We have stayed at Varramista twice and have just booked our third stay for this summer. One year we rented a house through Tuscany Now and we were so disappointed that we left after two nights (having already paid for a week) and went right back to Varramista.

The manager is easy to work with and very nice. We have stayed in two different apartments and both were exceptionally clean and well maintained. Kitchens are small in all of Europe so we weren't surprised by this at all. In fact, the manager arranged for us to have cooking classes in our apartment and we had a delightful experience.

We traveled with three teenagers and two younger children and all of us enjoyed it. It is difficult to travel with such a large group and renting an apartment at Varramista was much more affordable than booking three rooms in any hotel. The pool is lovely and the sunflower fields and vineyards on the grounds are perfect for exploring on foot.

The location of Varramista is ideal for exploring Tuscany by car or rail. You are 3 1/2 hours from Venice and Rome and only 45 minutes from Florence. We especially enjoyed our day trips to the hilltop wine towns such as Montalnico and Montepulciano. Siena is also a close favorite.

Varramista is the ideal base for families exploring Tuscany.