Common questions you may have

Why rent a villa?

Anyone who has already rented a villa in Italy will know it is certainly a more enjoyable way to experience Italy and its people. You will have more flexibility; it’s more economical especially if it’s two or three couples traveling together. It’s perfect for a family reunion or celebration; you have a home of your own and a base from which to explore. If you also rent a car (usually essential), you are “the boss”. You can stop for a picnic in a field and gaze at the sunflowers in their golden profusion and the stately row of cypresses leading to the villa on the top of the hill. You can shop at the local market and try out some recipes with the real ingredients; you can sit as long as you like at a small café and watch the Italians go by. You pack and unpack only twice!!

Before you take this big step, there are some aspects of renting and certain urban myths regarding life in a villa under the Italian sun which are useful to know. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions.

Will we be able to walk to a village for our coffee in the morning, restaurants in the evening and go shopping at the local market?

This is usually improbable and mostly impossible because country houses are just that – houses in the country. The beautiful stone houses and villas which are so desirable and now restored to the highest degree of charm, were originally farmhouses, thus in farmlands, meaning the countryside. Sometimes you will find villas on the edge of a small village or hamlet but these, too, were built for privacy and enjoyment of country life as an escape from city life. If you are really hankering after that short stroll for your morning cappuccino, we do have a few properties which are either in town or just outside a small village or town. Of course in places such as Positano, Capri, Amalfi or in the Lakes district, most properties are close to a small town or village.

Why a minimum one-week rental?

We have a few city apartments which rent on a minimum basis of 3 or 4 days, but country villas and farmhouses rent on a minimum of one week, usually commencing on Saturday. You can stay 5 days but you will have to pay the weekly rate. There are many operators who do B&B and 2 night rentals. Not us. We want you to slow down and relax in one spot for a while. Otherwise you join a bus tour.

Will the swimming pool be heated?

It is rare to find a heated swimming pool in Italy. I know of just a few and I must have visited and inspected several hundred properties in Italy. Mostly this is due to the high cost of energy in Italy. Thus, do not ask for or expect a heated pool. And don’t expect it to be always suitable for “laps”. The Italians use the pool to cool off, or as an adjunct to their sun tanning mania, not necessarily for exercise. Pools are generally open between mid-May (temperature permitting) and the end of September.

Will there be air-conditioning?

Sometimes, not always, there is air-conditioning in the bedrooms, but do not expect central air-conditioning, almost impossible to find. Once again this is due to the very expensive cost of electricity in Italy. When you do find air-conditioning it will be an extra… so turn it off when you’re out! The thick stone walls of the country homes maintain a fairly constant temperature keeping the house warm in winter and cool in summer, especially if you have the good sense to close the windows and shutters to keep out the hot or cold air. The Italians have found that keeping the house closed and shuttered during the heat of the day, and opening up to the cool evening breezes is a good way of managing the temperature. The local park or square, or the garden of your home in the country is a great place for cooling off and enjoying a breath of fresh air and refreshing gelato in the late evening hours.

Are there screens on the windows?

In the majority of houses there are no screens on the windows. The situation is gradually changing, but the biggest problem is that windows in these often very ancient buildings are never the same standard size. Consequently the installation of screens becomes a major expense for owners. I lived in Italy for 26 years and never felt the necessity for screens. In summer we kept windows and shutters closed (still highly recommended) mainly to keep out the heat, but this also kept the insects at bay. However, I am delighted to say that in a few of our properties there are screens on the windows and if that is a must, please ask me.

What about bugs?

Countryside Activities and Sounds Call them noises if you like, but you are going to have to expect country-type sounds in the country. This might mean a tractor in that coveted vineyard you wanted surrounding your villa, at an hour earlier than you would like. Roosters crowing, dogs barking, farm hands, cars, the abominable omni-present “vespa”… all contribute to country sound effects. If you are worried about finding a spider in the bedroom, ask yourself if this is the right vacation for you.

And Country Inhabitants

No home in the countryside would be complete without the odd spider, moth, lizard. mouse or other creepy crawly. This has nothing to do with lack of cleanliness. Italians are fanatically clean and I would be shocked to hear anyone complain about a dirty house. It may show signs of age, but rest assured, our properties are clean!

Country and City sounds?

The first Mass of the day is usually 6.00 a.m., so perhaps the bell at a nearby church will be urging the faithful to prayer not long after you got home from that great night club. The street sweepers, cleaners and garbage collectors are all on the job in the early hours of the morning. Thus, in cities such as Rome, Venice and Florence, even if the streets are closed to traffic, you may be subject to this disturbance of the peace. Don’t forget the Vespas, motorini and other noisy motorized forms of urban transport which plague the cities. I try to select city apartments in quiet locations, or at least with the bedrooms away from the street. In Venice, the Grand Canal is Main Street, so an apartment on a canal can also mean noise. The narrow streets (calli) mean that an animated conversation on the street below will be transmitted to your apartment as if by loud speaker. Do you really want to be near St. Mark’s Square or Rialto? Perhaps a residential area is preferable?

