Florence Travel Forum

I am responsible for planning a family vacation to Italy for next year and would like any suggestions for villa rental in the Florence area. I've looked at Parker & Company and Tuscany Now, but would like to hear personal experiences and suggestions. There will be 4 adults and 4 teens (12 - 16). We (primarily me) would like to be within walking distance to a small village.

Thank you,

i looked at parker company also, and they have some nice villas. i know people who have used them and have had good experiences.

when i planned our trip last summer, i was someone frustrated in arranging transportation. i decided we would use the trains, then the subway, bus or walk in the city. i booked a hotel 10 minutes walk from the train station in florence.

I guess i like the full experience of the city. we decided to stay 2 nights in london, which was great. there is a train, the gatwick express, that goes right to victoria station. the tube will take you anywhere.

we then flew to verona, took the bus to the place we stayed, and spent a week there. what a great city! we took the train to venice, to mantua. everything was walkable - an so much to see.

from there we took the train to florence, and stayed in the oltranto section just across the ponte vecchio. It has a neigborhood flavor. again ,went to the uffizi, the accademia to see David, to the churches -Santa Croce and saw the Dome. Shopping is great, restaurants good, and the walk at night worthwhile.
We stayed at Residenza Il Carmine, and it was an old monastery. had great apartments, and everyone could go their ownway, or walk to what they wanted to see that day.

also took the train to rome - everything is three hours away. the subway takes you to the major sites.

so if you want to see italy, there is a lot and the time is short. i would recommend the first time see it all - and then you have to go back to do the intense stay. but that is me.

buona fortuna - cioa - dan cardone

I am guessing that you are not in the UK. However I always plan work or pleasure stays in Italy via the internet using local Italian companies (who sometimes have London offices immobilari) and can at least recommend a couple of sites who have been really excellent - great attention to detail and amazing houses or apartments. Have a look at the following:
www.homeinitaly.com
www.florencevillas.com
www.florencedreams.com
These are all Italian-owned properties not properties bought for and rented exclusively to tourists.
If you have further questions please contact me via my main email address: creativedialogueltd@btinternet.com
Ian