My husband and I love to cook, so we knew we defininitely wanted to do a cooking class while in Tuscany. I literally spent hours searching different classes, and chose the class at Casanova di Pescille, because it was the only one I could find by a professional chef in a small group setting (no more than 4 people per class!) We were the only ones in this class, and we literally made all parts of the meal ourselves, including handmade pasta. Plus, the recipes were simple and elegant and easy to re-make at home (which we already have!) I would definitely go back again. Savario and his family are friendly and welcoming - we could not have asked for more.

Buono! Buono! What a wonderful experience we had cooking with Saverio on our trip to Tuscany. He was fun, patient, and allowed us to actively participate once he had shown us the process. The end result was to die for!! We framed our graduation certificates. We highly recommend his cooking school on your next trip to San Gimignano. Judy and Cheryl

Just a couple of kilometers away from the city, sits this real little gem of a converted farmhouse. Only 11 rooms or so, family-owned and family-run, on a farm with locally grown wines, honey and oil etc. Good sized pool, excellent dinners, WiFi, good sized bedrooms rooms, clean and friendly. Make sure you don't miss the photos of the farmhouse in the 'reception' area. It not only shows that the owner's father (Roberto) was the mayor of San Gimignano for a number of years, but shows Casanova di Pescille before it was restored - it was pretty derelict and lopsided. It's unbelievable what Roberto and his father did to restore the place. Be sure to like pets, as there's an excitable dog (Hectore) and a few well-behaved cats. Child-friendly, although they don't specifically cater for children (althogh they do have a high chair) and accepted other pets too.

Tip: book early! We booked 6 months in advance (for a long stay - 10 nights) and they were already nearly full.

Tip: Do visit a small historic town close by to San Gimignano called Certaldo. Follow the signs for the old town high up on the hill. Nice if you don't fancy driving very far one day.

Tip: take insect repellent

Restaurants: for a cheap & cheerful, go to a couple of restaurants outside of the city walls. Be sure that if you're going there on a Friday or Saturday night, to book in advance, or to go there after 9pm, as the locals hit San Gimignano on these nights.

We have stayed here at least half a dozen times over the past 10 years and keep going back . Could not be better . Now all the better for having a great restaurant on site .Roberto is a wonderful host .The location is terrific . Would not hesitate to recommend this spot to anyone visiting San Gimignano or Italy . San Gimignano is an ideal base for touring Tuscany . Lovely authentic rooms. Lovely pool . You do need a car to stay here but you need one to tour the good spots anyway. Beautiful views of San Gimignano from the lovely terrace where you sample Roberto's wine . No need to stay anywhere else.Restaurant is worth it own review. v good !!