What about Beds and Bedrooms?

We usually try to describe bedrooms as “queen size” (or matrimonial) “twin” and “single”. This creates confusion in the minds of most, so let’s clarify the size of beds. What is sometimes described as a “double” bedroom contains a large bed which the Italians call the matrimonial bed, a size somewhere between the queensize and kingsize. We often call this bedroom a queen size bedroom. Sometimes these bedrooms are flexible and can be used either as queen size with two single beds put together and made up with a filler in the middle. This works very well, no chance of falling through the crack in the middle, and the bed linen is large matrimonial size covering both beds. It becomes almost a king size bed in this case. These “flexible” beds can also be divided into two separate beds if required by the client. A twin bedroom is one with two single beds (usually non join-able). A single bedroom is just that, with one single bed. If you see reference to a “French bed” or “one and a half bed”, this is a size slightly narrower than a double bed (so smaller than a queensize). It is generally used for one person, but two small children could be comfortable. It is definitely NOT for a couple. A “camera doppia” in a hotel means a twin bedroom (two single beds) and not a double bedroom (camera matrimoniale).

Communications?

Telephone, Fax, Laptop Computers, Email and Cell Phones

Please do not expect to find your villa or country house equipped for you to carry on business as usual. If there is no phone line at the house you rent, you have no email. Or even if there is a phone line, you  may need to access a local number and ISP. I’m happy to say that in recent years more and more of our properties offer internet accesss and – quite often – wifi,  which had made our lives easier. Sometimes you’ll even find wifi internet by your swimming pool.  With the advent of iPhones and iPads, most travellers these days are self-sufficient when it comes to their communications, but if you’re not one of the most up-to-date iPeople, I advise you to sign on for global roaming or get a local dial-up number with your own provider. Voltage in Italy is 220V and 110V in the USA..! If you’re still a troglodite when it comes to email, our advice is to leave your laptop at home or go to one of the many Internet Cafés throughout Italy. Internet cafés abound, even in small villlages.

A GSM cell phone will work in Italy and you should arrange global roaming prior to departure. Almost the entire population of Italy owns a cell phone and it is now quite easy to rent one with a prepaid card or even buy one with a local SIM card very cheaply.When there is a telephone in the house, calls are metered. The reading is taken upon arrival by dialing a certain number and then again at your departure. Phone calls in Italy are expensive, so use your own telephone company’s phone card if you can to phone home or office. Sometimes a cell phone with pre-paid card is provided by the owner. At some properties the use of the telephone is restricted to incoming calls or outgoing local calls only.

What about extras?

Electricity, water and heating costs

Electricity is very expensive in Italy and in many places is charged extra. Sometimes there is only a small power load connected to your villa or country house, so if you have the electric oven going and then use the hair-dryer the current may cut out. Heating is almost always an extra charge because oil heating is costly. If you are accustomed at home to keeping the heating going full blast with all the windows open and walking around in short sleeves, be prepared for a huge bill at the end of your stay. We have seen people do this. Water in the country often comes from a well and is at a premium in the countryside, so conservation is a must. Owners ask everyone to conserve water and take short showers. When the well runs dry… Water is sometimes rationed in the country during periods of drought, such as Italy has been experiencing in summer months in recent years. If that doesn’t suit you, it may be better to go to Alaska.

Will there be a washing machine, dryer, dishwasher etc?

While most houses have washing machines, you rarely find a dryer in Italy. This is due mostly to the cost of electricity, but in a sunny climate like Italy laundry is hung outside in the sunshine and fresh air to dry. Be aware that the Italian washing machines, which wash to an exceptionally high degree of clean, also take up to one hour or more for a wash cycle, thus consuming much electricity as the machine also heats the water. You have to wait a few minutes to be able to open the door of the machine when the cycle is finished, so don’t try to force it open or that will be another cost!Hairdryers are sometimes provided (and sometimes stolen by previous guests). Most places have a dishwasher, but not always in smaller properties. Irons and ironing boards are generally provided. American style coffee machines are becoming more frequent, and there will always be the Italian “moka” coffee maker. Toasters and kettles are usually part of kirchen equipment these days.

How do we get cash while in Italy?

Travelers Cheques are rarely used these days. We suggest you buy some Euros prior to departure and take a small amount of your local cash which you can convert into Euro upon arrival at the airport; then use your ATM card to withdraw cash at any bank displaying the international access logos on the back of that card. You will receive your Euro at the exchange rate of the day. Do not use credit cards for cash unless you wish to pay the exorbitant interest rates they charge for cash advances! Use your Visa or Mastercard to pay highway tolls and forget about trying to figure out which bank note is which or which little Euro cent coins are which! At toll booths look for the sign with credit card logos, drive up, insert your toll card and then your credit card. A silken voice will bid you “arrivederci” and the barrier will open magically.

Will there be baby furniture at the villa?

