Travellers Reviews
Submitted by Krista Blackburn, Mount Vernon, Washington, United States
...I already have raved about your site to people who have asked. It was my husband's and I first trip to Europe and I'm not sure we could have done it without Tuscany.net. We knew what we wanted to experience and were able to extract those qualities from the descriptions depicted on your website. Awesome work. We booked our ENTIRE trip on-line!
...
We LOVED Fredrika and Enrico -- what a delight. Her personal attention (and baking) along with her excursion recommendations were wonderful. Enrico provided us with a two hour tour of the winery complete with tastings. What a joy and delight it was to meet them. I would return in a heartbeat! And, a MUST is the Millifiora Honey that is made on-site -- I don't like honey and I bought 6 jars to bring home.
...
I didn't know about it and don't know what it is.
...
Fredrika came from her work in the winery to greet us. The accomodations were space and we enjoyed a view of the castle. This is a must stop particularly with it's close proximity to the adorable village of Vagliaglia - and the wonderful Taverna restaurant - also, a recommendation of Fredrika's.
...
The accomodations were better than the website only in so much as you could never have accurately depicted the reception we would receive from Fredrika and Enrico.
...
We didn't realize that Casli Della Aiola was affiliated with a winery -- this was a huge plus for us. I would promote it's affiliation with the winery more prominently.
...
A wonderful getaway in the heart of Chianti country, with a view of the Tuscany hillside and the history of a thousand years all within the blink of an eye! A true mirror to the Italian soul.
|
Contact Krista now!
|
Submitted by Edward Blair, Lenoir, United States
We were driving and had a lot of difficulty finding the route from Sienna to Vagliagli. When we arrived, our hosts were very helpful and accommodating.
...
We thoroughly enjoyed our 3-night stay. The setting and accommodations were beautiful; our hosts were gracious and helpful. We hope to return some day soon.
...
Casali della Aiola is beautifully set on a hillside in a vineyard. Our hosts showed us around the vineyard and the wine-making process. They live in the striking historic castle on the site.
...
I would tell them that if they plan to stay in Tuscany, make a point to spend at least on night at Aiola.
|
Contact Edward now!
|
Submitted by Warren R Frank, Parkersburg, WV 26104, United States
Fredrika was an extrodinarily friendly and gracious hostess. She met us immediately upon arrival and was incredibly helpful and kind. She is a warm, wonderful person and made our stay very memorable.
...
We truly enjoyed our stay and will stay again if we have the opportunity to visit Italy again. There were times we found oursleves wondering how we could find work in the village and stay forever.
...
Painless and effiecient.
...
We used the GPS coordinates provided and found them to be generally correct. When we arrived, I gave the host the exact coordinates and confirmed the accuracy by using them during our visit. She has since corrected to the new coordinates and no one should have a problem finding the estate.
...
Romantic, quiet, peaceful, perfect for love and a place that feels like you are home. Maybe this has much to do with your partner, but I believe there is a magic to the people, the town and the estate.
|
Contact Warren R now!
|
Submitted by Karen Becker, Ridgewood, United States
Absolutely wonderful -we felt as though we were family.
...
A lovely bed and breakfast - in a beautiful setting, and the owner was so helpful with her suggestions of places to have dinner and places to visit. We would definitely return.
...
A wonderful B & B in the middle of the Chianti area -surrounded by vineyards. The owners paid attention to every detail and their suggestions of places to visit and trattorias for dinner wre certainly a highlight of our holiday.
Highly recommended! We can't wait to return.
|
|
Submitted by Robert Boston, Alpharetta, Georgia 30005, United States
Frederica met us personally, toured us around the property and made us feel extremely welcome.
...
The Communal Room was one of the highlights - a great way to wind down at the end of the day, enjoy the fine Aiola wines and spend time with friends.
...
Fast and accurate.
...
Everything was covered well, but I would emphasize the Community Room more.
...
Absolutely fantastic! We enjoyed touring the winery with Enrico, the restaurant recommendations were spot on, the rooms were comfortable, the breakfast was delicious, the location was perfect - we would recommend Casali della Aioli to everyone!
|
|
Submitted by david king, NOTTINGHAM, United Kingdom
we were given a choice of room by Henrico and he was very weloming.
...
The view of the vineyards was superb.
Our beds were a little rickerty - would have preferred a double in that room but we were offered another room with a double bed but we chose the one with the separate beds because of the view.
