Escape to Tuscany: Your Dream Belvilla Awaits in Città della Pieve!
Escape to Tuscany: My Città della Pieve Dream (Almost) Realized! - A Belvilla Review That's Actually Real
Okay, alright, let's be honest, this is me, sprawled on the couch, probably still smelling vaguely of Tuscan sunshine (or maybe just the industrial cleaner used to sanitize every surface – more on that later!). I've just gotten back from a week at the Belvilla in Città della Pieve, and my brain is still processing the sheer italy-ness of it all. This isn't your typical, perfectly-curated travel blog post, this is the real deal, the one where I tell you what actually happened, the good, the bad, and the slightly-ugly (mostly involving trying to parallel park in a Fiat).
SEO & Metadata (Don't worry, I'll get to the juicy bits!):
- Keywords: Città della Pieve, Tuscany, Belvilla, Italy, Vacation Rental, Spa, Swimming Pool, Accessible, Family Friendly, Restaurant, Wi-Fi, Review, Travel
- Metadata Description: My honest, unfiltered review of a Belvilla vacation rental in Città della Pieve, Tuscany. Accessibility, amenities, dining, and the realities of an Italian getaway… complete with my epic parking fails and unexpected pasta cravings.
- Focus: Overall experience, highlighting both strengths and weaknesses for a realistic perspective.
First Impressions & The Drive (Getting There is Half the Battle… Especially in Italy!)
The drive into Tuscany… oh, the anticipation! Rolling hills, cypress trees, the sun on my face – it truly felt like I was living in a postcard. Finding the Belvilla, set smack-dab in the heart of Città della Pieve, was a bit of a… journey. Let's just say Italian road signs and I have a complicated relationship. And the parking? Don't even get me started. Trying to squeeze my rental car (which, by the way, wasn't a Fiat, but felt like one after the fact) into a ridiculously small space made me sweat more than the Tuscan sun. Valet parking was available, but sometimes you just need to conquer a mountain… or a narrow street. I actually felt quite triumphant after the fact. Getting older is actually starting to pay off!
Accessibility - Mixed Bag, But Trying Hard!
Right off the bat, important note: Belvilla itself wasn't specifically advertised as fully accessible. But the property had a lift (yay!), though navigating the cobblestone streets outside required some careful planning. There are elevators, but I'm using a mobility scooter and it was a bit tight. You had to be careful, because some of the cobblestone streets are uneven – seriously, imagine a charming medieval town that is rough on wheels, and the lack of ramps outside meant I had to get creative.
On-Site Bliss (and My Spa Day Mishap!)
Okay, let's talk relaxation, because that's what a Tuscan escape is supposed to be about. The Swimming Pool was glorious. Seriously, the views from the pool were breathtaking. You could spend hours just staring at the scenery, maybe sipping a Campari (I might have, more than once). They also had a Pool with view, which actually was the same pool, but let's be honest, who's complaining?
Then there was the Spa/Sauna. I was really looking forward to this. You get things like a Steamroom (steamy!), Massage (aaaah), and Body scrub (scrub-tastic!). I was a bit disappointed that this didn't end up being open because of the pandemic. Maybe next time. Also, no Foot bath seemed a shame, but no biggie.
The Fitness center was… well, it existed. I went once. Let's just say I prefer the cardio of exploring medieval towns.
Cleanliness and Safety (My Germaphobe Side Was Mostly Calmed!)
Alright, let's be real, traveling post-pandemic has a whole new set of anxieties. I was seriously impressed with the Belvilla's commitment to hygiene. The staff were so vigilant about safety, and I felt very safe when I was there. The use of Anti-viral cleaning products, Hand sanitizer everywhere, and Daily disinfection in common areas gave me a little peace of mind, and the Room sanitization opt-out available was a great touch. Some rooms even had Individual-wrapped food options – perfect for my midnight snack cravings. I did like that the staff was always wearing masks, and everyone was respectful of my space.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Pasta. Need I say more?)
Food, glorious food! The on-site Restaurants were a highlight. They had A la carte menus, offering some incredible International cuisine in restaurant options. I swear, the pasta was so heavenly I almost cried! I mean, I might have actually teared up a little. There was a Breakfast [buffet], but I preferred the Breakfast service in my room because of my mobility issues.
Now, about that pasta… okay, one particular dish. It was a simple ragu, slow-cooked with just the right amount of herbs. I ate it every single day. It became a ritual. I'd order a Bottle of water and settle in for some seriously good, unapologetic eating. They also had a Poolside bar, which led to countless afternoon Aperol spritzes (and maybe a few too many). The Snack bar was perfect for those moments when the pasta craving hit between meals (which, let's be honest, was often). They also had a Coffee/tea in restaurant, which was quite nice.
