If you are looking for an incredible family stay deep in the heart of gorgeous Tuscany, La Moscadella is one of the loveliest agriturismos Tuscany has to offer. One of my dream destinations has always been to visit Italy, and when I heard about the idea of a Tuscany agriturismo, I was hooked. Not only are they great for families, but their affordability makes it an ideal way to enjoy an immersive Italian vacation.
We found the spectacular La Moscadella, a former monastery that is a true labor of love for Isabella Moricciani and her family. This location, from the accommodations to the food to the Tuscan country side views to the top notch concierge experience, was truly spectacular.
La Moscadella is located in Val d’Orcia, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s the perfect place to stay with popular cities Siena, San Gimignano, Cortona, Volterra, Florence, and more just an hour or two drive away. And you have castles, abbeys, spas, hot springs, and other activities to explore close at hand.
To get right to the point, the amenities, attention to detail, service and quality of this agriturismo is unparalleled to any place we have stayed before. The concierge even helped us book cultural experiences and a daily itinerary for our family (included in the rate!) From cooking classes to a truffle tour with a local (which was fascinating) to horseback riding and more, she helped us plan an immersive Italian vacation of our dreams.
We’re going to dive into this beautiful agriturismo in Tuscany and show you why it’s one of the best places to stay in the region. Read on to find out why you should add this stay to your summer bucket list!
This post contains affiliate links which means I receive a commission at no cost to you if you make a purchase using this link. See my disclosures. Cover photo: Bon Voyage With Kids
What Is An Agriturismo?
First, let’s define agriturismo as many people have never heard of this concept. The word agriturismo combines the Italian words for agriculture and tourism. An agriturismo is a combination of a vineyard and farm or a hotel that provides farmhouse accommodations or self-catering apartments.
This form of accommodation started when small-scale farming became less profitable, and many farmers had to look for work in larger cities and towns. In 1985, the term “Agriturismo” was legally defined by Italian lawmakers to recognize and honor the country’s agricultural traditions. This definition enabled the restoration of deserted rural estates and buildings and, in some cases, provided funding for such refurbishments.
Similar to bed and breakfasts, the agriturismos allowed farmers to earn farm income by hosting tourists allowing them to experience the Italian rural life first-hand.
Unique To Italy
While you can find an agriturismo in any part of Italy, Tuscany has become known for its luxurious agriturismo vacations. Perhaps it’s due to its glorious countryside views, but this region has perfected the elegant vineyard hotel and agriturismo model, offering some of the best agriturismo experiences in the world.
These farm stays aren’t unique to this region, but they are an ideal stay for families, couples or anyone wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle of the Italian cities which can be overcrowded in the summer. They are a special kind of accommodation that combines a working farm, and/or a vineyard, with accommodations and typically dining. And for families like ours who like to have immersive, experiential vacations, an Italian agriturismo stay is the way to go.
The experiences range from luxury farmhouse hotels with spas and fine dining to rustic family farms. Each farm stay offers a different experience, from elegant to rustic style, and all give you a taste of living in Italy on a large or small farm.
While they can range from working farms with animals to ones growing vines for wine or olives for oil, and from large to small, they are typically quite affordable with lovely accommodations and delicious food.
Why Stay In An Agriturismo?
Agriturismos are great for families that want to experience a true working farm in Italy and an immersive cultural experience in the Italian or Tuscan countryside. It’s a way to enjoy Italian culture in a different way. Here are a few reasons to look at staying at a family-friendly Agriturismo:
Affordability
First, Agriturismos tend to be very affordable. In fact, often they are inexpensive compared to a hotel or renting a VRBO or AirBnB, plus you get many included amenities. We stayed in a suite that accommododated our family of five, and it was a fraction of the cost of our stay in Switzerland for a similar room.
Immersive Experiences
It is also a way to discover Italy and Tuscany in an immersive way. When staying at an agriturismo, you typically experience life in a local way as you are being hosted by locals. It provides you with a glimpse into the rural way of life for Italians and experiencing farm life firsthand or in the case of La Moscadella, life nestled in olive trees with spectacular views of hilltop towns. It’s a rich cultural experience unlike any other that allows you to see the beautiful Tuscan countryside as a local does.
