Essential Tuscany

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is "ESSENTIALTUSCANY"?
What happens when I make a reservation request?
Which payment methods do you accept?
What if I have to cancel? Will I lose money?
What are the check-in / check-out arrangements?
Are there extra charges not included in the rental price?
What should I expect upon arrival?
What are my responsibilities as a tenant?
How do you set rental prices?
How can I telephone / email / send a post card in Italy?
Will I need to rent a car?
How is driving in Italy different?
What if I have special requests that are not mentioned within this FAQs?

Who is "ESSENTIALTUSCANY"?

"EssentialTuscany" is a short term accommodation rental agency with offices in Lake Success, NY and Florence, Italy. In addition to accommodation, we offer tailored made itinieraries, car rental, services and tours and lifetime experiences in Tuscany. You can read more about us here.

Please see also visit our Wine Tasting Tours Webiste at www.tuscanywinetasting.com

What happens when I make a reservation request?

Each of our guests is assigned a sales adviser from our team. This person will be responsible for your booking right from the start. You can contact your assigned sales adviser with any questions regarding your stay in Tuscany both before and after your arrival to Italy. You sales adviser can help you organize tours, special activities, rent a car, and much more. And of course we all speak fluent English!

When you place a reservation request we immediately check if the accommodation you chose is available for your required dates and get back to you by email or phone within two business days. If the accommodation you requested is not available then your sales adviser will offer you alternative accommodation with similar characteristics.

After you have confirmed your accommodation choice with one of the sales team we will email you our deposit requirements. We need to receive 30% of the total rental price in order to secure your reservation. Once your reservation is secured, you will receive a detailed confirmation together with location directions, the telephone number and name of the person checking you into the accommodation, and contact details of your assigned sales adviser.

The remaining balance of the rental price should be paid no later than 60 days before the start of your scheduled letting period. If you pay by credit card we will receive instant notification and your confirmation voucher will therefore arrive within 1-2 working days of you payment. If you pay by bank transfer into our Italian bank account, it may take up to 14 days to receive notification from the bank; therefore your confirmation voucher will take up to 14 working days to be issued. If you have paid and you do not receive your voucher - or - you have any problems in reading the voucher, please email us immediately.

Having received your payment, we will send you a link to our arrival form to make sure we have full details of your arrival and your contact details. It is very important that you let us know your scheduled arrival time; this will allow the keyholder to meet you when you arrive at your accommodation.

Which payment methods do you accept?

Payments can be made by credit card or bank transfer. Credit card payment are subjet to processing fees.

What if I have to cancel? Will I lose money?

You are likely to forfeit your deposit unless you cancel for a major reason covered by your trip cancellation insurance. Please read our Terms and Conditions. We strongly recommend that you obtain travel insurance with cancellation coverage.

What are the check-in / check-out arrangements?

The keyholder will be present at your arrival to welcome you and to show you around.

Unless otherwise specified by "EssentialTuscany", check-in takes place between 4:00pm and 8:00pm and check-out at 10:00am at the latest (at some destinations as early as 9:00am). We ask that you respect these times, as often the keyholder does not live on the property and is only there during these times to meet guests.

If you absolutely cannot keep to this schedule, please arrange different departure / arrival times with you assigned sales adviser. In case of any problem (delay of plane, loss of luggage, etc.) please call your assigned sales adviser, either at the office or mobile phone.

All rentals require a security deposit payable in Euros. The amount of the security deposit is stated in the confirmation voucher. If a security deposit is required it is payable in cash on arrival and generally ranges between 150 and 500 euros. The security deposit will be returned to you at the time of check-out, less any damages you cause to the property.

In Italy hotels and apartment owners are required by law to inform their local police of any guests residing in their property regardless of the length of time. Property owners are obliged to make a copy of guests' passports. Some apartment owners may well follow this rule so don't be surprised if they ask for your passports on arrival.

We cannot guarantee that all our owners or keyholders will speak English. However, they are in the vacation business to welcome guests and make them fell at home. Italians are very sociable people and can be a great resource to make your visit unique, memorable, and enjoyable. Bring your Italian dictionary to help with this process. In case of major difficulties you can always contact our office for help.

Are there extra charges not included in the rental price?

Additional costs such as heat, electricity, extra beds, final cleaning, television, etc. are specified in the booking contract. The owner will keep track of these charges and will collect them upon your departure. These charges are payable in Euros and are often deducted from the security deposit.

In the event that you leave your vacation house before the end of the week, make sure you let the owner/keyholder know, so that your security deposit can be returned to you.

In low season utility costs are generally covered in the rental fee, however, utility costs in Italy are very high, therefore some apartment owners charge for electricity in summer to cover air conditioning and gas in winter to cover heating. This is always clearly written on the apartment page on the website. This is either at a fixed daily rate, or metered and charged at local rates.

