Finding an Affordable Tuscan Vacation Rental

With summertime coming up, travelers the world over are looking to flock down to Tuscany, whose rolling hills and lush fields are the stuff of legend. Of course, you also want to stay in the countryside or within some of the more historic areas of Florence and Siena, which means that hotels just aren't an option. But while finding a Tuscan vacation rental isn't difficult, finding an affordable one during the peak summer months of July and August can be a whole lot tougher.

One unexpected solution is to stay in the city. Sure, when you think Tuscan vacation rental, you probably picture beautifully restored farmhouses with pools lying in the middle of an olive grove, but I'm sure you also imagine the beautiful sculptures and monuments that adorn the streets of Tuscany's famed cities. Of course, what many don't realize is that you can also find an amazingly affordable apartment rental within these cities, notably within Florence and Siena. That way, you can enjoy the sights and sounds of these two UNESCO heritage sites while still being able to visit the countryside on ‘agritourismo' expeditions (provided you've rented a car with all that cash you saved). Best of all, many of these apartments can be found directly across from famous palazzos, meaning you can get a million dollar view for as little as €90 a night in peak season.

But, let's see your heart's really set on staying at that Tuscan farmhouse, but you're only a couple and most of them sleep 10. One thing you may not know is that many of the larger Tuscan rentals also rent out by the room, assuming they don't have a client willing to rent the whole place Also, many offer a bed and breakfast-style experience, which means you'll get to sample some of the region's amazing meats, cheeses and olive oils, while also enjoying the company of other travelers and your hosts. This style of accommodation is the best bet for peope that want a more relaxing Tuscan experience, so don't ignore some of the larger Tuscan vacation rental listings you might see if you're a small party.

Of course, you can also always a contact a travel agent to hunt down the best vacation rental for you, but whether going this route or going direct, your best bet is till to book early, since the really affordable places always book up fast. You may just find that your Tuscan dream vacation is a whole lot more affordable than you'd expect!