Escape to Tuscany: Unforgettable Agriturismo in Monticelli d'Ongina
Escape to Tuscany: Monticelli d'Ongina – A Real Review (and My Honest Thoughts!)
Okay, let's talk Tuscany. Not just any Tuscany, but the real Tuscany, the kind you dream about: rolling hills, sun-drenched vineyards, and the promise of pasta so good it'll make you weep (happy tears, naturally). I'm talking about hitting up Escape to Tuscany: Unforgettable Agriturismo in Monticelli d'Ongina. I’m going to be brutally honest, so buckle up buttercups, because this isn't some sanitized travel brochure.
First Impressions (and My Stomach Growling):
Finding the place was an adventure in itself. GPS hiccups? Check. Narrow, winding roads? Double check. But then… BAM! You arrive, and honestly, it just smells amazing. That classic Italian sunshine and some amazing cooking wafting through the air. It's all very… rustic-chic, which is a polite way of saying it feels effortlessly cool, not like it was trying too hard.
Let's Get Down to Brass Tacks (Stuff That Actually Matters):
- Accessibility: Now, this is important. They say it's accessible, but I always take that with a grain of salt. I didn't personally need a wheelchair, but from what I could see, while they do offer some accessibility features, it's not a fully wheelchair accessible experience. It's Tuscany, so expect some hills. The website is not clear that the agriturismo in general is accessible, and you must find the room that suits you. If this is important, call ahead and grill them on this. Don't just take my word for it!
- Internet & Tech Stuff (Ugh): Okay, I'm a sucker for good Wi-Fi. And, THANK GOD Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Because let's be real, I needed to share my pasta pics. And, they actually delivered decent wifi. You can also get Internet [LAN], but let's be honest, who uses a cable these days? And just in case you need to get some serious work done, they have Internet services.
- Cleanliness & Safety (The New Normal): Look, Covid has changed everything. I was genuinely impressed. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, hand sanitizer everywhere, and the staff actually wearing masks without looking grumpy. Big points! They also had individually wrapped food options – which I loved because I'm a little bit of a germaphobe, and room sanitization opt-out available. They really thought of everything. They even had a Doctor/nurse on call. Honestly, it's comforting.
- Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (My Favorite Subject): This is where things get really interesting. The restaurant is a MUST. I'm a sucker for A la carte options, but the buffet which included a Western Breakfast was phenomenal. The vegetarian restaurant - made my plant-based friend really happy (and me too, honestly). The Coffee/tea in restaurant was excellent. And the Poolside bar? Pure bliss on a sunny afternoon. I'm still dreaming of the Negroni I had there, especially when the Happy Hour rolled around. And did I forget to mention the Room Service [24-hour]? Sometimes all you want is a midnight snack… and they delivered.
- The Room (My Personal Sanctuary): My room was a dream. Air conditioning, thank God! Blackout curtains (essential for a good sleep after all that wine!), and a coffee/tea maker for that much-needed morning caffeine fix. The Wi-Fi [free] worked a treat. Linens. Clean, crisp, glorious linens! And the Complimentary tea. And did I mention the Private bathroom? Luxury.
- Things To Do & Ways to Relax (The Good Stuff): Okay, here's where Escape to Tuscany shines. The Pool with view (and the views!) is breathtaking. They've got a Sauna. A Steamroom. Massage? Oh yes, a massage. I got a Body scrub and a Body wrap – basically, I was molted into a better version of myself. The Spa/sauna setup is excellent. They even have a little Gym/fitness area if you’re feeling particularly virtuous. And the Foot bath was surprisingly amazing.
- Services & Conveniences (The Little Things That Matter): From the moment you arrive, the staff is lovely. The Concierge was super helpful. The Daily housekeeping was a lifesaver. They have Luggage storage (thank you, because I always overpack!). And the Valet parking, if you're feeling fancy. And of course the Laundry service. They make life easy.
- For the Kids (If You Have 'Em): While I was traveling solo, I saw families having a blast. They have Babysitting service, so if you need some grown-up time, and a Kids meal, so all is good.
- Getting Around (Because You Will Want to Explore): Airport transfer is a lifesaver. Car park [free of charge] (essential!), and Taxi service in case you overindulge in the vino (again, happens to me).
- Anything Else? (The Random Bits and Bobs): Car power charging station for electric vehicles. Elevator. Facilities for disabled guests is there, but again, clarify specifics. Gift/souvenir shop (because you need that "I heart Tuscany" t-shirt). Meeting/banquet facilities, Outdoor venue for special events, Proposal spot, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace. And the non-smoking rooms are a blessing.
