TIPS TO PLAN THE PERFECT TUSCAN TRIP!
what airport should we fly into?
Rome (FCO) - 3 hour drive to San Giovanni; 1 hr 20 minute train to Florence
Florence (FLR) - 45 minute drive to San Giovanni
WHAT HOTELS DO YOU RECOMMEND IN FLORENCE or ROME?
Palazzo Dama (Rome)
J.K. Place Roma (Rome)
Hotel de Russie (Rome)
Holy Deer (Rome)
DoubleTree by Hilton Rome Monti (Rome)
Hotel Savoy (Florence)
Portrait Firenze (Florence)
The St. Regis (Florence)
can we get meals catered at the villa?
Yes! Authentic Italian meals can be prepared in the villa by a “Tuscan Mama” or you can order in-house dining.
WHAT ABOUT OTHER GROCERIES?
Before your arrival, the concierge team will send you a grocery request list. They’ll stock the house with all of your requests and more can be ordered throughout your stay. You can order additional groceries throughout your stay for a small grocery run fee. All charges will be on your final bill upon departure.
There are also nearby grocery stores and a deli nearby: Coop in Colle di Val d’Elsa (nicest), Supermercato Simply in Colle di Val d’Elsa, and La Speranza deli at the bottom of the hill.
Where do you like to eat nearby?
Belmond Castello di Casole has some great restaurant options. If you’re looking for restaurants off-property some of our favorites are Osteria di Passignano, Bel Soggiorno, and Pizzeria La Pergola. La Pergola (opening at 7:30pm) is about 20 minutes from the villa and is a must-do during your stay - especially on the terrace.
On the road that connects Siena to Florence, there is an ancient farmhouse, which history claims was the home, for one night, of Pope Pius VII on June 2, 1815, forced to stop by a "physical need". This farmhouse is now a wonderful restaurant called Osteria La Sosta di Pio VII.
There’s a wonderful pizza place nearby where you can order pies to go - Locanda del Molino 17. Ristorante Alla Pieve is also only 10 minutes away, and it’s a meal you’ll never forget. Caffe Casolina in Casole d’Elsa and Osteria del Borgo in Mensaro are fun options nearby for lunch or dinner.
If you’re looking for a restaurant in Tuscany with a sea-view, check this out. Chef Rachael Ray’s favorite restaurant in Montalcino is Boccon DiVino Montalcino
In Florence visit Trattoria Dall'Oste Chianineria for a very nice but casual steakhouse with steak not only from Tuscany but also around the world. For a fancier night in Florence, Chic Nonna is an upscale experience that enhances the best of Italian culinary tradition. For other suggestions from our friend, Beau Fournet, in Florence - click here! Our Director of Hospitality, Dan Bell, provided this list of Florence restaurant recommendations from his time living in Italy so far!
In Rome, IC Bellagio spends the year scoping out the best restaurants and experiences and this is a recent list of recommendations in and around Roma.
The concierge team can help with reservations at all of these establishments.
Will there be housekeeping?
Yes, you can arrange a housekeeping schedule with the concierge team for your stay. They will provide you costs and details prior to arrival.
What info should we provide to the concierge team before / upon arrival?
Prior to your trip, it’s best to get full names, phone numbers, and emails of each of your guests and yourself to the concierge team. Upon check in, they’ll need to see a copy of each guest’s passport as well as receive a credit card for incidentals.
where should we go in the surrounding region / country
Click here to see some of our favorite suggestions.
Get to know our town, Casole d’Elsa - click here. Read more about the history of the Valdesa and surrounding area - click here.
HOW DO WE GET THERE FROM THE AIRPORT?
The concierge team can arrange a private car or limo transfer or can arrange a rental car. If you fly into Rome, you can take a train to Florence and arrange the car transfer or rental car from that train station. The concierge team can handle everything for you.
WHAT SHOULD WE DO WHILE WE’RE THERE?
There are plenty of activities and experiences both on the Castello di Casole and Casali di Casole properties to fill your schedule! Should you decide to rent a car and take some day trips, our attractions page has some great ideas.
This travel guide from 2019 (as well as this one Timbers Resorts put together a few years ago) provides a comprehensive guide to local restaurants, activities, Belmond Castello di Casole hotel, customs and surrounding area. If you’re taking a day in Florence, check out the Best Rooftop Bars in Florence!
Do San Giovanni Owners have any special PRIVILEGES at belmond castello di casole?
San Giovanni owners have usage privileges to the hotel spa, fitness facility, restaurants, and bar. Upon arrival, stop by the concierge desk at the hotel and let them know you are an owner of San Giovanni and need to pick up your owner’s card. Whenever you charge anything at the hotel, present the card and you will receive 15% off of spa treatments, food, and beverage.
who do we contact with questions or concerns?
Attentive bilingual concierges see to your every request during your stay, assisting with guided tours of Italy, dinner and golf activities, and planning family activities in Tuscany and beyond. There is luxury transportation to and from the property, children’s activities and much more. The team will walk you through the home to familiarize you with Heating / AC, appliances, lighting, and other operations of the villa.
You can contact them before your trip via email, but once you arrive be sure to stop by and introduce yourself to the team.
Where else do you recommend we stay around europe?
Click here for some incredible luxury hotels around Europe with under 30 rooms.