Many Agriturismos offer authentic activities Including:
- Tuscan cooking classes
- Horseback riding
- Traditional Tuscan-style farmhouses
- Olive oil tastings
- Caring for farm animals
- Touring the lush green countryside and olive groves
- Tasting local wine and local produce
And much more. Visit Tuscany in the fall, and take part in the yearly olive harvest festival. You can help create one of the most important Italian staples, olive oil or extra virgin olive oil.
Delicious Food
As Italy is known for its delicious and high quality food, especially Tuscany, staying in an Agriturismo often means you are getting some of the freshest and most delicious local ingredients and foods. I can say that at La Moscadella, we enjoyed homemade jams, pastas, sauces, and oilive oil and it was some of the most delicious foods we had ever had. And while Florence had good food, it was nothing compared to the rich delicious flavors we enjoyed at our agriturismo.
Great For Families
As someone who loves experiential travel – especially for my kids – I wanted to find a special agriturismo on our recent trip to Tuscany, Italy. In fact, this Italian experience is so unique that we won’t be staying at a traditional hotel or resort when we go back. My family only wants to stay at a Tuscany agriturismo like La Moscadella – our favorite.
La Moscadella Review
About The Isabella Experience
I certainly would encourage a stay at an agriturismo if you visit Italy. But I wanted to start off just by telling you about the Isabella Experience so you understand why La Moscadella is so extraordinary and unique.
Isabella is a city girl turned farm girl from Milan and originally came as a guest to Agriturismo Cretaiole. Here she fell in love with her husband Carlo, who makes sure the farm produces some of the best olive oil and wine possible. Together, they have built the Isabella Experience.
When you visit one of the family properties in the Isabella Experience (of which La Moscadella is one), your key to the heart of Tuscany is known as the Isabella Experience. Isabella and her team go out of their way to ensure you enjoy an authentic Tuscany vacation, like so many people dream of. Guests continue to return because of the magical Isabella Experience she and her family provide to all the guests.
Additional Properties in The Isabella Experience
The family owns other properties, including:
- Casa Moricciani – a luxury villa with sweeping views of green hills located in the small town of Castelmuzio
- Cretaiole – a traditional style ancient Tuscan farmhouse
- La Casine di Castello – a beautiful townhouse also located in the small town of Castelmuzio
Everyone on the team has a background in farm life or hospitality. I love that they call the housekeepers fairies because it makes them sound magical, and they pretty much keep everything perfect as they pay attention to every detail.
Former guests have said that the whole team strived to make their vacation the best week of their lives with unforgettable experiences. We completely agree – and so does Rick Steves who stayed at one of Isabella’s properties in Val d’Orcia.
While most families enjoy the major cities or agriturismos closer to Florence, when you stay in Val d’Orcia you get to experience Tuscany the way the locals do. It’s a dreamy, immersive vacation in the Tuscan countryside.
The iconic scenery, wine tastings, delicious food, top notch service, and charming renovated accommodations make this a Tuscany agriturismo experience you won’t want to miss.
About La Moscadella
Now, let’s talk specifically about La Moscadella. Located about a 90 minute car ride from Florence, La Moscadella sits on a hilltop outside the restored medieval hamlet of Castelmuzio that offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and olive trees. Castelmuzio is a tiny town, but its charm and lovely restaurant makes you feel like you have stumbled upon a local gem.
La Moscadella is located close to other well-known towns like Montalcino, Pienza, and Montepulciano. But it’s far enough off the beaten path to make you feel like you’re in another world.
Nestled in the heart of the Tuscan country side, La Moscadella is a 16th-century monastery that Isabella Moricciani and her family purchased in 2013. They lovingly restored it to be a gorgeous agriturismo with a private garden, a panoramic swimming pool, and all the modern comforts overlooking the Tuscan countryside (including air conditioning – something to note as not all of the Isabella Experience properties have this.)
Isabella and her team will greet you with a warm welcome. And they offer unique themed weeks such as family reunions, food and wine, and a woman’s getaway. In fact, the concierge planned several activities for us and even gave us her number to text for dining recommendations.
We loved that staying at La Moscadella was such a relaxing vacation where we could lay by the peaceful pool under the Tuscan sun. Or we loved resting in one of the private sitting areas in the large garden or by the outdoor pool after spending the day touring this part of Tuscany.
The Gourmet Tuscan Restaurant
I have to say we loved ending a long day exploring with a delicious rustic-style dinner at the on-site restaurant La Cucina. The food is sourced from local farm produce and the herb garden on site. There’s plenty of variety as the menu changes week to week, with an à la carte menu on the weekends.
