"Casa Gielen lies a 15 minute walk below the village of Panzano. It is surrounded by primarily organic vineyards and olive groves and old oak forests with a stunning view of a valley that could be from 200 years ago. Modern city noises are noticeably absent. One wakes to the song of birds, the rustle of the breezes in the trees, the ringing of the church bell on the hill and the rooster that crows at dawn. We often walked up through the olive groves to the village to drink espresso and eat Italian pastries while listening to Italian chit chat. A delight. Every Sunday, we visited Panzano’s market for fruit and veggies, delicious roast chicken, and local cheeses. The locals were very friendly as tourism hasn’t taken over this picturesque village."   SH