Tuscany and Beyond Catalog: Gira! Italian Vacation Rentals

How to Book from Tuscany and Beyond

Browse the Catalog

Using your mouse, select the region of Italy you would like to visit. On the small menu that appears, click on each of the smaller regions that interest you.

Enter the selection criteria for the dates you will be be traveling, the size of your party, and the property features you would like.

Select the Search link to find a list of qualifying properties.

Review the Property Descriptions

From the list, select a property to review its description and see property photos. Each property is rated on a scale of 1 (superior) to 5 (basic but comfortable). The symbols on the right side represent the features available at the property. Hold your mouse pointer over a symbol to read a description. The hen symbol indicates a particularly characteristic Italian property, and a crown symbol indicates our most distinguished and premium properties.

Unless noted in the description, all of our vacation rentals provide bed, bath and kitchen linen. Standard kitchen equipment includes a refrigerator, stove top burners and sufficient dining and cookware for the number of persons specified in the property description. Any additional appliances such as oven, dishwasher, washing machine, etc. will be mentioned specifically in the description.

Select the Map Reference link to see a map of the area where the property is located.

Extra costs are shown below the property description. Further information about heating and cleaning are available by selecting the links highlighted in red. Please note that "AC" for heating means "al consumo", which is Italian for "on consumption"--it does not refer to air conditioning!

Please also keep in mind that in Italy, the lowest floor of a building is the ground floor. The next floor up is the first floor with the second floor above that. Also, all distances and measurements are metric.

Make a Reservation Request

Select an available start date on the calendar to place a Reservation Request. You will be prompted to provide some basic information about your rental. When you complete this, you will receive a confirming email, and a copy will be sent to us. We will contact you within one business day to familiarize you with the reservation process and answer any questions you may have. You may also contact us directly about the reservation to request your booking documents or to request information.

When you make a Reservation Request, you receive a booking number and a two business day hold on your selected property. There is no obligation on your part to complete the booking.

If your selected property is classified as "Booking on Request", we are not able to place a hold on the property. In this case, we will need to complete your booking contract and charge your deposit amount. Because the property owners hold the availability themselves, we will contact them at this point to complete the booking. If the property is available, the booking will be effective. If it is not available, we will process an immediate credit to your credit card and assist you to find a comparable property. Please note that only a minority of the Tuscany and Beyond properties are booked in this manner.

The "Booking on Request" process is also followed when your request is within four weeks of your arrival date.

Read the Booking Conditions

It is important to review the booking conditions to fully understand the policies and procedures for your rental. We also advise that you review the cancellation policy at this point.

Complete your Booking Forms

When you are comfortable with your selection, we will forward two booking documents by email attachment or by fax. When you have completed the forms and faxed them back to us, we will proceed with your booking and respond by email with a confirmation and a receipt.

Your faxed forms are due to us before the hold period expires, but if you need additional time to complete a booking, please let us know and we are usually able to extend the hold period.

A 25% deposit is collected at the time of booking, and the remaining balance is due 60 days prior to your arrival at the rental. For bookings less than $4000, we accept checks drawn on a US bank, bank wires, Visa and MasterCard. For bookings of $4000 or greater, we accept checks drawn on a US bank and bank wires.

Receive your Travel Packet by Mail

Once the rental is paid in full, we will mail you a travel packet containing the documents you will need to occupy your rental. When you receive your travel packet, please review it carefully, as it is important that you understand and are comfortable with its contents before your departure.

Go to Italy!

Our goal is to provide a home away from home where you will enjoy the convenience and comfort of your own house while experiencing the charm and uniqueness of Italy, its culture and people.

Most of our vacation rental properties are owned by individuals who look forward to making your stay a rewarding and comfortable one. The owner or key holder will be at the property to greet you, show you around and make sure that you are comfortable. Please remember that Italian houses differ from their American equivalents. Many of the homes are more than a hundred years old, which is why they are so fascinating! They offer a base for experiencing the marvelous culture and traditions of Italy.

Customary arrival times are between 5pm and 8pm on arrival day, with a 10am departure on your last day. Please take this information into account when making your travel arrangements. In the unlikely event that you are not able to arrive during these times, we try our best to work with the owner to see if another arrival time might be possible. Also, if at all feasible, try to arrive during the daylight hours. It makes for a much more relaxing arrival.

Our frequently asked questions are online and will also be included in your travel packet.

If you still have questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Finally, and most importantly, please take advantage of our in-country customer service representatives. Their numbers and hours are noted in the travel packet. Their English-speaking staff is at your disposal to help you find a quick answer or solution to any problems or concerns that you may have. Please be sure to contact them immediately as soon as any problem becomes apparent.

Again, we wish you a safe and rewarding journey.

Buon viaggio!


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