Frequently Asked Questions

•   Where are your booking conditions?

All the terms and conditions can be downloaded from the terms and conditions page on this website

• Which airports are the most convenient for Liguria?

Nice and Genoa.  We have also used Turin but its a long drive.  Nice is around 65 minutes away and has good facilities including most of the well known car hire companies.  

Top tips for Nice -

Easyjet  we do not recommend using the Easyjet car hire partner unless you are prepared for very long waits at their check-in.  You may also risk missing your return flight. At some points this summer (2008) it was taking 2+ hours after arrival to get a car.  The queue for returning cars was also unbelievable. With plane loads of customers all queuing up its better to go to any of the other hire companies Budget, Hertz, Avis to get a car in a reasonable time and without the stress. 

Flybe commonly use Terminal 1 and Easyjet Terminal 2.  Terminal 2 is where car hire pick up and return takes place.  There is a free bus between the terminals so if you fly Flybe allow a little extra time 20-30 minutes or so for the transfer between terminals 1 & 2 to return your hire car

• How can I find out about Italian weather?

There are numerous sources but we like best http://www.meteo.it/

• How far is the property from the sea?

It is only 14 kms away, approximately 20 minutes drive from the property to the coast.  Please check out maps at http://www.viamichelin.com/

• How far is the property from the Ski resorts?

It is around an hours drive to a number of resorts including Limone Piemonte, which is only 80kms from Sanremo see http://www.limonepiemonte.it/

• Can I find out about Italian trains?

The Italian train service is excellent and cheap: see http://www.ferroviedellostato.it/

• Do I have to book an entire week's accommodation?

Rental weeks usually run from Saturday to Saturday.  Sometimes we can make exceptions to this rule in the low season but it isn't always possible. Please ask.

• After paying our deposit when is the balance due?

If your holiday is due to start within 8 weeks of the date of booking then you will need to pay the full amount. I.e. the total of the Holiday Rental Fee, the Refundable Security Payment together with any charges for additional items such as a welcome pack.

• Should I take out my own holiday insurance and what happens if I need to cancel my holiday?

Yes. It is always sensible to take out holiday insurance to cover health insurance, loss of luggage, accident or an unexpected need to cancel at the last minute. We cannot offer any insurance against your need to cancel

• Why is the property not suitable for children under 12 years old or for infirm or very elderly persons? 

The property and village are located on the mountainside which means there are steep uneven pathways throughout the terraced levels of the garden.  Not all the steps have guard rails and nor do the terraces have fences.  We have had no problem as a family as we always maintain a constant and vigilant eye on our children and we recommend you do the same if they are to use the garden.  The country side walks and views are fantastic but again some extra care is needed as this is hill country.  Unless you are prepared to accept all risks in this regard and are prepared to supervise your children at all times when they are in the garden then this house is NOT for you.

• Is a baby cot available -

Yes, we have a wooden sided cot and mattress.  We recommend you do bring your own bedding for the cot.  Please note it's entirely your responsibility for babies and tiny children given the note above.

• When and how will I receive the directions to the property?

8 weeks prior to the start of your holiday, or when the full rental has been paid, whichever the later we'll email you the directions.

• Will I be sent a key?

No - Arrangements will have been made for the key holder to meet you at the property.  All the information you need will be in your directions.

• What time can I arrive? When do I have to depart?

4.00 pm is the normal arrival time. 10.00 am is the normal departure time. The gap between departures and arrivals is simply to allow sufficient time for cleaning and preparing the property for the next visitors.  If you arrive unexpectedly early, naturally you won't be pleased to find everything unprepared.  On occasion we can possibly organise an early arrival provided you let us know well in advance.

• What if I'm going to arrive late?

On your final payment of rental and the refundable security deposit you will receive directions and instructions to get to the house together with a phone number for our agent and key holder Silvia.  We request on your arrival in Italy you call the number to let Silvia know what your ETA will be at the house. 

• What basic equipment can I expect? 

Our home has the basics like kettle kitchen utensils and toaster, etc.  There's no TV but there is a CD player/radio. Please check the summary description to assure yourself there are the facilities you expect. 

In Liguria families spend most of the summer outdoors so facilities like ovens are not in keeping with northern Europe standards as most cook their food outdoors on BBQs.  The upper apartment has a bottle gas fed oven and hob; the lower apartment a hob, microwave and an outdoor BBQ.

• Will there be bed linen, towels and beach towels?

Sufficient bed and bath linen is provided for your stay.  Please bring your own beach towels with you as sun tan lotions and oils can stain so towels are provided for use at the house only.

• Utilities - are they included?

Yes, but please recognise that energy and water resources are scarce in Italy, so the government ensures water and electricity are expensive in an attempt to limit consumption.  We are pleased to include the cost of these within Holiday Rental Fee rates for normal consumption but we do reserve the right to charge extra is there is excessive consumption during your stay.  The terms and conditions set out how this is dealt with.  We would really appreciate your co-operation not to leave taps running or unnecessary lights on.

For gas supply we source gas bottles from the petrol station nearby at Isolalunga.  If these run out during your stay you will find a spare refill bottle in the lower apartment Cantina but we would appreciate you notifying us so we can replace the spare for the next visitors.

• Will there be wood for the fire?

No there is no need to use the stoves in summer. For autumn bookings please confirm with us prior to arrival so we can arrange a supply of logs for you at an extra charge.

• Who do I contact if I have a problem whilst at the Property?

Simply call +44 (0) 7711 820337 or our local agent Silvia who's number you will receive on final payment.

• When will I receive my Refundable Security Payment?

We reserve the right under the booking agreement to refund up to six weeks after we have received the OK from our agent Silvia. In practice it is returned in one or two weeks subject to my whereabouts and how it is to be paid. For example bank transfer requires us to attend a branch of our UK bank. So please use PayPal if you can as that is a much quicker process.

Nature and wildlife

In Italy people view an abundance of wildlife as evidence of a good natural environment.  The Prino valley has such abundance.  At night you may see badgers roaming around the hillside terraces and if you are really lucky the occasional grass snake and a small spider-sized scorpion.  On the downside mosquitoes are present as in every Mediterranean country and the supermarkets sell a host of seasonal deterrents and remedies.  Take care of the lizards and geckos these are our best friends to deter the insects. 

Of all the animals in our valley, most prized are Wild Boar (chinguali). You may see it as part of the menu in the traditional restaurants in Valoria and Montegrazie from time to time.  In winter you will hear gunshots early morning as the local hunters get to work early. In summer you will hear the frog chorus throughout the valley as dusk settles.  For the children the large frogs can be seen in daytime in the village water well to the left of the house as you face the front door, there's a small pathway down to it from the lane or you can peer over from the lane down to the first terrace

None of the wildlife is particularly harmful and our recommendation is to keep things in perspective.  You are more likely to suffer harm from overexposure to the heat and sun so please use sun protection and especially for the young children sun hats.  Best policy is to let natures beings do what they do.  For the locals flapping about to deter flying insects is a needless waste of energy.  However the locals do say that if you have the gross misfortune to get more than two hornet stings in 24 hours please go to get pre-cautionary assistance at the hospital or from a doctor as their stings can affect the heart.

We would appreciate it if you keep a close eye on the village cats and kittens as they will try to enter the house if you leave doors open and watch the food tray if you have a BBQ in the garden, the cats are persistent!

Buone vacanze