This is our second visit to Podere Le Manzinaie. The first time, our goal was to visit all the hill towns. We were just hoping for the best when we booked our accommodations here. This is one of those times when reality more than exceeds expectations. With our daughter and son-in-law, we spent a week in a darling little house which is part of a larger farm "estate." There are several apartments available in the villa in addition to our house. We had a fabulous time when we were there in 2005 and felt we had found some very good friends in Fiori, Marzia and Alice, the owners of Le Manzinaie. We longed to go back so we booked our little house for another week this year. We tried to control our expectations: we really didn't think it could be as wonderful as the first time. We were definitely wrong. Without the pressure of driving to another town each day, we actually took time to relax by the big, beautiful pool, visit a winery for a tasting and have a cooking lesson. We were amazed to see that the family had made even more improvements, adding more lodging in the form of a three-bedroom house, a large salon and kitchen for the combination cooking lesson/dinner; and air-conditioning in our house. We're ready to go back already!

My family stayed at Le Manzinaie June, 2008 and we had a fantastic time. We stayed in their new villa, Iris and it was everything we hoped it would be. We were meeting 2 other groups of friends for our final week in italy and this turned out to be the best place to do that. We each had our own villa (or apartment) but could share the common areas like the pool, the large outdoor dining area or just stroll the entire property. Those of you considering sharing a villa with friends or families might consider this because we had all the benefits of being together but could "escape" to our own villa for a little privacy as needed. As described by other folks, the family that owns and operates the property are extraordinary. We loved being there with them and they shared so much with us. There were always plenty of drinks by the pool and the mid-week dinner prepared by them is so wonderful and special, it was by far our favorite dinner experience. Also, later in the week, we had a cooking class. Fiore (the husband) made the best pizzas with our kids and we made pasta. Another extraordinary evening followed of great food and great company. The location of the villa is close enough to all of the towns you would want to visit in Southern Tuscany. You can easily rent a car in nearby Chiusi and spend your days visiting all of the towns that Alice has compiled in a nice booklet. They will also take you to a local vineyard for some sampling. We hope to be able to return someday. In the meantime, we have wonderful memories and the knowledge that we have new friends in Italy waiting for us!

Le Manzinaie is a lovely property with hospitable owners who leave no stone unturned in making your stay memorable. We rarely return to a previous vacation location just because there is too much to see in this world. But Le Manzinaie is one location that we will make an effort to return to.

We had a two bedroom villa that was perfect for 4 people. My only qualm in giving up the whirlpool tub in the downstairs bath was more than compensated for by the views from the upstairs bedroom. We could see hill towns in every direction, as well as the gardens of the property itself. Having a kitchen on a rainy day proved to be a benefit, too. We went to one of the weekly town markets in the A.M. and bought the ingredients to make a memorable, luxurious meal for ourselves that afternoon - a meal that could not be recreated at home as we don't have access to the same delicious items.

Alicia has prepared numerous handouts to make driving to the more popular Tuscan and Umbrian tourist destinations a snap. The murals and portraits Marzia has painted in the various buildings are charming additions to the scenery. And Fiore's renovation efforts must be unmatched. Overall, there is much care and love that is obvious in all their efforts.

When you go, be sure to participate in the weekly meal/cooking class. All of the guests participated the week we were there and everyone had a terrific time. The Vino Nobile de Montepulciano tasting they offer at a nearby winery is also worthwhile, even for those who are familiar with the winemaking process and often go wine tasting.

The location is also quite convenient for seeing all of southern Tuscany and western Umbria with no more than an hour's drive. The only negative is in the 25-30 minutes it takes to get to the A1 (which crosses over their road mere minutes away but has no local exit/entrance.) But as long as you're touring the countryside, this is not an issue.

Le Manzinaie should be at the top of any list for places to stay in Tuscany.

This was our second visit to Le Manzinaie and once again were greeted by Alicia, Marzia, and Fiore like family. We stayed in the two story villa -Le Viole and really enjoyed it. The location can't be beat as you are right in the middle of Tuscany and Umbria and day trips are very easy in either direction. Le Manzinaie is on flat ground with a nice parking area and that is very welcoming after a day of hill-towns and difficult parking. The grounds are beautiful with roses, fruit trees, a garden, a pristine pool area, and gorgeous other bushes and trees. One night we ate in the gazebo and Fiore lit the barbecue (wood) and helped the men grill our meat. Whenever you are out, Fiore will offer your choice of drinks which is such a nice gesture. The highlight of the week is the cooking class followed by the dinner. We learned to make tagliatelle, pizza, great appetizers and an apple cake. Everyone participated as much as they wanted and it was lots of fun. The meal is always great with good food and wine and great hosts. Even though we have been in this area twice, I am sure we will return to Le Manzinaie in the future to once again be with Alicia, Marzia, and Fiore. They are an amazing family and run their podere with love, pride, and wonderful hospitality. Everything you read about them is true!!!!!