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Description:
The name “Chianti” has been differently explained by a great variety of scientists. Some prefer a word derived from a sound, meaning that the word “Chianti” sounded like notes blown on an old, Roman trumpet at the beginning of a hunt. Others say this is ridiculous, and base the name on the word “Clante”, which seemed to belong to several Etruscan families living in these surroundings around the 7th and 8th century before Christ, and to whom the introduction of the vine plants and the cultivation thereof should be attributed. Do you care? It is, of course, interesting to know but it is of much more importance that you enjoy your stay in the Chianti region during a much-deserved holiday whilst, perhaps, trying to taste all the wines this region has to offer. In this case especially, it does not matter where the name comes from because Shakespeare already wrote that “a rose with any other name smells just as sweet…”
Greve in Chianti is the capital in the Gallo Nero region, the home-base of the most important Chianti wine-fair which is yearly held in the month of September. Greve has been called after the nearby river and was very much enlarged in the 14th and 15th centuries. After the unification of Italy, Greve became the most important centre of the region. Nowadays, you will find lots of shops selling wine, with some of the best around the Piazza Matteotti. The statute in the middle of this square is of Giovanni di Verrazanno, the man of which, by all means the Italians but also some persons of other nationalities, is said he was the one to discover the natural harbour of New York.
At some kilometres distance of Greve in Chianti and Figline Valdarno you will find the “Case Cipressi”; to be more precise, they are situated almost in the middle between these two towns. The complex forms part of a group of dwelling of 8; 4 of them belong to Le Case Cipressi. The houses are situated in a hamlet called Dudda, which belongs to Greve in Chianti, but Dudda itself is so small that one can describe it as “a church, a shop and some dwellings only”.
There is a secondary road along the complex, meaning you might hear the traffic, as far as that goes. But we stayed here and did not sleep any the less soundly. Yet, there is no accounting for taste, hearing and feelings, so we feel obligated to mention this fact. On the other hand, the road to this accommodation is paved and when you know a bit about Italy you will appreciate that, just because there is no “stada bianca” torturing the belly of your car. You will be pleased of this fact in case you forgot some shopping…. This paved road leads directly, on the one side, to Figline Valdarno, and on the other side to Greve in Chianti. For your most needed shopping you only have to cross the street to the “alimentary”, the grocery store. And perhaps we should not say, most needed only, because they also sell delicious “primi” (first courses) and pasta dishes. How do we know this? Well, we went there ourselves and tasted what they had to offer. All wares were delicious and fresh, and they did not know we would be coming, so we got no special treatment. And we ask you: where do you find half a litre of very acceptable (even “good”) wine for only € 2,70?
The houses, too, offer very good quality for their money. Spacious, and you can park your car on your own drive-way. You have a private front-garden and a very large back-garden, where a bit further you find the communal, large swimming pool with garden furniture and a gazebo.
More than sufficient space around the pool. All houses lovingly and tastefully furnished, absolutely clean, and the kitchens with all modern comforts. The bedrooms are spacious, too. In the living room there is satellite TV. You will be welcomed with a bottle of wine. On arrival you could, therefore, plonk down on the comfortable couch, open the wine bottle and toast to yourselves and a lovely holiday.
Lay-out of the houses (130 m², 6 + 3 pers.):
Ground floor: Spacious living/dining room with comfortable couch (sofa-bed), two easy chairs and dining area, French windows to front- and back garden, kitchen with gas stove and 4 cooking elements, microwave, oven, fridge/freezer, dish washer, bathroom with basin, bidet, toilet and shower and bedroom with bunk bed (extra bed can be placed).
First floor: Balcony, bathroom with basin, toilet, bidet and shower, washing machine, double bedroom and bedroom with 2 beds.
Facilities:
Reception, own parking next to the houses (large enough for 2 cars), front- and back garden, garden furniture and umbrella, swimming pool with Jacuzzi (common use) with garden furniture and outside shower, washing machine, kitchen with dish washer, gas stove with 4 cooking elements, oven, fridge/freezer, microwave, satellite TV, rental of mountain-bikes (€ 6,00 per day), free wine tasting in Querceto Castle.
Possibilities for sports/excursions:
Tennis court at about 8 km, and golf course at about 15 km. distance. The hamlet of Dudda is at about 13 km. from the Autostrada, so in case you plan outings you are quickly on your way. Many interesting cities in the neighbourhood, such as Florence, Siena, San Gimignano, Lucca, Pisa and even a day on the beach should not be too much to travel. On booking we will send you lots of information about the region.
Distances: ( in approx. km)
Greve in Chianti 9, Figline Valdarno 9, Arezzo 50, Siena 55, Lucca 120, Pisa 150.
|
Name |
Number of persons |
Low season |
Mid season |
High season |
|
|
|
17/4 - 26/6
28/8 - 25/9 |
3/4 - 17/4
18/12 - 9/1 |
26/6 - 28/8 |
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Price per week |
6 + 3 |
1200 |
1300 |
1470 |
The prices given are in Euro's
Prices for other periods than mentioned above, please inquire Particulars:
Rental prices are per week, from Saturday till Saturday. During the low season, other periods might be possible
Included in the rental price: Usage of gas, water, electricity, heating (very exceptional, this!) and bed-, bath- and kitchen linens on a basis of a weekly change. Usage of baby bed (sheets available) and high chair.
Not included in the rental price: Final cleaning of € 50,00
Deposit: Upon arrival, a deposit of € 200,00 is applicable
The swimming pool (14 x 7 m, depth 1,40 m) is open from the 1st of May till October 15h, depending on the weather conditions.
Check-in on the day of arrival between 16.00 – 20.00 hrs. Check-out on the day of departure before 10.00 hrs.
Small pets are allowed, provided permission has been asked for and granted by Elisabeth Travel at booking. Extra costs: € 50,00 per week.
Although one tries, English is hardly spoken. In case of difficulties, you are, of course, always welcome to contact Elisabeth Travel.
A car is necessary.
Public transport: Railway station in Figline Valdarno. Tip: As the city of Florence is very car-unfriendly and, moreover, the few parking facilities are expensive, you might be wise to leave your car at the railway station and take the train (30 minutes). The Italian Railways are very efficient (yes, really!) and relieve you of a lot of stress. The same applies to other cities you might want to visit |
