What is Agriturismo?
In Italy, one rural accommodation option is agriturismo, which is often translated into English as "farm holidays." Agriturismo as a term applies mostly to farmhouse and farm-attached accommodation, although in parts of Italy (mostly in the northern regions of Trentino and Alto Adige/Süd Tirol) agriturismo facilities are located in villages.
Why Agriturismo?
A vacation on a farm in Italy will bring you into contact with Italy beyond the well-trod urban circuit. It will allow you to witness rural Italy and its slower rhythms of life. You will have an opportunity to sample local products and observe agricultural practices. Very often, you will also stay in traditional buildings.
Agriturismo is low-impact, green tourism. Accommodations tend to be considerably more affordable than hotels, and many have amenities like swimming pools and tennis courts.
Exploring Agriturismo
Agriturist publishes an annual guide to selected properties in French, English, and German. Call Agriturist in Rome at 06-6852337 or email for more information. Alternately, you can check out Agriturist's official (Italian-language) Web site.
Commercial sites with good farm holiday listings include agriturismo.net (especially good for listings in Tuscany), agriturismo.com, and agriturismo.it.
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