The rooms would be even better with a little more furnishing.
...
Perfect stay
...
Views from the room doora.
More abourthe winery
We found the property via Alistair Sawday's guide - we did not look at your website - we used your reservation system because that is what we were presented with.
...
Perfect
|
|
Submitted by Brad White, Eagle River Alaksa, United States
Casali della Aiola is a wonderful place to stay in Tuscany - like having family there to take care of you and make sure you have a good trip. Fredrica went well out of her way to help us with directions and to secure reservations for us in Florence. Enrico gave us a wonderful, detailed tour of the winery. I hope I will be fortunate enough to stay there again.
|
|
Submitted by Daphne Merritt, Walnut Creek, California, United States
This was such an outstanding place! The woman who runs the B&B was so helpful. Everyday she mapped out directions for people for their days activities. She really worked hard to make sure that all her guests had a great stay. She went out of her way to be accommodating.
...
Except for the water pressue problems in the morning, this was a grand place. And what's a little water while you're having the time of your life in Italy!!
...
A very charming Bed and Breakfast in Tuscany with lots of personla helpful assistance.
|
|
Submitted by Pauline Beal, YORK YO32 9TA, United Kingdom
Perfect.
...
Fabulous location. Extremely helpful family. A highlight to our holiday in Tuscany.
...
Could not be faulted.
...
The drive from the motorway takes longer than expected but we enjoyed the beautiful scenery. The nearby village was a delight and the food in the bar next to the hotel was fantastic.
...
What a find this is! Beautiful setting. Extremely helpful family. Clean spacious rooms. A tour round the family winery an added bonus. A hearty breakfast including local meats and homemade cakes.
|
|
Submitted by Dennis Matthews, Gold River, California, United States
It was somewhat difficult to find the correct road from near Siena to Aiola.
...
We had an excellent stay. This was second time at Casali della Aiola. Frederica and her husband Enrico was extremely accomodating and friendly. Our group even held a barbecue on the premises and Enrico went out of his way to make this possible. The tour of the Fattoria della Aiola was one of the highlights in addition to the extra good breakfasts and delicious wine. I would recommend this B&B to anyone going to Tuscany.
...
Tour of the Winery where the B&B is located is a highlight. I don't recall this being mentioned on the website.
...
A delightful friendly B&B located at a functioning winery in a pleasant country village 15 min from Siena. The wine is spectacular along with a sumptious breakfast. This was one of the highlights of our trip to Tuscany it is also the second time we've stayed there in 5 years, so clearly its worth a repeat visit. The owners, Frederica and Enrico, are also extremely accomodating and friendly.
|
|
Submitted by Gilles Ricard, St-Augustin-de-Desmaures, G3A 2M2, Canada
problem in water, and poor acoustical insulation between suites.
|
|
Submitted by Bill Summers, Seattle, United States
Excellent breakfast included.
Yogurt, Mueseli, American style coffee.
Best breakfast we had in Italy!
...
Very quiet, restfull,
|
|
Submitted by Norio Oshima, Sagamiharashi, Kanagawaken, Japan
I was enchanted with the beautiful view at the Road of Chianti to 'Casali della Aiola'.
...
The map at 'How to reach us' is not so clear that it's difficult to find where the place 'Casali della Aiola'.
...
You can enjoy the country life in Toscana. And also you can enjoy nice supper at the restaurants at the nearest village 'Vagliagli'.
|
|
Submitted by Steve Zimmer, Lee, United States
We were delighted with our stay at Casali della Aiola. The setting is beautiful, the mood is relaxed, and the location is convenient to not only the Chianti area, but also Siena and Montalcino.
...
Wines from the estate are available for sampling, both by the glass and by the bottle.
...
A wonderful place to relax, admire the Tuscan countryside and also tour some of the beautiful old towns, such as Siena and Monteriggione.
|
|
Submitted by Andrew Turnpenny, Hythe, Southampton, United Kingdom
A delightful place to stay- I would recommend it to anyone. Owners very hospitable.
|
|
Submitted by Jessica Ellerman, Pomezia, Italy
the Breakfast is absolutely wonderful! The staff was so nice...everything was perfect! The location is a bit out of the way, but if you are looking for a secluded, peaceful place to stay this is it!
