Escape to Tuscany: Luxurious Livorno Holiday at Casina di Savolano!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the glorious, slightly chaotic world of Casina di Savolano in Livorno, Tuscany. Forget those perfectly manicured reviews you've been reading. I'm serving you the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, even if it means tripping over myself a few times. And trust me, Tuscany is worth a stumble or two!
Escape to Tuscany: Luxurious Livorno Holiday at Casina di Savolano! – A Frankly Honest Review
First off, let's be clear: Accessibility. This isn't Buckingham Palace, alright? I'm not a wheelchair user, so I can't give you a hardcore, "roll-around-the-place" review. BUT, from what I saw, the website boasted (and it's Italy, so take that with a grain of sea salt) about facilities for disabled guests. There's an elevator, and I think I saw a room or two that looked more accessible than others, but definitely double-check before you book if accessibility is your main jam. Don't just trust me, call them.
Okay, on to the good stuff… because there’s a LOT of good stuff.
The Vibe: “Ciao Bella! And Maybe a Little Chaos”
Casina di Savolano… it's not just a hotel, it's an experience. The word "luxurious" is definitely in the right ballpark. Think sun-drenched courtyards, the scent of lemons and something delicious grilling nearby. It's got that Tuscan charm, you know, the kind that makes you want to spontaneously burst into Italian opera (or at least hum along). But it's also… well, it's Italy. Things might take a little longer than you're used to. The service is warm, but it’s not always lightning fast. Embrace the dolce vita!
Sleeping Quarters: My Room? A Sanctuary… with Some Quirks.
My digs? Oh, my digs were lovely. Let's be honest, Tuscany is all about beauty, and my room did not disappoint. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, thank the heavens. I needed to post my Instagram stories (duh). Also air conditioning - essential, and very welcome in the Tuscan heat. And I loved the blackout curtains. Slept like a baby!
The extra long bed was a godsend. And I can even tell you, there's a bathroom phone. Why? I haven't the foggiest, but it's there! The slippers were a nice touch. The complimentary tea and coffee maker were a lifesaver! And (drum roll) I did not see any bed bugs!!!! Woohoo!
But… there was a minor imperfection. The shower – while perfectly functional – was a bit of a Houdini act. Seriously, the water pressure was… variable. One minute it was a gentle rain forest mist, the next, a full-on fire hose of lukewarm water. But hey, it’s character, right? And that gorgeous bathtub: I was ready to have a soak after a long day of sightseeing, but one can only dream. Still, no complaints.
Things to Do, AKA "My Stomach is Ready for Battle."
Okay, Tuscany is a feast for the senses, and Casina di Savolano understands the assignment. Let’s talk relaxation, shall we?
- The Pool with a View: Listen, the photographs don't do it justice. The swimming pool [outdoor] is gorgeous. It's framed by olive trees and overlooks… well, I'm not sure what I was overlooking exactly, but it was green, it was beautiful, and it made me feel like I’d landed in a postcard. The poolside bar was well-stocked. The bottle of water was complimentary. I spent a good long afternoon there, and I am not ashamed. Just the best place for a cocktail and a read.
- Spa/Sauna: Right so, I am not a spa person. But they had it. I peeked in the sauna and the steamroom. They smelled lovely, I just… I'm not a sauna person.
- Gym/Fitness: I saw a fitness center. I didn’t go in. Okay? Move on.
- Massage: They do offer massage. I didn't have one. I was too busy… eating. (See below)
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: My Culinary Saga.
This is where Casina di Savolano truly shines. Prepare to loosen your belt, people.
- The Restaurants: There are restaurants and coffee shops onsite, with desserts in restaurant. The main restaurant, the one with the A la carte in restaurant: pure magic. International cuisine in restaurant? Oh yes. Western cuisine in restaurant? Most definitely. The chef can cook! I had the most fantastic pasta dish, with truffles, and I almost licked the plate clean. Okay, "almost" is an understatement. The staff was helpful with alternative meal arrangement.
- Breakfast [buffet]: The Breakfast [buffet] was… well, it was a buffet. I'm generally not a buffet person (too much food!), but this one was exceptionally good. The Asian breakfast sounds interesting too. I’m not huge on Asian cuisine but I can appreciate the culture. Then they offered buffet in restaurant! I love a good salad in restaurant, and they had some options.
- Food Delivery: I didn’t use the food delivery, but I can imagine that would be convenient.
- Happy hour: The bar was fantastic and the happy hour was something to behold. I indulged. I have no regrets.
