Parco Nazionale d'Abruzzo, Lazio e Molise, near Sora Bus to Sora from Anagnina metro station in Rome; hostel will pick you up from Sora train station Tel (0251) 7941 Websitewww.italyfarmstay.com
Price Dorm bed €15 Prices are in local currency and are inclusive of all taxes.
Pros:
activites, meeting other travelers, and the generosity and friendliness of the hosts
Cons:
breakfast was nothing too impressive, but it's free and included homemade jam, so whatever
emilyconamore
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I had a wonderful time at ItalyFarmStay. From the moment I arrived, I knew this was going to be one of the best parts of my long trip around europe. The farm is in a beautiful, undiscovered area of Italy, with the mountains in the background, and the fig, persimmon, apple, and walnut trees on the farm all ripe and ready to eat. The family was incredibly friendly and helpful, offering information about the farm, the area, and places to visit. The dinners at the farm were cheap (only €9) and exquisite - a real traditional italian meal, with pasta, meat from the farm, wine and olive from the farm, and fresh veg, also from the farm - and a lovely way to spend the evening talking with other travelers from all over the world. I particularly enjoyed watching the animals on the farm frolic along the hillside eating grass and herbs. I also enjoyed some of the fun activities offered at the farm. Horseback riding in the valley through the river was amazing, also the day hike to the very cold waterfall with Antonello and his tree-climbing antics, and visiting the local shepherd early in the morning to see how cheese is made in the traditional way. The activities were cheap and so much fun.This place was just a great break from the general chaos of traveling. I paid less here for a private room than I would have for a bed in a large hostel room. I slept so well here, and my days felt very tranquil and calm. I recommend this place to anyone who wants to get off the tourist track and spend a few days relaxing and enjoying the beauty of nature.
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(Review ID: 6055)
One of the best experiences you can have in Italy; it doesn't get more authentic than this!, August 29, 2007
Pros:
It is REAL Italy
Cons:
For some it could be "scary" because it is off the beaten path - I think it's great!
yanni
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(4)
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The farm is really amazing. My whole concept of Italy, Italians, life, and all that is good was changed by living here for a few weeks. There are so many things you can do, and Antonello lives for taking you out to see and fall in love with this part of Italy, his stomping grounds. Some of the things we did that I remember the most included hiking, visiting abandoned villages (amazing!) horseback riding, and spending time with the shepherd neighbor.The horseback riding was fantastic. The scenery was unbelievable, including an amazing church ruin that you have to see to believe. The cowboys there are the real deal, and the new "salon" is awesome. The shepherd, though, was may favorite. Every morning at around 5 am, he and his wife begin making cheese the way it has been done for centuries; in a metal pail over a fire. It was fascinating, and I had to keep going back and watching until they let me do it with them. They were amazing, and the experience one of a kind. Make a point to come to this farm - you will not be disappointed. On the contrary, it could very well be the highlight of your whole Italian adventure! Enjoy, and oh, if you like this review and do go to the farm, make Antonello take you on the hiking trail up to the oak tree for me - I built it!
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(Review ID: 6024)
organic farm life in traditional italian style, enjoy the enchanted hillsides, animals, and hikes, August 17, 2007
Pros:
charming authentic italian family offers contryside getaway with fresh organic fruit and cuisine
Cons:
earth friendly, though we ran out of running water at night and the showers were mostly cold
pixiejade
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(4)
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(5)
sense memories from italy farm stay :: gliding from roma metropolitana into the countryside per tren italia to sora half way to napoli, visiting a quaint organic farm, family run, receiving a beautiful abundance of frutta e verdure, fresh figs falling off branches, lamponi, olive sized plums, ripe yellow ones, peaches slipping out of their skins, apricots picked daily. il padre giuseppe leading me through the green verdant garden, snipping zucchini and peppers, fresh oregano and lettuce heads for a midday salad. communing with sheep and scraggly chickens, rabbits and adorable baby goats along slopping hillsides. trekking with tribe on a mildly arduous hike through the abruzzi forest, doing a little dance ritual for the marsican orso, climbing limestone crushed paths under beech tree shade and scrambling over stream slick rocks to an icy cold waterfall. a nighttime fire livened with ukulele strumming and harmonica whistling and voices singing familiar songs and a donkey named conchetta nuzzling and stomping dangerously close to the fire, enticed by roasting potatoes dug from the sweet, yielding earth.
