Before contacting us, here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions:

Question: Is the villa available from … to …?
Answer: You can check the villa’s calendar on this page.

Question: Can we stay for just a weekend or one night?
Answer: In high season, the minimum stay is 7 nights, with arrival and departure on Saturday or Sunday. In low season, the minimum stay is 2 nights and there are no specific arrival/departure restrictions.

Question: Can I book just one room?
Answer: Villa Raffaelli is a holiday home and is rented in its entirety; we cannot rent individual rooms.

Question: How many people can stay?
Answer: The property comfortably accommodates up to 12 guests, and extra beds are available.

Question: Is there breakfast or a restaurant on-site?
Answer: The chef service is on call by reservation and requires a minimum 2-night stay. Villa Raffaelli is a holiday home, not a hotel; there is no restaurant or dining area/breakfast service.

Question: Can we arrange a dinner or lunch with a chef? Or a cooking class?
Answer: Absolutely! We work with external chefs—each with their own style and menu—who can prepare and serve meals directly in the villa. You can choose your preferred chef by checking the menus at villaraffaelli.it/menu. A cooking class can also be arranged to learn how to cook local dishes under the guidance of a professional chef.

Question: Can you help us book a local restaurant?
Answer: Yes, we can help you reserve a lunch or dinner at a recommended restaurant. We have a list of selected spots in the area, available here: villaraffaelli.it/explore.

Question: Is it possible to come just for a massage or yoga session, or a cooking lesson?
Answer: All services are on call by reservation only, with a minimum 2-night stay required.

Question: What are the check-in and check-out times?
Answer: Check-in is from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm; check-out is from 8:00 am to 10:00 am.

Question: What should I bring or buy for the house?
Answer: The kitchen is equipped with various utensils and appliances, but there are no condiments or food of any kind. You will find one roll of kitchen paper and some cleaning spray. Bathrooms have a hair dryer and body wash/shampoo, plus one roll of toilet paper in each WC.

Question: Do I need to bring bed linens and/or towels?
Answer: No, the beds are made up with linens, and you’ll find towels for the bathrooms as well as for the pool.

Question: Is it hot/cold there? Is heating/air conditioning provided?
Answer: Thanks to the villa’s location in the green valley of Garfagnana, summers are generally cooler than in other parts of Tuscany. Thick, ancient stone walls help keep the heat out, making air conditioning unnecessary. During winter, the heating is always on, ensuring a warm and cozy environment.

Question: Where can we shop? Where is the nearest supermarket? Are there restaurants nearby?
Answer: We recommend shopping at the CONAD Superstore in Gallicano on your way to Villa Raffaelli. Alternatively, you can find a COOP in Pieve Fosciana or CONAD and a smaller CONAD City in Castelnuovo di Garfagnana. For dining options, the closest restaurants are in Castelnuovo di Garfagnana and Barga. Fosciandora itself is a small, peaceful mountain village with no shops or restaurants, but it offers an authentic nature-immersed experience with breathtaking views.

Question: Can we come without a car? Is public transport available?
Answer: We strongly advise against arriving without a car because public transport in the area is limited. However, we can help by stocking groceries before your check-in to make your arrival more comfortable. Once at the villa, you can relax and enjoy the surrounding nature in Fosciandora’s village and the villa’s grounds.

Question: Is the road to the villa narrow or difficult to drive on?
Answer: It’s a typical mountain road: somewhat winding but fully paved. It’s not extremely wide, like many roads in the area, though nothing extreme. We won’t lie and say it’s a lovely drive: it isn’t. But we’ve seen worse in Tuscany, and even more challenging roads in southern Italy. With a bit of caution, it’s perfectly manageable; we drive it daily, often multiple times, to go to Castelnuovo.

Question: Where can we park the car? Is there space?
Answer: The villa has a private parking area right in front of the entrance. Two SUVs can fit side by side plus a third vehicle. It’s important not to block the road above the villa because it’s a public road. If there’s not enough space, there’s a public parking lot with plenty of room 50 meters away.

Question: Is the villa suitable for guests with mobility issues or elderly guests?
Answer: We do not recommend the villa for those with motor difficulties because it’s a historic 16th-century residence with stairs, small steps, and irregular stone floors. The original structure presents multiple barriers, making it difficult for everyone to access easily. For older guests who have trouble with stairs, there is a double bedroom with a bathroom on the ground floor, which can make the stay more manageable.

Question: Are there any additional costs to pay? Are electricity, water, heating, firewood, and cleaning included?
Answer: Everything is included in the rate except the tourist tax imposed by the Unione dei Comuni della Garfagnana. Resources should still be used responsibly and within reason.

Question: Can I bring pets?
Answer: Pets are generally welcome, but we ask that you inform us in advance. The villa is fully fenced, so they can’t escape, but any damage is at the guest’s expense. The villa is furnished with valuable antiques, and the garden is well-maintained, so please consider your pet’s behavior before bringing it to avoid incidents that could affect your stay.

Question: Can I charge my electric car? Is there a charging station?
Answer: The villa has a Tesla Wall Connector Type 2 and a Schuko socket for EV charging. For stays of at least 7 nights, charging is included, within responsible and reasonable usage limits.

Question: How far is Florence/Pisa/Lucca/Bologna/Cinque Terre/Viareggio?
Answer: Under average traffic conditions, the villa is about 45–50 minutes from Lucca, 75–90 minutes from Pisa, 120 minutes from Florence, 150 minutes from Bologna, 130 minutes from the Cinque Terre, and 75 minutes from Viareggio.

Question: Which activities are available in the area? Are there nearby villages, recommended restaurants, hiking trails, or bike rentals? What can we do during our stay?
Answer: The Garfagnana region is rich in unspoiled nature, authentic culinary traditions, and stunning panoramas. If you enjoy hiking, we recommend bringing hiking shoes: there are several trails for walking or e-MTB around the villa. You can rent electric bikes for direct delivery to the villa or to an off-site starting point for more adventurous outings. For more info on trekking, biking, and other activities, see villaraffaelli.it/explore. If you prefer a more relaxed experience, the area is full of historic villages and excellent local restaurants. It’s all listed at the link above!

Question: Can we add friends after booking?
Answer: No, we ask that you include them in the initial reservation. The cost remains the same, but all guests must be registered at check-in. You cannot add more people after arrival.

Question: Are parties allowed? Can we celebrate late into the night?
Answer: Within reason and in compliance with local laws, we ask you to keep music at a respectful volume. We have never received complaints so far, but it’s important to respect the surroundings and the villa by being mindful of potential damage. This is a genuine 16th-century villa, not a nightclub. No external guests are allowed who haven’t been registered at check-in.

Question: Can we hold a wedding at the villa?
Answer: Yes, but only if it’s tied to a stay of at least 7 nights. The number of guests can’t exceed the maximum occupancy of the villa; therefore, it’s suitable for small, private weddings only. Additional fees apply for events, as well as any costs for setup, catering, or other services.