STELLA OROBICA, LOMBARDY

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This mountain farm that is also an agritourism, brings the values and traditions of the hearth and the manual works. Young and dynamic, it heads an ancient and poor craft that belongs to the circle of life. 

We are set in Valtellina, where we as family are living and educating ourselves in respect of the principle of sharing and sustainability. We are glad to help travellers to rediscover an attitude for life that brings tastes, scents that in our society are vanishing. Every member of our family is the secret of our business.

Flavio is the one who is responsible for all that involves practical activities; Elisabeth, who is from Swiss origin, is the soul of the house.

Their two sons are working in different fields: Giuliano is the brain that has implemented numerous projects and Luca is the master of cheese, expertise that he has learned as self-taught with extraordinary results.

From our beloved vegetables garden, that is grown by experienced hands, we are able to provide most of the vegetables we are cooking at the agriturism. But when the production goes beyond our expectations, we do as grandma taught us: we turn all into conserves and purees and we do the same both for fruits and wild fruits. Meat is, of course, handled with the same care.

Since a couple of years, we are planting corn to get flour and soon we will also have wheat to produce bread and polenta. 

In cooperation with others tiny enterprises, we care about both vegetables garden and little fruits to get extraordinary final products: organic and high quality.

Every day we try to preserve and to improve the environment the area and the biodiversity that surrounds us.

URBINO RESORT, MARCHE

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Urbino Resort is the result of a meticulous restoration that has brought to light the farm houses of an ancient village, otherwise destined to be abandoned. It was not just a restoration but rather a work that has given new life and new function to the rural village.

Through a meticulous and philologically respectful restoration by the architect Massimo Bottini and a passionate work of Bruscoli Interior Design coordinated by the family, the former farming village has found its understated elegance, opening the doors to guests in the fall of 2007.

Thanks to a previous restoration, also the XIV century’s Abbey dedicated to Sts Philip and James was re-opened. Particularly striking is the festivity of ‘Our Lady of the Giro’, which has in this small church a key stage. It was in 1993 that Antonio and his son Gianfranco Bruscoli began the restoration of the Abbey, continuing, since about 1996, with the recovery of the other buildings.

The result is a Resort that beautifully combines contemporary taste with the intact charm of the past centuries’ atmosphere, respecting the natural setting and its historical roots but also the most advanced quality standards.

Located in the heart of Montefeltro area, within the Ss Philip and James’ estate and the Badia Wildlife Oasis (SIC area), URBINO RESORT is the perfect place for a holiday between nature, culture and wellness.

Consisting of 6 farm houses, for a total of 32 living units, Urbino Resort is a site dedicated to hospitality of excellence and to the enhancement of one of the most enchanting places in Italy.

The Resort is part of three hundred and sixty hectares of natural environment, organically farmed, and it respects the natural setting by using eco-friendly means. It is equipped with solar panels and photovoltaic system, rainwater gatherers for irrigation and systems for recycling waste material.

Urbino Resort also offers a Wellness Center, got from the ancient barn of the village, an Eco- Shop offering the products of its farm and other small local organic farms, and a wonderful botanical garden.

Within the Sts. James and Philip's estate, surrounded by three small lakes, there is "Urbino Lakes Restaurant and Pizza", where the Michelin-starred chef Stefano Ciotti nicely combines its culture, tradition, authentic flavors and territory.

Coming soon is the new equestrian tourism center "Urbino Horses", surrounded by unspoilt nature.

AGRITURISMO CIGNALE, PENNE (PE), ABRUZZI

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The strong connection with their land, the passion for the nature and the constant research aimed to enhance - in an useful way for oneself and for the others - the one’s own lifestyle, are all elements that have led Massimo, Andrea and Rita Mariani to greater together different and particular experiences in order to realize their ambitious project.  

This project is aimed at valuing the countryside in all its aspects through, for example, the excellent and organic production of legumes, cereals and vegetables, or through the careful selection of olive oils in purity, but also by giving the opportunity of tasting various delicacies in loco.

The adoption of techniques related to the geothermal science or the garden made by following the Pejrone’s model are only few examples of how the Agriturismo “Il Cignale”, interesting example of an ancient recovered farmhouse, succeeds in the challenge of making every innovation functional to the preservation and the enhancement of the landscape.

AGRITURISMO DIDONE, SARDINIA

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The Agriturismo Didone, situated in the area of Dorgali and surrounded by the agropastoral farm of 40 hectare managed by the same family from generations, starts its activity in the 2002.

The ambient is hilly and typically Mediterranean: indeed the agriturismo is surrounded by the countryside that overlooks the magnificent beaches of the Orosei’s Gulf, from where it is possible to depart for a short trip with the rubber boat and discover the breathtaking secrets and riches of the Gulf.

Besides the breeding farm (with the rearing of courtyard animals, ovine, pig and goat races) and the agricultural activity (composed by the cultivation of wheat, barley and fodder crops) the agriturismo includes, in its additional and nearby location, the vineyards and olive grove of recent installation.

