Stay and/or eat. This place is amazing. Nestled in the Tuscan hills, you feel like you're a hundred…read moremiles away from civilisation, but somehow only 5km from Florence centre!! All in a 13th century castle!! The husband & wife running this place are outstanding - husband is the great chef, wife the hostess. No menu on paper - Liviu (the chef) will give you options based upon the local produce he sourced that day - which we think is great! He made us some beautiful bruschetta for entree, lamb rack with potatoes for main, together with a bottle of Chianti made on the property!! Don't bypass this place!

This place is beautiful and so unique! When we walked into the room I was shocked at how spacious…read moreit was and such an amazing view! Everyone was very accommodating and even opened breakfast early for us as we had to leave very early the day we left. I would highly recommend the hotel as well as this area to anyone!

This is a great place to stay. Not expensive at all, beautiful grounds on the top of a hill with…read more270 degree views. Staff was incredibly friendly and helpful. A full, great breakfast is included in the rate - and they offer an excellent dinner every night. Using the hotel as a base, we toured all around the Tuscany area visiting hilltop villages and wineries. We will absolutely stay here again.

This bed and breakfast is absolutely heaven on earth. We went there for a few days in early May…read morethis year, and we wish we had come here for our whole honeymoon. It is a tiny village on the top of a hill in the heart of Tuscany, about 25 minutes from Siena and in the middle of everything fun you'd want to do in Tuscany. The actual B&B has amazing views, private residences, old charm but modern conveniences like full kitchens, washing machines, swimming pool, outdoor grills, wifi and sattelite. They have bicycles you can just borrow and ride around the hills with, they have their own olive oil production and vinyards, and the actual villas have been in the family for 500 years. The B&B owners Gisela and Fortunato are charming, warm, so kind, and will tell you their history and even give you a tour of the original villa and wine cellar if you have time while you're there. And it's affordable. Very affordable! Book early b/c i'ts almost always full (no surprise here) and book for 3 days or more because there is just SO much to do. You will fall in love with Tuscany just like we did. I can't recommend Borgo Rapale enough.

This one in English...because you might have been in other Tuscan restaurants (Osterias) but this…read moreone it's run by Maria Grazia and her husband...exquisite people, they will make you feel at home and you'll have the chance to try their kitchen. Ask them how they prepare a dish and you'll be surprised of the simplicity of every single plate...the Italian art with a Tuscan accent

I normally never give a place a five star rating but every once in awhile it is very deserved…read more Palazzo Belfiore is a gem in the city of Florence. A 14th century palazzo with several apartments available for rent for vacation stays. Besides the fact that it is extremely representative of the city. Each apartment has a kitchen angle, free wifi and a unique layout. Lots of antique furniture and interesting pieces. Plus the service is what makes them stand out. They go out of their way for guests and even do a little special something for those celebrating a birthday or anniversary. They also can help with artisan tours, and other various local suggestions on where to eat and what to visit. the price range is great and the surrounding neighborhood is one of the best in the city. Highly recommend for those looking for a unique stay in Florence to feel 'like a local'

Traveling with my family this was truly the perfect place to stay in the beautiful city of…read moreFlorence. The apartment style residences were spacious and had an authentic feel that made our stay very enjoyable. The apartment was fully stocked with amenities and very clean. The location of the residence was ideal in that all major attractions in the city were within a 15 minute walk but the nearby surrounding area was quiet with good restaurants and cafés. The best part of our stay however was the staff. Above and beyond help and assistance with any questions or concerns we had. The head of staff Federico truly cared about our stay and made sure out stay was enjoyable. Highly recommend this place if staying in Florence!

On my second stay with this amazing group I was greeted like family!! Warm and inviting the…read morelocation, charm of the Villa and the whole staff are more then perfect!! I was late for breakfast one morning due to a meeting and they invited me in and insisted I eat. Did I tell you about the food?? The Chef and his team are true professionals who's only concerned is your enjoyment. The food was better then a 5 Star restaurant. The only complaint is they continue to spoil my expectations for staying in other hotels!! Thank you Aleen, Laura, Marghavita, Christian, Amy and the whole team, you are beautiful people inside and out! Don't waste your time and money anywhere else. This is the heart of Italy, this is the soul of Italy... enjoy!!

Castello di Casole d'Elsa (Castello di Casole, A Belmond Hotel, Tuscany) Tosca…read more We visited Castello di Casole d'Elsa for dinner. It is an extraordinary retreat where history, landscape, and luxury come together in a way that feels almost cinematic. Castello is atop a hill in the Tuscan countryside, the property occupies a restored 10th‑century castle within a large 4,200‑acre estate of vineyards, olive groves, forests, and fields. From the moment you arrive via a winding, cypress-lined road, it feels as though you've stepped into another era (as if driving through a forest). The setting alone is breathtaking, with sweeping views of rolling hills that stretch as far as the eye can see. The atmosphere is one of timeless, laid-back elegance. Despite its large scale, the estate feels peaceful and secluded, offering a true escape from daily life. The historic architecture such as stone walls, vaulted ceilings, and rustic details has been meticulously preserved, while contemporary design elements ensure comfort never feels compromised. One of the hotel's strongest aspects is how seamlessly it integrates with its surroundings. The estate is actively lived in, with agriculture, local production, and outdoor experiences shaping the guest experience. Dining at Tosca ristorante at Castello di Casole was a highpoint. The restaurant highlights traditional Tuscan cuisine, using ingredients grown directly on the estate...olive oil, wine, and seasonal produce. The food was exceptional, with a focus on authenticity and quality. We sampled items like baby squid, bread and oil, tortelli, and seabed amberjack. Service was one of the defining features of the hotel. Our servers were attentive, professional, and personable Memorable meal... Castello di Casole d'Elsa is a nice anniversary splurge that captures the essence of Tuscany in both style and substance. With its extraordinary setting, refined design, and outstanding service, it offers a deeply memorable visit that feels authentic. An immersive Tuscan escape...ideal for travelers seeking tranquility and a truly elevated countryside experience.

We had the most amazing stay!!! Every single staff member was wonderful. We ate most of our meals…read moreon the premises, and our meals were excellent! Even our driver Marian, our driver for two days, was unbelievable. All of the places he suggested to us were perfect for our group. He was on time and went above and beyond in every way. I would highly recommend Castello Di Casole. You will not be disappointed!!!!