- farmhouses in Casentino, Italy

CASENTINO: THE VALLEY BEAUTIFUL
Casentino is a small Tuscan valley bordering on Romagna. But this flat geographical description does nothing to describe the sheer splendour of this most beautiful of Tuscan landscapes, a land of myth and magic. One of the most spectacular natural regions of Italy, the Casentino valley is easily accessible from the celebrated tourist destinations of Florence, Arezzo, Siena and Assisi. Renowned for its climate, culture and traditions, Casentino has also flourished as a tourist destination owing to the hospitality of its inhabitants and the variety of its accommodations.

Crossed by the River Arno, Casentino is defined as a “closed valley” owing to its location. From its headwaters on Monte Falterona the Arno meanders through the valley, though it does not have a monopoly on the Casentino’s famous waters. For that, you must travel to Chitignano for its sulphurous waters and the spas of Calcedonia and Bagni di Cetica.

Strategically located in the northwest of Tuscany, the Casentino was historically a region coveted by the Florentines who continually strove to wrest it from Arezzo. Today, the castles of the Guidi family of Poppi, who held estates in the valley, still stand, in some of the Casentino’s most scenically lovely positions: Romena, Porciano, Urbech, Castelleone, Castel San Niccolò, Borgo alla Collina, Montemignaio and Fronzola.

This list of names brings us to Dante Alighieri, who mentions them in many of his writings and who spent part of his exile in the Casentino as a guest of the Count of Battifolle. It is said that he even wrote some of the most famous cantos of the Divine Comedy here, and that the tower of Romena Castle was what inspired the cone-shaped structure of hell in Inferno.

For nature lovers, the Casentino Forests National Park is a must visit. Formed by centuries-old forests of fir, beech and chestnut, the park is a habitat for deer, wild boar, wolves and more species of birds than you can count. And for the culturally inclined, the feast days of patron saints, and pre-Christian village festivals provide plenty of entertainment as well as education about the region’s strong ties to the past.

As we have said earlier, the Casentino has hotels and restaurants to suit every budget, and you really haven’t lived until you’ve tasted traditional, down to earth Casentino food. Straightaway, we can recommend the acquacotta, scottiglia, potato tortelli, ravioli, pork, and chestnuts, but a stay at any one of the hotels on our list will give you a taste of more.

TUSCANY FARMHOUSE: STAY IN A RURAL IDYLL

How would you like to spend your holidays in a recently restored traditional farmhouse in Tuscany, with comfortable, fully furnished rooms, modern bathrooms and kitchen? Wouldn’t you like it even better if the farmhouse were to be situated in a panoramic position surrounded by the dazzling Tuscan countryside? Even better, imagine the farmhouse to be situated in a little medieval town in the Tuscan province of Arezzo. In front of the house there is a garden where you can eat and relax in the open air, and actually organise a barbeque!

Imagination? Not really, because we have carefully selected a large number of farmhouses in Tuscany where you can stay during your vacation. The farmhouses of our choice offer you every modern amenity while giving you a taste of rural Tuscan life, and most of them are impeccably restored old buildings that take you back in time to medieval Italy.

Our Tuscany holiday farmhouses are mostly located in charming and historic villages. We offer you the best of agritourism in Tuscany, as well as opportunities to go mountain biking, jogging, and trekking through some truly spectacular landscapes. Besides, you have a wide range of true blue Tuscan delicacies to choose from, and your pick of the best wines that this celebrated wine-producing region can offer.

And for those with a historical bent of mind, we offer Tuscan farmhouse holidays in Il Piastrino, which is situated in Vinci, birthplace of the celebrated Leonardo da Vinci, on one of the hills of the Chianti region in the heart of Tuscany amidst cypresses and olives groves. The old farmhouse, which has been transformed into holiday accommodations, is beautifully furnished and offers all the comforts you could ask for.

These are mere samplers. We have a truly wide rang of farmhouse accommodations waiting for you, and would love you to look over our selection before choosing the one you want to stay in. we provide direct access to the Tuscany holiday farmhouse of your choice, and invite you to visit us without delay. Our farmhouses are located in every region of Tuscany, and wherever you go, you will find farmhouse accommodation near one of Tuscany’s famous cities. So what are you waiting for? Book your Tuscany farmhouse holidays today!

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