> In Italy they are literally called "bed and breakfast", in English, because they are not a local invention: they were borrowed from the impoverished and benig

> In Italy they are literally called "bed and breakfast", in English, because they are not a local invention: they were borrowed from the impoverished and benighted country known as the UK. I think they refer to these as "bed & breakfast" (in English) these days across EU countries, but back in 2005 when I traveled in Italy, that was not the term they used. They referred to them as "affittacamere", which translated literally means, "rooms for rent". I never said that agriturismi (or B&Bs) were invented to keep tourists out. I simply reflected on how it was an enjoyable mode of travel for local Italians visiting different parts of their own country, and also affordable. I remember how my own Italian family told me they never stayed in hotels when traveling through the country -- mainly due to cost, but also because it just didn't feel authentic to them. As for the agriturismi themselves, they have their roots in state law in Italy; it's a special designation that, as you rightly point out, was meant to provide farm owners a new revenue stream. However, you may be surprised to learn that Italians themselves are often the customers. Usually cherished more for the opportunity to experience family style meals cooked from local ingredients than for the countryside views, but it's all part of the experience.