What should I expect upon arrival?

It is important to keep in mind that there are many differences in lifestyles between the countries. These differences stem from the history, traditions, and climatic characteristics of every region and are often reflected in architecture and other features of our daily lives. Most of the accommodations we offer are private homes rather than official tourist structures or hotels. Many of them are hundreds of years old, which makes them both more difficult to adapt to modern lifestyles and more exiting to stay in. We hope that having a chance live for a few weeks in a genuine Tuscan home surrounded by the history and culture of the region is exactly the reason why you choose a holiday with "EssentialTuscany".

While you are at your vacation home, there are many ways you can deal with concerns that arise. First of all, if it is a small matter such as a light bulb or a stubborn key, the owner/keyholder will be more than willing to help you. Second, and most importantly, take advantage of our English-speaking staff at your disposal to help you find a quick answer or solution to your problem. Please be sure to contact us immediately as soon as a problem becomes apparent.

Before you arrive, it is helpful to make a mental list of things that you will need to know and that will ensure that you are comfortable in your home. Some of the questions to ask from the keyholder might be:

How does the stove/oven work?
Where do I take the trash? In Italy, it is uncommon to have individual trash pickup. There are large public trash containers along the roads in all towns and villages.
Where do I park my car?
How does the gate operate? Most Italian country residences have a large security gate at the entrance to the property.
Where are the linens? Bed, bath and kitchen linens are provided on a weekly basis (unless otherwise noted in the property description). Some properties will provide pool towels -- be sure to ask.
How can we wash our clothes? Property descriptions will indicate whether a vacation rental provides a washing machine. You can also ask the keyholder where the closest "lavanderia" is. Self-service laundromats are not extremely common. However, small privately owned laundries provide a good value service.
Where are the closest grocery store and shops and when are they open?
How does the heating system work? If you are traveling during the cooler months (November through April), make sure you find out how the heat system works.
How does the TV work? The property description will indicate if there is a TV.
If your vacation rental includes maid and/or cooking services on request, please let the keyholder know your requirements.
Are there local festivals or special events we should know about? Your sales adviser can prepare you a personalized activities program on request.

The description of the particular accommodation you have selected defines the amenities your home will offer. If there is kitchen unit, you will normally find a stove and refrigerator, dishes, glasses, cutlery, and pans for the number of people the unit allows. Extra offerings such as an oven, dishwasher, washing machine or microwave are noted in the description. Linens are usually provided but sometimes the beds are left for the guest to make up. Folding racks for drying your clothes under the warm Tuscan sun are often provided. Almost all accommodations provide baby cots for a small fee. Please let us know in advance if you need one.

Because the majority of our rentals date back at least one century, few have air conditioning, as it is very expensive and difficult to retrofit historic buildings. The thick walls of the older homes provide excellent insulation to help retain heat in the winter and low temperature the summer.

Bed sizes may be different in Italy. A double bed in Italy is comparable to a queen size bed in the USA. It is usually two twin mattresses in one frame. A French bed refers to a king size bed. Twin beds means there are two single beds in one room.

The floors in Tuscan accommodations are almost always stone or tile, so make sure to bring your slippers. As there are many occasions in Italy to dine by candlelight, we also recommend bringing matches and a cylinder type candle. Take your own hairdryer and appropriate plug adapters to use in Europe. Please remember that voltage is 220 in Italy.

Most homes are minimally stocked with a few spices, cleaning basics and toilet paper. We highly recommend that before arriving at your rental you stop to pick up some basic supplies. A short list should include toilet paper, bar soap, dish detergent, salt & pepper, coffee, butter, milk, bread, bottled water, sugar, fruit, cheese and sausages. Most grocery stores in Italy close no later than 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and do not open till following Monday morning.

In the countryside, you will find mosquitoes, little buggy critters, and other insects that also live there and wander out to enjoy warm weather (along with roosters, dogs, cats, pigeons and other types of visitors). Especially at night, open windows and bright lights will send a strong welcome message to the insects in the area. In the evening, try to keep the windows closed until it's "lights out" when windows can be opened. It is always a good idea to bring your favorite insect repellant. The Italians also have a handy device for repelling insects. It is called "Vape", and plugs into any electrical outlet. It slowly releases repellant into the air. This can be found at grocery stores for about € 5.

The grounds of all rentals are maintained and often a groundskeeper will be present during the week.

What are my responsibilities as a tenant?

We ask that you treat your home in Tuscany with the same respect as you would your own home. All properties have been cleaned prior to your arrival. Please leave the house in the condition that you found it. Even though there are sometimes final cleaning charges, it is always the responsibility of the tenant to wash up any remaining dishes and take out the trash upon your departure.

When you leave for the day, make sure that all windows are closed and bring in any drying towels and cushions, tablecloths, etc., as sudden afternoon rain showers can also occur. Finally, remember that utilities are much higher in Italy than in other countries and that all lights and appliances should be turned off.

