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| Why rent a villa
or apartment? Whether enjoying a classic Tuscan villa, or an apartment in a village or larger town, those who rent from Italian Sojourns typically yearn for a deeper cultural experience, and a more measured approach to visiting another land. Independent-minded and willing learners, our clients are not afraid to enjoy the intense sights, sounds and tastes of the Italians' Italy. It is often chaotic, frustrating, intimidating, when it is not tranquil, spiritually uplifting, picturesque, but guaranteed never to be dull or artificial. Our clients are also practical-minded enough to recognize a good value for their vacation dollars: daily rates for a nice villa or apartment can be equal to or even lower than quality hotels, with the added bonus of stunning countryside everywhere, freedom from hovering hotel staff, and the maximum freedom to select from a never-ending daily smorgasbord of once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Families are especially drawn to our country estates where kids can be kids and enjoy outdoors activities, pool, and a clean and family-safe environment. [back to index] What kinds of properties are available to rent in Italy? Italian Sojourns, Inc. offers several distinctly different types of properties, including: Country estates, which may be independent villas, or larger farm estates with a number of independent cottages or apartments. These are principally in rural Tuscany and Umbria, with a scattering in the other regions, and on the islands of Sardinia, Elba and Sicily. Especially in Central Italy many of these properties have been restored emphasizing rough-cut stone work outside, with original wood beam construction inside. They are often perched on vine- or olive-covered hillsides for optimal views extending over the surrounding countryside. A second category are vacation apartments (and a few villas) located in or near the principal resort areas of coastal Italy such as the Italian Riviera, Viareggio, the Amalfi coast; islands such as Sardinia, Elba, and Ischia and Capri in the bay of Naples; the Lakes region of Northern Italy; the coastal regions of Sicily. These are sometimes classic rough-cut stone constructions, but often tend to be modern stucco structures. Finally, we offer Bed & Breakfast style country hotels or residences located throughout Italy. A continental style breakfast is generally included in the price. [back to index] What is the minimum rental period? How flexible are rental dates? For villas and apartments the standard rental contract is from Saturday to Saturday. These dates are flexible only when there will be no other party renting your property during the week either previous to or following your rental period. Since this is not likely during high season, and since this can't be determined until the last minute, modifying the Saturday to Saturday rental period is not viable. The rental period for country hotels is generally a 1 or 2 day minimum. Discounts are sometimes offered for longer stays. Is it expensive to rent a villa or apartment in Italy? Renting can be quite reasonable when compared to the prices of hotels in most of the major cities of Italy. One can find a modest 1 bedroom apartment off-season starting at about $500-$1000 per week. Villas or country houses of quality in a beautiful region can be rented for under $3000. Some determining price factors are: season (high, middle, low); size (number of bedrooms, bathrooms, etc.), location (Chianti area of Tuscany can be expensive); amenities (do all rooms have en suite bathrooms?); availability of pool or other sporting facilities. Renting a property without pool off-season in a less popular area reduces prices significantly. [back to index] How much in advance should we begin planning our rental holiday? We advise that you begin planning several months prior to your rental vacation. Even 6 months before your trip is not too early. Remember, you are competing for a limited number of properties with clients from around the world while Europeans typically rent the same properties year after year and have a month of vacation time. The process of identifying and booking a property takes around two weeks. Do we need a car to stay in a villa or apartment? A vehicle is almost mandatory for the country properties though we do have a few options in the larger cities and small towns with access to excellent public transportation. Is parking available? Parking is not be a problem on country properties. In cities or small towns, one must always ask specifically about parking either on the property's grounds, or in nearby garages. Are children welcome? The country properties welcome especially children who will find plenty of space to play in generally very safe, clean and peaceful outdoors areas. Some properties feature sporting activities the older children can enjoy such as horseback riding, tennis, hiking, bicycling, archery. A pool is almost always available in season. Are guests with disabilities welcome? We have a number of properties which are equipped which have wheel chair ramps and handrails in bathrooms. These are clearly marked in our catalogs. [back to index] Are pets allowed? A few properties do admit pets though they would generally need to be kept on leashes in public areas. What services and amenities ARE included? Unless extra charges are specifically mentioned in the catalogs, all properties are fully furnished, have clean, fully functioning bathrooms with towels, and have complete sets of bed-linens. Towels and linens are changed on a weekly basis. Generally there is no extra charge for this. Unless extra charges are specifically mentioned in the catalogs, utilities such as water, electricity and gas are always included. A few of the more expensive properties will have televisions, washing machines (no dryers in Italy, sorry), dishwashers and other electric appliances. Guests are welcome to use these. On a large estate where guests share facilities (pool and tennis courts, etc.) or other common outdoor areas with the owners or other guests, certain restrictions may apply. Always read the catalogs and other printed materials about properties carefully for any specific exemptions and surcharges. [back to index] What services and amenities are NOT included? Heating will generally NOT be included in the rental fees; charges for firewood will also be based on consumption. Likewise any charges accrued for outgoing telephone calls will be extra. Fees will also apply to bicycle rentals and horseback riding. There are generally extra charges for extra beds while cribs may or may not be extra. A modest final