Booking Conditions

Invitation to Tuscany Ltd. Booking Conditions.

The following conditions, together with our privacy policy, constitute a binding contract between you and us (“conditions”). You must read all of this information carefully before proceeding, because by using our website and/or making any booking through us, you confirm your agreement to each of these conditions, our privacy policy and any Additional Terms listed on the Property Page.

You can further protect your booking by choosing our "XCover" option when making your booking. To see the extended Terms and Conditions relative to Booking Protect click here: XCover Terms and Conditions.

1. Conditions

Invitation to Tuscany Ltd. is also referred to as “we”, “us” and “our” in these conditions. The lead name on any booking is referred to as the “client” and is also termed “you” and “your” within these conditions. Our property owners (“owners”) and our local representatives are referred to as appropriate. A separate booking contract will come into force with the owner when you make a booking, as explained below – see section 2 (The booking contract).

2. Booking Contract

Invitation to Tuscany acts as the booking agent for the named owners of the properties featured in this brochure and on our website and as such your rental contract is with the relevant property owner. The contract between you and the property owner comes into existence when the confirmation invoice is dispatched by ITT and is subject to these booking conditions. When you confirm a booking, you confirm that the conditions under which the booking is made are understood and accepted on behalf of all guests in your party. This contract and any matters arising from it are governed by the laws of England and Wales and the parties (you and we) agree to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Courts of England and Wales.

3. Number of Persons

The number of persons who can be accommodated in each property is clearly indicated in each description and further clarified in the text. This number may not be exceeded under any circumstances except by prior consent of the owner, either directly or through our representatives. Often local bylaws or water supplies etc. preclude the possibility of any increase in accommodation. Tents are NOT allowed without the owner’s permission.

4. Minimum period of Rent

The minimum period is detailed for each property; generally, properties are let for at least a week starting on a Saturday, unless otherwise specified. Some properties will now permit shorter stays and with differing days – details are provided on each property’s website page. Guests are asked to arrive between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., and to leave before 10 a.m. in order to allow the property to be prepared for the next guests. The owner has the right to refuse arrivals outside the above times if he or she finds the alternatives inconvenient. Some owners may charge for late arrivals. If you find your journey taking longer than you expected, please contact the owner or ITT’s representatives and they will contact the owner. This is a very personal business and we do worry about the possibility of accidents!

5. Accommodation

The descriptions in our brochure and on our website of the properties to let are made very carefully and in good faith. We visit properties to ensure the accuracy of descriptions of properties. We also rely upon information given to us by the owners. However, we shall not be liable for any modifications introduced by the property owners without our knowledge. Should we be notified of any significant modifications, these will be communicated to you as soon as possible. Properties are let fully furnished and equipped, including crockery, cutlery, bed and bath linen sufficient for the number of people indicated in the Booking Form, but usually excluding beach towels. Fresh linens and towels are provided weekly. Fuel for lighting, cooking, refrigeration and hot water is included in the rental price, but not, except in some houses identified in the price list, fuel for air conditioning, heating or Jacuzzis, the cost of which must be paid directly to the owner or his representative during the holiday.

6. The Party Leader

The Party Leader is the person or agency who holds the booking, to whom all correspondence and invoices are addressed and who is responsible for the rental. Any requests, amendments and cancellations must be emailed by the lead name on your booking to your agent. By making a booking, the first named person on the booking agrees on behalf of all persons detailed on the booking that: • He/she has read these terms and conditions and has the authority to and does agree to be bound by them; • He/she consents to our use of information in accordance with our Privacy Notice; • He/she is over 18 years of age and where placing an order for services with age restrictions, declares that he/she and all members of the party are of the appropriate age to purchase those services; • He/she accepts financial responsibility for payment of the booking on behalf of all persons detailed on the booking.

7. Making a Booking

Bookings can be made directly on the website or via an agent. All bookings are provisional until confirmed by ITT in writing. We can place a property on hold for your desired dates for 48 hours to allow you time to check flights or discuss details of your trip with us. The booking can be confirmed by paying the deposit or full balance by logging into our secure website. If the holiday is less than 10 weeks away the full amount will be required. Upon payment you will receive automatic emails with confirmation of your booking and your invoice. These constitute confirmation of the booking which is confirmation of the contract between you and the property owner. We reserve the right to treat the booking as cancelled if the balance of the price remains unpaid ten weeks before the first day of the stay at the villa and cancellation terms may apply. The Invoice Price reflects the rental charges as set out in relation to your particular property or properties in our current Price List and as confirmed on our Booking Form and invoice.

8. Payment

Payments are accepted in Euro (EUR). We accept Visa, Access, Visa Delta, MasterCard, and American Express credit cards. We do not accept Diners Cards. Payments may be made with a different credit card/debit card from the one provided as security. There is no charge for payments made with Credit or Debit cards. Payments made directly to our bankers MUST bear your Booking Reference number and be transferred stating ‘without charge to the recipient’. To pay by Bank Transfer make your payment in Euros to our account in the name of "Invitation to Tuscany Ltd." IBAN: GB70 REVO 0099 6951 8409 35 - BIC: REVOGB21 - Please use your Booking Reference Number as the payment reference.