My Real Experience & The Stuff That Got a Little Messy:
Okay, so I'm normally a solo traveler kind of gal. But I brought my best friend along this time, and we needed a relaxing break. We'd both been working way too hard, and we wanted to recharge.
The highlight? The massage. Seriously. I think I actually melted on the table. They used this gorgeous Tuscan olive oil, and the therapist was incredibly skilled. When the massage was over, I was literally a puddle on the floor. Pure bliss.
Now, the "messy" part? Well, we accidentally ordered way too much food one night at the restaurant. Seriously, tables laden with pasta, meats, and cheeses, but we managed to eat a good bit of it. The wine probably helped. The staff were super understanding, though, and even boxed up the leftovers for us. (Which, I might add, made for a fantastic lunch the next day.)
But here's the real beauty of Escape to Tuscany: It's not just a hotel. It's an experience. It's about slowing down, breathing in the fresh air, and savoring every single moment. It's about the unexpected moments, the laughter, and the memories you make.
The Imperfections (Because Nothing's Perfect):
- The Wi-Fi, while good, did occasionally drop out. Not a major deal, but worth noting.
- The "rustic" nature of the place means a few little quirks here and there. Don't expect sterile perfection. Embrace the charm!
- It's not super close to major cities and airports. Plan accordingly!
The Verdict (My Honest Opinion):
Would I go back? Absolutely, one thousand percent yes. It's a perfect getaway for anyone looking for a true Tuscan experience. The food is incredible, the staff is friendly, and the atmosphere is simply magical.
My Unforgettable Experience: The Wine Tasting That Turned Into a Flood of Laughter
Okay, the most amazing thing? The wine tasting they offered. It wasn't just a tasting; it was a whole experience. We met the vineyard owner, a delightful, slightly eccentric Italian gentleman, and he poured us this incredible Chianti Classico.
The wine? Divine. But more importantly, he shared stories about growing the grapes, all with a heavy Italian accent and gestures that would put a conductor to shame. Halfway through, my friend accidentally knocked over a full bottle of red wine! It went everywhere – down his own shirt, across the table, all over the pristine white tablecloth.
The owner just burst out laughing. He shrugged, said something in Italian that I couldn't understand, and promptly poured more wine. It was a moment of pure joy, a reminder that life's best moments often happen when things go a little sideways. That's the magic of Escape to Tuscany.
My Honest Advice (The Unsolicited Kind):
- Book the massage! Please, just do it.
- Embrace the chaos. Things might not always go according to plan, but that's part of the fun.
- Learn a few basic Italian phrases. It makes it feel even more authentic.
- Go hungry. You'll
Alright, buckle up Buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. This is my attempt – and frankly, probably my failure – to navigate the glorious, messy, sun-drenched chaos that is Agriturismo Bassanine in Monticelli D'Ongina, Italy. Prepare for a rollercoaster.
The Agriturismo Antics: A Non-Itinerary Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Immediate Hilarity (aka, "Lost in the Countryside, But in a Good Way")
Morning (ish): Land in… somewhere. Bologna? Milan? Honestly, I'm still fuzzy on the details. The flight was long, the snacks were questionable, and my brain is currently residing somewhere in the Bermuda Triangle. The drive to Bassanine… well, let's just say Google Maps and I had a very spirited debate about the meaning of "road." I swear, we went down a dirt track that looked suspiciously like the entrance to a goat farm. Eventually, after a near-miss with a particularly grumpy-looking donkey, we arrived.
Arrival at Bassanine: The place. Gasp. Photos do not capture the… charm. Think: rambling farmhouse meets picture-perfect postcard, with a healthy dose of “stuff just happens here.” The air smells of sunshine, hay, and… something delicious cooking. I think. More on that later.
- Immediate Panic/Delight: We get out of the car and stumble upon this magnificent, albeit somewhat dusty, courtyard. And the view! Oh, the view. Rolling green hills, vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see… and the distinct feeling of "Okay, I need a nap."
Lunch (or what passes for it): We find the (very charming, slightly frazzled) owner, and she thrusts a plate of local salami, cheese, and unbelievably crusty bread into my hands. "Mangia! Mangia!" she chirps. After the airplane food of the flight, the cheese was like a little slice of heaven. Seriously, I could eat a block of that stuff and be happy.
Afternoon: The Nap That Almost Wasn't: I collapse onto the bed in my room. Oh my god, it's hot. And the gentle hum of… well, I have no idea what it is, but it's there. I thought I would fall asleep right away, but the sheets seem to be made of the rough stuff. I tried to settle in, eyes wide. The thought of sleeping in the afternoon was tempting, but the idea of missing a minute of the magic was even more tempting.
