| Tuscany has always been a haven for those who | | | | conversions are always tastefully done, with any |
| love glorious countryside, culture, tradition, food | | | | original architectural features (for example |
| and of course wine. Historically this landscape has | | | | wooden beams, vaulted ceilings and terracotta |
| provided inspiration for the world's greatest | | | | floors) faithfully and beautifully restored |
| artists, writers and thinkers, as well a refuge for | | | | * Spacious gardens or grounds |
| the frazzled from the rigours of modern life. | | | | * Close contact with nature |
| Over the past twenty years, tourism to this | | | | * The friendly hospitality of the farmer and his |
| region in Central Italy has been boosted by the | | | | family. Help can always be provided and laughter |
| concept of "agriturismo". Redundant farm buildings | | | | shared, despite any language barrier |
| have been turned into comfortable vacation | | | | * The opportunity to purchase organic produce |
| accommodation so holidaymakers can enjoy the | | | | directly from the farm. Depending on the season, |
| privacy of their own space whilst sharing any | | | | this could be olive oil (in particular the extra-virgin |
| on-site facilities like barbecues and swimming pools | | | | olive oil for which Tuscany is famous), wine, fruit, |
| with the farmer and his family. It's always been | | | | vegetables, jam, honey, chestnuts etc. |
| an ideal kind of vacation for those with young | | | | * On-site facilities e.g. barbecue, swimming pool, |
| children and provides an excellent introduction to | | | | mountain bikes, table-tennis, table-football, bowling |
| rural life in this part of Europe. | | | | pitch, children's play area |
| And now, in tune with the spirit of the times, | | | | * Possibility to eat typical Tuscan meals prepared |
| some of these farmers are offering a "greener" | | | | by the owner of the property. There may even |
| kind of vacation. Their farms have converted to | | | | be a restaurant on-site |
| organic production ("produzione biologica"), and | | | | * Excursions into the neighbouring countryside. |
| home-grown organic foodstuffs are available for | | | | This could be walks in the woods, |
| purchase on-site by anyone staying at the farm | | | | mushroom-picking expeditions or further afield into |
| or in the vicinity. Just imagine how good it feels to | | | | a nearby town or village if a minibus is available |
| be eating and drinking the fruits of the very land | | | | This type of "green" vacation is growing in |
| you are staying on, in the company of the people | | | | popularity as an increasing number of people feel |
| who have nurtured it. | | | | the need to "get away from it all" and connect |
| So what can you expect from an organic farm | | | | with a gentler way of life in tune with the |
| holiday? Obviously it varies from place to place | | | | changing seasons. Organic farm holidays will |
| but the main characteristics are: | | | | recharge your batteries and help you return to |
| * Farm buildings, barns, haylofts etc. set in a | | | | your day job both rested and invigorated. |
| beautiful location in a rural environment, often | | | | Isn't that what a vacation is all about? |
| surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. The | | | | |