Alpacas are fluffy, adorable, somewhat strange-looking South American mammals that look not unlike Llamas and are often confused for them. They are, however, noticeably smaller. Herd animals, they are bred for their wool and are often aloof but become more friendly when raised in places such as petting zoos or farms where they interact regularly with humans. Many people the world over have fallen for their charms and Alpaca farms are increasingly common across the globe. In fact, if you have found a luxury villa in Florence and you have a fondness for the lovely animals or kids you want to treat to an outing that they'll surely enjoy, then you'll be glad to find out that there is a wonderful Alpaca farm located nearby that makes for a perfect family day out! Escape the museums and the hustle and bustle of the city for a day to visit the Valle degli Alpaca (Valley of the Alpacas) in Barberino Val d'Elsa, a lovely town in the metropolitan area of Florence, and enjoy some fresh air, lunch, and hanging out with these cute creatures. Children (or those who are young at heart) in the group will thank you for it!
Valle degli Alpaca is a farm where the beloved Peruvian animal roams as a herd and began as a passion project for fun back in 2001. The farm then fully came to life when Antonella and her family fell for the charming Alpaca and decided to commit to the venture and the animals. Now there are plenty of them about the place and owner Antonella Gistri makes wonderful accessories and garments with their truly incredible wool such as hats, capes, blankets, stoles, scarves, arm warmers, leg warmers, bags, and more. Seven times warmer than sheep's wool and naturally hypoallergenic, this wonderful material is ideal for making cosy products and is woven into truly special pieces with Antonella's magic touch with the antique family machine on which she works before then the meticulous hand finishing of each item.
The farm itself, nestled in the lush green rolling hills and valleys of Chianti for which it is named, just outside of Florence, is a charming spot that is welcoming and warm, while the animals are well-kept and the adorable, and the staff are friendly and kind. Visitors can come between April and September to learn all about the Alpaca and how it lives, meet and greet the animals (as well as the calves, geese, hens, rabbits, and sheep that also live on the farm), pet them, visit the workshop to see all of the products made with their wonderfully warm wool, purchase some of those cute items to bring home as very special souvenirs or even commission unique garments, and then visit the outdoor play area so the little ones can run wild while you relax and observe. Lunch or snacks of delicious local products can also be enjoyed under the pergola, making it easy to plan a whole day out and giving you a chance to sample some incredible regional delights born from the picturesque and fertile landscape that unfolds all around the farm.
A perfect and inexpensive (visits cost just €5.00 per person without the tasting/lunch and last 90 minutes) day out that is easily accessible for those on vacation in Florence and perfect for kids, families, and animal-lovers, a visit to the Valle degli Alpaca is just some good, wholesome fun. Set in a truly picturesque part of Tuscany, the farm is a properly magical place and a wonderful spot to make memories that will last a lifetime. Just be sure to book in advance ahead of your visit to avoid disappointment.
Strada della Valle 15 A - 50021 FLORENCE (FI)
3395308216
antonella@lavalledeglialpaca.com
The farm itself, nestled in the lush green rolling hills and valleys of Chianti for which it is named, just outside of Florence, is a charming spot that is welcoming and warm, while the animals are well-kept and the adorable, and the staff are friendly and kind. Visitors can come between April and September to learn all about the Alpaca and how it lives, meet and greet the animals (as well as the calves, geese, hens, rabbits, and sheep that also live on the farm), pet them, visit the workshop to see all of the products made with their wonderfully warm wool, purchase some of those cute items to bring home as very special souvenirs or even commission unique garments, and then visit the outdoor play area so the little ones can run wild while you relax and observe. Lunch or snacks of delicious local products can also be enjoyed under the pergola, making it easy to plan a whole day out and giving you a chance to sample some incredible regional delights born from the picturesque and fertile landscape that unfolds all around the farm.
A perfect and inexpensive (visits cost just €5.00 per person without the tasting/lunch and last 90 minutes) day out that is easily accessible for those on vacation in Florence and perfect for kids, families, and animal-lovers, a visit to the Valle degli Alpaca is just some good, wholesome fun. Set in a truly picturesque part of Tuscany, the farm is a properly magical place and a wonderful spot to make memories that will last a lifetime. Just be sure to book in advance ahead of your visit to avoid disappointment.
Strada della Valle 15 A - 50021 FLORENCE (FI)
3395308216
antonella@lavalledeglialpaca.com