The Asian cuisine in restaurant was a surprisingly pleasant and welcome change of pace. But I couldn't resist coming back to the pasta the next day.
Services and Conveniences (The Little Things That Matter)
The Belvilla offered a plethora of services, including Concierge, Luggage storage, and Daily housekeeping. The staff were always friendly and helpful. The Laundry service was a lifesaver. The Currency exchange came in handy too. The Elevator and Facilities for disabled guests were genuinely appreciated, although the lack of ramps made the overall experience a bit uneven.
For the Kids (My Non-Existent Children's Perspective!)
Although I don't have kids myself, I noticed lots of families. They offered Babysitting service and Kids facilities. I saw a few families at the pool, having a wonderful time. They have Family/child friendly things.
Available in all rooms
- Free Wi-Fi
- Air conditioning
- Safe box
- Daily housekeeping
- TV
- Coffee/tea Maker
- Hair dryer
- Bathroom
The Rooms Themselves (My Personal Tuscan Sanctuary)
My room was spacious and well-appointed. The Air conditioning was a godsend during the afternoon heat. I appreciated the Free bottled water and the Coffee/tea maker. The Bed was comfortable, and the Blackout curtains were perfect for sleeping in (which I did, shamelessly). The Internet access – wireless was reliable. I'm not complaining, but I'm also not a huge fan of Internet access – Internet access – LAN, so you know, they're just doing their job!
Getting Around (My Love-Hate Relationship with Italian Roads Continues…)
There was Airport transfer (which, thank goodness, I didn't need to use), Car park [free of charge], and Car park [on-site]. While the free parking was great, the car felt less like a luxury and more like a necessary evil.
Things to Do (Beyond the Pasta, of Course!)
Città della Pieve itself is a delight to explore. The Belvilla is well-positioned for exploring the region.
- CCTV in common areas
- CCTV outside property
- Check-in/out [express]
- Check-in/out [private]
- Couple's room
- Exterior corridor
- Fire extinguisher
- Front desk [24-hour]
- Hotel chain
- Non-smoking rooms
- Pets allowed unavailable
- Proposal spot
- Room decorations
- Safety/security feature
- Security [24-hour]
- Smoke alarms
- Soundproof rooms
Overall Verdict (Would I Go Back?)… YES!
Despite the parking challenges and the occasional spa disappointment, my Belvilla experience in Città della Pieve was truly magical. The beauty of Tuscany, the warmth of the people, and the pasta… oh, the pasta! I left feeling rested, rejuvenated, and with a new appreciation for navigating narrow Italian streets (and a slightly expanded waistline).
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Just pack your patience, embrace the imperfections, and prepare to fall in love with Italy. And maybe brush up on your parallel parking skills – you'll thank me later. This truly was a real "Escape
Escape to Bliss: Hot Tub Heaven in Your Belgian Holiday Home!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into my disastrously delightful itinerary for Casa Pino Citta della Pieve, Italy. This isn't your Instagram-perfect travelogue. This is real life, folks. Bracing yourselves for a beautiful mess:
PRE-TRIP NOSE-DIVES (and the Great Pasta Panic)
Weeks Before: Okay, so I booked this thing. Belvilla. Italy. Pino Citta della Pieve. Beautiful pictures, seemed idyllic. Then, the panic set in. Did I remember to buy a travel adapter? Will my Italian be worse than a toddler’s? And the most crippling question of all: What if I can’t find decent pasta?! I spent a good hour googling "best pasta in Tuscany" and ended up ordering six different dry pasta shapes from Amazon just to hedge my bets. I'm not even ashamed.
Days Before: Packing. Always a nightmare. I swear, the suitcase ate my favorite travel pillow. Found it balled up under a mountain of socks. Also, did I accidentally pack a winter coat? In July? Send help. Airports… the bane of my existence. But Italy… worth it.
DAY 1: ARRIVAL (and the Tuscan Tango of Getting Lost)
Morning (and the Great Airport Debacle): Flight. Survive Turbulence. Survive the queue at the airport. The usual panic, "did I accidentally book a ticket to Mars?". Weee, we finally made it to the gate…. yay!
Afternoon (The Car Rental Calamity): Rental car… it was supposed to be a cute little Fiat. In reality? It resembled a rust bucket from Mad Max. Got the insurance… I'm convinced it's a scam, but hey, better safe than sorry in Italian driving. Then, the GPS. Oh, the GPS. "Recalculating." "Recalculating." "Recalculating… you have arrived at your destination… a field." After a glorious hour of wrong turns and near-misses with Vespas, we finally, miraculously, found the Casa.
