Escape to Tuscany: Stunning 3-Person Apartment in Citerna, Italy (Belvilla by OYO)
Escape to Tuscany: Citerna's Charms and a Belvilla Rollercoaster (My Take)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this review of the "Escape to Tuscany: Stunning 3-Person Apartment in Citerna, Italy (Belvilla by OYO)" is gonna be… well, it's gonna be me. Forget the perfectly polished travel blogs; this is the real deal, warts and all. Let's dive headfirst into this Tuscan dream, shall we? And maybe, just maybe, I'll finally understand the difference between a Chianti and a Pinot Grigio… or not.
First Impressions: The Arrival & the Apartment (the Good, the Annoying & the "Wait…What?")
Citerna, the little medieval burg where this Belvilla sits, is gorgeous. Seriously. Picture postcard perfect. Cobblestone streets, terracotta roofs, the whole shebang. Finding the apartment wasn’t a total breeze. Directions? Let's just say my GPS and I had a spirited discussion about the meaning of "narrow alleyway." But hey, it added to the adventure! (Afterward, I found the parking situation… less adventurous. Free, yes! But finding the spot? Good luck, friend.)
The apartment itself? Okay, let's call it a mixed bag. The "stunning" part is… debatable. It was well-appointed, don't get me wrong. But the decor? Let's just say it leaned heavily into "rustic charm" and a slight whiff of grandma's attic. (Which, in fairness, is part of the appeal of Italy, right? The history! The character!) It had a decent-sized kitchen; vital for a serious pasta-making undertaking. (More on that later… and maybe a kitchen fire)
Accessibility: (Curb Cuts and Cobblestones…Not Always Friends)
Now, I didn’t specifically need accessibility features. But I noticed, and figured I should. The apartment itself seemed okay, but Citerna? Hmmm. Cobblestones are beautiful, but not exactly wheelchair-friendly, are they? The Belvilla information mentions facilities for disabled guests, BUT the town itself is full of steep hills and uneven surfaces. So, let's say: check the specific apartment details with extreme diligence if accessibility is key.
Connectivity and Creature Comforts (Wi-Fi, Wine, and Washing Machines – Oh My!)
Thank the heavens for FREE Wi-Fi! After all, escaping to Tuscany and then not Instagramming your Aperol Spritz is just criminal. The Wi-Fi in the apartment was generally reliable. You can sit there on your laptop and do your work, but, you know, the internet access is not like in the fast-tech countries. The option of "Internet access – LAN" was offered, but, let's be honest, who uses a LAN cable these days? (Okay, maybe some people… but not me!)
The apartment had air conditioning, which was a godsend in the Tuscan summer heat. I’m mentioning this because I am old and I need a good A/C in these times of global warming.. The kitchen had a fridge and coffee maker, which I considered to be essentials. (Especially after my GPS-induced near-panic in the alleys.) And the washing machine? Bless it. After a week of sweaty adventures, that was a lifesaver. The "Extra long bed," was a welcome bonus.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Pasta Paradise & Pizza Predicaments)
Alright, food. This is where things get interesting. There's loads of restaurants within reasonable walking distance. The apartment had a fully equipped kitchen, so, of course, I decided to CHANNEL MY INNER CHEF. I thought to myself, "I'll make fresh pasta! I'll become a culinary goddess!" (Famous last words, right?)
The first attempt? Let’s just say there was a significant amount of smoke. The smoke detector, thankfully, did its job. I am not going to go into the details, I am not the greatest cook. Luckily, they offered “Sanitized kitchen and tableware items,” because I have no idea how I'd clean the mess without them.
There were a couple of restaurants nearby. One of them had a great pizza, and other was a more classy one where I found a dish of salads, not bad, but, it was just a salad. The Poolside bar was just a dream.
The Fun Stuff: Relaxation, Rejuvenation…and Maybe a Bit of Regret?
The Belvilla didn't offer a full-blown spa experience. (No body wraps or foot baths, sadly.) But it did have a pool! A "Swimming Pool [outdoor]" with a view! (And let me tell you, the view from that pool was worth the price of admission alone.) I spent at least one entire afternoon floating around there, sipping wine, and contemplating the meaning of life. Or, you know, just napping in the sun.
The Belvilla didn’t have a gym, so if you are hoping to work out, you should find a good one.
Cleanliness and Safety (The Post-COVID Reality)
I felt pretty safe and comfortable. They had things like “Anti-viral cleaning products” and “Daily disinfection in common areas," which, in these times, is reassuring. The "Room sanitization opt-out available" thing was interesting. I chose to not opt-out, because, well, I like being squeaky-clean. There was also "Hand sanitizer" and "Staff trained in safety protocol." All good stuff. I mean, I was pretty sure I wasn’t going to catch the bubonic plague or anything.
Services and Conveniences (The Good, the Bad, and the "Huh?")
The "Facilities for disabled guests" were mentioned, which is great. The "Daily housekeeping" was efficient. The "Luggage storage," was handy. There was no "room service," but, I got my butt cooking myself. The "Cash withdrawal" was appreciated. I didn’t use the "Dry cleaning" or "Ironing service," because, well, I packed all the "no-iron" clothes. I’m a minimalist, at least when it comes to ironing clothes! There was a concierge, but I didn't really use it, because the staff were not usually answering my calls, or not being there when I was hoping.
