SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT COVID-19:
YOUR SAFETY IS OF THE UTMOST IMPORTANCE TO US AT THIS TIME. Because of the uncertainties around traveling and concern for our public health systems worldwide, we are relaxing our cancellation policy this year to allow a full refund up to 15 days ahead of arrival. We can also move your reservation to 2021 if you wish.
CASA ILLUMINATA is a fully renovated, luxuriously furnished 4-level town home in the center of a thriving medieval village 45 minutes west of Siena and an hour south of Florence. 2 bdrms/2 baths with tub and shower (one ensuite with 2nd floor bdrm, the other on main living level), central heat and air conditioning, 2 terraces. Bedrooms are on the 4th floor and the 2nd floor; living, kitchen and dining room on 3rd floor (which is one flight of stairs up from street level). Total living space is approx. 160 sq meters. Upstairs bedroom has a very large terrace with dining table and chairs, potted garden and chaises. The 2nd floor bedroom has a queen sized bed and space for up to two additional twin beds which are stored in the cellar and can be set up upon request. Large, L-shaped modern sofa with down wrapped cushions is comfortable for sleeping on additional person. Comfortably the house sleeps 5, but 2 more people can stay for an extra fee.
That's the house. It is positioned on the northern side (with the best view) of the loveliest little storybook village of 700 residents. We are right next door to La Pergola Pizzeria on one side and the smallest theater in Europe (67 seats) on the other. And two doors down is an artisan's workshop, Ammos, a treasure trove for those seeking original art to bring home from their travels. Radicondoli is like a trip back to sweeter, more innocent times. It has four bars, three restaurants, four churches, a variety of shops and services, two grocery stores, a butcher, a tourist office, a bank with ATM, and locally staffed volunteer ambulance service and the friendliest people you will ever meet.
There are festivals throughout the year: May 1 is Primo Maggio. The last weekend of June is the San Giovanni Festival; late July-first week of August is a major theater, dance, music and art festival with concerts in village spaces, piazzas and out in the countryside. Every Thursday night in July and August, Via Garibaldi (my street) is closed to traffic and an evening festival takes place with food, cocktails, live music and dancing--it's called the Notte di Giove, and it's a no-miss event! In early July and mid August the famous Palio di Siena horse race takes place in Siena, and I can connect you with a great tour guide and the option to purchase bleacher tickets to view the trials and main race. In late September we have the Festa della Madonna, which culminates in a candlelight procession through the village with our medieval Madonna della Mercedes fresco. In late October we have the Festa di San Simone e Giuda in the main piazza with roast chestnuts, sausages, chestnut cake and wine, as well as old fashioned children's games. Day trips to Chianti villages and wine country, Volterra, San Gimignano, Florence, Siena, San Galgano Abbey, Massa Marittima, Arezzo, Cortona, Pisa, the Mediterranean coastline and a great many more beautiful destinations are possible, though you will want to carve out some serious loafing in the village and at home time, because Radicondoli is such a beautiful slice of Paradise you will fall in love with it the moment you arrive!
