The best vacation we have ever had!

by John and Marty C., U.S.A.

Originally published on Slow Travel

Casina di Rosa in Civitella Marittima is the best vacation we have ever had! We have just returned from a week at this wonderful Tuscan hide-a-way and we are already planning our return for next year!

If you are looking for a place to relax, experience life as though you actually lived there, and be convenient to exploring the region around Siena, then this is the perfect place for you. Civitella Marittima is a beautiful hilltop village overlooking the spectacular country that Tuscany is famous for. It is less than an hour’s drive to beautiful beaches and about half an hour by car to the beautiful city of Siena. Florence is also an easy day trip away with bus service from the village.

The owner, Gloria Cappelli, is fluent in several languages (including English) and is very knowledgable about the area, having grown up there. She was always available and willing to take time to make certain that we would have a wonderful stay. She arranged in advance of our arrival for a cell phone rental and had it at the house when we arrived. We also found a basket of food, dessert wine, and fresh flowers waiting for us. In addition to very detailed information about the local village, Gloria has in the house travel maps and travel guide books specific to the area.

The house is a perfect cottage for two. It is very clean, very well appointed with all of the conveniences you need (including hairdryer and iron) and is obviously well taken care of. The bath is modern and the furnishings are both comfortable and pretty with antiques original to the house. There is a large 10 cup electric pot that heats water to the perfect temperature for tea (or instant coffee). The local food and produce is worth planning into your meals — delicious breads and cheeses and meats at the local Coop grocery only 6 km from the village–for great picnics as we traveled the Tuscan countryside.

The kitchen is a great place to enjoy breakfast at home as the early morning sun streams through the window and the sounds of a village coming to life fill the air — you will want to stay forever! The kitchen also has a wood burning fireplace and sufficiently furnished if you want to have a few meals at home. However, once you have had lunch or dinner at the village restaurant, Locanda nel Casero, a short walk from the house, you will want to take EVERY MEAL there! The restaurant owner, Alessandro, speaks English as well and he is a wonderful talented chef! We have traveled in Europe for years and this is the first time that we have traveled miles to make certain that we could eat dinner at the same restaurant EVERY night. It is also the first time that we have found a place that we are going to enjoy returning to year after year.

Again, if you are looking for an authentic Tuscan village experience, and a relaxing Tuscan holiday, you will find no better value or location than the Casina di Rosa in Civitella Marittima.