Umbria - This country house offers self-catering holiday apartments in a tiny 13th century hamlet - comfortable holiday accommodation with excellent sports facilities, a pool and cookery and painting courses. Palazzi Rufini, Perugia
These holiday rentals, Italy are vacation apartments close to Lake Trasimeno, Umbria. Il Palazzo is a tastefully restored eighteenth-century farmhouse, with completely independent panoramic apartments sleeping 2, 4 or 6 guests. The flavour of Umbria is always retained here, with terracotta flagstones underfoot. Special offers starting from euro 350 are available for May. Il Palazzo Agriturismo, Perugia
Sleeps 1 to 10+
Casale San Nicola offers short-stay apartments or rooms near Rome, Italy in an idyllic farmhouse setting with pool, yet just a few kilometres from the heart of the Eternal City. Farmhouse Casale San Nicola, Rome
Umbria - A 15th century farmhouse with a swimming pool (available from June) on a hill just outside Perugia - in open countryside, but a stone's throw from the historic centre of the city. Cooking lessons. Villa Nuba, Perugia
Offering Sicily rental accommodation, in a coastal setting, close to Trapani, this old farm provides a really charming way to enjoy this lovely Mediterranean island. Nearby is a very pretty beach, with lido attached. Agriturismo Baglio Del Marchese, Trapani
Sleeps 2 to 10
Tucked away on a pretty, little farm on the border between Tuscany and Umbria, Convento di Novole offers accommodation in a 400-year old church and convent. Three holiday flats with beautiful, natural surroundings. Convento di Novole Holiday Flats, Arezzo
Sleeps 2 to 10+
Set in a natural amphitheatre of vines in the rolling hills of southern Siena, Il Paradiso di Frassina consists of a vacation farmhouse and rental apartments, as well as short-term and bed and breakfast accommodation. The estate produces excellent wines and offers courses in wine tasting, cookery and photography. Il Paradiso di Frassina, Siena
Sleeps 2 to 10+
Agriturismo La Mora, an organic farm just outside Assisi in Umbria, has five vacation rental apartments offering accommodation for 2+1 to 6+2 guests. Marvellous views, large swimming pool and superb playing/sports facilities including mountain biking and horseriding. Agriturismo La Mora, Perugia
