Agriturismo: Italian Fun Down On The Farm

Sun., Dec. 28, 1997

Suzanne Macneille New York Times

Q. Please provide the names of agencies that specialize in agriturismo programs in Italy.

A. Agriturismo, the name given to farm-stay programs in Italy, is an increasingly popular - and relatively inexpensive - way for visitors to experience the Italian countryside, eat fresh produce often grown right outside one’s window and spend a few days in a farmhouse. Agriturismo tends to favor creature comforts over rough and rugged living. So don’t expect to be called on to pitch hay or gather eggs.

Depending on the location and the activities offered - which can include horseback and bicycle riding, swimming, tennis, boating, cooking and handicraft classes - nightly rates vary from about $25 to $43 a person, excluding meals, or from about $37 to $74 a person, with breakfast and dinner. About 8,000 farms in Italy, many registered with one of the following organizations, offer accommodations.

Agriturist publishes an annual guide listing about 1,600 farms. The guide, which is available only in Italian, can be bought for $18 in bookstores, newspaper kiosks or through the association by writing to Agriturist, Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, 101 00186 Rome. Information can also be had by calling (39-6) 6852342 or by fax, (39-6)6852424. A membership costs $25 and includes a copy of the guide and access to the reservation service; members can call or fax (39-564) 417418, specifying both destinations and dates. The group will also assist those looking for farms that offer particular activities.

Terra Nostra, whose 1,100 farms are generally family run, also publishes an annual guide in Italian called “Vacanze Natura.” It is available in bookstores and newspaper kiosks for $17. Terra Nostra can be contacted by writing 43 Via XXIV Maggio 00187 Rome; telephone (39-6) 4682370; fax (39-6) 4682204.

The third association, Turismo Verde, is scheduled to come out with a printed guide next year. For now, write to Via Flaminia 56, 00196 Rome, telephone (39-6) 3220113, fax (39-6) 36000294.

Q. We would like to stay in a castle or historic estate during an upcoming trip to Scotland. Where do we get listings of such lodgings?

A. Medieval battlements, suits of armor looming in corners, antique furnishings. You can surround yourself with such trappings in the dozens of Scottish castles and historic houses that offer overnight accommodations.

Traquair House, for example, is 30 miles south of Edinburgh on the River Tweed. The sprawling estate was originally owned by the kings of Scotland in the 12th century (much of the present building dates from the 16th and 17th centuries), and is now the home of descendants of the Stuart family. Two bedrooms with private baths, antique furniture and central heat are available. A double is $193 a night, including breakfast. Information: Mrs. Maxwell Stuart, Innerleithen, Peeblesshire, Scotland EH44 6PW, (44-1896) 830 323, fax (44-1896) 830 639.

The 18th-century Culzean Castle, situated on a cliff overlooking the Firth of Clyde, is 45 miles south of Glasgow, near Ayrshire. There are several guest rooms and suites, ranging from $263 a night for two people in a room with shared bathroom to $526 for a suite with bath and dressing room where Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower once stayed. Rates include breakfast, cream tea and predinner drinks. Dinner, including wine, is an additional $60. Information: (44-1655) 760274, fax (44-1655) 760615.

Among the organizations that can provide listings of places to stay are the British Tourist Authority, 551 Fifth Ave., Suite 701, New York, N.Y. 10176, (212) 986-2200; Scottish Tourist Board, Thistle House, Beechwood Park North, Inverness IV2 3ED, telephone (44-1463) 716996; National Trust for Scotland, 5 Charlotte Square, Edinburgh EH2 4DU, telephone (44-131) 226 5922, fax (44-131) 243 9302; Landmark Trust, Shottesbrooke, Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 3SW, telephone (44-1628) 825925, fax (44-1628) 825417.

The following fields overflowed: SUPCAT = COLUMN, QUESTION & ANSWER - Travel Q&A

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