We Welcome You To Podere Concezione
We would like to take a moment and wish you a wonderful trip to our family’s home in Montepulciano. To assist you with your visit we put together a list of items that people have asked about over the years. Please review this and let us know if you have any questions or if you need any clarifications.
The home is about 200 years old and still has some exterior and interior original items however most of the home has been updated to current standards. Things are different in Tuscany than what we will experience in the U.S., but we would encourage you to embrace the differences.
The house has 3 bedrooms and 4 Bathrooms with a detached guest house. The guest house has its own bedroom and bathroom. Each of the bedrooms has its own air conditioning and heat. The remaining rooms of the home only offer radiator heat.
There is no smoking allowed in the house. Thank you in advance for respecting our wishes in regards to this rule.
Along with walking tours of the city, there are also areas for bike riding and hiking as well. Don't leave out the ability to rent a car and travel outside of Montepulciano to the nearby cities of Siena, or Assisi, which is just a short stint away. There is so much to see and do while in this area of Tuscany, so take it slow. Enjoy the beauty and culture that is everywhere in Montepulciano and soak it all in.
The interior of the house has wireless Internet. No password is required however it is not unlimited or as fast as we have in the United States. Due to our limited time in Montepulciano we are not allowed to purchase unlimited Internet so please do not stream or watch YouTube videos as it will use up the entire allocated amount. This may not impact you but it could impact the next family staying at the house. Using the Internet is fine for e-mails, Skype, etc…
The house has 2 Plasma TV’s, which are located in the family room and the Master Bedroom.
There is an Alarm and it will be turned off during your stay. Please do not attempt to use the alarm while at the house.
Q&A and Frequently Asked Questions
When arriving at the house you will see a sign at the end of the driveway which I have attached to make it easier since there isn’t a street name. At the end of our driveway there is a gate and the remote must be used to open the gate to enter and leave. Please ignore the sign on the gate about us having a dog. The prior owners had a dog and we have never removed the sign.
Anna is our housekeeper/cook and will be there to greet you when you arrive and she will be available to cook and clean during your stay. After traveling to the house most people want a meal prepared and Anna will do this for you but we need to know what you would like. My favorite meal is Pici Pasta and Meatballs.
The most requested item from Anna is Breakfast. Tuscans don’t eat a large American Breakfast so finding a restaurant to prepare breakfast is very difficult. Anna will be happy to make you breakfast during your stay if you would like it.
Anna will also purchase the food and prepare the meals; however, she will charge you for the food and her time. The food is her actual costs and she charges 14 euros an hour. She will keep track of her hours and will give you a bill upon your exit, but she only accepts cash. We do have a washer/dryer so if you would like your clothes washed and pressed she will also handle this responsibility for you. You will have to use her for daily housekeeping and this will be an additional expense.
The wine is on an honor system. If you arrive and there are 20 bottles and you drink 5 please replace the 5. The type of wine is not important as long as its similar.
If you’re looking for a guide for a day tour of Tuscany we would recommend Terenzio who lives down the street. His tour is a must and his e-mail is: tuscany@ortaglia.it and his phone number is (39)-0578-756091 he also speaks English.
For a more detailed list of what’s happening in and around Tuscany you could go online to www.discovertuscany.com.
For a romantic meal we head into Montepulciano to Le Logge Del Vignola (next to the post office in Montepulciano). They speak some English and their number is (39) 0578-717290.
Another must see is Cafe Poliziano which is in town as well (39) 0578 758615. But our family’s favorite is IL COVO down the street. Most visitors like La Grotta since it is at the end of our driveway and you can walk to it.
Our favorite day trips are to Arezzo, Pienza, Siena and Florence. My favorite city is Montepulciano and near the base of the city is a Tourist Shop with monthly calendars of events around Tuscany. It’s a good idea to get a calendar of events or just go online to make the most of your trip.
If you would like to purchase your own groceries or stop by a grocery store, we have 2 different options that are very close. Down the street there is a Euro Spin which is walking distance from the house and in Montepulciano there is a Conad’s. If you want an American grocery store experience go to Pam near the A-1 in Chuisi.
If you are driving to the home from Rome or Florence I would recommend that you get a car with navigational. Most navigational systems have accepted the address to the house and it makes it much easier to get there, however I have included a map to the house as one of the navigational systems takes you to a neighbors. We are next to the town of Montepulciano so when approaching Montepulciano follow the signs to San Biaggio Church.
We would recommend that you look up the area and church before leaving the states.View The Villa on Google Maps
The train system works well and we would recommend that you use the Chuisi train station. It’s under trenitalia.com and they have an English version.
However, driving around Tuscany is fun and easy.
There are many shops and malls within an hour of the house and Italy is famous for its designers. There is wonderful designer outlet shopping just south of Florence off of the A-1. It is the outlet mall for the designers. You will find stores such as Gucci, D & G, Armani, Prada, etc... The place is called, "The Mall". Anyways it’s a great place to get deals on Clothing, leather goods, etc... In Bettolle there is a newer outlet mall too called Valdichiana near A-1 and Bettolle. Its web address is www.valdichianaoutlet.it
If you want to stay closer to home, then go Chianciano Terme. They have many shops and you park and just walk the stores on the streets. There is also a large park in Chianciano Terme. Great place to listen to music and hang out
.We have a land line at the house but please only use in case of emergency the house number is (39)0578758383. If you want to call the States from your cell phone, then make sure your phone has this capability before you leave the states. Most of the time you have to get a SIM card from your wireless provider. My provider is Verizon and they have a daily rate of $10.00 that allows me to use my phone as if I am in the States.
Calling from the Villa to the US. Dial 001 then the number. For instance, to call someone it the states dial 001 (area code) (phone number) 602-555-5555. Calling the Villa from the US is 011(39)0578758383.
Calling from the Villa to places in Italy. Dial the number. No need to dial the 39. So if calling Terrenzo dial 0578-756091.
The home also has internet and wireless for use.
Our favorite wine store and tour is with Suzanna from Crociani's in Montepulciano. Her store is near the top of Montepulciano and she speaks English. Her number is (39) 0578 757919. However, all of the stores in and around Montepulciano will gladly welcome you to come in and drink.
The town of Montepulciano has been around 700 to 800 years before Christ. The Church of San Biaggio is well known around Italy and is 500+ years old. Saint Agnes is from Montepulciano and the wine is called Vino di Noble as it was blessed many years ago by the Pope and is recognized as the wine for Royalty.
Have a wonderful time living La Dolce Vita. Slow down because the Tuscans haven't changed in two thousand years and they won't do it now. Italians typically don't eat breakfast. Ana will make you eggs, etc. however if you want to go to a restaurant for breakfast the only one open is Cafe Poliziano in Montepulciano. Italians usually eat bread with Olive Oil, meats and fruit in the morning.
Most places around Tuscany are closed on Monday. Gas Stations are closed on Sundays unless you’re on the Freeway.
Most stores shut down from 12 to 4 everyday and dinner starts at 8pm. Keep in mind that if Anna makes you dinner and brings out pasta this is only the first course. Pace yourself!!!!
If you go to an ATM you won't be able to get as much money as you would expect. Keep this in mind. I always tell the bank ahead of time and raise my daily cash limit to about $1,000 a day or 750 Euros.
On Thursday’s there is a Farmers Market in Montpeulciano next to the bus station. It runs from 8 to 12 in the morning