http://www.addicted2italy.com/images/stories/italy9.jpg

Famhouse vacation stays, or Agriturismo in Tuscany, is a great way to spend a vacaction in one of Italy's most popular regions.

Tuscan History of Agritourism

This whole concept of agriturismo started back in the 1980's as many people from the countryside were moving into the bigger cities to look for employment such as Florence, Milan and Turin.  The Italian government then came up with an incentive to help out the remaining farmers, and that is where this concept arose.  Farms or ranches were allowed to open up their homes and take in paying guests if they showed them what it was like to live and work on a farm.

Grape Harvest for Wines

Thus, if you go in August and September, this will be the peak period if you wanted to stay on a vineyard and watch them harvest the grapes.  There are many great wines in the Tuscan region, including Chianti, which is a bold red wine that goes well with many dishes of Italian and Tuscan cuisine.

Olive Harvest in Tuscany

Likewise, if you want to stay on an olive grove and watch how they make olive oil, the best time to do this will be in November.

Other options and amenities

The industry has grown very rapidly, and now some offer rooms or apartments in the ranch or farmhouse.  It can be almost like having your own little Tuscan villa and have other amenities such as swimming pools, bike riding, horseback riding, city tours, shopping tours of Florence, etc.

Benefits of staying in a Tuscan farmhouse

If you are traveling with your family, and plan on staying about a week or so, you should look into this type of vacation option.  The costs will be less than a traditional hotel stay.  In addition, it could give you some relaxing time away from the big cities such as Florence or Rome.  It will be easier to travel around, particularly if you rent a car.  It will also be easier to travel around and see the Tuscan countryside and other places such as Siena, Pisa, Lucca, and Viareggio.

Tuscan farmhouses with good reviews

Fattoria il Milione - Galluzzo, Florence

Just outside of Florence, only 4 kilometers, lies the charming Fattoria Il Milione, on the Chianti Hills.  The property features 3 small and quaint lakes (laghi) in a large park planted with olive trees.  Some of the amenities include tennis courts, soccer fields, and tennis courts.  It is surrounded by greenery and is easy access to all the sites of Florence.

Farm House Podere Monti - Sant'Albino, Montepulciano

This 16th century farmhome (Farm House Podere Monti), is furnished and restored with traditional antiques and offers every comfort.  It is located close to Montepulciano Terme in the heart of Tuscany. The owners are very hospitable, along with the beauty and peacefulness of the surroundings, make it an ideal place to vacation in this region full of culture and tradition. The property features a swimming pool, a library and fireplace on the top floor, a small meeting room, and a big garden of 5K square meters in size.

Farm House Le Fontanelle - Radda in Chianti

Farm House Le Fontanelle features charming rooms and apartments located about 700 kilometers from town.  This is a nice restored ancient country estate right in the heart of Chianti wine country. Apartments come with either 1 or 2 bedrooms with shower and tub bathroom, kitchen and fireplace, living area, color television, swimming pool and private garden.