In the former mediaeval fortress of Chiarentana (on the La Foce estate), looking out over the spectacular Orcia valley, south-east of Siena and close to Pienza and Montepulciano, 5 charming and carefully decorated vacation apartments sleeping 2-6 can be rented by the week. Chiarentana, Siena
The Costa Smeralda, on the north-east coast of Sardinia, separated from Corsica by the Straits of Bonifacio, is a part of the island famed throughout the world. Clean sea, unspoiled bays, wonderful climate make this one of the most sought-after corners of the Mediterranean. This Sardinia self-catering rentals put you at the very heart of things. Residenza Capriccioli, Sassari
Offering bed and breakfast in the Maremma (in the countryside of Lazio, Italy) Podere Giuliano is a recently restored farmhouse surrounded by pasture and cornfields close to Rome. Podere Giuliano, Viterbo
Sleeps 2 to 4+
These apartments in Tuscany are within a farmhouse and are available on a short stay basis as well. They lie just 15 minutes from Lucca and 20 minutes from the Versilian Coast, in the heart of the Tuscan countryside, where it is still possible to live in contact with nature immersed in the cultural, social and gastronomic traditions of this land. A Casa del Tosi Agriturismo, Lucca
Tuscany holiday apartments at Villa La Loggia, close to San Gimignano, and less than an hour from Florence, Siena and Pisa. Rent a four or six person apartment, or the entire property for a larger group. Swimming pool. Villa La Loggia, Florence
Sleeps 4 to 10
Swimming pool
Brigolante is an old Umbrian farmhouse that has been in the same family for eight generations, and offers get-away-from-it-all accommodation in three charmingly restored apartments. Brigolante, Perugia
Palazzo Roccalvecce offers you the chance to rent your Italian vacation accommodation in a historic 17th century palace in northern Lazio, 100 kilometres north of Rome and close to the border with Umbria. The palazzo dominates an ancient hilltop hamlet, and offers you unique lodging in an important and noted fortress long ago transformed into a castle. Palazzo Rocalvecce, Viterbo
Sleeps 10+
Al Bastini is a beautifully restored 18th century farmhouse set in seven acres of terraced hillside close to the mediaeval walled city of Lucca. Heated swimming pool, air conditioning. Al Bastini, Lucca
Sleeps 8 to 10+
Swimming pool
