We have booked through several websites over the years. We find Rentvillas.com to be a very good agent. I especially appreciated the ability to pay using a credit card. Some European-based properties require payment by bank transfer, which is less convenient and costly.

Villa Girardi is about five kilometers from the lovely town of Cortona. It is easy to get to over good roads. The area is fabulous with easy road access to many beautiful hill towns and several larger cities, including Florence. Much of the countryside is iconic Tuscany, lacking only the sunflowers as it was spring when we visited.

Excellent restaurants abound. Be sure to visit Cafe Poliziano in Montepulciano and reserve a table on one of the two tiny balconies overlooking the valley. Much world-class wine originates in the area including Nobile di Moltepulciano and Brunello di Montaliano.

The highlight of the week was the Italiani family who made us feel like part of the family, including cooking a fabulous Italian "farmhouse" meal.

It was difficault to leave, but we will return!