Il Borghetto Tuscan Holidays

The best part of our whole Italy trip was the cooking class at the villa. It was fun and educational, and making delicious food from local ingredients together brought us closer through plenty of laughter. We spent six wonderful nights at Il Borghetto, using it as a base to explore Tuscany. I was there with my two brothers, their wives, my son, and his wife, sharing two spacious villas that gave us room to gather for meals and enjoy quiet time reading. Both villas had breathtaking views from every window, like a Tuscan postcard, and a day relaxing by the pool was a real treat. Dinner at Il Borghetto is a must, thoughtfully made and beautifully presented. The family who owns and runs the place made us feel especially welcome, with such care and attention to detail. It exceeded our expectations, and we’d wholeheartedly recommend it for an authentic, relaxing Tuscan stay.

We’ve been to Italy more than twenty times, and the dinners at Il Borghetto are the ones we remember best. On this return visit, we loved the food and the wines recommended to go with it, as well as the warm atmosphere we recalled from summer evenings. It was a pleasure to come back. We first visited sixteen years ago in summer with our children. This time, at the end of October, we came with a friend. The autumn scenery around Il Borghetto was beautiful, and the well-kept property felt peaceful, welcoming and friendly. A walk along the dirt road gives you a chance to admire the skyline of San Gimignano. During our stay, dinner was available on two evenings, and both meals were fantastic.

From the villa, the views across the Tuscan countryside kept drawing us in, whether we were having morning coffee or relaxing in the evening. We spent five wonderful days at this beautiful property just outside San Gimignano, and our hosts, Simone & Ricardo, and Sandra & Nicoli, made us feel at home from the moment we arrived. Their warmth and care with the details made the stay memorable. Our two-bedroom villa was spotless, very comfortable, well equipped, tastefully decorated, and spacious enough to unwind in. The highlight was an unforgettable four-course dinner in the atmospheric cellar room. The setting was charming and intimate, and each beautifully presented course had rich, authentic flavors. You could tell the food was made with love and passion. Dining there was an experience we’ll never forget.

The staff were friendly and helpful, and we had a relaxed four-night stay in May. The property sits among vineyards overlooking a picturesque Tuscan valley, with plenty of outdoor space and a lovely large pool. It’s about 10 km from San Gimignano, a 10-minute drive or a pleasant one-hour walk, and not far from Sienna. Our room was a nicely fitted-out converted barn on the lower floor, though it was a bit dark. A brighter room with a view was available for more money. The restaurant served a quality set menu three days a week, and breakfast could be ordered. A few small drawbacks: heating isn’t available outside the winter months, so the room could feel cool and we needed another layer. The bed was firmer than we like, the shower was small, and Wi-Fi was only available in public areas. Otherwise, I’d recommend it for a quiet, very relaxed stay at Il Borghetto.