Cleanliness and Safety: The Pandemic Edition
Let’s be frank, post-pandemic, safety matters. I felt safe. I saw daily disinfection in common areas, the staff seemed well-trained, and there was usually hand sanitizer at the ready. They had staff trained in safety protocol. The whole place had a fresh, clean feeling. And the food setup felt safe dining setup.
Services and Conveniences: The “Nice to Haves”
- They have all the usual suspects: Air conditioning in public area, concierge, daily housekeeping, dry cleaning, elevator, Ironing service, laundry service, Luggage storage, room service [24-hour], etc. Nothing hugely remarkable, but everything you’d expect.
- Business facilities, including a Meeting/banquet facilities.
- They also have a convenience store and a gift/souvenir shop, perfect for picking up last-minute presents.
For the Kids:
Listen, I don't have kids. BUT, they had babysitting service, family/child friendly vibe. I'd also bet they’re used to kids running around as if they own the place, so that’s a good sign.
Getting Around: The Perils of Tuscan Driving (and Parking)
- Car park [free of charge] – Yes! Huge win! Car park [on-site] – Very nice.
- Airport transfer and taxi service. I’m not sure what would have been better.
- I drove a bit in Tuscany. Let’s just say the Italian drivers are… enthusiastic. The roads are… narrow. The parking is… a challenge. But it’s worth it for the scenery.
The Verdict: Worth It? Absolutely.
Casina di Savolano is a lovely place. It could be the perfect place to celebrate your anniversary. I would go back in a heartbeat. The food alone is worth the trip. Just be prepared for a little Italian charm and a sprinkle of beautiful chaos.
Book Now! (But Read This First!)
Why Should You Book?
- The Food: I mean, seriously. That pasta! The buffet!
- The Pool: It’s Instagram-worthy and soul-soothing.
- The Vibe: It's luxurious but relaxed. The staff is lovely.
- The Location: Livorno is a great jumping-off point for exploring Tuscany.
- The Value: For the quality of the experience, the price is very reasonable.
My Honest Recommendation:
Book it. Treat yourself. But go with an open mind, a stretchy stomach, and a sense of humor. You won't regret it!
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Gorgona Island Paradise: Your Dream Livorno Holiday Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're not just traveling to Casina di Savolano, we're living it. This isn't some perfectly curated Instagram feed, folks. This is the unvarnished, gelato-smeared truth.
Casina di Savolano: My Tuscan Tango (A Messy Itinerary)
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Tomato Incident
- Morning (7:00 AM - 12:00 PM): The flight. Ugh, the flight. Let's just say budget airlines and my bladder are not best friends. Landed in Pisa, breathing a sigh of relief that I didn't end up wearing my coffee. Rental car collection: "Ciao, signorina, the Fiat Panda awaits!" (Picture a car the size of a breadbox. My luggage, a behemoth, judging me.) Actually, the Fiat wasn't that bad- I found myself calling it "Little Bandit"- it was able to get me to my destination, and the destination was the point, right?
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Driving through Tuscany. Forget the GPS. I'm a visual learner. The Tuscan countryside unfurled like a postcard: rolling hills, cypress trees saluting the sky, vineyards galore. Got lost, naturally. Satnav thought she knew best- but I knew better. At one point, I ended up on a dirt track, convinced I was about to be devoured by a stray boar. Turns out, it was just a really, really bumpy road.
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Arrived at Casina di Savolano! (Cue trumpets!) The place is gorgeous, a stone farmhouse bathed in golden light. Checked in, felt a rush of relief that I was actually here. The owner, a charming older gentleman, greeted me with a hug and a bottle of local wine. (Score!) The only downside? The kitchen. Beautiful, rustic… and lacking basic cooking implements.
- Evening (6:00 PM - onwards): The Great Tomato Incident: I attempted to make a simple Caprese salad. No knife. No good knife. The tomatoes ended up looking like they'd been massacred with a spoon. I ended up using my fingernails and crying. But the wine helped. Ate the mangled salad, watched the sunset, and decided, "This is living."
Day 2: Livorno & The Case of the Missing Pasta (And General Disorganization)
- Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Drive to Livorno. The coastal road - mind-blowing views. The city itself? A bit gritty, like the love child of Venice and a working dock. Found a bustling market with the best intentions to shop for food. Got overwhelmed by the sheer volume of fish, the enthusiastic vendors and the fact I don't speak Italian.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Lunch. Found a tiny trattoria tucked away from the main drag. Ordered seafood pasta. Waited. Waited. Waited. Eventually, the waiter – who clearly hated tourists – came over. No pasta. Sold out. (Turns out, I was very hungry.) Settled for a pizza and sulked. Wandered aimlessly, bought a postcard and sat on a bench by the canal. Suddenly, I saw an explosion of color.
