If I could give this home 10 stars I would. From the timely and quick responses to my constant queries, Gianfranco was always available from the time we initiated contact. The day we arrived we were greeted by Gianfranco and his wife Cynthia, at the entrance to the airbnb. Not only did he help us with our oversized luggage he made every effort to make our stay comfortable.
This home felt like the closest place to our very own home. Although in Italy we never felt for a moment that we were just visiting. The house has an old world charm, much as it's hosts, who made every effort to create an atmosphere of warmth and welcomed us with special touches like a fridge stocked with milk and juice and even a bottle of Chianti wine. There was absolutely nothing that we lacked including sugar and tea and coffee and even spices to cook with. One incident that comes to mind: After a quick dash to the grocery store, we realized we forgot to get salt and sugar. We ran out of the supplies at the Gianfranco home. One quick call and he was at the doorstep with enough to last our family of 6 for a few months at least.
I am truly amazed by all the special touches. Our host went above and beyond the extra mile with a folder he created to ensure we visited every part of Florence that this beautiful city is known for. From it's piazzas to it's museums and churches to its palaces, Gianfranco did everything possible to ensure we saw the best of Florence.
A peice of advice to those visiting Gianfranco's home: Do NOT worry about where and what and how you will visit or get around anywhere. This folder has everything. From the closest grocery store to a map of what to do in Florence and the distance it's at from the home. Centrally located this Airbnb is an excellent choice. Literally a 5 minute walk to the Ponte Vecchio, its in a quiet yet beautiful neighborhood just minutes from the Uffizi.
The highlight of our trip was a visit to wine country. One call to Gianfranco and he organized the most amazing trip that lasted almost 9 hours. We visit Castelina and Greve and had lunch at a beautiful vineyard, a farm to table experience that simply was out of this world.
This has been the most beautiful Airbnb experience by far. My family loved the home, the hosts and the hospitality. I highly, highly recommend that if you want to feel wanted and welcomed and pampered in Florence, this Airbnb is the way to go:)
Thank you Gianfranco and Cynthia. For absolutely everything. We hope to be back!