The homemade bread, desserts, and pasta made from organic farm ingredients were to die for. And we loved resting in one of the private sitting areas in the garden overlooking the olive trees.
You’ll get a chance to taste La Moscadella’s delicious extra virgin olive oil which is simply amazing. There’s nothing like fresh olive oil. They also offer wine pairing meals with wine from the Isabella Experience’s own vineyard.
La Moscadella also offers cooking classes and special meals on certain days throughout the week. My kids really enjoyed the cooking courses – specifically, the onsite pasta making class where we learned to make the local pasta called Picci. It’s like a spaghetti but a bit thicker. Then we enjoyed our meal with both a cacio e pepe and a marinara sauce.
Activities
When you stay a La Moscadella, you can customize your days depending on your family’s interests. There are exclusive activities just for guests.
When you arrive, the hosts provide you with a calendar of specially curated weekly events. Other optional activities include wine tastings, artisanal tours, special festivals, concerts, and more are available too.
The onsite concierge is so helpful, she arranged off property activities for us as well. We took a truffle hunting tour with a local truffle hunter and learned about this fascinating industry. She also arranged a wine tasting and lunch, horseback riding, and gave us day trip and dining recommendations. The concierge also made dining reservations for us.
One of the reasons we love this agriturismo so much is they have special activities for kids and teens like:
- Fun tractor rides
- Arts and crafts
- A mountain bike tour from Bagno Vignani (the town with the hot springs) to San Quirico d’Orcia to Pienza and back
- A pizza cooking class
- Pasta making class (one of our kids’ favorite activities)
- A ropes course
- Swimming in the natural cool springs or thermal hot springs in Bagno Vignani
- Babysitting can be arranged and Isabella Experience staff can lead your kids on an easy walking tour of Pienza (with a stop for pizza and gelato)
- Horseback riding which can be arranged for you
- Make sure you do a least one wine tasting while the kids play
- Local hiking trails perfect for hiking and mountain biking
And much more. If you need any additional items for staying at La Moscadella with kids, Isabella and her team are happy to provide them.
Local Recommendations
Also, Isabella’s Travel Guide is located in all the rooms, and it is a great resource with places to visit, itineraries, the best walks and hikes, and more. Isabella’s guide is like taking one of the guided tours where you pay for someone with local knowledge, except it’s free.
Like Isabella, you’ll fall in love with Castelmuzio’s Tuscan village life, where you can see how everyday Italians live. You can also visit the local restaurant and sample Tuscan specialties like olive oils made with the fruit from olive groves in the area. Dining at this restaurant was very special for us as it is not overrun with tourists – mainly locals – and you really feel immersed in your Tuscan surroundings.
The ancient village tower, churches, and museum make you feel like you’re stepping back in time and following in the footsteps of the Romans, Etruscans, and pilgrims traveling to Rome.
It’s very small, with just 250 residents, but it’s a community rich in culture and beauty with views of the rolling hills. Castelmuzio really gives you a glimpse of life over the past centuries in an Italian village.
Rooms
Our room – the Luxe Quarters – was a two bedroom suite that comfortably accommodated our family of five. The master room was comfrotable and cozy for my husband and I and our three kids were in a separate room with three beds. The mini-bar was stocked with wines, non alcoholic beverages and snacks and what was there was complimentary (additional snacks and drinks were additional cost.)
Accommodation options:
There are several accommodation options at La Moscadella that can fit a vareity of family needs:
- The entire villa – sleeps 20 to 30 with 14 bedrooms and 14 baths
- The Cozy Luxe Room – sleeps two with one bedroom and a private bathroom. -The Cozy Luxe Rooms are the equivalent of double rooms in standard hotels.
- The Generous Luxe Room – sleeps two with one bedroom and a private bathroom as well as a sitting area for two.
- Luxe Quarters – sleeps two with one bedroom and a private bathroom, but it also has a living room with one or two daybeds. This would be a good family suite for a couple with one or two children.
- Grand Luxe Quarters – sleeps four with two bedrooms and two baths and also a separate living area with one or two daybeds (these family rooms are amazing)
- Honeymoon Suite – It’s, just as it sounds, the perfect room for honeymooners or anyone else who wants a large bedroom and sitting area for two people.