- Late Afternoon (5:00 PM - 6:00 PM): The Terrazza Mascagni! Beautiful! The vastness of the Mediterranean, the black and white tiled promenade. Soothed my soul. The world felt right.
- Evening (6:00 PM - onwards): Back at the Casina. Hunger pangs returned. Decided to try pasta again. Forgot to buy pasta. Ended up eating bread and cheese. Admired the stars, listened to crickets, and questioned my life choices.
Day 3: San Gimignano & The World's Best Gelato (A Repeat Experience!)
- Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Drive to San Gimignano. The place is crowded. But those towers! (Well, the view from up there in one of the towers) Absolutely beautiful. I mean, seriously stunning. The landscape felt like a painting. Wandered the streets, dodging selfie sticks and trying not to bump into anyone.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM): The Gelato Incident (Part Deux!) - The first time I tried gelato I was skeptical. I'm not really a fan of ice cream, but I was curious. I saw a line winding out the gelato shop. Figured it must be good. Ordered a cone, pistachio and hazelnut. Ate it. Then bought another. And another! I swear it was the best gelato I've ever had and that's that. I’ve been dreaming about it ever since.
- Late Afternoon (2:00 PM - 3:00 PM): More gelato! Tried every flavour imaginable! Started talking to the gelato man, who let me know I “had good taste”. He also gave me a complimentary scoop of something that tasted like heaven.
- Evening (3:00 PM - onwards): Drove, dreaming of gelato, back to the Casina. This time, I even managed a decent pasta dish. (Progress!) Read a book under the Tuscan stars, lulled by the sounds of the countryside.
Day 4: Wine Tasting & The Eternal Question of Laundry
- Morning (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Wine Tasting. Went to a local vineyard and did a tasting. (Wine is my friend). Learned about Chianti, Super Tuscans, and the importance of swirling. The wine was delicious. Ended up buying too much wine. Regret zero.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM -3:00 PM): Lunch. Ate some cheese that tasted like feet and had a bad conversation about politics with a local. Quickly moved on.
- Late Afternoon (3:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Laundry. Attempted to wash clothes. The washing machine spoke Italian. I did not. Googled furiously, eventually managed to get a load of clothes spinning.
- Evening (6:00 PM - onwards): Another terrible Caprese salad. Another bottle of wine. Watched the sunset, feeling increasingly content and deeply, deeply relaxed. The imperfections were part of the charm.
Day 5: Departure & The Unfinished Business of Gelato
- Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM): Farewell to the Casina. Packed, cleaned (ish), and said goodbye to the friendly owners.
- Afternoon (11:00 AM - 2:00 PM): Drive to Pisa.
- Late Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): PISA! Leaning Tower time. Took the obligatory goofy photo. Contemplated climbing it, chickened out. (Too much gelato, not enough fitness.) Wandered around the Piazza dei Miracoli, amazed by the beauty. Stood in awe. Went looking for more gelato. Found some okay gelato. But it wasn’t… that gelato.
- Evening (5:00 PM - onwards): Flight home. Reached for the Skyr and considered booking another trip to Tuscany while simultaneously missing the mess, the beauty, the food, the warmth, and the gelato more than anything.
Final Thoughts:
Tuscany isn’t perfect. It’s chaotic, sometimes frustrating, and occasionally involves wrestling with a rental car and a potentially lethal tomato. But it's also breathtakingly beautiful, full of wonderful food, and filled with people who make you feel welcome. It's the kind of place where you can get lost, get frustrated, and still find yourself falling in love. Now where's that gelato… ?
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Escape to Tuscany: Casina di Savolano - Your Livorno Holiday Questions (Answered...ish!)
Okay, spill it. Is Casina di Savolano *really* as amazing as it looks in the pictures? Because let's be honest, Instagram lies.
Alright, alright, let's be real, shall we? The photos? Yeah, they're good. But here's the thing: Casina di Savolano is... complicated. I mean, yes, the views are *stunning*. The Tuscan hills? Chef's kiss. But… and there's always a "but," isn't there?… remember that one time I tried recreating that perfect sunset photo? Ended up with a mosquito buffet and a blurry mess. So, the pictures give you a *hint* of the magic. A *tiptoe* into it. The reality? It’s sunshine, mosquito bites, the smell of freshly baked bread (that I somehow *burned*), and… pure, unadulterated Italian chaos. And yes, it *is* worth it. Just… pack bug spray. Seriously.