The milk that we drink and offer to our guest comes from animals grow up in the farm; anyone who will be interested, can not only be present during the milking but also during the cheese’s production.
In addition to the cheese, are also produced different types of cold cuts and typical Sardinian fresh pastas as, for instance, malloreddus, ravioli with saffron, culurgiones.

In the Agriturismo Didone, with its simple and fresh12 rooms, all equipped with independent bathrooms, is not only possible to stay: what we offer is in fact the opportunity to eat well as well as to take part of different kind of activities as, for example, boat trips, excursions on foot or by jeep, or climbing by following the not less fascinating paths of the Gennargentu’s mountains.

Open during the entire year, the Agriturismo Didone, with its Bio certifications, is the perfect destination for those who love nature and not artificial.

TERRE DI TRAIANO, APULIA

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The idea behind the Masseria Terre Di Traiano project was that of telling the story of the Adria region through the eyes of one of its oldest families, the Spagnoletti-Zeuli, an ancient italian family originally from Rome and Naples, now in its 8th generation.

The family's relationship with Adria dates back to the end of the 1700's, when, as personal administrators to the Duke Carafa of Andria, they accumulated considerable stretches of land on the Via Traiana.

This uncultivated land, which had been used as pasture for centuries, was eventually transformed into olive, almond groves and vineyards by the following Spagnoletti-Zeuli generations, until, in the 1800's, with Italy's unification, the family considerably expanded the main property, the Posta Torre Di Bocca, adding more farming out-buildings, a granary, a chapel, barns and stables.

Eventually, in between the great world wars, the stables were transformed into an oil mill and the cellar was equipped with modern machinery, an update which saw the family through the hardships of the 30's recession, and after the Second World War brother and sister Ascanio and Teresa Spagnoletti-Zeuli maximised the potentials of the local well to irrigate all 140 hectares of the Masseria.
And now we come to the latest generation, who, in 2004 introduced the new Agri Tourism, in harmony with the family's heritage and with nature, which is why we have embraced organic and biological certifications from the start. 

Our restaurant serves dishes exclusively made with locally sourced ingredients and our extensive system of solar panels throughout allow us to be completely self sufficient energy wise.

his uncultivated land, which had been used as pasture for centuries, was eventually transformed into olive, almond groves and vineyards by the following Spagnoletti-Zeuli generations, until, in the 1800's, with Italy's unification, the family considerably expanded the main property, the Posta Torre Di Bocca, adding more farming out-buildings, a granary, a chapel, barns and stables.

Eventually, in between the great world wars, the stables were transformed into an oil mill and the cellar was equipped with modern machinery, an update which saw the family through the hardships of the 30's recession, and after the Second World War brother and sister Ascanio and Teresa Spagnoletti-Zeuli maximised the potentials of the local well to irrigate all 140 hectares of the Masseria.
And now we come to the latest generation, who, in 2004 introduced the new Agri Tourism, in harmony with the family's heritage and with nature, which is why we have embraced organic and biological certifications from the start. 

Our restaurant serves dishes exclusively made with locally sourced ingredients and our extensive system of solar panels throughout allow us to be completely self sufficient energy wise. The Masseria Di Terre Traiano was amongst the first to be signed to the Regione Puglia  "Masserie Didattiche" registry and has been featured in many international travel publications, signalling its cuisine, ambience and architecture as an example of best practice.

BAGNI VITTORIA, ABRUZZI

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We are Elisabetta and Luigi, seasoned travelers who have learned, through being hosted, how to host!

Bagni Vittoria was born from our own experience of the ideal holiday: in harmony with the local environment and with a strong sense of community, sharing the space, the landscape, tastes and emotions.

Bagni Vittoria is a Residence and B&B on the beautiful, unspoilt Casarsa coast, where small beaches alternates with millenarian rocks and approaches, still used by the local fishermen every day.

Bagni Vittoria has been built with respect for the local environment, our priority that of maintaining and safeguarding this area being careful to the flora and fauna of our surroundings; for this reason we only use natural cleaning ingredients such as Lemmon juice and vinegar and only use natural light and environmentally friendly light bulbs.

The B&B overlooks the sea from our spacious terrace where you can relax underneath ancient trees and enjoy delicious breakfasts and dinners under the starts all impeccably made by locally sourced ingredients and following local cuisine, such as fresh fish and organic vegetables.

Every aspect of your stay at the Bagni Vittoria is dedicated to your well being, mindful of nature and mod cons, such as free Wi-fi, so that you can relax in front of a good book and still communicate with the outside world through modern technology. Weather relaxing by natural rock pool, or playing with Jack, our adorable dog who seems to conquer the hearts of all of our guests, Bagni Vittoria is your ideal home away from home.

MASSERIA RUOTOLO, APULIA

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Masseria Ruotolo: a magical journey in the Murgia region near Bari (Apulia)

The Masseria Ruotolo is an organically run company offering farm holiday: situated at 450 mt above sea level and surrounded by woods of Fragni and Roverelle trees, it is an ideal location to unwind and enjoy the local landscape as well as the many local gastronomic specialties of the region.

