We've visited Italy previously but not as a 4.5 couple group. This time we decided to stay in a villa close to Siena for 10 days, explore Siena & make day trips & tours from there. Luckily, we found 'Villa Santa Chiara'. It was perfect for our needs w/3 apartments, 6 bedrooms, all with separate bathrooms & each with a kitchen. Maryam greeted us upon arrival & she took us on very informative & welcoming tour of our apartments, the Villa & grounds, answering questions before we asked them. The Villa & it's grounds are well appointed w/wonderful views of Siena city & the Tuscan hillsides. The views from the Villa & the pool are stunning. It is only a 15 walk into Siena city & easy access by car to A1 (main highway) so, it was well situated for our needs. Our stay was during a very warm/hot September & the airconditioned bedrooms were Godsends! We communicated extensively with our hosts, Anna, Mario & daughter Claudia the months prior to our visit. They quickly, patiently & pleasantly answered all our questions & accommodated our requests. We could not have asked for better hosts. i.e. Anna/Mario introduced us to Chef Marta, who taught a cooking class for some, prepared 4 delicious dinners for all of us in the Villa's outdoor dining room/kitchen. Claudia took us on wonderfully conducted & informative tour walking tour of Siena. There aren't enough kind words to say about Anna & Mario. They welcomed into their slice of Siena heaven. We would definitely stay with them again! Burt