Oh, and the "Outdoor venue for special events"? I’m not sure what that was. I'm pretty sure there were no events going on when I was there.
For the Kids (If You're Traveling with Littles)
I don't have kids, but I noticed there were mentions of “Family/child friendly” and “Babysitting service”. I’m not sure if there are any playgrounds, not in Citerna, but there are some things you could do with kids. The Belvilla did not strike me as particularly kid-centric (think no dedicated play areas), but hey, kids love pools, right?
Getting Around (Car, Bike, or…Foot?)
The apartment did have "Car park [free of charge]" and "Car park [on-site]," which was great. My car was my lifeline. Public transport? Let's just say I'd recommend a car. (And strong driving skills for those narrow streets!) Taxi service wasn't very available. I did see "Bicycle parking," but I didn't really notice any bike rentals.
The Quirks, the Imperfections, and the Final Verdict (The Raw Truth!)
Here’s the thing: this Belvilla apartment in Citerna was…an experience. It had its flaws. It wasn't perfect. The decor was…unique. The kitchen almost burnt to cinders. The parking situation was a logistical nightmare. The staff might not always be around.
But…
The view from the pool? Breathtaking. The town itself? Magical. The feeling of being in Italy, surrounded by history, culture, and (eventually edible) food? Unforgettable.
So, would I recommend this place? Yes, but with caveats. If you're looking for pristine perfection, if you need a gym, want kid-centric facilities, this might not be the place for you. If you're looking for a genuinely Italian experience, a base to explore a beautiful region, and don’t mind a little… well, let's say “character” – then go for it.
Final Thoughts: Be prepared for a little adventure. Embrace the imperfections. And for the love of all that is Italian… learn how to make pasta before you go.
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- Title: Escape to Tuscany: Charming Apartment in Citerna, Italy - Belvilla Review
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- Description: Honest review of the Belvilla
Alright, buckle up, buttercup, because we're about to dive headfirst into my potential Umbrian disaster… I mean, adventure. This is the itinerary for our Belvilla by OYO Appartamento per 3 in Citerna, Italy. And believe me, building this thing felt like herding cats. Pray for us.
Day 1: "Ciao, Citerna (and Pray the Key Works!)" - The Arrival & the Olive Oil Odyssey
- Time: 6:00 AM - Wake up, fueled by sheer terror (and instant coffee). Double-check passport/tickets/sanity levels.
- Time: 7:00 AM - Taxi to the airport. Pray the driver speaks more than “Ciao" and “Grazie.” My Italian is…evolving. Mostly involves pointing and frantic hand gestures.
- Time: 9:00 AM - Flight to Florence. The flight itself? A blur of stale airplane bread and praying I don’t accidentally recline into the person behind me. I'm considering bringing a laminated sign, "Please, No Back Seat Assaults."
- Time: 11:00 AM - Arrival in Florence… Ugh. The airport shuffle. Finding the rental car agency, which, let me tell you, is always a test of patience and my beginner Italian skills. My first car-related mistake on the Italian countryside… it IS guaranteed.
- Time: 1:00 PM - The Drive. The actual, real adventure begins! The drive from Florence to Citerna – oh, the things to expect: winding roads, rogue cyclists, and the constant nagging feeling you’re driving on the wrong side (even if you're not). My co-pilot has the maps, and let me just say, the navigation skills are… questionable.
- Time: 3:00 PM - Arrival and check-in. Pray the keys are where they're meant to be. Pray the lock works. Pray the apartment isn’t haunted by angry Italian ghosts (this is Italy, after all. Ghosts are practically a given).
- Time: 4:00 PM - Settle into the apartment (if we're successful in getting in!) and unpack. The apartment better be as charming as the pictures! I'm envisioning exposed brick, a roaring fireplace (that WORKS), and maybe, just maybe, a resident espresso machine.
- Time: 5:00 PM - The Olive Oil Quest. Tonight we're going to an agriturismo (that's a farm stay, for the uninitiated). I'm picturing a rustic idyll, rolling hills, a convivial family, and mountains of delicious food. We're planning a tour and olive oil tasting at a local producer.
- Anecdote: Last time I tried a wine tasting in Italy, I accidentally spilled a whole glass of red wine down the front of my friend's white shirt. Praying for more grace this time. Or, failing that, a really good stain remover and a very forgiving olive oil producer.
- Time: 7:00 PM - Dinner at the Agriturismo. Home-cooked meal. I'll probably overeat, because, well, Italy.
- Time: 9:00 PM - Crash. Because jet lag + Italian food = instant sleep.
Day 2: "Citerna's Charms & the Accidental Art Gallery"
- Time: 8:00 AM - Wake up to the sounds of… hopefully, not construction. Coffee and breakfast in the apartment. Pray the coffee machine knows what it’s doing. Breakfast of champions: dry biscuits from the local market.