The amount of people occupying the property cannot exceed that specifically agreed upon at the time of booking. If the property accommodates more people and you would like to add more people to your party, you must contact "EssentialTuscany" in advance so the contract can be adjusted. Unless it is the owner or keyholder, the premises should not be left in the care of anyone not listed as a guest.

How do you set rental prices?

As you probably noticed, there is a wide range of prices for each accommodation. The price is different depending on the season when you choose to visit Tuscany. Many choose to come in July, August, over Christmas or Easter, this is why prices in these periods are usually higher.

Children above the age of 5 are charged for as adults while infants (0-4) do not incur a charge.

How can I telephone / email / send a post card in Italy?

Telephone costs are quite high in Italy but phoning is easy.

Some accommodations do have telephones and an internet connection. If they do, you will find it in our specifications. Usage is metered in units and paid to the owner in Euros at departure.

You can also buy a phone card, called "scheda" or "carta telefonica", to make local and long distance calls from public phones. These cards are available at post offices, tobacco shops, newsstands and machines near phone booths. There are two basic types of phone cards.

The first is activated by tearing off the perforated corner. To make a call, pick up the receiver, insert your card in the slot in the phone, dial your number, make your call, then retrieve your card. The price of the call is automatically deducted from your card as you use it.

Alternatively, you may need to first dial a toll-free number indicated on your card and then enter a rather long code that is also found on the card. Cards of this type should not be inserted into the phone.

The country code for Italy is 39. All cities in Italy have a city code which starts with zero, for example Florence is 055. If you call to a number in Italy, dial the city code first before dialing the phone number. Phone numbers that begin with a 3 indicate a cell phone number. Be aware that charges are usually higher for calling cell phones. If you call to another country, fist dial double zero, than the country code, area code, and the phone number.

The easiest way to email is through the internet shops and cafés found in most towns and villages. Tourist Bureau can also direct you to places where internet friendly PCs are tucked away at the back of offices and shops. These, too, will be charged at an hourly rate or a fraction thereof.

Mail service from Italy is improving but sometimes seems painfully slow. Postcards get last priority and you can expect to beat them home if you are staying in Italy two weeks or less. It is always a good idea to place them in an envelope and send them letter rate. Look for the post office "La Posta" in the center of town and make sure that you send your mail "posta aerea" (airmail).

Will I need to rent a car?

The train and bus systems are extensive in Italy and a perfectly inexpensive way to travel between the larger cities. Here are two websites that give detailed train schedules in Italy: www.trenitalia.com and www.raileurope.com.

However, many of the most picturesque locations are separated by hills and valleys and bus service may not be so frequent. Several of the spectacular country homes, towers, and farmhouses are in "perched" locations, high on a hill, connected to the closest village (3-5 kilometers) by fairly winding roads. For ultimate flexibility and convenience in the countryside, it is necessary to rent a car.

We can help you rent a car, organize excursions, wine tours and guided tours in Tuscany on couches or minibus, and even order a limo service. Please mention this intention to your assigned sales adviser.

How is driving in Italy different?

Driving in Italy is a challenging task. You will need your usual driving license accompanied by an International Driving Permit (IDP), a good road map, and a great deal more attention than back home. On the whole, the Italian drivers are aggressive but competent. They tend to ignore speed limits and safety distance between cars. However, the police often use photo surveillance, so beware! Italian law forbids the use of mobile phones while driving. Sealtbelts are required for all passengers at all times. It is very important to have a navigator who reads the maps and signs and advises the driver. Navigate by following signs to towns and cities, not by looking for highway numbers.

Italian highways or "autostrada" (green road signs) are toll roads and can be expensive. When entering the Autostrada, do not enter the line for TELEPASS. These are for motorists with passes. You will take a ticket upon entering the highway that indicates your "point of entry". You will pay (in Euros or credit card) when you exit, according to the distance you have driven. When exiting, look for the sign of the man taking coins. This means that there is a clerk at the booth who can make change for you.

The toll free "superstrada" roads (blue road signs) could be more direct and offer better views of the surrounding countryside. In towns and villages roads may be very, very narrow, so get ready!

When parking in towns it is important to remember that blue lines mean you have to pay: find a parking machine, buy a ticket, and display it on your windshield. White lines are free parking. Please make sure you know where NOT to park. You can become familiar with the international road signs, many of which are not used in the US on this website.

What if I have special requests that are not mentioned within this FAQs?

Our goal is for you to have a happy and comfortable stay. It is important to provide us with as much information as possible concerning your expectations, needs and desires, so that we can help you choose the best home for you. Let "EssentialTuscany" know your concerns and we will be happy to advise you on any matter related to your stay in Italy.

email: info@essentialtuscany.com