Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(
www.volterragusto.com
)
Events in mid-March, late October and early November showcase
local produce, including cheese, white truffles, olive oil and chocolate.
Sleeping
Podere San Lorenzo
( 0588 3 90 80;
www.agriturismo-volterra.it
; Via Allori 80; B&B d €100, 2-/3-/4-bed apt without break-
fast €100-130; )
This model of slow tourism is located on an olive farm 3.4km outside
Volterra. The two rooms and five self-catering apartments (two with private terraces) are
relatively basic, but the surrounds are bucolic, there's an alluring mountain spring-fed
biological swimming pool and gourmet dinners (per person €30 including wine) are
served in a decommissioned 12th-century Franciscan chapel.
Walking, biking and hands-on, seasonal olive-oil production (October to November)
opportunities are available, as are cooking classes given by chef Mariana (per person
€100). Arriving on the SS68 from Siena, Florence and San Gimignano, you'll pass a
sculpture of the red circle at the entrance to town and should then turn right into the nar-
row lane after the car saleyard.
AGRITURISMO
€
La Primavera
( 0588 8 72 95;
www.affittacamere-laprimavera.com
; Via Porta Diana 15; s/d/tr €50/75/100; mid-
Mar-mid-Nov; )
Silvia Pineschi's simply splendid home-style B&B is located just out-
side the walls, a five-minute walk from Piazza dei Priori. It offers four good-sized rooms
with soothing pastel colour schemes, a communal lounge and a pretty garden. The free
on-site parking is a huge asset. No credit cards.
B&B
€
Molina d'Era
( 0588 3 32 20;
www.molinodera.com
; SR439; s €5 4-79, d €64-89; closed Jan, Feb and Sun-Thu
Mar; )
Here's a life lesson: don't be fooled by appearances. When we arrived at this
modern building 6.4km north of Volterra we were underwhelmed. Frankly, the place is
ugly. But then we stayed the night. Rooms are simple but comfortable, staff are helpful,
the restaurant serves hearty home-style Tuscan cooking and the breakfast is great (includ-
ing excellent coffee). Love it.
HOTEL
€
Chiosco delle Monache
HOSTEL
€
