At the end of a long dirt road lined with cypress trees, the terracotta roof of Colle Alberti emerges from behind the rustling shrubbery. Perched on a hill surrounded by rolling vineyards, olive groves and sprawling wheatfields, this large country house looks like a classic painting. Inside, it's sleek and modern, with clean lines and natural materials that blend seamlessly with the panoramic views to create an indulgent and peaceful retreat.
With 18 rooms and a two-bedroom cottage, this hotel is an idyllic spot for families and honeymooners alike. Wake up with the golden Tuscan sun falling across your bed, enjoy breakfast on the veranda looking out over the estate, then take the meandering path through the fragrant garden and relax in one of the stylish sun loungers by the pool. But while it may feel like a secluded paradise, there’s plenty to explore nearby – from Florence and Pisa to the nearby village of Cerreto Guidi, and other ancient Tuscan villages. In the evening, gather around the bar to sample some of the estate’s wine, and enjoy the sunset over the vast, velvety landscape.
Highs
- The stunning location, midway between Pisa, Lucca and Florence, is perfect for exploring Tuscany
- With the panoramic views, you'll feel like you're fully immersed in the Italian countryside
- This is a working tenuta that grows and produces its own wine and olive oil, and many of the guests have raved about their tours and tastings
- We've heard only good things about the warm and friendly service
- The generous breakfasts have been a highlight for guests
Lows
- There is no hotel restaurant for dinner and lunch is on request, so guests will have to venture out for most meals
- You’re not quite in the heart of Chianti here, but that does make it more accessible – and more affordable
- Since this is a secluded country hotel, a car is necessary and the road to the hotel can be bumpy
- The Arno valley has some light industrial areas, but the view here is all rolling hills and cypresses
Best time to go
We recommend Tuscany in the spring or early autumn, when the crowds are thinner and the weather is pleasant. From June to August the fields are full of sunflowers and the landscape is stunning, but temperatures can get high so you won't want to stray far from the pool. In the winter months, the region tends to be cold and wet, but Florence has a beautiful Christmas market.
Our top tips
Don't miss a trip to the wine cellar for a tasting and a tour – you'll learn all about the fascinating history of the estate while you sip and savour. And if you visit between September and December, you may be lucky enough to experience the grape and olive harvest first-hand.
- Country Estate & Hotel
- 18 rooms, 1 barn for 4
- Breakfast & Bar
- All ages welcome
- Open all year
- Outdoor Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car recommended
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Bicycles Available
Rooms
There are 18 rooms in this sprawling country house, from cosy doubles with garden views to spacious suites with sofabeds for extra guests. Some of the rooms have exposed wooden beams or scalloped brick ceilings – a testiment to the history of the building and the traditional architecture of the area. Otherwise, the style is fairly modern and minimalist, with simple furnishing made with natural materials and a neutral palate.
The Standard Rooms are just right for a couple looking for a simple base from which to explore Tuscany, while the Superior and Superior Plus rooms are better for honeymooners wanting to spread out a bit and enjoy the views. If you want to whip up your own meals, there's the Junior Suite with Kitchen or The Barn – a split-level cottage with two double bedrooms (one can be twinned), two ensuite bathrooms and a fully equipped kitchen.
Features include:
- Air conditioning
- Bathrobes
- Coffee / tea making
- Cots available
- Hairdryer
- Minibar
- Safe box
- TV
- WiFi
Eating
Breakfast is served in the sun-filled veranda every morning and includes a generous buffet with freshly baked bread, fruit, pastries, yoghurt, local cheeses and homemade jam. They also offer à la carte and continental options like scrambled eggs, omelettes and fluffy pancakes.
Lunch is available on request, with a menu of small, traditional Italian dishes like Charcuterie, Burrata, Tagliatelle with courgette and crispy bacon and Gnocchi with almond pesto. But there is no restaurant onsite so you'll have to venture out for dinner. They do have an inviting bar which serves up the estate's own wines. Have a drink and chat with their friendly team, or take your glass outside to enjoy the views.
Features include:
- Bar
- Breakfast
- Lunch by arrangement
- Room service
- Vegetarian options
Activities
- Take a day trip to Florence, just under an hour's drive but we recommend taking the train from nearby Empoli station and make sure to book any sights well in advance.
- Pisa and Lucca are also both within an hour, both glorious medieval cities with iconic buildings, galleries, great shopping and fine Tuscan food
- A lesser known gem is Pistoia, half an hour north, packed with Romanesque churches, atmospheric lanes, plus markets, street music and a modern art museum
- The hotel can arrange private guided tours of the nearby cities but make sure to request this in advance, especially in the summer months
- There's a vast network of cycling routes accessible from the hotel so it's easy to explore this beautiful landscape on bike. The hotel can arrange bike rental on request.
- Visit the nearby town Cerreto Guidi and explore the centuries old Villa Medicea and the hunting museum inside
- Culture and wine lovers will love the tour of the wine cellars to learn more about the building and the area's fascinating history
- After a day of exploration, the unheated 15m pool (open April to October) is the perfect place to unwind and cool down
- Cooking classes
- Cycling
- Golf
- Hiking
- Historical sites
- Private guided tours
- Shopping / markets
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Walking
- Walking tours
- Wine tasting
Activities on site or nearby include:
Kids
With a range of rooms and even self-catering options, this is a great place for families to relax and unwind. Keep in mind, there isn't much for children to do on the property, and nothing within walking distance, but if you're looking for a simple base to come back to after a day of sightseeing, it's a beautiful and spacious spot.
Best for:
Babies (0-1 years), Toddlers (1-4 years), Teens (over 12)
Family friendly accommodation:
All but one of the rooms can fit a baby cot on request, and a handful of the rooms and suites have a sofa bed on request for older children. For self-catering, opt for the Junior Suite with Kitchen or The Barn.
For larger families, The Barn has two double bedrooms, and one can be made into a twin room.
Cots Available, Extra Beds Available, Family Rooms
Families Should Know:
There is no restaurant onsite so come prepared and be prepared to go out for your meals if you are not staying in one of their rooms with a kitchen.
Distances:
- Shop: 5 min drive/2 km
- Hospital: 12 min drive/5.6 km
- Beach: 1 hr drive/65 km (Marina di Pisa)
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Colle Alberti overlooks the Arno valley in northern Tuscany equidistant between Pisa and Florence.
By Air:
Pisa airport is 50km away and is served by lots of international flights - click on the links below for a list of airlines. Florence airport is only 40km, but served by fewer flights.
From the Airport
The hotel can arrange transfers, but most guests hire a car as part of a wider tour of Tuscany - see our car-rental recommendations. There is a large car park beside the hotel.
By Train:
Florence and Pisa are both well connected to other parts of Italy. You can take a taxi from the stations to the hotel, or ask staff to arrange a transfer.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com.
More on getting to Italy and getting around
Airports:
- Pisa airport 50.0 km
- Florence airport 40.0 km
Other:
- Beach 65.0 km
- Shops 1.4 km
- Restaurant 4.0 km