...
absolutely perfect! my dream of how a bed and breakfast should be!
|
|
Submitted by Gary Sieverding
We had a great experience at the Casali di Aiola! Everything was as agreed. Federica was most helpful with suggestions for dinner in Vagliagli and driving tours.
...
Top notch place to stay. Great location to base driving trips from. We had a car and this gave us great flexibility. Probably want to have a car when staying here although there is some guided tours available. The vineyards and Casali were beautiful. Recommend it highly.
|
|
Submitted by PILAR PETERS
WE REALLY ENJOYED OUR STAY HERE!!! BOTH FEDERICA AND ENRICO WERE GREAT! VERY NICE AND HELPFUL. WE WOULD NOT DOUBT IN GOING BACK TO AIOLA. THE ROOM WAS VERY CLEAN AND COMFORTABLE. AND THE BREAKFAST FANTASTIC!
...
THE PLACE WAS SOOOOOOOOOOOO PEACEFUL AND THE COUNTRYSIDE SO BEAUTIFUL!!! WE WISHED WE HAD STAYED THERE A FEW MORE DAYS. PLUS, THE PRICE WAS VERY REASONABLE.
...
CAN'T THINK OF ONE AT THE MOMENT
...
IT IS A GREAT PLACE TO 'DISCONNECT' FROM THE HECTIC WORLD! WAKING UP HERE IS LIKE A FANTASY, THE BIRDS, THE FRESH AIR, THE VIEW!!!IT IS SO PEACEFUL! FOR US, IT WAS THE BEST INTRODUCTION TO THE CHIANTI REGION! AND THE OWNERS GO OUT OF THEIR WAY TO HELP YOU.
|
|
Submitted by Andrew Plousis
We felt very welcome upon arrival.
...
Frederica was gracious and helpful at all times. Her baked goods were wonderful.
...
Charming. A little rustic - no phone, no clock, no hairdryer, no radio, no tv, however you really don't miss any of it. Be sure to schedule a private tour of the winery. You really need a car to get around.
|
|
Submitted by Donald Slichter
Beautiful place staffed by very nice people!
...
Hated to leave; plan to return!
...
We found the retail store to be very good.
...
A wonderful experience at a fair price.
|
|
Submitted by Nancy Fiaschetti
Very nice and helpful host (Federica), and an excellent location from which to explore the towns of the Chianti region.
...
Very cozy... very helpful and friendly staff... great homebase location from which to explore the Chianti region.
|
|
Submitted by Ken
Wonderful property!!! - It was beautiful and we wish we could have stayed another night.
It was also less expensive than the night in Pisa which wasn't as nice.
|
|
Submitted by Jeremy
My wife and I really enjoyed our visit to Casali della Aiola. It was just what we needed after the fun but hectic tour of Rome. The family was wonderful and we especially enjoyed the personalized tour of the property. Fantastic wines, beautiful location, gracious hosts, and just off the beaten path to truly enjoy the region. We will return again.
...
Fantastic - a wonderful escape into the Tuscan landscape. A tucked away retreat that is a must see!
|
|
Submitted by Lizbeth
I just love Casali della Aiola! I was sad to leave!
...
It is a beautiful and peaceful haven, perfectly situated for exporing Tuscany.
|
|
Submitted by Marcin
Fantastic
|
|
Submitted by Gloria
The room was large and comfortable and the bath was the best we had during our entire trip to Italy.
I would recommend this hotel to my friends and I hope to return again.
|
|
Submitted by Joseph
Very positive experience. The owner was very helpful.
...
Outstanding
...
The website does not begin to capture the beauty and tranquility of Casali della Aiola. Fredrica is very personable, and provided us with a great deal of assistance with restaurant reservations and suggestions for day trips through out the Tuscan countryside. Aiola is a gem. Compared to other properties that we reviewed, it is a great value.
...
Excellent property in the Tuscan countryside. It proved to be one of the best places that we stayed in all of Italy.
|
|
Submitted by Judy
We found the winery first and were directed just down the road to the B&B, where Francesca was waiting for us. We had a lovely welcome.
...
We especially are thankful for the excellant advice on touring the area and driving directions in and out of Sienna, and into Florence, (which would have been challenging if not impossible without her help). The breakfast was lovely, recreation room pleasant and great restaurants in the area we were referred to by Francesca.
...
See above comments, we loved the place, would highly recommend to friends
|
|
Submitted by Darren
N/A
...
