VAL D'ORCIA, TUSCANY
TBD April 2023
Some say there's no such thing as a true holiday once you have children but we beg to differ. With childcare included for the duration of the week, you'll be able to have your cake, (um, holiday) and eat it too while soaking up 'la dolce vita' in the heart of Tuscany at a gorgeous country farmhouse tailor-made for family fun.
THE RETREAT
Spend four days and five nights in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage part of Tuscany in the stunning rolling hills of Val d'Orcia. Designed to boost your wellbeing while providing you with the rare chance to truly relax in the company of other families and friends, on this retreat you and your children will be nurtured by the people who are experts at getting the most out of family life: the Italians.
THE ITINERARY
Each day childcare will be provided, giving you a chance to begin your day with an invigorating pilates session led by Clare Jarvis. Afterwards, how you spend your day is completely up to you. From hiking to horse riding, the farmhouse offers a variety of activities on-site as well as a wellness centre where massages and treatments can be booked. There are options to organize half day or day trips to the nearby towns of Siena, Pienza, Montalcino, Montepulciano or any of the wineries well-known for their world-famous wines. The idea is to provide each family with options that work for them as we understand that small children and tend to have their own individual schedule and needs.
ACCOMMODATION
Located just outside the town of Buonconvento, named one of the most charming villages in Italy, the farmhouse is nestled in the stunning countryside amid rolling hills and endless panorama. The 'borgo' is a family-owned operation, spread across 700 hectares of farmland and is divided into two villages with 37 rooms and 9 apartments, a restaurant, outdoor and heated indoor pool, tennis court, a wellness centre, horse riding, and mountain bike rentals.
Choose from single, double (standard, superior or deluxe) triple, family rooms or one or two bedroom apartments, some with kitchenettes. Both the apartments and rooms are cozy and comfortable, furnished in typical Tuscan style with wrought iron beds, terracotta floors and beamed ceilings. All rooms are equipped with bathrooms with showers, air conditioning, LCD TV, small fridge, telephone, hair dryer, courtesy toiletries and linens. There are possibilities for connecting rooms for families. Many of the rooms have an independent external entrance with external gardens where you can carve out your own private space.
MEALS
Tuscan cuisine is known for its humble simplicity and great flavor achieved with just a few quality ingredients. The farm has its own restaurant with a traditional menu of delicious local specialties: pici al ragu, ribollita, wild boar and more. They produce their own pasta, made with grains grown and processed onsite, along with seasonal vegetables harvested from their gardens which makes for a unique farm-to-table dining experience. Paired with the outstanding local wines of the area, each meal will be a memorable part of your holiday experience and one that you didn't have to cook! Meals are easily adapted for vegetarians or those with food allergies, and of course, children.
EXPERIENCES AT THE FARM
HORSE RIDING & FARM ANIMALS
Expert guides lead daily outings from the farm. All horses are gentle with a friendly disposition, suitable for both beginners and more experienced riders. Children who meet the age requirement are also welcome to ride as well as meet the farm's other animals: sheep, pigs and donkeys.
CYCLING
Hire bikes (road, hybrid, electric and mountain) are available either with or without a guide. Enjoy mixed sections of of asphalt and dirt roads between olive groves, vineyards amid the rolling hills of the Crete Senesi which are amongst some of the most breathtaking in the world.
TASTINGS & COOKING CLASSES
Oil and wine tastings are available at the farm as are daily cooking classes or pasta making classes both for adults or older children.
WELLNESS CENTRE
A variety of treatments are available at the wellness center: face, body, anti-stress and anti-cellulite packages, Tuina massages, relaxing, almond oil and Argan oil, along with a sauna and a Turkish bath. The property also has a heated indoor pool kept between 24 and 29 degrees (salt treatment size 6 m X 15 m), as well as a Jacuzzi (4 m X 5 m) which boasts stunning views of the Crete Senesi.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
The farm has plenty to enjoy: the large outdoor pool with its breathtaking views, the tennis court or football field and bicycles. Kids have a bike park and a small playground as well.
COST & INCLUSIONS
Prices are per person and include:
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ROUNDTRIP TRANSFER FROM FLORENCE TO FARMHOUSE
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FIVE NIGHTS' ACCOMMODATION IN YOUR CHOICE OF ROOM
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DAILY FARM-TO-TABLE BREAKFASTS AND DINNERS
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DAILY MORNING DEVOTIONALS WITH PHYLICIA MASONHEIMER
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2 GUIDED HIKES ALONG THE FRANCIGENA TRAIL
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GUIDED TOUR OF SIENA
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TOUR OF ANCIENT MONASTERY
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TOUR OF ROMANESQUE ABBEY
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ON-SITE ENGLISH & ITALIAN SPEAKING GUIDE FOR THE DURATION OF THE TRIP
ACCOMMODATION
SINGLE ROOM
(1 full-sized bed for 1 adult)
$2950 per person
(£2440 GBP)
DOUBLE ROOM
(1 double bed or two single beds for 2 adults)
$2800 per person
(£2320 GBP)
TRIPLE ROOM
(1 double bed and two single beds or three single beds for max 3 guests)
$2700 per person
(£2240 GBP)
AVAILABLE FOR A SUPPLEMENT
(PRICES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST)
Family photoshoot with a professional
For anyone interested in portraits with a professional photographer, we have talented local English-speaking professionals available.
Additional Activities on the Farm
There's plenty to enjoy at the farm and with all-day babysitting included in the cost, we encourage parents to enjoy themselves. Tennis courts, cycling tours, hiking (guided or self-guided), cooking classes, and oil/cheese/wine tastings can all be done directly at the farm.
Additional Excursions
Nearby, there’s horseback riding, golf, hot air ballooning, bike rentals, and more. Private classes can be arranged to be taken at the farm: painting classes, photography and more.
Drinks and Dinner out
Enjoy an evening stroll in a nearby town with an aperitivo followed by dinner at a delicious restaurant. (We're happy to provide trusted local recommendations). Pre-dinner drink, dinner for two with a set menu, driver and babysitter included.
Additional 1:2:1 Childcare
Local, vetted childcare professionals available for one to one childcare or evenings. Please note this is upon availability.
Private Guided Tours
Worth visiting are also the towns of Pienza, Montepulciano, Siena, Montalcino as well as the world-class wineries. Excursions with private driver and guide included.
"Why do you go away? So that you can come back. So that you can see the place you came from with new eyes and extra colors. And the people there see you differently, too. Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving.” – Terry Pratchett