9. Accommodation Documents

Directions to the property together with any relevant vouchers and documents will be sent no later than three weeks before the start of the holiday, by post or email, provided the invoice has been settled in full.

10. Pets

No pets are allowed without the express permission of the owner of the property concerned. There may be a charge for pets and this can be paid when booking or directly to the owner of the property concerned.

11. Cancellation by you

Substantial amendments to bookings, such as a change of dates or properties, or cancellations must be conveyed in writing and are subject to owner approval (for change of dates or property). Cancellations made at least 70 days before the arrival date are subject to a cancellation charge equal to 30% of the rental cost. Notices of cancellation received within ten weeks (70 days) or less of the first day of the rental period are subject to a penalty of 100% of the Invoice Price. Normally cancellations are due to unforeseen circumstances, which should be covered by your travel insurance. If there are different reasons we can usually manage to move or modify your booking to safeguard your payments.

12. Alterations to Your bookings

If, after your booking has been confirmed, you wish to transfer it to another person, we will make every effort to accommodate you but cannot guarantee that such transfer will be possible. In order that we may try and accommodate a change, you must advise us as soon as possible in writing of your intention to transfer. If such a change is made, an amendment fee of €45 will be payable, which is non-refundable in the event of cancellation. Should you wish to change the date of your booking, then we will endeavour to arrange this but should it not be possible and you wish to cancel your holiday then the cancellation charges in the previous paragraph will be applicable. We must be advised of any proposed amendments as soon as possible in order to see whether they can be accommodated. If you move independently to other accommodation or alter the duration of your stay without informing the property owner/caretaker or us of the situation or allowing reasonable time for rectification, then no refunds will be made except at the discretion of the property owner.

13. Insurance

Adequate travel insurance is a condition of your contract, as applicable. You must take out a policy of insurance in order to cover you and your party against the cost of cancellation by you; the cost of assistance (including repatriation) in the event of accident or illness; loss of baggage and money and any other expenses. If you fail to travel with adequate insurance cover you will not have any chance of recovery of any losses, expenses or costs.

14. Force Majeure

Neither the property owner nor Invitation to Tuscany Ltd can accept any liability whatsoever in respect of any alteration, delay or cancellation or any other loss or damage of any kind caused by wars, revolutions, terrorist activities, riots, civil commotions, strikes, lockouts, industrial disputes, natural disaster, infectious disease, fire, floods, storms, failure of public utilities, mechanical breakdown, pandemic and government measures to combat such outbreaks, changes imposed by rescheduling or cancellation of ferries, railways, airlines which are beyond its control or any other circumstances or events amounting to ‘Force Majeure’ and/or acts of God.

15. Property Inspection

On arrival guests should inspect the property with the owner/caretaker and ensure that they understand the use of any appliances, equipment and utilities. Please read House Notes carefully before using appliances as frequently Italian appliances are different from those you may be used to at home. Washing machines and dishwashers have a timed safety catch on doors, for instance, which, if forced, may break the door. The owner/caretaker will usually arrive at the property at 9 am on the day of departure in order to inspect the property and present you with the Final Bill if there are any damage or charges due. If you intend leaving before 10 am on the last day of your rental period, please notify the owner/caretaker at the beginning of your rental period in order to arrange an alternative time for the property inspection. If you choose not to be present at the inspection you will not be entitled to query the Final Bill and we will automatically debit your security card for any outstanding amount indicated plus the €45.00 administration fee.

16. Tidiness and Cleanliness

Properties will be assigned clean and in good order and should be left upon departure in the same condition. Please note that especially during a dry summer, dust collects quickly in old country houses. While guests are not expected to scrub floors, a general sweep and tidy-up is expected. Many owners will arrange for a cleaner if you ask. If the property has not been left in an acceptable state, the owner/caretaker at his/her discretion may ask us to charge your security deposit card for the extra cleaning and tidying required beyond that normally expected between a change of guests.

17. Breakage & Damage

The Party Leader is liable for any damages caused to the property, its contents or the grounds by any member of his party. Guests are asked to tell the owner, custodian, or our representatives, about any damage or breakdown AS SOON AS IT OCCURS, so that replacements or repairs can be effected as soon as possible It is your responsibility to leave the property rented with all its furniture and effects clean and in good condition, and you must undertake to inform the property owner/caretaker of any damage to accommodation or its contents. You may be required to pay for any damage or missing items or for any extra cleaning made necessary by the property being left in a dirty condition. These are private homes. Please respect the trust which the property owners have afforded to you: look after the property while you are there as you would your own home, and please do not remove books or any other private items. Any damage or breakages should be paid to the owner or caretaker directly. If they are to be calculated later or were discovered subsequently, they will be deducted from your credit card and a €20 administration charge levied. Some owners prefer to handle the cautionary deposit themselves and in this case you should hand a cheque or cash to the owner on arrival. Your agent will advise you if this applies to your chosen property. We also require your credit card details and authorization so that in the event that the cautionary deposit does not cover the cost of any breakages or damage, the cost may be paid by credit card.

