The Unique Experience of an Agritourismo in Tuscany Italy

An agritourismo - in Tuscany called agriturismo - is similar to a small hotel which grows its own vegetables. It is sometimes described as a bed and breakfast, but for me the term 'bed and breakfast' evokes staying in a home wherein the hosts serve breakfast.

Hotel Prategiano, also known as Rifugio (refuge) Prategiano, has a lot of the caracteristics of an agritourismo, but it is a 24-room hotel in Tuscany that is far different than a hotel, in which you are an anonymous guest, but nor is it a place in which you feel as if you are a guest in a person's home. This hotel combines the best of both worlds: a place in which you have the privacy of a hotel and the personality and friendliness of a bed and breakfast. 

You are known by name as soon as you arrive. The hotel is owned and operated by a family and you are treated as an honored guest with specific needs. You are given the option of including meals and activities, and the advantage of this is huge. When dining for breakfast or dinner in the beautiful, spacious dining rooms, which have spectacular views of the mountains and valley below, you are treated to authentic Italian food, as if you were in an Italian home with the professionalism of a restaurant. During meals it is natural to meet other guests from all over the word. 

Even more so, if you choose to go horseback riding, to a thermal bath, sightseeing, bike riding, quading, hiking, or any one of the activities available to you, you begin to form bonds with other guests. No matter what language you speak, there is always common ground to enjoy with other fun-seeking travelers. I always leave a stay at Prategiano feeling refreshed, invigorated, and part of a world of camaraderie and fun.