cleaning charge will generally apply at the end of your stay. Parking in private garages will be extra. Always read the catalogs and other printed materials about properties carefully for any specific exemptions and surcharges. [back to index] How do the properties compare with the typical American home? Many properties compare favorably with American homes in terms of comfort and convenience. And, of course, there is a strong correlation to price and quality of a property. Especially in the countryside, water pressure and electrical power may be less than in the US. Electricity is much more expensive in Italy than in the US, with government regulations limiting the amount of power in homes. Lights in particular are lower wattage than in the US, and you will notice fewer and dimmer lamps. Most other appliances have energy efficient designs. In the colder months, because heating fuels are so expensive, government regulations in some areas limit the number of hours per day when heat may be used. Also, older houses will not have efficient central heating and this, together with the typical all-stone or brick construction of Italian buildings will mean that you will need to dress more warmly inside than in the US. Bathrooms are generally very modern but your daily shower may take different forms than you are accustomed to. While many bathrooms have American style showers, a dismaying number of properties still do not provide splash-guards and water ends up in the farthest reaches of the room requiring mop and bucket work. Others still make use of the traditional Italian hand-held shower which one uses while seated (or standing) in a "bathtub". The bathtub itself may appear in a variety of sizes, from petite to grand. Kitchens may or may not be equipped with an oven so one must read the literature carefully. Properties with descriptions using the word "kitchen" usually have an oven. Descriptions using phrases such as "kitchen corner" are for kitchens not likely to have an oven. Furnishings and appointments can range from the simple and functional to the luxurious. Bedrooms advertised with double beds are typically 2 single beds placed side-by-side. [back to index] Can you describe the rental process? In the first part of the process Italian Sojourns consults closely with the client to refine criteria about dates, location, number of members in party, personal preferences, and other preferences to compile a list of preferred and alternate properties (a list of several alternative choices is advisable). Italian Sojourns provides the client with catalogs (additional charge) and photographs to help him or her get a feel for what is recommended. Next, when this initial list is complete Italian Sojourns checks the properties' availability. It is extremely important that our clients begin the rental search process as early as possible to ensure that the first or second choices are still available. Generally Italian Sojourns can reply to the client within a day or so. In the final stage of the process, when we know that a client's choice is available the client has two possibilities: 1) book immediately with a 30% deposit; or 2) place a 3 day reservation on the property, during which no one else can book the property and the client need not pay anything. After 3 days the client must book or cancel the reservation on the property. Sometimes multiple reservations can be obtained. After booking, the balance of payment is due 45 days prior to the rental period. [back to index] Can we receive information about, and photographs of the properties? We currently offer 3 catalogs: a 300+ page color catalog each from the Interhome-Solemar and Cuendet companies with good pictures and descriptions, and a truly exceptional 300+ page art quality catalog from the Parker Co. We are happy to send you these for $5.00/catalog to cover postage (refundable if you rent from us). We also work with a number of other suppliers for whose properties we do not have catalogs to share. We try to keep samples of these on our Web site at www.italiansojourns.com. What other services does Italian Sojourns, Inc. provide? In addition to receiving our expert advice about renting a property in Italy, clients of Italian Sojourns receive a helpful rental package with information about delightful local sights and cities, outdoors activities, unforgettable local pageants or festivals, quality restaurants, relaxing thermal spas, noteworthy wineries, and any locally produced quality handicrafts. In addition to our villa and apartment rental services, Italian Sojourns, Inc. also offers a number of delightful day trips by the Parker Company's ActiviDayz Tours. [back to index] Who are the people behind Italian Sojourns, Inc.? The operators of Italian Sojourns are Patric Earle and Sandra Bordin. Patric is a 20+ year Italophile and Italian language teacher who loves helping people discover Italy as he has. His partner is Sandra, a native of the beautiful Veneto region of Northern Italy, and also devoted to helping people learn about her country. Together they have lead a successful Italian language study tour group to Tuscany. Both are happy to work with you to expertly plan the details of your next trip to Italy. Addresses: Italian Sojourns 1809 N. 107th, 3-304 Seattle, Wa. 98133 Tel.: (206)363-4449 Email: patricearle@blarg.net Web page: www.italiansojourns.com [back to index] __ Where do you prefer to stay: in the country, in a city such as Siena or Florence, or even in a smaller village? __ Will you have a car? (most country properties will not have access to public transportation) __ If you do have a vehicle will you use it for touring, or do you plan to stay close-by the rental? (if you are touring much of the time you will want to find a property near main arterials, rather than in the heart of Chianti where roads are windy, narrow, unlighted, and tiring) __ In what season are you traveling and how long do you intend to stay? __ What day will you arrive in Italy? (remember, rentals are Saturday to Saturday; if you are arriving earlier you may need to arrange for a hotel at the beginning or end of your stay) __ Do you require a pool? (adds to price and more important in July/August) __ Do you require maximum privacy, or can you share a property and facilities such as the pool with others? __ Do any members of your party have problems climbing stairs? __ Do you expect daily maid service and a cook? (maid service is generally weekly; only a few properties specifically offer daily service, or service with cook, so please ask - this can usually usually be arranged under a separate agreement) [back to index] |
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