How to describe our experience in Tuscany? Breathtaking, beautiful, and friendly all come to mind. Vito and Katerina have created such an experience for the traveler that you will never forget. Their hospitality was second to none. Always ready to give advice on where to visit and how to get there, they were the perfect avenue to enhance our experience in Tuscany.
The apartment is spacious, well-decorated, and has everything you need to enjoy your Tuscan experience, especially the kitchen. Vito and Katerina produce many vegetables, salads, and herbs on the property and were more than happy to share it all. The property is expansive, with olive trees and local wildlife. A trip to the top of the olive tree hill is a must as the view of the rolling Tuscan landscape is breathtaking (right in your own backyard!). They even produce their own olive oil and lovely artichokes in olive oil and herbs.
We all sat down to a wonderful meal together one evening after having a pasta-making lesson. It was magnificent. Katerina was eager to share her recipe ideas; her reputation as a master in the kitchen was evident as the food was absolutely delicious.
The local area of Empoli and Montespertoli are must-sees. While you are very close (30-45 minutes) to the major centres of Pisa, Firenze, and Sienna, the local area was just as fun to visit, especially Montalcino and San Gimignano. There was even a local wine festival which Vito visited with us, sampling wines from all of the Chianti-Montespertoli wine-producing area. For wine lovers out there, this was a fantastic way to get to sample such a variety of fantastic wines from the region. The time changes every year so ask ahead.
The family of Vito, Katerina, and Federica (their daughter) were so friendly that you immediately felt like you were at home. Their dog, Kelly, would even greet us every morning while we were having coffee on the terrace. They have created a place where you can easily relax, explore, and indulge in all that Tuscany has to offer. We highly recommend staying here and are returning next year for another visit!