The family run Masseria, overseen by Antonella, Luciano and Marcella , is dedicated to the preservation of the Murgiese peasant farming tradition and takes great pride in its impeccable hospitality. All rooms and apartments located either in the late 1800's Masseria, or in the "Lamia" dating back to the 1700's and in the ancient surrounding peasant buildings, have been refurbished with care and attention in preserving local tradition whilst offering maximum comfort.

We welcome the disabled, and are equipped with facilities as well as a sensitive approach and tailored activities. The Masseria Ruotolo runs several programs of activities each aimed at rediscovering the natural habitat through nature, culture, traditions and the environment.

EDUCATIONAL TOURISM, is a program especially devised for schools, and it comprises our "learn on the field" play-acting activities for children.

ECOTOURISM, offers green itineraries, walks, bird watching and speleological sites visits.

CULTURAL TOURISM, guided visits local architectural landmarks as well as site visits and walks.

GASTRO TOURISM, discovering the rich local cuisine and regional wines.

SPORT TOURISM, with horse riding and archery facilities, as well as other holistic disciplines.

SOCIAL TOURISM, our attention to those with special needs, which demands well equipped spaces and a personalised hospitality.

CORTE CESON, VENETO

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Corte Ceson, the "House on the Water" was built on the River Tione, and the sound of the water running through the house is like a magical source of both energy and serenity. At Corte Ceson we are mindful of the environment by using solar and water energy through our systems as we have been attentive in preserving and evidencing local architectural features, offering our customers a unique opportunity enjoy this beautiful landmark and go with the flow.

This is what prompted me, in 2002, to bring it back to life, turning it into an intimate 5 bedrooms, 1 suite, boutique style farm holiday.

The constant contact with the water - the river running underneath the house is visible through a glass pavement in the downstairs sitting room - coupled with the rich history of the house and its surroundings (which can trace its first inhabitants to the Neolithic period) were inspirational in the careful restructuring and refurbishing, emphasizing the cultural heritage and keeping each room uniquely decorated in tune with its origin.

Located in the Pianura Padana, close to beautiful cities of Verona and Mantova and originally build as a monastery by the Benedictine monks, the house is 'guarded' by an ancient magnolia tree, and the local area is steeped in history: from the ancient roman Via Claudia Augusta (in use still now for biking and trekking), to the nearby medieval church that was built on roman ruins.

GIARDINI DI EIDOS, CAMPANIA

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‘The Gardens of Eidos' is a Farm nestled in the green hills of S. Agata dei Goti, a small town of great historical-architectural and landscaping value in the province of Benevento.

It was realized by the company Sinèidos Srl, specifically founded in 2004 to support the project and the cultural development of the non-profit environmental association ‘Eidos’ in Acerra.

The creation of this structure is the first step of a broad planning process aiming to engage subjects oriented to the development of environmental quality, in alliance for the territory.

It all started from the recovery of a run-down rural building, restored and enhanced, and of an abandoned land of relevance, of approximately 10,000 sqm, brought back to its productive vocation of native grape, Aglianico, Falanghina and quality oil.

It was a small contribution in the process to upgrade and enhance the environment of the area, already being implemented with the involvement of other sensible figures, willing to retrieve properties of historical-architectural value and to make network, with the aim of promoting an integrated approach to rural development, including the development of a sustainable agriculture, the economic diversification, the strengthening of environmental functions, the promotion of culture, tourism and creative activities.

What we propose is not only good food, hospitality and relax, it is a small revolution in the way of conceiving man and the ecosystem which he is part of.

SIRIGNANO WINE RESORT, SICILY

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The ‘Sirignano Wine Resort’ farm holidays is located in the Belice Valley, in the heart of the estate of the family of the De Gregorio Marquises. 

It takes its name after the ancient ‘Baglio’ of Sirignano (belonging to the family since 1730), a typical building of feudal Sicily which consisted of a farm with a large courtyard inhabited by the landowners and by the peasants who worked on it.

This place was once a village, with the main house, the school, the church and the houses of the peasants. Following the terrible earthquake of 1968, the land was abandoned, only the Carabinieri barrack survived, continuing to control the Marquises’ estates until 1978.

In this fertile environment, the De Gregorio family cultivates vines and olive trees, today who is running the company is Massimo, he follows with care and discipline the entire production chain, thanks to him since 2000 the company has been 100% organic certified.

Buttonhole is the historic Wine Cellar realized in the second half of the 800s: it is located in the basement of the building and enjoys climatic conditions of perfect thermal insulation all year round, due to the ancient woodland that surrounds it and to its exposure to North: it is here that the DOC and IGT wines of the De Gregorio Marquises are produced.

Since some years it is also possible to overnight: simple, but elegant, the’ Sirignano Wine Resort’ offers comfort and relax in comfortable rooms and a fine cuisine offered in the restaurant.