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This is our most Frequently Asked Questions section. Please take time to read the questions below.
Should there be a question unanswered, please feel free to email us using the contact form.



What are the nearest airports?
Most properties are best served by Pisa airport, but many guests fly in from Florence; Genoa (which tends to be much cheaper than Pisa); Bologna and even Milan.
Airlines serving Pisa are:
RyanAir.com - from London, Stansted; Liverpool; Glasgow; Dublin
EasyJet.com - from Bristol, Luton and Gatwick
ThomsonFly.com - from Bournemouth, Coventry, Doncaster
Jet2.com - from Manchester, Edinburgh and Newcastle

British Airways - Gatwick

Train travel
Train travel in the area is cheap and reliable but trains are not enormously frequent and tend to be geared to commuters rather than tourists, so days out by train need to be well planned.

The train line running through Garfagnana is the Pisa-Aulla line, meaning it is possible to explore Pisa and Lucca using direct trains. Florence involves a change at Lucca and to explore the cinque terra, there is a change at Aulla.

To plan ahead, check trains on www.trenitalia.it

Do ask for any help!



Can we take a taxi from the airport?
We can arrange for taxis to meet you at the airport - do contact us for details of cost and availability.

What are entrance/exit days for properties?
In July and August, most properties with pools, have a Saturday changeover day, although some can also accommodate a Friday or Sunday (do ask!).If you hire a property without a pool, we can usually be much more flexible.

Outside of July and August we do aim to be as flexible as possible, subject of course to availability, and fitting in with dates of existing bookings.....

Is there provision for long/short/part week stays?
In July and August, there is a minimum stay of one week, except for City break properties where we can usually accommodate a 3 night stay.
Outside of July and August, short breaks of 3 nights or more are available at most properties - please contact direct for rates.
Please also contact us direct re possibility of discounts for long stays.

What is included in price?
Properties in Northern Tuscany
Included:
All linen - changed weekly. Additional linen change can be arranged at extra cost.
Towels for house - changed weekly. Additional towel change can be arranged at extra cost. Pool towels are not generally included unless specifically detailed in description. Initial, and final clean - on basis property is left in a reasonable state.
Cleaning Initial, and final clean - on basis property is left in a reasonable state. Weekly clean is included for a stay of two weeks or more. Additional cleaning can be included at additional cost.
Utilities All utilities are included within price with the exception of heating which is payable locally. In some properties, heating is included and if so this will be detailed in the description.
Properties in Central and Southern Tuscany
Unless otherwise indicated in the description of the chosen accommodation, all of the houses are equipped with bed, bath and kitchen linen with weekly change. The bath towels cannot be brought outside. We advise that you bring your own towels for the swimming pool or beach because they are rarely provided.

Is car hire necessary, and whom do you recommend?
Car hire is a necessity for most properties, and recommended for all.
We do have some properties where a car is not necessary - do ask for more details if you do not wish to bring a car.



Where can we go for swimming if we hire a house without a pool?
There are outdoor pools in town of Castelnuovo, the village of Piazza al Serchio, Barga, and also Gallicano. Most of the public pools are open from min June to early September, but if this is a requirement for your holiday, then do check with us.
Swimming can be a delight in the river at certain points in the valley.

What about fishing?
Fishing permits are E30 per year and can be obtained at the Post Office with ID. Some owners may assist with arranging for you before arrival - do ask. Trout; perch; carp; barbell; trench and other fresh-water fish are the most common to catch.

There are also some stocked lakes where fishing permits are not required.

For most properties you will need to bring your own equipment, but again do ask.

Proximity to beaches?
The Versilia coast is the one to visit in this region and is accessible via motorway from Lucca, or over the mountains.
Property descriptions should detail drive time to beach.
The Cinque Terre is accessible by train from most of the region, but it is a long day out!

What about the language and currency?
English is not widely spoken, so you will need your phrase book!
The currency in use is the Euro.
Most larger villages will have a cash machine and there will be a choice in all towns.
Credit cards are accepted in most town restaurants and shops, but it is advisable to carry cash too, expecially for smaller shops and more local and rustic style restaurants

How do I book a property?
Simply complete the Contact Us enquiry form with your request, and we will respond with a booking form and terms and conditions.

For Northern Tuscany properties we take a 15% deposit, with the remainder due 8 weeks prior to departure.

For Central and Southern Tuscany properties we take a 25% deposit, with the remainder due 9 weeks prior to departure

How do I pay for my deposit, or balance due?
Payment for Northern Tuscany properties
Payment is in sterling or in euros (whichever is your preference), with payment via bank transfer to a UK Bank account. Details will be sent with your booking form.
Payment by credit card is also acceptable but this is via the Paypal system and attracts a surcharge of 3.7% to cover the costs of the transaction.

Payment for Central and Southern Tuscany properties
Payment for these properties is in euros only, again via bank transfer to a bank account in the UK. All bank charges must be met by the guest and the rental funds should arrive without deduction.
Payment by credit card is also acceptable but this is via the Paypal system and attracts a surcharge of 3.7% to cover the costs of the transaction.

What are entrance and exit times for properties?
Properties in Northern Tuscany:
Entrance time is any time from 4pm onwards, but do let us know in advance re late arrivals to ensure we can accommodate.
Exit time is prior to 10 am on day of departure.

Properties in Central/Southern Tuscany:
Unless otherwise indicated in the accommodation description, the arrival and departure times are as follows:
Arrivals: Saturday between 5.00 and 8.00 p.m.
Departures: Saturday between 8.00 and 10 a.m.
Any late arrivals or departures that have not been agreed upon beforehand, with the owner or his/her representative, whose number can be found on the rental voucher, must be notified immediately.

When are pools open?
Properties in Northern Tuscany
Swimming pools are open from the 1st May to the 30th September, but for most properties can be opened earlier/closed later on request, and subject to the weather.
Properties in Central and Southern Tuscany
Unless otherwise indicated, pools are open from 15th May to 30th September

Do I need Holiday Insurance?
It is strongly recommended that you obtain holiday insurance immediately upon booking your holiday.
This will mean that if you are unable to travel for an insured reason, then your deposit and balance will be reimbursed to you by your insurance company.
This is important since deposit payments are non refundable, and the final balance is non refundable after 8 weeks prior to arrival.
Some holiday insurance policies will also cover you for items lost or damaged on holiday, or if you have an accident or cause accidental damage to an item in your holiday property and you have to reimburse the owner.



What will I be charged if my holiday covers two price bands
Prices are charged in blocks of one week. If one week falls in April for example and one in May, then each week will be charged separately - one week at April price and one at May price.

If one week spans two price bands, then the price applies for the band where most of the stay falls.
For example a booking from 30th August to 6th September will be charged at September prices since 5 nights fall within September and only 2 fall in August.A booking from 28th June to 5th July will be charged at July prices since 4 nights fall in July and only 3 in June