Aioli was our favorite place during our stay in Tuscany. The accomodations were very peaceful, and the Frederica in particular was fantastic. Very knowledgable about the area, very gracious, very helpful. We loved our stay there!
...
N/A
...
N/A
...
Aioli is a very peaceful, comfortable base for exploring Chianti, with an extremely gracious staff. We had great time exploring the surrounding the vineyards, castles, and towns, and always enjoyed coming back to enjoy sunset from the patio. We loved it!
|
|
Submitted by Claire
We had not provided Francesca with an exact check-in time, but the cleaning lady was there when we arrived to let us in our room. Francesca arrived within 10 minutes to make sure that we were comfortably settled in our room and had directions to local sites.
...
Francesca is an absolutely wonderful hostess. She was able to provide us with all sorts of advice regarding places to visit in the area and restaurants to try. She also prepares a delicious breakfast!
|
|
Submitted by Cheryl
Relaxing quiet peaceful italian countryside stay in the center of an excellent wine vineyard region. Run by the owners of the vineyard. The staff were incredibly helpful and friendly.
|
|
Submitted by Robin
Robin has left no specific comment, however has rated the overall satisfaction rate with a 87% score, his arival experience with a 100% value and his check-out with a 89% rate. |
|
Submitted by Michelle
A lovely place. Fantastic for an escape to the beautiful Tuscan countryside. Warm welcome with thoughtful recommendations given to local happenings and touring itineraries. Very relaxing!
|
|
Submitted by Edward
Love the place. Beautiful scenery, great wine, wonderful host. A pleasure, and a place I will return to.
...
The Owners are wonderful people. The wind tour is a treat
...
A great base of operations for a wonderful stay in Chianti
|
|
Submitted by Robert
We arrived in the evening, as it was beginning to get dark. We parked and went to the reception area where we easily found the intercom, which Federica answered immediately. She came over from her home right away, was very friendly and nice, and, after registering us and showing us to our room and telling us everything we needed to know, she directed us to the local restaurant where we had a wonderful dinner.
...
Our stay was all we could have hoped for, and more. Set on a hillside overlooking vineyards and olive groves, Casali della Aiola is the epitome of the Tuscan setting. The owners' home is a 16th century manor house built atop the walls of a 13th century fort (the drawbridge across the moat now made into a driveway). The B&B itself is converted from a farmhouse and buildings which was once a working farm on the ancient estate.
The breakfasts were a delicious array of foods, perfect for starting out a day of exploring the surrounding countryside and the nearby cities of Siena and Arezzo. Our room was spare but very comfortable and agreeable to our tastes.
We recommend Casali della Aiola highly to anyone who enjoys the quiet of the Tuscan countryside.
...
By prior arrangement, on the day we left we were given a tour of the winery by Enrico, who explained the entire wine-making process. Our one regret was that we could not take some of their wine home with us because we do only carry-on luggage for our flights, and the 'liquid' would not be allowed. We did buy some wine for freinds we were meeting in Rome, and especially enjoyed sharing the Vin Sante, a sherry-like apertif.
...
The drive to Casali della Aiola from the Siena exit off the highway are some of the most breathtaking sights in Tuscany.
...
See #10 and #14 and #15 above.
|
|
Submitted by Kim
None
...
Casali della Aiola is a peaceful bed and breakfast in the heart of the Chianti. It's location is ideal for exploring Tuscany. The room is spotless, breakfast is yummy, and the staff is very helpful. I would definitely stay here again.
|
|
Submitted by Brooke
Brooke has left no specific comment, however has rated the overall satisfaction rate with a 87% score, his arival experience with a 91% value and his check-out with a 89% rate. |
|
Submitted by Adele
Beautiful location, very hospitable hosts!
...
n/a
...
A little ways outside Siena (easy drive in for a day trip), quiet, secluded, picturesque surroundings, wonderful hosts, true tuscan experience.
|
|
Submitted by Linda
We loved the place. they were so nice and the winery is beautiful. The are is lovely and the nights cool and quiet. Great stay.
Linda Hamman
...
They gave us a cash discount.
|
|
Submitted by Teemu
Very good - good vine also :)
...
In vagliagli there are 2 restaurants about 800 meters up the hill :)
...
Nice vine country accomodation on vine farm
|
|
Submitted by Sarah
Lots of information and helpful to see so many pictures and maps
...
