Castello di Gabbiano

Thank you for a glorious and relaxing stay! This was the end of our 12-day Switzerland and Italy tour, and it was the perfect spot to relax and enjoy Tuscany. We fully utilized the pool, took a wine tour, ate ate the on-site restaurant, and toured a few medieval Tuscany towns. Honor system bars at the pool and lounge, wonderful staff and such a unique place to stay!

This castle was incredible and couldn’t recommend it more. The room was amazing, large room with the shower in the turret and coffee machine. The pool and views were outstanding, really quiet and tranquil. Honestly bar by the pool with wine, water and crisps where you fill in a form. There is no where for meal or linch after breakfast so be prepared to leave the hotel or bring your own food. Great breakfast all that you can need with cheese, pastries, coffee and some hot food to eat in the gorgeous garden. The hotel restaurant is closed Sunday and Monday so the only way to get to other restaurants is by car which we knew. It was like a dream staying here and wish we could have stayed for longer and can’t wait to come back 🥰

What we liked: * We loved sitting out by the pool & enjoyed the view. * Walked around the grounds & vineyards. * Hotel & breakfast staff was wonderful. * Enjoyed a great breakfast out on the lawn since the weather was cool. * Great location to drive around Tuscany. (See below towns we would recommend & not recommend visiting.) * They gave us a complimentary bottle of wine from their vineyard. * Free parking right outside. * Felt extremely safe there. * Loved that we were staying in an 11th century castle. * Evening tea and sweets provided for guests. * Quiet and relaxing as you go back in time. What we did not like: * The room's A/C and mini fridge did not cool at all. They were notified immediately and provided a fan, but we had to sleep with the widow open. Thank goodness we were there when the weather was cool. * Smallest shower known to man. * Had to go down to the study or library to get the Wifi to work. * Rude man that runs the wine tasting. * Ate at their restaurant, Il Cavaliere. The food was just ok, we were the only customers, so the service was very good. Places in Tuscany we visited: * Our #1 favorite town in Tuscany was San Gimignano! So much there from good food, some of the best shops, violinist in the square & the famous Gelateria Dondoli (It's worth the wait & moves fast, there’s a QR code in the front of the building to preview flavors before you get up to order & be sure & get your pic/video made with the gelato guy in the purple apron & purple glasses yelling, "Gelato"!). So much fun! * Do the famous S-road if you have a strong stomach. It was beautiful with lots of motorcycles on your side of the road, but after an hour I was so carsick! * We drove & spent a day at the famous towns of Cinque Terre, which was unique & the water is beautiful. Very sunny & warm even in early May. * Close by is Castello di Verrazano Winery. Did their tour & lunch. Reservations are online. * Drove to Greve, but not much there. * Pisa is not worth it, dirty & lots of beggars.

Our group had a tour of the wine cellar and then experienced wine tasting with a delicious Tuscany lunch.The grounds are beautiful and the history surrounding this castle is interesting. The surrounding areas have some of the most breathtaking views of vineyards. A thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining afternoon.

Living theTuscan dream…exclusive but friendly andhospitable environment. All out helpful and caring manager Barbara. Amazing wines are made here,just as goos as in the more reputable wineries in Chianti. Visit Simone in the wineshop at the castle and let him lead you through the assortment of Sangiovese Classico as well as great roses and Supertuscans. When in Chianti you want to drive around and see different sights but whenyou see the pool you do not want to go anywhere else ! You can have a massage in your room or just hang around in the garden. There are wine fridges where you just check out a bottle and sign for it on a list. The restaurant Il Cavalieri on the grounds is something else and the team who run it so friendly and welcoming. If they keep ut what they are doing the Guide Rouge soon will get their eyes up for them!

Our 4th time staying here but our first in the castle itself as we previously stayed with our daughters in the apartments .We love this place for it's beauty and serenity.It never feels crowded ,the setting is spectacular and just a wonderful way to chill out .The staff are lovely ,there is an honesty bar at the pool ,Teas /coffees /pastries are laid out in the main hall every day at 4pm .The breakfast has everything I ever want . A car is a must I feel to get around (hire an automatic )but if you go sightseeing ,do your research on parking and restricted zones in towns and cities and enjoy all this wonderful region has to offer