- Charming Luxe Villa – sleeps four with two bedrooms, two baths, and a full kitchen. It’s a small independent villa separated from the main building with a patio area that has a barbecue.
- The Solo Luxe Room – This room is perfect for one person with one bedroom and bath.
Kid-friendly Gear
Another nice thing about this Tuscany agriturismo is that Isabella and the team have taken great care to provide guests with the things their children need, such as:
- A special plastic bathtub
- High chair
- Baby monitor
- Bottle warmer
- Toys
- Teddy bears
- A baby bed
And much more. There were young children there during our stay and Isabella and her team ensured the had everything they needed. I love that they took such care to make sure kids feel welcome and parents have everything they need.
Additionally, Isabella’s sweet dog is a fixture at La Moscadella. My kids loved seeing him every morning waiting to greet them at breakfast.
There is also an onsite pool which is great for cooling down after a hot day touring.
Amenities and Services included in La Moscadella Rates
- Personal assistance and customized planning
- Travel maps, guide books
- Wi-Fi internet connection
- Free coffee and tea available in the dining room
- Complimentary natural and sparkling water dispenser available 24/7 in the dining room
- Complimentary bottle of our Sangiovese red wine and wine glasses
- Fridge stocked with a complimentary starter assortment of drinks and water
- Fans in every bedroom
- Moderate air-conditioning in summer
- Swimming Pool
- High-quality bath and facial products, bathrobes and slippers
- Light daily maid service
- Mid-week change of bedsheets and twice-weekly change of towels for weekly stays
- Once-weekly laundry service (washing, drying, folding) for weekly stays
- Private parking
As someone who travels a lot, I have to say the fully stocked fridge that is complimentary for the first use (yes, until you empty the fridge and I don’t think we did) and the first bag (as much as you can fill) complimentary laundry for weekly stays is unheard of. These are huge amenities that show the attention to detail and service La Moscadella provides.
Getting To La Moscadella
If you are flying, Florence would be the closest airport. However, La Moscadella is about 90 minutes drive from Florence, so you will need a rental car.
You can rent a car to be picked up at the Florence airport, but note that you should reserve it in advance. For any Tuscan holiday, having a rental car enables you to explore all that the region has to offer, such as the hilltop towns, natural hot springs, wine tastings, truffle hunting, horseback riding, and more.
Check La Moscadella Availability
You can book La Moscadella directly or through Booking.com.
FAQs
What does agriturismo mean in Italian?
Agriturismo is a combination of the words agriculture and tourism in Italian (agriculture and turismo). From southern Tuscany to Northern Tuscany, this region has perfected the luxurious agriturismo model.
What to expect from an agriturismo?
Honestly, each farm stay and agriturismo is different. Some are more rustic, while others offer a luxury experience with spa facilities or even a private chef. Some may have a swimming pool, while others are less extravagant.
All agriturismos in Tuscany will provide your family with a unique experience you can’t get anywhere else. That’s why we love La Moscadella because it allows you to immerse yourself in the Italian farm culture and natural beauty while staying in amazing accommodations.
What is there to do in an agriturismo?
Normally, the agriturismo serves amazing food prepared from ingredients on the farm. Guests may even be allowed to join in the farming activities like feeding animals, picking olives, gathering vegetables, or milking cows.
You can also choose one with a swimming pool and spa or special activities for families. One thing is guaranteed, while you may want to look for comfortable apartments and rooms to stay in, you won’t be in there often. You’ll be out exploring the countryside.
When is the Best Time of year to visit tuscany?
The best time of year to visit Tuscany is mid-April to end of September. July and August are peak summer travel months for all of Europe, and Tuscany is no different. It’s likely when agriturismo prices will be the highest and it will be the hottest weather, but it is still worth visiting then. We visited in August and it was hot but not unbearably so (though it was helpful to have a pool to cool off in at La Moscadella.)
Final Thoughts on Agriturismo Tuscany
Hands down, my family feels like La Moscadella is the best agriturismo in Tuscany. There’s nothing better than lying at an outdoor pool next to an olive grove overlooking the Tuscan hills.
There are plenty of activities in the area, and the historic town of Castelmuzio allows you to step back in time to see ancient Italian village life. The whole area is beautiful, with olive and cypress trees, rolling hills, and scenery out of a fairy tale.
I know you’ll love La Moscadella as much as we did. It was truly an unforgettable experience, unlike any other Agriturismo in Tuscany.
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