Journeys and Adventures

The word, “agriturismo,” combines the Italian words for agriculture and tourism and represents a unique accommodation choice for anyone traveling to Italy.  An agriturismo is a large Italian farmhouse that has been converted into a vacation home—some are luxurious while some are more basic, some have swimming pools while others offer activities in the area, some serve food while others sell their own local products like olive oil, wine, and fresh fruits and vegetables.

   These rural retreats are a great choice for families—room rates are usually significantly less than in town (particularly if you stay for longer periods of time), there is privacy and peacefulness in the countryside, as mentioned, many agriturismos offer swimming pools, and many also offer playgrounds, bikes to rent, and other family-friendly activities.

   While agriturismos can be found all over Italy (the luxurious and serene Casa del Conte in Montereale Valcellina, near Pordenone in Northern Italy is an ideal vacation spot for anyone looking for a luxurious, but affordable in a unique hotel in Italy pictured above), to continue the series on Lake Garda, here are three agriturismo choices near Italy’s largest lake:

Agriturismo La Rocca: This unusual hotel is just a five-minute drive away from Bardolino, a quaint village known for its wine and food.  With an incredible view of the Italian countryside, Bardolino, and Lake Garda, this farmhouse also offers a swimming pool, mountain biking and hiking opportunities, and wine produced right there on the grounds.

Agriturismo Armea: Located within day-trip’s driving distance of Venice, Verona, Vicenza and other popular destinations in Northern Italy, this farmhouse is also located just 4 kilometers away from Sirmione, Lake Garda’s most popular city.  The agriturismo boasts food that is “really tied to the housewife’s tradition,” a swimming pool, and apartments with kitchenettes if desired—all at very reasonable prices.

Eden Marone: This agriturismo is located in Riva del Garda offers magnificent views and many activities for the adventure enthusiasts including bike tours (look for special deals that include time in the hotel and a mountain bike), windsurfing, horseback riding, and more.  An outdoor and indoor dining room with views of the lake serving local specialties makes this unique hotel an ideal retreat.

   There are more agriturismo choices in the Lake Garda area for anyone looking for an unusual and authentic hotel experience while visiting Lake Garda.

This post is part of Sunday’s Special Unique Accommodation Series, where an unsusual, special and unique accommodation choice is featured every Sunday. There are plenty of other choices when it comes to unique accommodations, so check out the Unique Accommodation Collection for more ideas. And come back next Sunday for a new hotel to add to your “someday” list!

We’re used to having airplanes take us where we need to go when traveling, but can you imagine having an airplane serve as your hotel at your next destination?  No, not the cramped tiny seats you’re used to on flights, but comfortable beds with flat-screen televisions.

   The Jumbo Hostel in Stockholm, Sweden offers that opportunity.

History

The Jumbo Hostel started as a 747-200 jumbo jet built in 1976, but was last used as a plane in 2002 when the Swedish airline that owned it went bankrupt.  Oscar Diös saw the plane as the perfect opportunity to create an affordable unique experience for visitors to those who need a place to stay at the Arlanda airport, Sweden’s largest international airport.

Rooms

This airplane hotel is a hostel, so like most hostels, some rooms have a dorm-like style with bunk-beds for 2-4.  Private rooms are also available, however, and there is also a Cockpit Suite for those that want a view from the driver’s seat.  J

Rates and Reservations

Dorm beds start at approximately $42 and the cockpit suite is $400 per night, with breakfast included.  Reservations for the unusual hostel can be made on-line.

Just a Visit

You don’ t have to stay in the Jumbo Hostel to enjoy it: an onboard café is available and visitors can stand atop a jumbo jet’s wing if the weather-permits.

Location

The Jumbo Hostel is located on a runway at the Arlanda Airport.  There is no parking near the hostel, but there is a free transfer bus from the terminals or the hostel can be reached by foot.

For many people (such as myself), travel is a passion.  For others, travel is just something they do to get to their passion—beer drinkers travel to Germany for beer fests, sports fans travel thousands of miles to watch their favorite team compete in “the big game,” and animal fans travel to the Galapagos to see the rare creatures.  For those that love coffee, trips to the world’s coffee regions to allow them watch the beans being processed, taste the various types of coffee, and take part in helping further economies.

   I researched several of these trips for coffee lovers at CoffeeBreak—a great blog all about coffee.  If you love coffee (even just a little bit), you’ll enjoy these coffee tours that range in price and length and are offered all over the world.