Outstanding in every way imaginable. Wine (all made on site) is magical. Views are magical…read more Swimming pool on a hot Italian August afternoon is magical. Barbara, Monica, Matea and all the other staff at Tollena are magical. If in Tuscany, a stay at Tollena is a must!
This company wears many hats... They own and operate an agriturismo (think bed and breakfast on a farm) with a beautiful villa, comprised of 6 or 7 spacious apartments. Each room has everything you need for a long stay -- full kitchen, utensils/dishes, sitting room, linens, etc. They are only about 5-10 minutes drive from San Gimignano; perfect to do the tourist thing in the morning before the crowds get crazy and then retreat to the pool all afternoon. Once a week, they host a dinner for their guests. 35-euro gets you an amazing 4-course, homemade dinner and multiple glasses of their fabulous wines. Hope you're lucky enough to be here the night they host the dinner and opt in! Trust me. The food is amazing and dining al fresco in the Tuscan hillside is a dream.
As if the agriturismo experience wasn't enough, Tollena also produces their own wine, olive oil and several other typical Tuscan products (lardo, pate, etc.). You can purchase any of their products at the hotel itself or from their cool shop in the city of San Gimignano. I have a suitcase full of stuff that I hope doesn't a) put my bag over the weight limit and b) all makes it home! I'm looking at you baggage handlers. Don't even think about swiping my olive oil!!
Tollena has a special place in my heart. Even as I'm checking out today, I'm already thinking about how and when I can get back for another stay!