Tuscany - The Basics - Part 6

Tuscany - The Basics - Part 6 cont.

Self-catering

The high price of accommodation in a hotel in large parts of Tuscany can make self-catering seem to be an attractive proposition. There are many package companies that offer self-catering, but as with Florida, there are a better selections of apartments and villas to be had through a specialist agent. Depending on the number of people travelling in your group there are a number of options. You should consider considering renting a villa or farmhouse for a week or two, even with just a couple a smaller villa will provide the sort of peace that is impossible in a hotel. There are many villas which are not too expensive, especially if you can divide the costs. They are normally of a high standard and with a little searching you can find some really great locations.

Agriturismo

A popular form of accommodation that is starting to make in-roads into the more conventional options is agriturismo. This is a system where local landowners and farmers rent out converted barns, farm buildings and other dwellings. These are normally converted so that the accommodation is made into a self-contained flat or building. However you can find some places where the owners just rent rooms on a bed-and-breakfast basis. This type of accommodation has really blossomed recently, which may be due to people looking for extra sources of income other than farming. This can be a big plus for some people as they can stay at a working farm or vineyard. If this is not to your taste then select one of the fully converted properties that are no longer working farms but have become self-contained rural vacation locations. The attractions and variations on these properties are too many to list but could include things like locally grown food, swimming pools or free mountain bikes to explore the local area. A lot of agriturismo do have a length of stay requirement, this can be a week at peak times but will be shorter once this season has pasted. Local tourist offices will have a list of properties. If you want to do your own research before you go then google and agriturismo will keep you happy for hours.

Food and drink

The traditional dishes of Tuscany have left their mark on Italian cuisine. The ingredients and techniques of the region have been exported to the rest of Italy and from there all over the world. Wine has always played a big part in the local economy with names like Chianti and Orvieto being a small part of the vast range of vineyards.

Breakfast and snacks

Many Italians can start their day at a local bar for their breakfast/ prima colazione. This will consist of a coffee and the pervasive cornettoor brioche, which is a jam, custard or chocolate filled croissant. It is possible to find unfilled croissants but they are rare, you should ask for un cornetto semplice. At other times of the day you can find ready prepared sandwiches panini in many smaller shops. Sandwich bars paninoteche will be found in bigger towns and will make sandwiches to order. Bars may offer tramezzini a ready-made sliced white bread with mixed fillings.

Continued in Part 7