Livorno? Isn't that…a port city? Is it actually a good place to relax, or just ships honking all day?
Livorno. Ah, yes. The port city. Okay, fine, yes, there are ships. And yes, they do honk. But hear me out! Livorno is *unexpectedly* charming. Think less cruise ship mayhem, more working port with a gritty allure. You know, kinda like that cool uncle who wears a leather jacket and tells tall tales. The canals? Gorgeous. Especially after a bottle of wine. (Don't judge me!) And the food…OH. MY. GOD. It's not just pasta. It's *everything*. The fish! The markets! I had this amazing panino one day with… well, let’s just say I’m still dreaming about it. Relax? Yes, absolutely. Especially if you embrace the chaos. And the honking. Consider it the city's way of saying "Welcome!"
Tell me about the Casina itself. What's the vibe? Is it stuffy and fancy, or…relaxed?
The Casina… Okay, so imagine this: Stone walls that have probably seen more history than your great-grandmother. Beautiful, slightly wonky, furniture. Sunlight streaming in through enormous windows. And… a certain, shall we say… *rustic* charm. It's definitely not a sterile hotel. It's the kind of place where you can kick off your shoes, pour yourself a glass of wine, and feel instantly at home. Though, be warned… my attempts to use the fancy coffee machine almost resulted in a kitchen fire. (Okay, maybe I’m exaggerating, but it was close!) It's relaxed, yes. But be prepared for the occasional wonky faucet and a wifi signal that sometimes… disappears. But hey, that just means you’re forced to actually *talk* to people, right? (My family: "YES, please!")
What's the food situation like? Do I have to cook everything myself? (Because, let's be honest, my cooking skills are… questionable.)
The food... THIS is where things REALLY get good. You *can* cook. The kitchen is lovely. But. Listen closely. Go to the local market. Buy ALL the things. Seriously, the tomatoes alone are worth the trip. Then, *find* a place in town – a little *trattoria* – that serves up the freshest pasta you've ever tasted. (Don't be afraid to point and grunt. It’s surprisingly effective.) There's also a GREAT little deli that makes the most fantastic sandwiches. I spent a whole day just stuffing my face with prosciutto and amazing bread. (Regrets? Zero.) And, of course, there are restaurants. Lots of them. (One of them… maybe two… may have required me to loosen my belt.) Trust me: You're not going to starve. You might even gain a few pounds. It's all part of the Tuscan experience!
Okay, you’re making this sound amazing. But what if something goes wrong? Like, what if the hot water stops working? Or worse, I get lost?
Here’s the reality check: Things *will* go wrong. The hot water? Yep, could happen. I think it did, once. Or maybe the power flickered. Or maybe I accidentally locked myself out on the balcony and had to yell for help (that was a fun one). The truth is, you're not going to find 24/7 concierge service. It's part of the charm, ok? Embrace the minor inconveniences. They make the good moments even sweeter. And getting lost? Guarantee it will happen. Get a local SIM card, learn some basic Italian phrases (or just rely on wild gesticulations), and trust your gut. Also? Don't be afraid to ask for help. The Italians are generally amazing and helpful – even if you don't speak Italian! Seriously. They'll point you in the right direction. Probably with a smile and maybe even a free pastry.
What's the best way to explore the area around Casina di Savolano? Car? Bike? Pigeon? (Just kidding… mostly.)
Okay, exploring. This is crucial. A car is definitely recommended, especially if you want to see surrounding areas. The Tuscan countryside is *begging* to be explored! It's all rolling hills and cypress trees and… well, you get the idea. I actually got a *bit* lost on one of those little winding roads. But guess what? I stumbled upon the most charming little vineyard. (And yes, I may have sampled a few glasses of wine. Don't judge.) Bike? Possible, if you're feeling incredibly energetic. It's hilly, remember? Pigeon? Definitely not recommended, unless you’re prepared to become lunch for a hawk. And walking? Great for short distances, like to the local gelateria (which, by the way, is *essential*). My advice? Get a car, pack a map (or use GPS, if you must), and be prepared to get a little lost. That's where the real adventures happen.
Is it kid-friendly? Because I have a small human (or two) in tow.
Kid-friendly… hmm. It’s… *Italy* kid-friendly. Which means, people adore children. Seriously, they'll pinch their cheeks, offer them gelato, and generally make them feel like royalty. The Casina itself has a pool, which is a massive plus. My kids? They lived in it. They’d have stayed in it 24/7 if allowed. However, the real question is, are you prepared for a slightly less relaxing vacation? Because with kids, “relaxing” takesHotel Hop Now
