Your Own Private Tuscany: A Guide to Italian Vacation Rentals [Paperback]

Lynn Jennings (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 6, 2006

Have you ever dreamed about a few idyllic weeks in Italy, staying in a lovingly restored historic villa or apartment? Can you imagine yourself wandering through vibrant villages and towns, seeking out art treasures in tumble-down churches, and shopping for antiques, fine wines and the latest fashions along streets that have remained virtually unchanged for centuries? Does dining in rustic country trattorias, chic city restaurants, or even trying your hand at cooking authentic Italian meals in your own villa kitchen appeal to you? If you thought that this kind of vacation was only for the super-wealthy, you are in for a surprise. Your Own Private Tuscany is the first guide that helps you turn this fantasy into an affordable reality.

Your Own Private Tuscany is not like other guides. It won't dictate where you should go or stay, what you should see, do, or eat, but it will give you all the tools required to custom-design a trip that suits your own personality and interests. In the pages of the guide you will find explanations of what to expect in an Italian rental, the reasons that vacation rentals are vastly superior to hotels, and specific instructions for finding a rental on the Internet at a price that is within your means. There are descriptions of regions to visit, the probable costs involved in renting, and tips on car rental, driving, and travelling with groups and children. Instructions on dining out and shopping in family-run stores, supermarkets and outdoor markets are spelled out for you. You'll even find reviews of rental agencies and guidebooks, and cookbook recommendations to help you prepare superb meals. So what are you waiting for? The holiday of a lifetime is closer than you think.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Lynn Jennings fell head over heels in love with Italy on her first trip there at age 17. Between trips to Italy, this professionally-trained chef has found the time to live in France and Japan, and travel extensively in Europe and Asia. She divides her time between Vancouver and the Southern Gulf Islands, where she writes about food and travel.

Product Details

• Paperback: 106 pages
• Publisher: Trafford Publishing (July 6, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1412039452
• ISBN-13: 978-1412039451
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #674,007 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #68 in Books > Travel > Europe > Italy > Florence
  • #70 in Books > Travel > Europe > Italy > Tuscany
  • #95 in Books > Travel > Europe > Italy > Venice

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must-Read if Your Are Planning a Vacation Rental in Italy, August 11, 2005

By 

Kids Europe (Massachusetts) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Your Own Private Tuscany: A Guide to Italian Vacation Rentals (Paperback)

Sensible and well written, Ms. Jennings' "how-to" for renting a vacation villa in Italy is a great investment for hunting, evaluating and enjoying your vacation. As a vacation rental expert, I found every aspect of her book helpful and clearly explained. I am encouraging my clients to purchase this books for many reasons: it lays out the pros/cons of rentals, helps in choosing location and type of rental, explains the owner's perspective and offers advice on how to share a rental. The general travel advice is solid and helpful. The most useful aspects -- you won't find them anyplace -- are the tutorial and check lists on how to evaluate rental properties remotely. I evaluate many properties and assure you she knows all the secret ways that owners use to disguise problems with their rentals. She also lists trustworthy rental agencies and many helpful resources.

Pat Byrne, Excellent Europe - Vacation Rentals in Italy

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Vacation Rental Guide, July 9, 2007

By 

J. Levy "J" (Long Beach, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Your Own Private Tuscany: A Guide to Italian Vacation Rentals (Paperback)

This was a great little book. Easy, quick read - lays out the questions to ask when considering a vacation rental in Italy. Definitely identified things I had not considered, that I will definitely include when narrowing down our rental.