Bed and Breakfast in Empoli, Italy
A few years ago, I fell in love with a little town in Italy called Empoli, and in particular, a charming Bed and Breakfast, I Melograni. Charming is such an understatement, but you get the idea. Having just spent a couple of days in the dirty hustle and bustle of Rome, the Tuscan countryside was refreshing. We made our way there from Rome by taking a train to Florence, then a 25 minute train ride to Empoli. The train station there is tiny. You literally get off the train and walk into the station, and a few feet in front of you are the exit doors. My travel partner and I grabbed some pizza and caught a taxi just outside the station doors. The taxi driver didn’t speak English, which for me was a good sign. He excitedly tried to converse with us, so he could practice the little English he knew. The Bed & Breakfast is just a few minutes from the station, and the scenery of the drive was even more than I had hoped for.
We were welcomed at I Melograni by our wonderful hosts: Sue and Riccardo Melani. They were hands-down the most genuine and helpful hosts there could ever be. We spent the rest of the afternoon and evening walking around the vineyards, taking pictures, and enjoying the scenery from the patio. The next morning, we joined everyone in the quaint dining room, and Sue and Riccardo helped everyone plan their days over a wonderful breakfast. The location is perfect for taking day trips. The first day, we took a bus to Vinci and the next day, a train to Pisa, and finally spent a day wandering around the tiny town of Empoli. Then, it was sadly time to move on to our next destination. Still, five years after this sixteen day trip through Europe, it is the little town of Empoli that tempts me to return.
I recently contacted the owners of I Melograni and asked if they would offer a discount for ISE Cardholders. They graciously agreed. For more information on the special rates offered, and to see their website, click here. Sue also shared that they have expanded their property, including a large terrace for breakfast and more guest rooms added. Sounds like a perfect excuse for me to go back! If you don’t take my word for it, you can read their Trip Advisor reviews here.
Oh, they will also give free lifts to the train station after breakfast if you are without a car. If you find nicer hosts, let me know. I don’t think you will.
Holidays in Italy can be notably expensive but tourists on a budget can still have a great time if they look around for the cheaper accommodation and eating places.