Frequently Asked Questions About Renting A Villa In Tuscany

Did I see you have a lay-away program?

Yes, I have talked a couple owners into providing you and I with a "lay-away" payment opportunity in order to make it affordable on a monthly basis. Confirmation will still require a 500€ PayPal payment, but the balance of the payment will be billed on a monthly basis to be completed 60 days prior to arrival. There is a 80$ process fee for this payment option, which covers wiring and handling fees.
Example:

• Your property costs 3000€.
• It is January and your arrival is September. That's 7 months to the 60 days prior to arrival balance payment requirement.
• The amount to confirm via PayPal is 500€ balance of rental is 2500€.
• You pay 357.14#8364 per month (+ processing fee paid upfront on the first payment) via ACH or check. The math is 2500€ / 7 months = 357.14. I do not take wire payment in this method. If you wish to wire, you will have to pay my wire receiving fee ($20). This is an affordable alternative for you.

Are Prices In Euro?

Yes prices are in euro, and all payments will be in the equivalent based on Euro/Your Currency for the day of payment. Example: the payment is 1000€, the rate for USD on that day is 1.35 $ to 1 €. The amount wired would be 1350 $.

So I Pay In US Dollars?

Yes. See above.

Do We Get The Keys Here or There? When do we get our arrival documents?

The documents are sent to you after the balance is paid and will include directions, payment voucher and various other items to get you going. I do not hold the villa keys here. Instead - and this is standard stuff - you will meet the owner or caretaker on arrival. Usually between 4 - 7 pm the day of your check in. They will have the keys. All is well defined in the arrival docs you receive. 

Have you seen the houses, Rick?

Of the 150 or so houses I have seen about 135, and most of them more than once. More importantly I work very closely with my in-country managers and they view the properties frequently and keep everything problem free for you and I.

Can We Preview The Property?

Our properties are carefully selected and periodically examined throughout the year. In all cases, either someone from our company or an in-country representative regularly reviews the property.

What is the best time of the year to go to Italy?

My favorite time is late April - early June and mid September - mid November. Winter can be cold and rainy, summer can be hot. But of course anytime in Italy is a good time.

How far in advance should I make reservations?

If you are a large party that requires a pool, a year makes sense. At least 9 months. If you are 2 people, a month or two before is often enough advance notice.

What can you expect at the villa when you arrive?

Everything you need to have a relaxing week, two weeks or more. The houses are generally not stocked with food for your arrival (however many do stock for you, and many provide this service at an additional when requested). But in regards to the usual stuff needed to be live - cutlery, pots and pans, dishes, cups and saucers, coffee maker, towels and bed sheets - are furnished. Please note that items like dish detergent, olive oil, toilet paper, shampoo and soap are possibly not provided. Be prepared otherwise. I usually bring a roll of toilet paper in my luggage so at lest I have that if anyone has an emergency.

Do I need a car?

You do. The vast majority of my places are in FABULOUS locations in the countryside. Never far from groceries and restaurants, but requiring a car nonetheless. If you do not want to drive, bring someone that does or take a place in a city. See our do-not-need-a-car page for possible places for you.

Can you rent a car for me?

I'd love to.

Do I need medical insurance coverage for Italy?

Yes, you do. You are not covered by the Italian government. Check your coverage at home, or I can provide you with a policy via CSA. They have medical travel insurance and villa rental cancellation insurance. Ask me for that.