Tuscany’s most beautiful family-friendly Agriturismo: Al Gelso Bianco
Finding the perfect base for your family vacation to Tuscany isn’t easy. First there are all these terms to get used to like “Fattoria,” “Podere,” and “Agriturismo”, and then you want to cross-check all these beautiful options against your Google map- a tab that’s now just permanently open in your browser?
I have photographed families at many gorgeous farm stays across Tuscany but there is one I recommend above all the others.
Whether you're envisioning a tranquil stay hanging by the pool, or looking for a central location for a busy trip, this gem stands out for its family-friendly atmosphere and ideal location amidst the myriad options: Al Gelso Bianco.
Nestled in the heart of Chianti, Al Gelso Bianco offers an idyllic blend of rustic charm and modern comfort. Surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, and conveniently located between Florence and Siena, this agriturismo is the perfect base for exploring Tuscany. With amenities designed to cater to families, such as a pool, playground, and child-friendly activities, Al Gelso Bianco ensures a memorable stay for guests of all ages.
In this post, we’ll delve into the features that make Al Gelso Bianco the top choice for families, provide tips for navigating Tuscany with kids, and highlight must-see attractions in the region. From engaging cooking classes to exploring medieval villages, this comprehensive guide will help you plan a stress-free and unforgettable Tuscan adventure.
What is the difference between an Agriturismo, a Fattoria and a Podere in Italy?
Before we get to far, I’d like to help clarify this for you because scrolling through any of the booking sites searching for family accommodation in Chianti, you will have seen all of these different terms used. For the purpose of your search, you can consider each of these words to mean the same thing- “farm” or since they’re listed on a site for accommodation, “farm stay”. Varying qualities are available to suit every preferred comfort level, but there isn’t a connection between the quality and services offered, and the name. Instead, the name may give you a hint as to where the property is located and, its historical use.
Podere is a term used almost exclusively in central Italy; Tuscany, Umbria and Le Marche. It’s a property with a villa or farmhouse and cultivated land, but not necessarily livestock. Side note, in other parts of the country, you’ll find regionally specific terms like “Masseria” in the south (traditionally a fortified farm).
Fattoria on the other hand, is commonly used throughout all of Italy for a working farm, typically with livestock (or at least retaining the name from a time when that property did have animals). Both of these terms can be used for properties without accommodation as well but many property owners choose to keep the term in their business name when they transform one or multiple of the property’s buildings into accommodation to become a farm stay or “Agriturismo”.
An Agriturismo is a combination of the words “agriculture” and “tourism” and is exactly that- a business that was traditionally a farm but now also receives an income through tourism. That can be by offering horse riding, cheese farm tours, an on-site restaurant, accommodation- or a combination of services for tourists.
So what about Cascina, Casale and Borgo (Borghi)?
You can translate Casale to castle, Cascina to big country house and Borgo to “small village”. Today if you see accommodation with “Borgo” or “Borghi” in the name it is most likely that the entire village has been purchased and transformed into a resort.
What to look for when choosing accommodation in Tuscany
After creating a shortlist of options in your price bracket based on beautiful photographs and glowing reviews, you’ll no doubt find the list hasn’t reduced all that much! So how to choose and why do I consider Al Gelso to be the best?
Is Tuscany even child-friendly?
I would argue that all of Italy is kid-friendly but there are a few things to keep in mind.
Most villages are on the top of a hill and most require you to part at the bottom and walk up the cobblestones and sometimes stairs, neither of which are stroller-friendly. You can choose the villages to visit with that in mind, or simply allow for extra time for the little legs (and perhaps yours too!).
Tuscany is a wine region, and if that’s why you’re visiting you should be aware that the wine tours are usually all about the process (not particularly interesting for most youngsters), followed by a wine tasting. I only know of one winery which caters specifically for kids and that is Ricasoli Winery at Brolio Castle. They have a wonderful scavenger hunt at Brolio Castle for kids (recommended ages 6-12) to collect stamps and receive a prize at the end. You can also request a picnic lunch among the vines!
By the way, if your family loves good child-focused scavenger hunts, there’s a great one in Florence too!
If you’re into golf and interested in spending a day at the coast, I was impressed to learn that Il Pelagone offer kids golf lessons.
What to do in Chianti with kids?
Enjoy the relaxing vibe and enjoy the views from the pool of course! I also highly recommend an onsite cooking class while staying at Al Gelso. Exploring beyond the property with older kids you can cycle in the area, go for a wine tasting at Ricasoli, or immerse yourself in history in any of the incredible nearby towns. If you’re a foodie, you’ll find the best Fiorentina steak just down the road from Al Gelso Bianco at Ristomacelleria in Poggiobonsi (don’t bother going to the town for anything else). It’s a simple steakhouse in a service town owned by the neighbouring butcher. The steaks are huge so you can order one to share with your kids- just be mindful of small hands that they are served on a sizzle plate. About food- the world champion, Gelateria Dondoli in San Gimignano always has a huge queue. Little hint, the other gelateria in that square is less famous but the gelato is just as exceptional, so there’s no need to queue at Dondoli!
Getting around Chianti with your family
The Tuscan countryside is beautiful thanks to it’s rolling hills, but it’s those same hills that mean winding roads and few public transport options. Your best bet for ultimate flexibility is to hire a car (and don’t worry, driving up here is nothing like the stories you’ve heard from Amalfi!). Alternatively, there are many private drivers in the area who will provide a safe a comfortable option.
See my recent photoshoots at Al Gelso Bianco
Vacations gift us the rare space to spend quality time together.
Hold onto these moments through quality photographs on your walls.