- Time: 9:00 AM - Explore Citerna. This is where the real exploring will begin. We will lose ourselves in the narrow streets of the medieval town of Citerna. I plan to stare at churches and climb the tower, take a selfie with the town square… everything touristy.
- Time: 11:00 AM - Visit a local artisan's studio. I have always wanted to attempt to paint. So, I am excited to start a painting course. Hopefully, I won't end up producing something that looks more like abstract splattering than an actual painting.
- Quirky Observation: I swear, the Italian sun makes everything feel more intense. Colors are brighter, smells are stronger, emotions are more…well, emotional. Like walking around in a Technicolor movie.
- Time: 1:00 PM - Lunch at a trattoria. I'm hoping for pasta. Lots and lots of pasta. And maybe a little bit of tiramisu. Because.
- Time: 2:30 PM - Explore the town and the shops… maybe some shopping.
- Time: 4:00 PM - Back to the apartment for a rest… it's all starting to hit; the hills, the sun…
- Time: 6:00 PM - Enjoy a late aperitivo at a local bar. Soak up the evening atmosphere, people-watch, and try my hand at ordering a Negroni. (Wish me luck, I'll need it.)
- Time: 7:30 PM - Dinner. I'm hoping for pizza.
Day 3: "Sansepolcro & the Piero della Francesca Panic"
- Time: 9:00 AM - Road trip to Sansepolcro. This is where things get serious. We are driving to visit Piero della Francesca's works in Sansepolcro.
- Time: 10:00 AM - Visit the local church to see the works of Piero della Francesca.
- Time: 12:00 PM - Lunch in Sansepolcro. I've spotted something about truffles. My mouth is literally watering at the thought. I'm dreaming of truffle pasta, truffle risotto, truffle everything.
- Time: 1:00 PM - Explore Sansepolcro: Visit the beautiful medieval churches, enjoy the atmosphere…
- Time: 3:00 PM - Return to Citerna for a rest…
- Time: 6:00 PM - Cook dinner in the apartment. Let's see what we can come up with using the local produce! I'm hoping for a culinary triumph. Pray the oven doesn’t explode.
Day 4: "The Umbrian Coast & the Quest for the Perfect Gelato"
- Time: 9:00 AM - Day trip to the Umbrian coast. We are heading to the coast today.
- Time: 11:00 AM - Swim and relax at the beach.
- Time: 1:00 PM - Lunch at a local restaurant.
- Time: 3:00 PM - Search for the best gelato. This is an essential mission. I need to find gelato that will transport me straight to heaven. I'm talking creamy, intensely flavored, perfectly balanced gelato. Chocolate and pistachio, of course. And maybe a little stracciatella.
- Emotional Reaction: I might cry if I find good gelato. Actually, I'm probably guaranteed to cry.
- Time: 5:00 PM - Relaxing by the sea.
- Time: 7:00 PM - Return to the apartment.
- Time: 8:00 PM - Dinner.
Day 5: "Farewell Citerna (and Pray We Remember Where We Parked!)"
- Time: 9:00 AM - Last chance for breakfast. I'm already feeling sad about leaving! Last chance to practice (or, rather, butcher) my Italian. Take a final walk through Citerna.
- Time: 11:00 AM - Check out of the apartment. Okay, time to face reality. Pray we leave the apartment in a reasonably clean state. Pray we haven’t broken anything we can’t replace. Pray we haven’t accidentally stolen anything.
- Time: 12:00 PM - The drive back to Florence…
- Time: 2:00 PM - Return the rental car the rental car. Pray they don’t find any scratches. Pray they don’t ask for the car back…
- Time: 4:00 PM - Fly back home…
Important Considerations (aka My Mental Ramblings):
- The Language Barrier: I will probably make a fool of myself. Expect a lot of pointing, miming, and the occasional desperate plea for help.
- Food allergies: Pray no allergies. I have some, and I can see real issues arising if they're ignored.
- The Italian Driving Experience: Terrifying. Prepare for aggressive drivers, narrow roads, and a constant feeling that you're about to die. But hey, at least it'll be scenic!
- The Unknown: This is the beauty and the terror of travel. Anything could happen. I love the chaotic, weird, and wonderful.
Okay, wish us luck. We'll need it. Ciao! (And please let the WiFi work… I need to document all the potential disasters).
Escape to Paradise: Luxurious Chalet Awaits in De Veluwe, Ede!
Escape to Tuscany: The Real Deal - FAQ (with a healthy dose of chaos)
Alright, spill the beans! Is Tuscany *actually* as dreamy as Instagram makes it out to be?
This "3-Person Apartment"... is it *actually* for three people? Or is it more like "two people who don't mind cuddling and a slightly neglected sofa-bed?"
Citerna... is it a town? A *village*? Somewhere in between? Tell me, is it worth the trip?
Belvilla by OYO... is it reliable? Are you going to get scammed? (Be honest, now!)
The kitchen! Is it even *usable*? I need to know if I can attempt to cook some authentic Tuscan dishes.
Speaking of food... What's the *best* meal you had in Citerna (or nearby)? And where should I go? (Gimme the goods!)
