Tuscany

Villa Gaia
Located near Colle Val D'Elsa, Siena.   Sleeps up to 35 guests.   18 bedrooms and 18+ baths

Villa Gaia is a strikingly beautiful and secluded four-floor villa in the heart of Chianti, only 20 minutes from Siena. It is a luxurious and extremely sophisticated dwelling. The villa, owned for centuries by an Italian aristocratic family, is encircled by spectacular gardens, offering incredible views of the surrounding countryside. Dating back to the year 1400, it was recently restored with extreme care. The villa is 16,000 square feet and the annex is 4,800 square feet.

Bedrooms and Bathrooms
Bedroom Layout for 25 people (13 bedrooms)
1 single room
2 twin rooms
7 queen bedrooms
3 queen suites (2 with Jacuzzi)

Bedroom Layout for 35 people (18 bedrooms):
1 single room
2 twin rooms
9 queen bedrooms
4 queen suites (3 with Jacuzzi)
2 queen bedrooms (Annex)

Outside Features
Multiple outdoor sitting and dining areas. Gardens, patios and recreational facilities are all carefully designed to provide maximum privacy from the house. Tennis court, swimming pool (16 x 8 meters) and whirlpool, sauna, changing room and two bathrooms, plus an outdoor (cold-water) shower and barbecue. Riding and golf facilities nearby.

Amenities
All bedrooms have en suite bathrooms and are elegantly furnished. Each of them features telephone, satellite TV, A/C and safe. The mattresses are new and comfortably firm. Flat-screen satellite TV, DVD, VCR, Ipod docking station and Play Station in the TV room, A/C in the social rooms. Jacuzzis, some with light-therapy massage. Gym.

Special Characteristics
Finest private villa for rent in Tuscany. Breathtaking views. Ideal for large groups. Convenient location between Florence and Siena. Optional services offered at Villa Gaia include guided tours to the most important wine-cellars in Tuscany, golfing, mountain bike tours and orchestral musical entertainment. The villa stocks an excellent selection of Tuscan and Umbrian wines and will purchase specific labels at the client's request.

Villa Rental Rates
Villa Gaia rents from €28,750 - €51,875 per week. Contact us directly for a quote and for information about special offers.

Average Distances by Car
Lucca - 2 hours
Siena - 30  minutes
Florence - 1 hour
Rome - 3 hours

  • Full staff included 6 days per week (pre-determined hours are set). For groups larger than 25 guests, extra staff is required: €10 per hour/per staff member
  • Electricity included for up to 150 kW (extra charged on usage)
  • Welcome dinner included
  • Gas for central heating not included
  • Change of bed and bath linens twice per week included
  • Additional maid service: €10 per hour / per maid
  • Continental breakfast buffet on request: €10 per person
  • Elegant 5-course dinner: €40 per person (excludes beverages)
  • Lunch arrangements can be made locally at extra cost
  • Grocery shopping service €50
  • Telephone charged to individual rooms
  • Personal laundry or dry cleaning extra
  • Internet included
  • Limited use of the kitchen appliances
  • Food allowance: €5,000 per week required in cash upon arrival (cleaning agents, food, beverages)
  • Security deposit: €5,000 to be held with agency

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)

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