Accomodation in Tuscany, Italy

Il Sillabo can help students find inexpensive, standard accommodation. Specific needs can be investigated on request, however, this may involve additional expense.

Students have the option of

• Apartment shared with other students, with single, double, or triple
• Host family, in single or double room, with breakfast or half board
• Farm accommodatio
• Hotel

Apartments
This form of accommodation is the best option for those who wish to be independent and share with fellow students.

All apartments available to students of Il Sillabo are within walking distance of the school and are conveniently furnished. They also include well-equipped kitchens and bathrooms, with either shower or bath, which are shared with other students. There are usually up to three double bedrooms. All  apartments are quite large and well-lit.

The following conditions should be noted

• when leaving their apartment students should check if everything is as it was when they arrived and not left messy or untidy
• sheets are washed every two weeks and included in the price
• there is not always a television or washing machine in the apartment
• any damage to the apartment must be reported immediately to Il Sillabo: a request may be made for damages
• given that all forms of heating and electricity in Italy are very expensive students are asked not leave heaters or lights on when they are away from their room
• heating should not be left on constantly throughout the night or day. If students use heating incorrectly, they will be asked to pay extra

Host families

If you would like to be enveloped in the Italian culture during your stay then accommodation with a  host family is an ideal opportunity. A "family" can mean a typical Italian family, but also a woman living on her own, or one with children, or an aged couple.

All host families are within walking distance of Il Sillabo.

Italians consider foreign boarders a part of their family, which must be taken into account by students before they select this form of accommodation. This involves respecting the basic rules of cohabitation: family accommodation is not to be equated with hotels or apartments.  Often, a willing hand cleaning the dining table after meals is a much appreciated gesture.

Usually the family does the boarders' laundry, or students are allowed to use the home washing machine. Double rooms in families are preferably for couples travelling together.

Our host families enjoy open, two-way conversations with those staying with them, making it a unique opportunity to learn more about Italian habits, the Italian style of life, and Italian cooking.

A warning: the most common dish in an Italian family is always pasta. If you don't like it maybe you should tell us before coming! And if you are seriously allergic to pets, or simply dislike them, please let the school know because many families have animals in their home.

Please note that

• accommodation starts on the Sunday before the beginning of courses and ends on the Saturday following their conclusion. For different arrival and departure dates an additional price is charged (see below)
• additional days can sometimes cause the host family and apartment owner difficulty, and so advance reservations are appreciated
• double and triple rooms are not always available

Farm accommodation

An alternative form of accommodation is on a local farm, known as agriturismo. This is a farmhouse where bed and breakfast is offered, quite often by a family.

The farmhouses Il Sillabo deals with are over three to 4km. from the school and so a bike or car is necessary - unless you like long walks each day!  But the weather may not always permit it!

Staying on a local farm is a memorable experience because you live close to a town but you are immersed in nature among vineyards, olive trees, and woods. After courses you can relax and sunbake, swim in the pool, go horse riding, or hike in the countryside.

Some farmhouses offer single or double rooms and others small apartments. This is why this option is particularly suitable for couples, families, or small groups of friends. Flats are well furnished and  have well-equipped kitchens, making it possible to prepare meals at home.

They are generally available during the Easter period, and from April, or May until October. Booking as much in advance is advisable.

Farm accommodation is a sort of hotel service, which is why prices are much higher than apartments and families. If you're interested let us know and we'll put you in touch with the owners directly.

Hotel accommodation

There are two 3-star hotels in San Giovanni, each quite large, clean and offering a good service at reasonable prices - although much higher than apartments and families.

Both are five to 10 minutes walk from the school.

There are other hotels in towns not far from San Giovanni. Ask us for further details if you're interested.