Comments from Chris the Cook's guests.

Thoughts about driving in Italy

Useful and interesting links about Tuscany

TUSCAN FAQ's
Q: Where exactly is Tuscany?
A:  Tuscany is a province located on the Northwest shore of the Italian peninsula, approximately 345 km North of Rome.  View map.
Q: What should I know about staffing and services at the Villa Al Boschiglia
A: The housekeeper is at your disposal 8 hours per day and takes charge of any personal laundry (additional charge), and servicing of guestrooms and ground floor area.  A gardener based on the estate tends the gardens and swimming pool area.
Q: What kinds of accessories are found in the bedrooms?
A: All rooms have hairdryers and bathrobes and one bedroom has a safe for valuables.   For your own electrical appliances, travelers from North America should purchase transformers prior to their departure as they are difficult to find in this area.
Q: Are there any local attractions I should know about while planning my trip?
A: Villa Al Boschiglia is an ideal base from which to discover the many delights of Tuscany. The medieval walled town of LUCCA is a 10 minute drive away – the small city is very easy to get around and discover for yourself or we can arrange guided tours.   

The Leaning Tower of PISA (30 minutes away) has recently opened to the public – it is stunningly set in an open lawned piazza which also houses the Cathedral, Baptistery and Campo Santo Cemetery.

A 40 minute drive will take you to the little port and town of LERICI overlooked by a cliff top castle from where boats leave every hour to PORTOVENERE and the World Heritage site of the CINQUE TERRE — five dramatically cliff clinging villages.  

Renaissance FLORENCE is just an hour away, either by train or car  —  we can arrange guided visits as well as organise pre-booked tickets to the Uffizi or the Accademia.  

SIENA is an hour and a half away with possible stops on the way to SAN GIMIGNANO and MONTERIGGIONI, as is CHIANTI where you can arrange a wine-tasting at one of the many vineyards.  

For those interested in art and sculpture there are the impressive marble quarries of CARRARA as well as the sculpture town of PIETRASANTA.

FORTE DEI MARMI is a lively beach stop with some great shopping as you join the masses in the early evening stroll through the town.

Q: What about local dining?
A: Popular choices for dining nearby are Buca di Sant’Antonio in Lucca and Michelin-rated La Mora just outside of the city which serve typical dishes from the Lucchesia.  Bimbotto is a lively and informal pizzeria/trattoria in the village of Vorno – ideal on your first evening (it’s close to home and you can be guaranteed a warm welcome from your hosts, Alberto & Alba).   Please note it is best to book in advance, especially on a weekend (Sunday night is traditional pizza night out for all Italians!).  Most restaurants are generally closed either Monday or Wednesday evenings.
Q: Are there any extra charges I should know about?
A: WINE CELLAR & WINE TASTINGS: We have a well stocked private wine cellar at the Villa Al Boschiglia from which you can select wine once you have arrived.  Prices range from $12/€15 upwards. A professional wine sommelier who will tailor-make a tasting program for you is available at a cost of €57 per hour + cost of wines.

TELEPHONE/FAX/INTERNET: We have a computerized billing system that logs number of units used in telephone, fax and internet calls. There is a charge of $0.20/Є0.25 per unit which varies depending on where and when you are calling.  The long-distance service from Italy is expensive and we would encourage you to use your own long distance carrier, ie AT&T, MCI, etc.  Details on how to access your own carrier are available at the villa.

LAUNDRY: We are pleased to offer a service for personal laundry.  On request, we will collect laundry from the linen basket in your room, clothes will be washed, dried and ironed and then returned to your room. The cost per load (maximum 10 pounds) is $25/Є28.  All shirts and trousers are automatically sent to our dry-cleaners as well as any other particular items that may require specialist cleaning. These items are charged to your account as appropriate.

Q: What's the driving like in Italy?
USEFUL AND INTERESTING SITES ABOUT TUSCANY
Escape to Tuscany...   Chris the Cook cooking classes...... Chef for Hire...