Italian holiday apartments – Antico Uliveto, near Siena, Tuscany, Italy

Beautifully refurbished holiday apartments for rent on in an ancient olive estate not far from Siena, Tuscany. Set in the rolling countryside of Chianti, Antico Uliveto is a peaceful base from which to explore Florence, Siena, Volterra and the other delights of Tuscany. Apartments sleeping from 2 – 6.

A delightful farmhouse in the very heart of the Chianti area, between the beautiful city of Siena and the famous medieval fortress of
Monteriggioni. This is a simple and genuine environment ... your hosts are committed to you having the most relaxing and interesting holiday possible.

Like an oasis in the Chianti hills, the farmhouse's strategic position allows you to easily reach such important Tuscan artistic centres as Siena, (10 minutes), Monteriggioni, Castellina in Chianti, Colle val d'Elsa (15), San Gimignano, Volterra, Asciano, San Galgano, Pienza, Montepulciano, Montalcino (30 minutes), Florence and Arezzo (one hour). So all are good for day tours: your hosts will be happy to give you information about these destinations, or contact professional guides that will accompany on tours. There is also excellent shopping.

Firmly recommended, both in summer and in winter, is a visit to the spa in the little village of Rapolano Terme: the large hot and cold pools,  the Turkish bath, the Jacuzzis and various treatments shouldn't  be missed by anyone who wants to relax and tone up. These long- established hot springs offer so much well-being - and all  only half an hour's drive away. Or relax in the panoramic pool and  in a garden filled of herbs, fruits, and more than 150 different  varieties of roses ( the pride and joy of the owner,
 Daniela: if you're a rose lover, or even if you're just curious,  don't hesitate to ask questions or to exchange opinions with her,  she'll be more than happy!). Start from here and walk around  the vineyards.

Your hosts can organise trekking tours or mountain bikes, on your own or with a guide who can tailor tours to your taste and fitness level. In the nearby range of the Montagnola Senese, some thirty  square kilometres of virgin woodland, there are hikes that will satisfy everyone's demands, cool even in the summer. And why not round everything off with a lovely picnic! In the nearby village of Quercegrossa you can play tennis or soccer. Just a few kilometres away, in the beautiful area of Lecceto, there's a riding stable that has partnered the farmhouse for years in organising marvellous horseback rides, lasting from a few  hours to the whole day. In the town of Colle val d'Elsa (about 20 kilometres) you'll find a small golf course.

The farmhouse is not so big, so you'll find peace and a total attention to your needs. Reception is open in the morning and evening for helping guests organise each day of their stay. Your hosts sometimes organise activities such as how to cook hand-made bread and pasta, or prepare jam. Twice a week there are special dinners for you to taste the farm's typical organic products. On other nights you will simply hear the chirping of the crickets.

The apartments all have a fully equipped kitchen and the bedrooms a little kitchenette. Every morning, the house provides a breakfast of fresh bread, cake, Italian cottage cheese and more ... brought directly into your apartment. For all other meals there are plenty of good local restaurants to recommend, including Mario and Tonia, a typical inn only 100 metres away. Fresh bread, cheeses, salami and ham can also be brought to the poolside.

For ten years now, the Taddei family have used only organic methods for its production of wine, olive oil, honey and grains. All the produce, as well as local specialities such as truffles and mushrooms, can be purchased here.

Weather permitting , there are hot-air balloon flights that take off right from the farmhouse and fly you over the splendid valleys of the Chianti or, accompanied by a guide, you can try an exciting day of truffle hunting in the woods around. You can complete your stay with a host of therapeutic treatments: peeling, body massages, body mud-bath, full facial treatment, manicures, makeup.