The three-star hotel Gauro is in Pozzuoli, just west of Naples. This is an ideal base for exploring the city, for visiting the delightful islands of Capri, Ischia and Procida (there are regular ferries from Pozzuoli), and for exploring the extraordinary volcanic landscape of the Campi Flegrei (the Elysian Fields of Classical myth). Hotel Gauro, Naples
Hotel Touring is a handsome, modern three-star hotel close to Ancona's Falconara airport, in Italy's Marche region. There are 70 comfortable, spacious rooms and five suites, each with a balcony plus en-suite facilities, satellite TV with movie channel and Sky Sports, internet point and minibar. Hotel Touring, Ancona
Hotel Villa Ambra is a pleasant, light-filled hotel in Italy, set in lovely countryside not far from the hilltop town of Montepulciano, Tuscany. There are 18 generously proportioned rooms, each with well-appointed private bathroom, direct-dial phone, colour TV and personal safe. Hotel Villa Ambra, Siena
This Florence hotel is a three-star establishment built in a beautiful historical palace from the early 19th century. It has recently been renovated and provides an ideal location for either a business stay or a romantic weekend away. Hotel Panama, Florence
The Hotel Sa Orte, Fonni sits amid chestnut woods in the heart of Sardinia. Fonni is the highest town on the Mediterranean island, and you are among quite beautiful scenery here. This is a centre for winter sports (there are ski lifts up to Bruncu Spina and Monte Spada nearby), and the hotel is also very popular with hikers and walkers. Hotel Sa Orte, Nuoro
Antica Corte Hotel Residence di Charme is an attractive 16th-century building offering a range of hotel and self-catering accommodation outside the attractive and historic city of Ferrara. There are 12 rooms of varying sizes, all with lovely en-suite facilities plus satellite TV, direct-dial telephone, internet connection facility and fax machine. Antica Corte Hotel Residence di Charme, Ferrara
This Naples hotel is in a residential area just 10 minutes outside the city centre and not far from the exciting new City of Science museum. The Hotel Villa Medici, Naples has 15 comfortable guest rooms and suites, many with their own balcony or terrace overlooking the sea, the garden or the swimming pool. Hotel Villa Medici, Naples
Hotel Garden, Liguria - This modern, comfortable hotel lies just minutes from Italy's Mediterranean coast. Just north of the spectacular Cinque Terre, this is ideal for a beach holiday, and handy for excursions to La Spezia, Genoa, Parma and northern Tuscany. Hotel Garden, La Spezia
