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> SlowTrav > Italy > Vacation Rentals > Reviews > Tuscany West Review 3011: Agriturismo Il Passo degli Ulivi, Apartment
apartments on a farm near Paganico, Grosseto, Tuscany West 
WhenJuly 28-August 11, 2 weeks LocationThe Agritourismo was located about two hours north of Rome and 45 minutes south of Siena. The vacation rental is about a 10 minute drive from the small town of Paganico. It was on a hill with a beautiful view. The location was very quiet and private as it was in the Tuscan countryside. Nearby AmenitiesThe only thing within walking distance was the Santa Maria which one MUST visit for dinner ... fantastic traditional Maremma cooking. All amenities could be found in nearby Paganico. The House/ApartmentThe agritourismo had three villas that each had one bedroom and a futon (pull out couch) in the living room. The villas were in nice shape. Barbecue on property and a shared pool. Very peaceful, although two other villas on property, but enjoyed the opportunity to meet new people; share stories, experiences, and food! GardenThere was a shared patio and one villa had a private patio. The outside area was well kept and clean. The pool was nice and there were many loungers around the perimeter. Furnishings/Cleanliness/Living AreasFurnishings were good. Large master bedroom, good bathroom, well equipped kitchen. There was a TV but no DVD or CD player. Bedrooms/BathroomsAll rooms were neat and tidy. Beds were comfortable, bathroom was good. Water pressure was great, hot water, no bug problems. KitchenThe kitchen was well equipped. For the few meals we ate at home, it was adequate. Problems or BonusesEverything was as nice, if not nicer than we expected. Agency and Representatives (and price)The owner Donato was a very friendly, kind gentle man. He spoke little/no English but this was never a problem. Gloria manages the website and reservations. She communicates fluently in English and was always of great assistance. Her correspondence with us before leaving for our vacation was always prompt and VERY informative. Ask Gloria to give you the information that she has on the Maremma area or check out her own website, it has invaluable information on the beautiful Maremma area. Donato provided us with a list of local restaurants that were all fabulous! See website for prices; excellent web site. Do you recommend this vacation rental to others?We definitely would stay here again. Be sure to bring a good map (Michelin) of Tuscany with you. We loved the small villages that were nearby ... Civitella, Pienza, Montalcino, etc. Be sure to eat at Santa Maria, the restaurant at Civitella, etc. The food was incredible. See Donato's "list" of restaurants. Do your research of the area before you go and get Gloria's info on the surrounding area. Things to do in this areaVisit the small hill top towns. Go to Montalcino and sample the wines then buy your favourite Brunello. Go to Pienza and stroll the streets, great town for gift buying; find the deli that sells the fresh cut porchetta sandwiches. Go to the hot springs at Petrilo. Eat at the restaurant at Santa Maria ... great food, fabulous price. Go tho Civitella and visit the restaurant for a beautiful view and great food. Then walk the dimly lit streets of the quaint little town after dark. Drive to Mount Antico and eat at the castle on the hill for a romantic meal or at the pizza place for the best pizza and pasta. Drive to Siena and spend the day walking and seeing the sites. Drive the Chianti road between Siena and Florence in search of your favourite Chianti. Stop for a picnic along the way ... don't forget the pecorino cheese. Only a few of the fabulous experiences we enjoyed while staying at Il Passo degli Ulivi! This review is the opinion of a Slow Travel member and not of slowtrav.com. |
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