Evening: Dinner – The Pasta Revelation: Oh. My. God. Tonight's pasta. I'm talking homemade, melt-in-your-mouth, soul-soothing pasta. They asked if I wanted the sausage sauce, and without even thinking said yes. And it was one of the best decisions of my life. I'm pretty sure I licked the plate clean. The wine? Plentiful and cheap. I ended the night on a high, vowing to never eat any other pasta.
Day 2: Exploring (and Getting Utterly Lost)
Morning: Breakfast & the Promise of Adventure: Breakfast is served in a communal dining area. The coffee is strong, the jam is homemade, and the other guests are a mix of giggling Italians and bewildered tourists (like me!). We chat, and I make a new friend. Armed with a map that's probably older than me and a vague sense of direction, we decide to venture into the local village.
Mid-Morning: The Market Mayhem: We find a small market, bursting with local produce. The vendors are friendly, the smells are intoxicating, and I buy way too much. I’m also pretty sure I managed to embarrass myself by attempting to haggle (badly) for a basket of peaches. The peaches were worth every penny.
Lunch: The Accidental Trattoria: We got lost, naturally. My phone died, the map was useless, and we ended up stumbling into a tiny trattoria we stumbled upon. It felt like walking into someone's home. The owner was a little old woman who barely spoke English, but her gnocchi? Perfection! So simple, so good.
Afternoon: The Wine-Tasting Debacle (Aka, "Slightly Tipsy Tourist"): This was on the itinerary. We found a local vineyard, and there's wine! Beautiful, flowing wine. The tasting… well, let's just say I learned a lot about my wine preferences (which, apparently, is "all of it"). I'm pretty sure I stumbled slightly back to the Agriturismo.
Evening: The Unplanned Stargazing: After dinner, we step out into the courtyard. The sky is a canvas of stars. The air is crisp, and the world feels peaceful.
Day 3: The Big Day – Learning to Make Pasta (and Probably Making a Mess)
Morning: The pasta class! This is what I've been waiting for. The owner/chef/general wonder woman is going to teach us how to make pasta from scratch. I am equal parts excited and terrified. I’m envisioning a disastrous flour-covered situation.
The Pasta Class Chaos: It’s a lot more difficult than it looks. We roll, we knead, we sweat, and we laugh. The flour gets everywhere. My pasta shape is… unique. But the feeling of actually creating something with your own hands, of being part of this tradition, is incredible.
- The Pasta Triumph: After much effort and countless moments of near-defeat, we do it! We actually make pasta! And then, we eat the pasta. Our own, incredibly messy, gloriously imperfect pasta. And it's the best thing I've ever tasted. This is it. This is what life is about.
- Post Pasta: I decide to go for a stroll around the property to savor the moment. The air is still hot. The scent of the earth, so rich. I sat down under an olive tree and closed my eyes. This is what it's all about.
Afternoon: The Unexpected Pool: I didn't even realize this place had a pool. We all had been so busy with pasta. I go for a swim in the crystal clear water, with the sun beating down on my face. And the view! Oh, the view!
Evening: The Farewell Feast: One last glorious dinner at Bassanine. We devour more pasta, more local dishes, and more wine. We clink glasses and raise a toast to Italy, to good food, and to the messy, beautiful adventure that is life.
Day 4: Leaving (with a Heavy Heart and a Belly Full of Memories)
Morning: The inevitable departure. Saying goodbye to Bassanine is harder than I expected. Tears might have been shed. I promise myself I'll be back.
The Drive (Part 2: The Donkey Strikes Back?): I drive back towards Bologna/Milan. I'm getting a little bit better at navigating those "roads" and I keep the image of the donkey in my mind. I'm pretty sure I've seen a few more grumpy ones.
Reflections and Realizations: I’m leaving changed. More relaxed, more appreciative of the simple things, and with a deep, abiding love for pasta. And the memory of a place that felt a little bit like heaven.
This is just a starting point, of course. The best part of travel is the unexpected, the unplanned moments that take you by surprise. So, go to Bassanine. Be lost. Eat pasta. Embrace the mess. And enjoy every single, glorious second.
Kenting, Taiwan: Paradise Found (Jaw-Dropping Photos!)
So, what *is* this darn thing anyway?
Are you *qualified* to answer these questions?
Okay, okay. But, like, *specific* topics? What are you *actually* answering questions about?
Tell me about a time you *really* messed up. Like, *seriously* messed up.
What's something you're passionate about? The *real* you.
What's the worst piece of advice you've ever gotten?
How do you deal with… well, *everything* being so overwhelming?