Very useful. Might make it easier to switch between areas of the site without going back to the beginning so much.
...
Excellent, friendly staff and gorgeous accomodation.
|
|
Submitted by Anna
I think the directions to Casali della Aiola should be more clear. The directions printed were only given from coming from the north- We were driving from the south and were very confused. We ended up wasting a lot of driving time to get to the place because the directions weren't very clear.
...
My husband and I stayed at Casali della Aiola in early Oct. and had a wonderful stay! I saw the B&B pics on a website but when I arrived at the B&B, it was even more beautiful than the pics on the website! The B&B rooms are in a restored farmhouse and are decorated in a lovely Tuscan way. I thought the bed (a real queen size bed, not the double beds pushed together) was the most comfortable bed during our 2 week stay in Italy. The gardens were so pretty- with lots of lavendar, rosemary, and lots of flowers in terra cotta pots. Federica, the owner, was so helpful, kind, and hospitable during our stay. Breakfast was served in a different area, with a large window overlooking the garden. Breakfast was delicious and plentiful- with different flavored yogurts, Tuscan dried meats, biscotti, juice, bundt cake, bread, and coffee. Federica's family owns the winery down the street, which was interesting to get a tour of from her mother. They produce their own Chianti Classico, other wines, olive oil, and honey. You definitely need to rent a car, to explore the other Tuscan towns from this B&B. It is about a 10 minute drive from Siena. We stayed for 2 nights and visited Siena, Monteriggioni, and San Gimignano. Dinner at La Taverna di Vagliagli was wonderful! I hope to visit Casali della Aiola again soon!
|
|
Submitted by Marie-Louise
We read how numerous guest had difficulties finding the place. We didn't have a GPS, but with prints from google map, the address and the knowledge of having to head towards Vagliagli we had no problem finding the place.
...
For a three-star accommodation, I was missing a hair-dryer. Otherwise everything was as expected.
...
The property and view is more spacious than pictured on the website but again this is always difficult to show in 2-D.
...
A relaxing and quiet place beautifully laid out in the hills with very friendly owners and a beautiful winery next door plus excellent restaurants in close vicinity.
|
|
Submitted by Joseph
The property lived up to my high expectations. The staff were very helpful and friendly.
...
I would recommend it highly.
|
|
Submitted by Tina
The main road from Vagliagli to Rada is actually a dirt track not tarmac.
...
Beautiful, tranquil, unspoilt location in the heart of Tuscany.
|
|
Submitted by James
Greeted promptly. We were 'expected'. Area explained re walking, cafes etc.
...
Quiet, friendly, sophisticated hostess, good location for exploring Chianti region and Siena. Especially liked quiet background calssical music in the morning
|
|
Submitted by Brian
The directions were very good to the point of 'after 1.5 km turn right (sp102) following signs for 'Vagliagli-Fattoria della Aiola'. It would have been helpful for the directions to tell how far away the property was from that point.
...
Nice, quiet, rustic property with a great view. Very relaxing and great wine!
|
|
Submitted by Felicia
We arrived late, however, Fredrica was still there waiting for us. Very sweet and lovely person. We were shown to the wine and activity room where we met another couple and had a glass of wine with them. Lovely way to start our stay there.
...
Our stay was delightful. The surroundings were what I had hoped for, lovely vineyards, picturesque and quiet.
...
Although we had a problem with our Visa card upon check out, the assistance and patience provided was exceptional.
...
There is no place nearby to wash clothes.
We had to go into Siena, and spend a half day. I would highly recommend that they consider having this service available for their guests, even if it means having someone take the laundry into the city for them, if they cannot provide a washer and dryer. Same would go for food. Some type of snack food should be available to purchase, because there are no restaurants nearby.
...
Wonderful. The wine tour was amazing. The owners are warm and friendly and we would definitely stay there again, however, keep in mind that there are no stores or services nearby.
|
|
Submitted by Grace
The ad suggested availability to the castel which was off limits/not offered.
...
I would recommend to others who want a country setting. It was highly enjoyable.
...
Windy roads access that might be a concern for hesitant drivers, especially if driving in/out of the location late at night.
...
Charming country setting with fantastic views. Quiet/peaceful. Hospitable host.
|
|
Submitted by Stephen
The 'self serve' wine room was very nice. It is a separate building and very comfortable.
...
Peaceful and accomodating. Some of the best wine we had in Tuscany
|
|
|
