7 Tuscan farm stays you can book now

Sink into the serene pace of Italy’s countryside with a stay in a restored farmhouse on a working vineyard or olive farm. Otherwise known as an agriturismo, it’s is a popular choice for travelers who wish to experience the epic landscape in an intimate way, far from the bustle and beeping of cities like Rome, if only for a few nights.

In many instances, those who stay on these working farms are invited to participate in traditional grape or olive harvests, as well as enjoy home-cooked meals (and sometimes cooking lessons) with the owners. You’ll feel like part of the family, and with each sip of Chianti, the “real world” will slip further and further away.

Italy boasts thousands of agriturismos, ranging from rustic to high-end, but the largest collection is concentrated in the Tuscany region, which is anchored by cities such as Florence, Siena and Pisa, and boasts a rolling countryside that cradles vineyards, olive groves and small villages. Rent a car (necessary for navigating the quiet country roads) and book four to six months in advance for stays during summer months. 

Here are seven to inspire your next trip to Italy, all bookable on Orbitz.

RELATED: Return to the land! For a complete list of farm stays click here.

This four-room farmhouse has roots in the 17th century. Today it offers the latest in modern comforts (including an onsite restaurant) while residing on an organic farm that produces honey, fruits, olive oil, wild mushrooms and truffles.

The six stylishly decorated apartments at this agriturismo reside in a picturesque setting hugged by the greenery of olive groves and rolling vineyards of its onsite winery. The property is home to a swimming pool shaded by olive trees; excursions into the countryside via horseback or Vespa can be arranged, too.

This old farmhouse, recently restored and furnished in authentic Tuscan tradition, is located between Val d’Orcia and Val di Chiana. It offers an ideal base to nearby towns such as Montepulciano, Pienza and Monteicchiello.

This farm, which offers ten rooms, is near Pienza on the panoramic road to San Quirico D’Orcia. It produces wheat for pasta, the (unofficial) national food of Italy. It’s also home to a botanical garden and fruit trees, which make their way into cuisine served at the onsite restaurant.

A tree-lined avenue of century-old trees leads to this 18-room agriturismo outside the ancient village of Colle Val D’Elsa. The estate is home to two-, three- and four-room apartments, as well as a small private house available to those who desire more room and privacy.

This agriturismo boasts an enviable location where the provinces of Pisa, Grosseto and Livorno converge, with a history dating back some 400 years. The property includes 15 rooms and two pools, one with sweeping views of the surrounding valley. In a setting otherwise overflowing with wine, there’s also one truly unique feature at this farm stay: an artisanal brewery that bottles (and serves!) fresh beer.

This four-room farm stay has been owned by the same family since the 1950s. Lovingly restored, it resides in a magical piece of countryside between San Quirico d’Orcia and Pienza, surrounded by a working farm that produces wheat, wine and olives. One of this agriturismo’s hosts, Mrs. Lorenza, is known for her jams, cakes and pies.

TIP: Orbitz offers a variety of unique and offbeat accommodations. To book, just go to Orbitz.com. After selecting your destination and travel dates, check out the “Filter Properties By” column to the left of the hotel results. Sort by “Property Type” and “Vacation Rentals” to uncover cool options such as agriturismos, houseboats, castles and more.

Tagged: Europe, Italy