Fattoria di Maiano

What a beautiful quiet setting away from the hustle and bustle of the city. I almost cried when I saw the view from the restaurant overlooking such classic Tuscan scenery. This spot was very kid friendly. We saw a few class trips full of kids and there were daily farm activities to involve them in from donkey grooming to botanical garden walks. We had the kids in the pool all day. We had a beautiful updated standard room with a private patio that we loved. Very comfortable beds. Good food and espresso. Awesome olive oil and tour! The staff were so so accommodating hosting our Italian relatives for dinner one night that they were technically closed and also helping my parents to switch rooms mid stay.

We wanted to be close to Florence but away from the crazy summer crowds, and Fattoria di Maiano more than fit the bill. We stayed in the Camino Apartment, which is spacious enough for two families. Overall no big complaints, but the kitchen and living room furniture could definitely use some updating. Most importantly, the a/c worked great. The restaurant serves very good food, if a bit pricey. There is a small shop & bar area for drinks and desserts. The staff were helpful and courteous throughout. Don't just stay for a day or two. There is so much to see here, especially for animal lovers. We did many walks through the farm and trails. Book the sunset tour to see some of the property that is (literally) off the beaten path; it's worth the cost. The pool is a nice amenity, especially in warm weather. Our 10-year old son loved the nearby adventure park, which is only a little over a mile away by foot. Definitely make the trek up to Piazzale Leonardo if you are into hiking and views -- this is supposedly the place where Leonardo da Vinci test flew his flying machine. Maybe stay elsewhere if you are not into walking. The closest bus stops that run into central Florence are a 10-15 minute walk. Fiesole (the closest town) is another 10 minutes walk and worth a visit. The front desk is happy to hail a cab, but figure 35-40 euro per ride, so the rides adds up. Parking is available if you want to rent a car, but be advised that driving in Florence (especially during peak season) is not for the faint of heart. We would definitely stay here again when returning to Florence.

Perfect place to experience the Tuscan countryside while staying close to Florence. The grounds feature a nice pool area, gardens, farm animals, and a lovely hiking trail. The on-site restaurant is one of the best in the area, serving fresh, local ingredients. There is also a small store where you can purchase cheeses, fruits, and vegetables, as well as coffee and wine. There are also many excellent restaurants within walking distance. Our group had two apartments here for five days. They both had two bedrooms and two bathrooms. One had a small kitchen/living area. The other had a spacious living area and full-sized kitchen with sweeping views over the Tuscan landscape. The larger unit also had an updated bathroom with a large shower. So nice! AC in all the bedrooms worked really well. Definitely recommend a car to get around in this area. It is possible to get a taxi but definitely easier if you have a car. Takes about 20 minutes by taxi to get to Florence. There is also a bus that stops close by. The town of Fiesole is relatively close (perhaps a mile by foot) and has a nice bakery, meat shop, grocery store, produce store, restaurants, etc. Overall, this was a charming, peaceful and authentic place from which to start our Italian vacation.