La Costa' is located in the centre of the small medieval village of La Villa. The property dates back to medieval times and is said to have origins back to the 12th century as an Ospedale or rest stop on one of the area's trade route. The main house later became a convent. In the main building, there's a communal area with a lounge to relax in as well as the main dining area where WiFi can be accessed. The 11 rooms at La Costa are all different and have been simply furnished in the traditional Tuscan style with antique furniture and tastefully decorated in pastel tones. Rooms are set up in the style of an apartment, with each accommodating two people in a double/twin bedroom with TV, en suite bathroom and private kitchen.