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(Review ID: 1266)
Gorgeous farm and hostel two hours from Rome, March 11, 2007
Pros:
Natural beauty, organic meals, calming atmosphere
Cons:
Not for people who need internet and phone access 24/7
TravelingRenate
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(4)
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(5)
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(4)
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After a few days in hectic, loud Rome, and several weeks traveling through Central Europe's big cities, I decided to try something different and head to mid-Italy for some rest and relaxation. I found Italy Farm Stay from searching on the web and called them to arrange a stay- they were incredibly friendly and helpful. I took a bus from Rome to Sora, a short two hour trip, and was picked up in town by Antonello, the man who runs the family farm and B&B.I was delighted when we arrived at the property. It was a much-needed respite from the hectic pace of Rome and Naples. The family lives in a huge villa, where three of the dorm rooms are on the ground floor. There is a building near the house with the three other guest rooms, with a patio, table and chairs, hammock, bookshelf filled with travel guidebooks and Italian language books, and the most gorgous view of the farm's rolling hills, the charming town of Sora in the distance, and the Appenine mountains surrounding the valley.The rooms are nice, clean, and comfortable, and decorated with Italian antiques. Breakfast is included, and you can have lunch and dinner with the family for an additional price- and it's worth it! Maria, Antonello's mom and the greatest Italian cook, makes all of the meals with organic products from their own farm. Even the wine is organic and harvested and made on the premises.Since I stayed for more than a week, I was able to enjoy many of the activities that they offer to guests. I went on a three-hour mountain hike to a gorgeous waterfall (complete with views of the valley below), horseback riding, visited the cheese-making shepherd who still uses ancient Italian techniques, and the most incredible overnight hike. We hiked up a nearby mountain for four hours, stayed in a public-use lodge at the top, made dinner and breakfast in the lodge, and then hiked back down through the forests on the other side of the mountain in the morning. I could write a book about this experience- it is not to be missed!
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6 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 7313)
own Bedroom with Shower in a family atmosphere!!, May 19, 2005
Reviewer:
Silke and Paul
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Imported Review
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Maintenance
(5)
Cleanliness
(5)
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(5)
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Our stay was great, in the beautyful mountains with hiking, great homemade wine and pasta, the Abbey of Montecassino is a 45min. drive...cristall cold lakes, and a wonderful host who`s mom is cooking for the guests, how much more in Italy do you want to be?Silke and Paul
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3 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 7314)
Off the beaten track in the Italian Countryside, May 11, 2005
Reviewer:
Chantelle Packer
Pros:
n/a
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n/a
Imported Review
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(4)
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To wake up to a beautiful landscape around me each morning was amazing. It's such a peaceful place and few tourists know about. I went hiking in the surrounding mountains, day tours around Isola di Liri and ate some fantastic home cooked italian meals. Close to Rome, so worth the side trip to soak up some country living.
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(Review ID: 7315)
Waterfalls to floating island: check this place out, April 23, 2005
Reviewer:
Pros:
n/a
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n/a
Anonymous
saw things this way
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(5)
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(5)
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(5)
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My week at Italyfarmstay was totally what i needed-- excellent hosts, wonderful food, and opportunities for outdoors adventure. Regional highlights included hiking to the waterfalls, taking in the floating island (and "trail" through the reeds), sampling local truffles and mozza di bufala, exploring the property and learning more about farm work. I highly recommend this place--Antonio and his family are great!
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(Review ID: 7316)
been there, done that and want to do it again!, April 5, 2005
Reviewer:
james mc garrigle
( mcgags@hotmail.com)
from theres only one Ireland
Pros:
n/a
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n/a
Imported Review
saw things this way
Maintenance
(5)
Cleanliness
(5)
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(5)
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(5)
i stayed at italy farm stay and had a superb time. We went moutain walks searching for truffles in the early morning before the sun rose too high in the sky. when we returned we ate fresh fruit and veg. grown from the farm itself. afterwards we always went swimming to cool off in a fresh mountain lake. if its nature, serenity and the great outdoors youre looking for - this is the place to go to! by www.designboy.tv
1 of
1 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 7317)
More than worth a visit to this personal hostel, April 3, 2005
Reviewer:
Daniel Chapman
( queso30@tamu.edu)
from Texas, United States
Pros:
n/a
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n/a
Imported Review
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(4)
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(4)
Antonello and his family took great care of me as I passed through this charming area of Italy inbetween Rome and Naples. I had some of the best pasta and homeade wine. Antonello took me hiking in the mountains and showed me around his city. The rooms were great and I felt right at home. I enjoyed my stay very much and have reccomended it to all of my friends.
1 of
1 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 7318)
Pastoral Paradise in Italy, April 2, 2005
Reviewer:
angelvchen@gmail.com
Pros:
n/a
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n/a
Imported Review
saw things this way
Maintenance
(5)
Cleanliness
(5)
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(5)
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In this small town halfway between Rome and Naples, I spent the 5 days leading up to Xmas this past year. It was undeniably one of the best experiences of my life, and for those seeking an untraditional yet highly fulfilling view of Italy, this is the place to do it. There is something for everyone - hiking in beautiful mountains, learning to cook authentic Italian food!, reading under an olive tree, bargaining at an outdoor market, observing farm animals, picking up an Italian word or two. The accomodations are more than adequate - private bedrooms! and meals are spectacular. The host is wonderful; he has a genuine interest in his guests and in ensuring them the absolutely best time at his establishment.