Evening (The Belvilla Bliss and the Olive Oil Revelation): Casa Pino! And it was even more beautiful in real life! (Except for the slightly wonky shower curtain). Unpacked, which involved a lot of grunting and the realization that I'd forgotten my favorite sandals. Sigh. First order of business: Find food. After a quick trip to a local alimentari, where my attempts at Italian were met with amused smiles, we bought some incredible local olive oil. I'm not kidding, I practically mainlined it. The sun setting over the Tuscan hills? Perfect. Pasta? Still on the menu for tomorrow… or maybe tonight…
DAY 2: PINO CITTA DELLA PIEVE (and the Cathedral Confessions)
- Morning (The Cobblestone Curse): So, Pino Citta della Pieve itself. GORGEOUS. But those cobblestone streets? They're an assault on my ankles! (Note to self: invest in orthopedic shoes). The Duomo. Amazing. The frescoes… took my breath away. I may have shed a tear or two of awe and maybe a little bit of sleep deprivation.
- Afternoon (The Gelato Gambit): Gelato hunt! Found a tiny gelateria tucked away on a side street. The pistachio was… divine. I devoured it so fast I almost got brain freeze. Followed by a second one (because, you know… research). Then. I had the most profound realization: Gelato should be a food group.
- Evening (The Sunset Serenade and the Unexpected Encounter): Aperitivo time! Found a little bar with a view. Spritz. Cheese. Sun setting over the rolling hills of Tuscany. Life was good. Then, I met a small group of Italians. (My bad Italian was challenged and accepted). They were super friendly. They laughed at my jokes (or maybe they were just being polite). We ended up spending hours chatting, laughing, and trying (and failing) to sing Italian opera. I don't remember much after that, but the memories remain.
DAY 3: EXPLORATION (and the Great Wine Tasting Wobble)
- Morning (The Art Attack): Today, we went to Orvieto. The Duomo was mind-blowing! The architecture, the history… seriously incredible. Then we went inside the cathedral, it was breathtaking.
- Afternoon (The Wine-Fueled Wander): Wine tour! Oh, glorious wine tour. Tasted some amazing Rosso and some even better white wine. The explanation of wine making, the local history, the sun on your face… it was a good time. We walked around, and the architecture was beautiful, as well.
- Evening (The Pizza Pilgrimage and the Midnight Snacking): Pizza. The best pizza I've ever eaten. Absolutely crispy, and the sauce was spectacular. I came to a very powerful conclusion: They're clearly putting magic in the pizza. It was too good! After dinner we decided to have a snack. So we bought more snacks and ate them in the kitchen.
DAY 4: RELAXATION (and the Day of Doing Absolutely Nothing. Almost.)
- Morning (The Sleeping-In Struggle): I intended to sleep in. But I really just wanted to, but my body was not cooperating.
- Afternoon (The Pool Paradox and the Sunburn Suspicions): Casa Pino has a pool. I'm usually terrified of pools. I didn't want to get eaten by a sea monster. So I just sat. I thought it was gonna be terrible. Then.. I felt like I was melting. The sun was too much and I spent the afternoon attempting to avoid a lobster-like appearance.
- Evening (The Kitchen Catastrophe): Attempted to make pasta. Total disaster. Boiled it for too long. Sauce was watery. Ended up ordering pizza again. Humbling experience. Still, the wine was good.
DAY 5: DEPARTURE (and the Tears of Tuscan Farewell)
- Morning (The Packing Panic, Part 2): Packing again. Said goodbye to the wonky shower curtain (I’ll miss you?). Tried to cram all the olive oil into my suitcase. Nearly failed.
- Afternoon (The Last, Long Drive): Said goodbye to the beautiful Casa and Pino Citta della Pieve. The Italian countryside is so beautiful!
- Evening (Going home/Goodbyes): I'm going home. I'm sad. Even with all the minor mishaps, this trip was just what I needed.
POST-TRIP REMINISCENCES:
- I need to learn more Italian. I'm determined to find a good pasta recipe. My sandals are on order. And I'll be back. Because Italy. That's all.
Escape to Tuscany: Your Dream Belvilla Awaits (Probably... In Città della Pieve!) - FAQs (Because You’ll Need Them, Trust Me)
So, Città della Pieve. Sounds Proper. Is it… well, *Tuscan*? Or Just a Fancy Name?
Alright, let’s be honest, when I booked this Belvilla, I thought "Città della Pieve." Gorgeous, right? Like something out of a cheesy romance novel (which, side note, I *love*). Turns out, yes! Utterly, ridiculously Tuscan. Think rolling hills, cypress trees that look like they're posing for Ansel Adams, and... well, not much else. Which is the beauty of it, isn't it? You're *hiding* in the Italian countryside, away from the screaming crowds of Florence. Unless you count the occasional Vespa that rips through the narrow streets with the unholy roar of a thousand demons… But even *that* feels authentically Tuscan after a while. It just *feels* right. Expect olive groves galore. Be prepared to be utterly, completely, and wonderfully *lost* in the Italian vibe.
