Frequently Asked Questions

Why can’t I get the availability links to work?
You have a pop-up window blocker working. Please turn it off for the duration of your visit to our site. (You can reinstate it immediately after.)
Where are your booking conditions? Here
Which airports are the most convenient for Tuscany and Umbria? Pisa, Florence, Ancona, Bologna, Forlì, Rome or Perugia. Meridiana www.meridiana.it are now offering cheap flights from London-Gatwick to Florence.
How can I find out about Italian trains? The Italian train service is excellent and cheap: see www.trenitalia.com
Any tips for car hire?
Always choose a large, well-known firm to ensure you’ll get proper support in case of problems - penny pinching isn’t the best policy when it comes to hire cars. Book a car via the airline you’re flying with, or with a car hire company before you leave home. This way you’ll get a cheaper deal. Booking a car after arrival puts you entirely at the mercy of the car firms. You’ll be appalled at their Italian rates - and helpless to do anything other than pay up…!
Do I have to book an entire week’s accommodation?
Rental weeks usually run from Saturday to Saturday. Sometimes we can make exceptions to this rule in the low season but it isn’t always possible. You are welcome to ask.
How much deposit do I need to pay on booking and when is the balance due?
30% on booking, 70% 8 weeks prior to your holiday. When there’s less than 8 weeks before you take your holiday, 100% is payable on booking. Please read booking condition no 3 for a straightforward explanation.
Should I take out my own holiday insurance and what happens if I need to cancel my holiday?
Yes. It is always sensible to take out holiday insurance to cover loss of luggage, accident or an unexpected need to cancel at the last minute. Read our booking condition no 10 for a straightforward explanation.
I’m interested in a house for 6, but there are 7 of us - is this OK?
No - though if the 7th person is a baby (sleeping in a cot) it may be okay. In any event we will need the owner’s consent. All our houses are equipped to cater for the needs of the stated number of people. It will almost certainly lead to frustration, irritation or disappointment if you exceed the number we’ve agreed with the owner without their agreement.
When and how will I receive the directions?
8 weeks prior to the start of your holiday, when the full rental has been paid, we’ll email you the directions.
Will I be sent a key?
No - we are a professional agency! Arrangements will have been made for the keyholder to meet you at the property. All the information you need is in your directions.
What time can I arrive? When do I have to depart?
5.00 pm is the normal arrival time. 10.00 am is the normal departure time. The gap between departures and arrivals is simply to give the cleaning ladies time to do their job properly. Early arrival makes life hell for the cleaner! And if you arrive unexpectedly early, naturally you won’t be pleased to find everything upside down! Sometimes we can organise an early arrival - provided you let us know well in advance.
What if I’m going to arrive late?
Email the Italian office (the address is in your directions) as soon as possible to let us know - that way we can pass the information on to the keyholder. As you know from your own experience, there’s nothing more irritating than waiting and waiting for someone who blithely turns up hours later than expected!

If you are unexpectedly delayed on the day of your arrival, you’ll find our “arrivals line” phone number on your directions. If you give us a call, we’ll pass the info on to the person waiting for you. That way, they can get on with something else instead of hanging about pointlessly.
What basic equipment can I expect? Iron, kettle, stereo, fans?
All our houses have basics like kettles, irons & ironing boards and bedroom fans. Check the summary to the left of the main picture for each property to see if there’s also a TV, dishwasher, stereo etc: if the house has them, they’ll be listed. Not on the list means not in the house!
Do I need bring my own cot?
There are travel cots in most properties accommodating more than 2 guests, though it’s worth checking to be doubly sure! But please bring bedding for your little one. Italian washing powders are incredibly harsh and babies, unused to the chemicals, shouldn’t be exposed to the risk of allergic reactions. It’s for this reason we suggest you bring your own bedding and a packet of your favourite detergent too - better be safe than sorry! And after all, it’ll be hot, so you need only pack the lightest bedding.

If you are bringing a youngster that’s likely to have “accidents” by night, please bring a waterproof sheet to put on the bed - we don’t like to be punitive, but stained mattresses are nasty and must be replaced. A little thought will ensure you don’t risk a surcharge for a new, clean mattress!!
Will there be bed linen, towels and pool towels?
Sufficient bed and bath linen is provided for your group. Please bring your own pool towels with you as sun oils can stain unless the information boxes say they’re provided .
Are pets allowed? Sometimes they are, sometimes they’re not. Please ask.
Phone/internet access and payment?
Check out the summary boxes and you’ll see if there’s a phone. Payment for calls should be direct to the owner or keyholder in euro (cash).
Central heating, its cost and payment?
Resources are scarce in Italy, so the government ensures gas and electricity are expensive in an attempt to limit consumption. The cost of central heating should be paid to the owner or keyholder in euro (cash).
Will there be wood for the fire?
Most houses with an open fire have a supply of logs. Some owners ask for a small payment for the wood used.
Who do I contact if I have a problem in Italy? Simply call the Italian office on 055.970.2225.
   
 Buone vacanze !  

updated December 2006