Important general information

Our proposal

Agriturismo

The category agriturismo originally designed to offer accomodation in simple farmhouses, now covers a wide choice of holiday rentals including beautifully restored manor houses. There are no official catagories. The only guide of quality being the description and price. The best may provide swimming pools and home cooked meals but will not have the staff and services found in hotels.

Working farms

Many of our apartments are on working farms. In such cases it is normal that there are tractors and farm machinery on the property, and normal day to day farm activities are in evidence. At some times of year i.e grape harvesting etc such activities may increase

Central Heating

Central heating is available in most of our properties and is indicated in the website descriptions. In Italy heating can be turned on only during certain months (usually mid October - mid April depending on local laws) Central heating is payable locally directly to the owner according to consumption. Fuel is more expensive in Italy than in most other countries. Air conditioning is available is some of our properties, and where available is usually payable locally according to consumption. (Please see individual descriptions for details)

Internet

Many properties have now added internet access as an extra facility for guests. Use of internet is usually payable locally and can be any of the following. Internet access intends use of internet or internet connection for communal use via an onsite reception/office or wire plug in connection either in a communal area or in apartments themselves. In some cases Wi-Fi is available however please note that the quality of the signal can vary considerably. Internet ‘dongles’ or internet USB sticks are also provided on request in some properties. Please note that internet dongles/sticks may not be compatible with certain laptops and in rural areas especially connection may be very patchy. See individual property descriptions for internet access details.

Washing Machines

If a property has a washing machine in the apartment it is noted in the website description. Use of washing machine indicates that there is a communal washing machine on the property for guests use; some owners make a small charge per wash.

Flyscreens

Where our properties have flyscreens at the windows, this is indicated in the website description. Mosquitos are not normally a major problem in the countryside, but if needed plug in anti mosquito machines, candles and sprays can be purchased at most supermarkets.

Barbecues

Where a barbecue is indicated in the website description this can be of the large built in variety or the italian smaller portable type. Some barbecues may be for communal use. Charcoal is not normally provided but can be purchased in most supermarkets.

Infants & Children

Should you require a cot/baby bed for an infant of less than two years at time of travel, please request this at the time of booking and we will confirm that the owner is able to provide you with one. Please note some property owners make a local charge for cots. Cots may be of the drop side variety or the portable travel cot type. Please note cot linen is not provided. You should bring this with you. Should a cot be required for a child of over 2 years, relative costs applicable are available on request. For children of 2 years and above using an extra bed (or settee converting to a bed) the extra person charge applies. Highchairs are available at a few of our properties. Should you require the use of a highchair this must be requested at the time of booking and confirmed in writing by La Bella Toscana. Baby baths are not available.

Local holidays

Certain facilities and museums may not be available during local and National holidays. For more information on national holidays contact the Italian State Tourist Board. Entrance to certain tourist sites may require smart dress code or covered shoulders.

Voltage

Voltage in Italy is 220v. Plugs are of the two pin variety. We recommend that you bring plug adapters for your electrical appliances with you. Italian plugs can be of two sizes. Italian adapters can be purchased at local hardware shops.

Travel and Luggage advice

Porters are not readily available at most stations, ferry ports and airports, therefore it is adviseable to ensure that you can manage your own luggage in these circumstances or when not travelling by hire car. Taxis are normally readily available only in larger towns and cities, in small towns and rural areas taxis should usually be prebooked. In the event that your luggage being lost or delayed by the airline, please fill out a Property Irregularity Report at the airport. Please also inform the La Bella Toscana office in Italy detailing your apartment name, lead name of the booking, and all the details included on the PIR form so we can contact you should the luggage be relocated.