Questions

We are proud to say that we have personally visited nearly every villa we represent. We have been traveling to Italy for some 20 years to personally select and inspect villas. We know Italy and the properties we work with well. Those that we have not seen have been personally inspected by trusted colleagues. Unlike listing sites you may find online we can vouch for our properties

Prices vary from villa to villa and depend on the season. All villas and apartments are cleaned before arrival. Linens are included and are changed weekly unless another arrangement is specified. Heating and air-conditioning are almost always at additional cost. In some cases, there is a final cleaning fee. Any charges over and above the rental (utilities, telephone, cleaning, head tax and security deposits) are usually payable directly to the owner or key holder.

Since March 2012, there is a local tourism/city head tax for guests visiting Italy. Your key holder is required to collect it when you check in, along with copies of your passports. The head tax varies according to locality but generally ranges from 1-3 Euros per adult per day. Children up to a certain age are exempt but this varies from 6-12 years. Collection of the head tax varies, 6-12 days’ maximum. If you are traveling to Italy, please bring Euros in cash for security deposit as well as photocopies of your passports.

Many of the villas require the security deposit to be paid in cash (euros) when you arrive, in which case the deposit will be refunded at the end of your stay following a departure inspection minus any fees to be paid on location, such as heat, telephone, or breakage. Many of our apartments in Florence, Rome or Venice accept security deposit by credit card imprint on arrival.

At most villas, we can arrange for special services such as in home cook, special authentic  dinner experience, additional maid service/housekeeping, babysitting, wine tasting, cooking lessons, guided tours, and chef services. If you need a villa with staff or daily housekeeping, please be sure to mention it when you call to book your villa. If you would like to arrange for a chef to prepare dinner one or two nights before your stay, the best time to make arrangements is at least 1 month before your trip ( depending on season - high season needs more advance notice) Refer to 'additional services" for more information

You will be able to use your laptop, tablet, and smart phone in any of our villas. Wifi is present in all of them, although given that some are in countryside settings the wifi could have a weak signal.  We  strongly recommend buy a local prepaid SIM card with data capability.  Not only will this allow you to make cheaper phone calls than your roaming package, but it will allow you to use 'maps' for gps guidance when driving, or to check out nearby attractions. Also in case of a weak wifi signal in the villa, you will ( nearly) always be able to get a cellular  signal to check using your smart phone.

plugs - you will need a plug adapter to charge your devices - nearly all smart devices and computers have voltage adapters built in - you will only need an adapter for something like a hair dryer.

For sure you will need a plug adapter to make your appliance cord fit the European outlet.

NOTE: the most useful travel 'gadget' I have  is a mini power bar - that allows for several devices to be plugged in, with a single wall adapter.  Even if you do not have other people with you who also need to charge their devices each one of us usually has at least two devices to plug in.

Plan to arrive in the afternoon, if you can. Normal check-in time is 3-5 p.m. The previous guests are not required to check out until 10 a.m., and your villa or apartment must be thoroughly cleaned before it is ready for you. If you arrive earlier, you can leave your luggage and do a little exploring. Arrive during daylight hours if at all possible. There is an extra fee to meet you after hours, on a Sunday (usually a family day in Europe) or holiday. The only way we can promise an early check in is to rent your villa or apartment the night before

When you arrive, your key holder will meet you, show you around, explain how things work, answer your questions and give you the key. Because villas do not have a front desk like a hotel, it is important to arrive on schedule or call to re-arrange your check-in.

If you arrive at 4-5 p.m., you will have time to survey the kitchen to see what’s there before you tackle the grocery store. Stores generally close at lunch time, then re-open in the afternoon and stay open until 7-8 p.m. depending on the day of the week. We can advise you of this when you provide your arrival details.