one week visit Tuscany is a big part The most popular family itineraries in Italy To readers and clients of Ciao Bambino. This is the best opportunity for families to really dive into their experience in Italy, as settling in one place for seven days or more allows both parents and children to be part of the experience. An important part of a successful trip to Tuscany with kids is choosing the right accommodation. Many families’ visions include a Tuscan farm stay, also known as a farmstead or agricultural estate. They’re not farms in the typical sense – they’re more akin to rural resorts, often surrounded by vineyards and olive trees.
I love going to these farm stays with the kids! In fact, for single-family homes, I would recommend them more than stand-alone villas. If you would like to view our portfolio of Tuscan farmsteads and access a list of vetted family-friendly rental properties, please contact us Family Travel Consultant — We can help you find the right choice.
Why we love Tuscan farm stays with kids
Many families’ visions include a Tuscan farm stay, also known as a farmstead or agricultural estate. They’re not farms in the typical sense – they’re more akin to rural resorts, often surrounded by vineyards and olive trees.
It’s a myth that farm stays in Tuscany mean animals. Yes, but often the only animals around are domestic animals like dogs and cats. Most farms specialize in wine and/or olive oil production, and you’ll often find world-class wines and olive oils on site. Some properties also offer Tasting and buying wine.
What makes these accommodations so family-friendly is their ideal set-up, often with self-catering rooms with plenty of space to spread out. Guests usually stay in apartments or independent villas in restored farmhouses or palace-style buildings. A huge advantage is that there is usually a property manager who provides housekeeping services and support, a personal chef and local guidance. Beyond that, this category also offers a host of amenities, including on-site dining, swimming, tennis, play areas and even spa services.
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Given this set-up, there may be other families present, especially during the summer months. One of my favorite things about international kid-friendly accommodations like this is the opportunity for kids to interact and play with kids from all over the world – a priceless experience for any age.
Finally, the quality of a farm stay is a great value compared to hotels that charge per night, often on a weekly basis.
Dos and don’ts of Tuscany farm stay
How much on-site facilities do you need?
Most upscale to luxury ranches have at least a swimming pool, but beyond that, facilities vary. If you want an engaging on-property experience in addition to sightseeing, it’s important to have more than just a place to swim. Key differences include wine tasting experiences and leisure activities such as tennis and cycling (check if equipment is available).
Since most farm hotels are not standard hotels, the scope of on-site dining options quickly narrows. Some hotels offer group dinners to guests on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. For others, food is an important part of the offer, including cooking classes (also suitable for children) and delicious meals. Some restaurants are seasonal and/or closed on certain days of the week, so it’s best to check before booking.
If you have an infant or small child and need a crib, we recommend bringing your own crib and crib from a quality perspective. Speaking of nannies, many farmsteads are owned and operated by families who may have local connections, but due to the rural nature of these accommodations, there are usually no companies providing nannies.
Do you want to spend a lot of time in the village?
By their very nature, working farms require land, so these properties are not exist village. Most of them are also not suitable for walking to the villages, as Tuscan country roads are narrow, have no sidewalks, and Italians drive very fast. The key is to choose a property that is 5 to 10 minutes’ drive from an attractive village. CB’s long-time favorite Al Gelso BiancoFor example, a series of picturesque villages are just 10 minutes away, where you can experience local life. Nonetheless, Al Gelso Bianco is only 20 minutes’ drive from the main Florence-Siena motorway, making it an easy starting point for larger trips.
Do you have a whole week left?
Many farmsteads are open from Saturday to Saturday. We work with a small number of companies that offer greater flexibility, but if the week-long requirement doesn’t match your travel dates, your options will be limited.
Do you like remote hideaways?
Some properties feel very remote and rural. Just know that you’ll have a long drive to get some basic services, and decide for yourself whether that’s a viable trade-off.
Also, understand that roads are cheap: One of the most common mistakes people make is that they think that what looks like a short distance on the map means a short driving time. Wrong! Many of Tuscany’s country roads are curvy and slow. The ride may be 30 to 45 minutes Just to get to the main road From some country estates, it’s a 20-minute drive along the driveway and a 40-minute return trip. This is one of the reasons we don’t recommend staying in Chianti Classico. We love day trips to the area, but with kids, I didn’t want to spend an extra hour in the car each day commuting to and from the highway.
Do you want something rustic and authentic or something sleek and modern?
Buildings that are hundreds of years old don’t necessarily have a rustic feel. Some farmsteads have been restored in the style of the period, while others have been updated with modern furniture and decor.
Are you looking for high-end luxury?
If you’re willing to splurge, you’ll be rewarded with care from start to finish, custom service and countless amenities.
Do you want beach time?
Many Tuscan farms are too far from the coast to allow for commensurate beach time, but there are a few exceptions on our shortlist. From the right location, families can head to Forte dei Marmi’s beach clubs or venture along the coast to iconic attractions Cinque Terre As well as day trips to other parts of the Italian Riviera.
Do you want to stay in Florence or Siena for more than one day?
If you’re planning more than just a day trip to these cities, it’s best to stay near the cities you visit most (they’re an hour away from each other).
When I think about accommodation in Tuscany, I use Siena as the dividing line to divide the region into two parts. Anything north of Siena is Northern Tuscany, and anything south of Siena is Southern Tuscany. Generally speaking, the “big” attractions in northern Tuscany are busier. Southern Tuscany is absolutely idyllic, but quieter. It is still possible to take a day trip to Siena from here, but Florence is too far. The bonus is that staying in accommodation in southern Tuscany puts you within easy reach of attractions in the following cities Umbria.
Related links:
Browse all accommodation and destinations in Italy on Ciao Bambino
52 things you need to know before traveling to Italy with kids
10 Beautiful Places to Explore on a Tuscany Family Vacation
1 to 2 Weeks in Italy: Best Itineraries for Families
10 Tips for Traveling to Italy with Kids
What to do in Florence with kids
6 of our favorite things to do with kids in Siena, Italy
Editor’s note: This article was accurate at the time of publication. We recommend checking independently for the latest information and updates. Ciao Bambino assumes no responsibility for any errors or omissions in the information provided, or for any actions taken as a result of the information provided.