In most properties there will be a baby cot (or “crib” to use the American terminology). Sometimes it is provided free of charge, sometimes not. High chairs can be requested and if not present in the property will be rented for you by the owner at an extra weekly cost. Linen is sometimes provided, sometimes you need to take your own. Strollers are unlikely to be provided.
Is petrol (gas) expensive?

Buying petrol for the rental car will prove a costly event, though many vehicles are diesel fueled cars, and the diesel oil costs less. Use your credit card here too, even at self-serve stations.

How do we pay the Security Deposit and when do we get it back?

All properties require a security deposit, anywhere between Euro 150 to 1,500, depending on the property and its furnishings, etc. Many owners/managers accept a cheque or cash in dollars, but most will require that you have Euro in ready cash. It is usually not possible to use a credit card. The deposit is returned to you before departure and from it is deducted any extra charges such as electricity, heating, telephone, final cleaning or damages.

Do I get a discount for a last-minute booking?

The last-minute client gives us an adrenaline rush and a desire to work miracles, which is possible sometimes. But trying to find a villa for eight or ten people with pool “somewhere between Florence and Siena” in July and August at a couple of weeks notice is virtually impossible. We’ll probably end up by sending you to a wonderful villa in Umbria. The thing to remember is that in July and August the whole of Europe is on vacation and we tend to forget this small and important fact. The British have been going to Italy on holiday for centuries. The French, Germans, Belgians, Dutch, Norwegians and all the others are just as hooked on Italy as you are. We may sometimes offer last-minute specials but it will not be in summer!

Will we find toiletries and basic food supplies?

You are going to self-catering accommodation, so when you run out of the basics which are provided, you replace it and leave it there. You will generally find toilet paper, not necessarily soap and detergents, and a basic supply of pantry items. Many of our properties will do an initial grocery shopping for you, prior to your arrival upon request (and payment of the bill upon arrival). Just ask us!

How often is linen changed?

Once a week, on Saturday, if you are staying longer than one week. Some properties offer extra change of linen at an extra cost. In some of the larger, more luxurious villas, linen is changed every couple of days and always when there is a changeover of guests. Generally speaking you will get a set of three towels (bath, hand and bidet) per person for the week. Kitchen and bathroom linen is provided. If the owner is not prepared to change linen more than once a week, you can always launder your own.

When should we start planning our stay?

I suggest planning at least six months in advance for spring and autumn, and even more (10-12 months) for a summer booking or a large property which are not as easy to come by. Before you leave, take some Italian lessons, or listen to language tapes or videos, read some books on Italy. The Italians will be so flattered at your effort to speak the language, fractured though it may be, that they will do anything for you! They have a unique capability of understanding even the worst pronounced words.

Do I have to tip?

Tipping is customary in restaurants, taxis, hotels, etc. throughout Italy. Don’t be embarrassed. People are delighted to receive a tip, just as they are anywhere in the world.  The cleaning ladies at your house, in particular, are happy to accept tips at the end of your stay, if you want to express your satisfaction with their services.

Do I need an international driving license?

New Government regulations in Italy now require holders of Australian and New Zealand driving licenses to obtain an International Driving Permit or obtain a valid translation into Italian of your Australian or NZ drivers license from an accredited translator. US citizens should check with their local Italian Consulate on the requirements for a US driving license. Urban transportation systems are excellent, but only in the cities. If you are going to be in the countryside a car is a must as bus services are few and far between.

Is it safe to drive on Italian roads?

Italian driving, at its best, is very fast and aggressive, but they are generally good drivers with good reflexes. They really love the slalom effect of weaving in and out of traffic, driving in the emergency lane if necessary, anything to get where they’re going if the traffic is slow. On the highways things are better, but my advice is to stick to the inside lane at your own speed and let them overtake you at whatever speed they desire.On country roads, drive slowly and blow your horn on blind curves. Many of the roads are narrow for two-way traffic. The vehicle nearest a lay-by backs up. Keep to the right. The locals who think they know the road by heart have a habit of cutting the curves. Fasten your seat belt at all times; there are fines for non-compliance. Small children must have a car seat fixed to the back seat. Children under 12 must sit in the back seat.

Is Italy safe?

The amazing thing is that inhabitants of crime-ridden cities such as New York, Chicago etc are usually the first to ask this question! Italian cities are no better or worse than any other large city in the world, so you take the usual precautions such as you would in your own home town.

What if something goes wrong while we’re in the villa?

If it’s just a small maintenance problem, you do not call Italian Itineraries. There will be contact telephone numbers at your accommodation for a maid, the owner, the key holder or similar and these people on the spot will deal with things such as a malfunction with plumbing, heating, electricity etc. Our owners are all very attentive to the needs and comfort of their guests, but if for some reason you cannot find the right person, you can certainly let us know and we’ll do our best to solve the problem from here.

 

When it’s all said and done, everyone who has been through this Italian Experience wants to do it over and over again. So when you have found your dream house, we’ll do our best to make sure it’s the right one for you.

A presto!

- Barbara Maher