18. Behaviour

All guests staying with us are expected to conduct themselves in an orderly and acceptable manner and not to disrupt the enjoyment of other guests. If in our opinion or in the opinion of the supplier or any other person in authority, your behaviour or that of any member of your party is causing or is likely to cause distress, danger or annoyance to any other guest or any third party or damage to property, we reserve the right to terminate your booking arrangements with us immediately. In the event of such termination neither we nor any supplier will have any liability to you and/or your party and you and/or your party will be required to leave your accommodation immediately. We will have no further obligations to you and/or your party. No refunds for lost accommodation will be made and we will not pay any expenses or costs incurred as a result of termination. You and/or your party may also be required to pay for loss and/or damage caused by your actions and we will hold you and each member of your party jointly and individually liable for any damage or losses caused by you or any member of your party. You agree to indemnify us for the full amount of any claim (including all legal costs) made against us by the supplier or any third party as a result of your conduct.

19. Access Road

Many of our properties are reached by dirt tracks or via bumpy roads. If you intend driving a low slung or sports car to the rental property, please ask about the access roads to your chosen property.

20. Noise

Almost all our properties are in quiet, peaceful country situations. However, in the country you are likely to hear birds, nightingales, owls, dogs, sheep bells, poultry, insects, frogs, tractors etc. all making sounds which are different from those in the city and which may disturb unaccustomed ears. We suggest that you take earplugs if you feel that these country sounds may disturb your sleep. Villages regularly hold festivals during the summer, which can be very noisy until late at night. The best way to support this is to join in and enjoy the feasts. ITT accepts no liability for noise or disturbance experienced whilst at the property.

21. Swimming Pools and Gardens

Most private swimming pools are not heated and most are open from early June until mid-September, depending upon the weather and the owner’s discretion. Some public pools are open only for June, July and August. Most swimming pools in Italy are not fenced ,and many gardens are built upon old Olive groves or up steep hills - use of these Swimming Pools and Gardens is strictly at the clients’ own risk and children must be supervised at all times.

22. Breakdown of Equipment

In the event of breakdown of mechanical equipment such as pumps, boilers, swimming pool equipment etc, please contact the property owner and inform him of the problem. Should the property owner be unable to be contacted, then you should contact the ITT representative or, as a last resort, the ITT office to inform us of the problem. We shall try to get the fault corrected as soon as possible, but you are asked to bear in mind that it may take some time particularly if it occurs on a Sunday or public holiday. Whilst we will endeavour to assist if the property owner is not available, Invitation To Tuscany cannot be held responsible for such breakdowns as it acts only as agent for the property owner. You should be aware that in Italy, occasional problems in relation to public utilities such as electricity and water can be experienced.

23. Complaints

The property owners ensure that their property is in a reasonable condition at the beginning of the season and that they will take all reasonable care to maintain them in such condition throughout the season. If there are any problems, it is the client’s responsibility to notify the owner/caretaker of the property promptly so that he/she can take the action required. If the problem is not or cannot be resolved satisfactorily within a reasonable time, the client should contact Invitation To Tuscany and ensure that they can be reached while the problem is being handled. The owners must have an opportunity to put right any issues as soon as they arise. Should the owner not be available, please contact our representatives and they will endeavour to contact the owner. In the event you are dissatisfied you must in the first instance contact the owner or the keyholder of the property. If, after doing so, you still feel that the problem has not been resolved to your satisfaction, then you must contact Invitation to Tuscany. Vacating the property without speaking directly to the property owner or an Invitation To Tuscany staff member will void the client’s right to claim compensation or refund for costs or rental charges. Invitation To Tuscany will not offer a remedy for any issue, problem or complaint raised after the rental period and cannot be held liable for any dissatisfaction with the holiday.

24. Other Suppliers' Terms & Conditions

We do not arrange air travel, ferry travel or rail travel. We can assist you in respect of car hire and act as the booking agent for the car rental broker that supply the vehicle(s) you rent, and as such, bookings for these services will form a direct contract between you and the car rental broker, and will be subject to the car rental broker’s terms and conditions. Should we make any arrangements on your behalf with third parties for services, we will do so on the basis that it is as an agent to the contract and any contract is between you and the supplier. As such, we will have no liability to you unless it refers to personal injury or death that is caused by our negligence.

25. Liability

Given that ITT acts only as agents for the property owners, we can accept no liability whatsoever for any death, personal injury, loss or damage of any kind, unless caused by our own negligence. Insofar as we have any liability to you, then proceedings in respect of any such liability shall be governed by English law and the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts. Service of any such proceedings as referred to in the paragraph above should be sent to Invitation to Tuscany Ltd. Unit 2, Bedford Mews, London N2 9DF

26. Acceptance of Booking Conditions and Choice of Law & Jurisdiction

Invitation to Tuscany acts as the booking agent for the named owners of the properties featured in the brochure and on this website and as such your rental contract is with the relevant property owner. The contract between you and the property owner comes into existence when the confirmation invoice is dispatched by ITT and is subject to these booking conditions. The signing of the booking form implies acceptance of the property owner’s booking conditions for the property.
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