Allegra - Bravo Holiday Residences

Located near Siena. Sleeps 12 guests. 6 bedrooms and 6 baths

Surrounded by the hills and vineyards of Tuscany, Villa Allegra is an elegant Italian villa. Hosting up to 12 guests, this intimate haven is ideal for private getaways and family reunions. The villa's interior décor features antiques and fireplaces, while the exterior architecture reflects the best of Tuscan design. Allegra is composed of a main villa with an independent wing and a guest house. Smaller groups can rent the villa without the guest house. The main villa, approx. 2,800 square feet of living space, is built in the typical Tuscan style, using local stone. On one side of the house there is an additional wing, La Ginestra, approx. 680 square feet, with an independent entrance. La Vigna, approx. 850 square feet, is a cozy guest house with private patio.

Bedrooms and Bathrooms
Main Villa: 1 king bedroom with small en suite bathroom with small tub with handheld shower. 1 queen bedroom with private bathroom with shower.
Ginestra: 1 master queen bedroom with en suite bathroom with shower. 1 queen/twin bedroom with en suite bathroom with shower.
La Vigna: 1 master queen bedroom and en suite bathroom with tub with shower. 1 queen bedroom with private bathroom with shower.

Living Spaces
Main Villa: 2 large living rooms (one with fireplace), library/TV area, kitchen with wood- burning oven and elegant dining area.
Ginestra: Small kitchenette and breakfast table.
La Vigna: Cozy living room with kitchenette and dining table.

Outside Features
Private porch with large dining table. Outdoor furniture in spacious terrace. Sophisticated lounging areas and dining table by the pool. Separate guest house patio for eating al fresco and relaxing. Lawns surround the property. Nearby woods ideal for walks (mushroom-picking in the fall). Private swimming pool.

Amenities
A/C in all bedrooms, Internet available with rechargeable wireless key card (hot-spots), dishwasher, washer & dryer, satellite TVs, DVD, CD player, telephone/fax, fireplaces, library, window screens in most rooms.

Special Characteristics
Very stylish and sophisticated atmosphere. Guests are pampered with fine Tuscan cuisine prepared by the owner/culinary expert, while cooking classes and demonstrations are available for guests to learn to create their own culinary masterpieces. Fantastic views of Tuscan vineyards and hills. Conveniently located near Siena, Florence and most famous Tuscan villages.

Villa Rental Rates
Villa Allegra rents from $8,050 - $14,083 per week. Contact us directly for a quote and for information about special offers.

Lucca - 2 hours
Siena - 25 minutes
Florence - 1.5 hours
Rome - 2 hours and 45 minutes

Electricity and A/C included up to 250 kW per week per 12 pax and up to 200 kW per week per 8 pax (any extra is €0.42 per kW)
Water and final cleaning included
Heating not included. Gas heat approximately €60 per day for main villa, €90 for whole property. If electrical heaters are used in bedrooms and bathrooms, an additional €100 on average will be charged per week
Telephone charges extra
Wifi access €25 per week
Tuscan dinner or lunch (no table service): €40 per person (includes wine). Optional morning after clean up service at €30
Allegra Signature 5 course dinner (minimum of 6 people): €70 per person (includes table service and wine)
Cooking classes and demonstrations available, on request
Housekeeping service: €15 per hour
Laundry and ironing charges extra: €15 per hour
Extra linen change €140 for 6 bedrooms and €100 for 4 bedrooms
Additional cradle: €50 per week
Babysitter available upon request at extra charge
Security deposit: €1,500 due upon arrival in cash

What To Do
The medieval town of Siena is built across several hills and valleys; that's why you will find yourself walking up and down through the historical center. The lack of car traffic makes it a wonderful place to stroll, especially with kids! Despite sometimes being packed with tourists, the city always has a quiet and easygoing feel. A must-see is the shell-shaped square called Il Campo. This is the focal point of the city and the venue for the internationally renowned horse race, The Palio, which takes place on July 2nd and again on August 16th each year. Don't forget to enjoy a gelato while on the Campo!

Chianti's must see sights are the wine villages of Castellina, Radda and Gaiole. Along the road visit the Badia di Coltibuono and/or Castello di Brolio and do not forget to pick up some wine to enjoy at the villa! Drive through the landscape of the Crete to Buonconvento and to the Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore. Many visitors go to the Abbey to visit the great monastic cloisters and to hear the Gregorian chants sung by the monks (Weekdays: 6:15 pm Vespers and conventional Holy Mass. Sundays and Holidays: 11:00 am Solemn Holy Mass and 6:30 pm Vespers and Benedictine Holy Sacraments).

Visit San Gimignano, famous for its skyline, and Volterra, renown for alabaster artifacts. The small fortress cities within easy driving distance of one another, each offer their own special appeal. Colle Val d'Elsa is famous for crystal manufacturing. However, the old town/historical center, Colle Alta, deserves to be seen. Particularly interesting is Palazzo Campana, which looks like a city gate, or a triumphal arch, and dominates the main street of Colle. The Cathedral shows a rich collection of paintings from the XVII century. Spend a full day shopping at the Mall in Montevarchi where many designers have located their outlets – there you'll find Prada, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana and many others.

Recommendations
Restaurants

Siena
Osteria Le Logge Excellent Tuscan cuisine at elegant old-world restaurant. The best tables are on the ground floor, but there is also outdoor seating. Delicious handmade fresh pastas (small portions). Don't miss the desserts! Watch out for the small step down just inside the front door! Closed Sundays. Located just off the Campo on Via del Porrione 33. Reserve a table ( Tel 0577-48013).

Il Mugolone Fine restaurant with contemporary Tuscan cuisine. Gourmet "tasting menu." Open for dinner. Closed Thursdays - Via Pagliaresi 6 (Tel 0577-287-545)

Monte Oliveto Maggiore Abbey
Ristorante La Torre Very nice setting with large outdoor seating. Closed Tuesdays. Make reservations for lunch at the covered terrace when visiting the abbey. (Tel 0577-707-022).

Colle Val d'Elsa
Ristorante Arnolfo Memorable gourmet experience. Considered among the best restaurants in Italy. Located in the enchanting old village of Colle Val d' Elsa. Cost: from $120. Serve lunch and dinner (closed on Tuesday and Wednesday). Reservations are recommended. Via XX Settembre 50, in the center of the upper old town. (Tel 0577-920-549).

Officina della Cucina Popolare This restaurant sits right inside the ancient medieval city walls. Just a two minute walk from the free parking areas nearby the city gate called Porta Nuova. Enjoy true Tuscan food. The menus are seasonal and utilize fresh local ingredients grown by nearby farmers. Via Gracco del Secco 86, 53034 Colle di Val d'Elsa (Tel 0577-921796)