The Belvilla itself… Is it actually *dreamy*? Or just another rental with questionable plumbing?
Okay, *this* is where things get... *interesting*. The listing *promised* a rustic Tuscan villa with a private pool. Reality? Let's just say there's a *certain charm* to Italian plumbing. The first day I arrived, I swear, the shower turned into a weird, sputtering, hot-and-cold *show*. My response? A truly *epic* meltdown that would have made Gordon Ramsay proud. And the wifi? Forget about streaming your favorite show. I think dial-up would be faster. BUT... the view from the balcony? Unbelievable. Sunrise over the Tuscan hills while sipping morning coffee *almost* redeems the dodgy shower. Almost. Plus, the villa was genuinely *rustic*. By which I mean, some of the furniture looked like it predated the Renaissance. But in a good way. A well-loved, charmingly imperfect way. I *loved* it. Even with the little things that went wrong I wouldn't change it.
Okay, Food. Because, let’s face it, *that’s* the most important thing. Good eats in Città della Pieve?
Food. Ah, the reason we’re all here. Prepare to *gain* weight. In a good way. Città della Pieve, bless its tiny heart, is a *goldmine* of deliciousness. Small, family-run *trattorias* are the name of the game. Don’t be afraid to just wander in and point at things. The pasta? Amazing. The fresh bread? *Irresistible*. The local wine? Drinkable, but... probably not the *best* wine you'll ever have, but it's *local* and that means it's *good* wine. One place (I can't remember the name, I've spent a lot of time tasting the local wines at this point) had this wild boar ragu that literally brought tears to my eyes. Like, genuine tears of joy. I almost licked the plate. Almost. The gelato? A daily requirement. And make sure you hit the local butcher. The sausages... *heavenly*. *Heavenly*, I tell you!
What's there *to do* besides eat, drink, and occasionally attempt to shower? Day trips? Is it all just rolling hills and boredom?
Boredom in Tuscany? Never! Well, okay, *maybe* for a few minutes after you’ve eaten your third course of pasta. Città della Pieve itself is lovely to stroll around. There's a main piazza to have a coffee, or a spritz. A church or two. The kind of place where you can genuinely slow down. Day trips are *essential*. Siena is breathtaking (and crowded, be warned!). Florence is not too far, but allow for a lot of driving if you decide to come. Assisi is magical. Orvieto (with its stunning Duomo) is a must-see. Rent a car. Seriously. Embrace the Italian driving… style. Think of it as a contact sport. And *definitely* take the back roads. That’s where the real beauty (and the very best little trattorias!) is hiding. It's all about getting lost and *finding* something even *better* than you expected.
The Pool. The listing mentioned a pool. Is it actually *swim-able*? And did I mention it *needs* to be swim-able?
Alright, let's talk about the pool. *The pool*. A key selling point, yes? My *dream* was to be lounging by the pool with a book and a giant glass of Aperol Spritz, soaking up the Tuscan sun. Well… The pool was there. Technically. It was… green. Not like, green with algae. Green like, I'm *pretty sure* the local frog population had taken up residence. I was *devastated*. I walked around it, staring at the bright green water, and, well, I may have started muttering under my breath, which then turned into a full-blown internal monologue filled with expletives. So, the pool? Not swim-able. Big disappointment. But, and this is key, the *rest* of the experience more than made up for it. I ended up reading my book *anyway*, on the balcony, with a glass of wine instead, still experiencing that perfect moment.
Any packing advice? Because I'm notorious for overpacking.
Pack light. Seriously. You'll be tempted to bring *everything*. Don't. Comfortable shoes (you'll be doing a lot of walking, especially on those cobblestone streets), sunscreen (the Tuscan sun is *fierce*), and a good hat are essential. A phrasebook is *invaluable*, unless you want to spend the whole time miming at the waiters. Oh, and bring something nice to wear for dinner at the smaller restaurants - you’ll want to look somewhat presentable amongst the locals. Pack *one* dressy outfit, a camera to capture the beauty, and enough snacks to help you make do during your first evening - because everything in Città della Pieve will probably close, and you'll be *starving*. Finally, bring an adventurous spirit, a sense of humor, and a willingness to embrace the *utter loveliness* of being completely, wonderfully *off the beaten path*. And a good plug adapter; the electricity can be a bit… *temperamental*.
Is it *really* worth it? The travel, the potential plumbing issues, the green pool… the whole shebang?
Absolutely. Without a shadow of a doubt. Yes. Look, Italy isn't always perfect. Things *will* go wrong. You *will* get lost. You *willHotel Finder Reviews
