Fattoria Bacio is owned by Patrizia and Alberto Cascini, who also own Palazzo Galletti in Florence. I stumbled upon Palazzo Galletti, in 2005, and then stumbled upon Fattoria Bacio through the Palazzo Galletti website. It is essentially their summer home, with many rentals of different sizes, according to the size of your group. It is about 45 minutes to Florence, if you never make a wrong turn, which is easy once you've done it.

Fattoria Bacio offers essentially weekly rentals, from Saturday to Saturday from April through October. I am guessing that this could be subject to change. My husband and I stayed in "La Casina" for one week in early August, and it was everything we wanted. Fattoria Bacio was for us, an exceptional value, as it is close to so many Tuscan towns for you to visit, and offers many amenities onsite. These include a consecrated chapel, wonderfully clean swimming pool, laundry, billiards, kitchens, and stellar views. Not only did we have incredible views of the hills from our back patio, but you can see the towers of San Gimignano from the swimming pool! There is no air conditioning, but despite the afternoon heat, it was ALWAYS cool in our place, the walls are extremely thick. It cools off quite a bit at night, and the temperature is still cool in the morning. We also slept in the afternoon, or went to the pool to keep cool. Do note that you also can't shower for the entire day. The boiler is quite small, but it was just enough for the two of us to shower, probably more than sufficient if you do not have long hair. This is not a five-star hotel, so if you are expecting that, stay somewhere else. The bed was also not the most comfortable I have ever slept in, but it certainly wasn't the worst either.

The owners land covers approximately 150 hectares! It is essentially a very large farm, and in our little place there were bottles of olive oil, grappa, red and white wine for sale. 10 Euro for each.

At Fattoria Bacio, you are pretty much on your own, there is no concierge or front desk. If you ran into Patrizia or Alberto, they were extremely helpful and gracious, but be prepared to figure things out on your own - that is half of the fun! However, there were also many other travellers around to ask, if you needed. The rentals are cleaned before you arrive, and depending on how much you are there, you will likely need to clean a little bit. The little kitchen was perfect for us, it had everything you need. It came equipped with cups, plates, colanders, cleaning supplies etc. There was also a little couch, and a television.

Fattoria Bacio is close to many restaurants and so many things to do, including the Mugnano Riding Club. However, this is not a place to come without a car. The map on the website is quite clear, but the directions are not, unless you are used to the Italian form of directions (ie. direction Roma, but you never know where you are). It was absolutely gorgeous driving around, but know this - follow the directions they give you - WHEN you see the sign that says "Bacio", TURN (I still don't know what a "shunt" in the road means)...but turn off the road anytime you see the Bacio sign, as there are several onto Via del Pino...it is a bit of a loop. When you have made this turn, you are on "Via del Pino", and go super slow so you can see it. Fattoria Bacio IS Bacio, as far as we could tell. Look closely for the small sign on a gate.

Immediately after you arrive (Saturday), you will likely want to go to the grocery store, which is closed on Sundays. We didn't cook the entire time, but wanted to have a few things around. The "Coop" grocery store in Certaldo closes at 8pm I believe, so arrive early enough, so you can still make it. With everyone in the area arriving at their rentals, and the Sunday closure, it was like a complete raping of the grocery store!!

For restaurant recommendations in Certaldo and Chianti, check out www.divinacucina.com. A must is Dolci Follie, in the main square of Certaldo, a little pastry shop, which is beyond phenomenal. Have a perfect pastry, then take the funicular up to the medieval village of Certaldo Alto. When you come back down...have another one! They are the BEST you will ever, ever have, they come right out of the oven. Certaldo Alto is very much off the crowded "tourist" path, and a very unique little place.