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
Podere Pietreta is a 300-year-old country villa which has been split into three charming vacation apartments. Set on a hilltop surrounded by olive groves, gardens and ancient trees, the property boasts marvellous views of the Siena countryside from its large swimming pool. Podere Pietreta Apartments, Siena
Tenuta Tornia is the textbook example of 'getting away from it all' … three independent Tuscany vacation rental properties set on a countryside estate between Florence, Siena and Arezzo. Lovingly restored, with luxury and tradition perfectly blended. Tenuta Tornia, Florence
La Torriola – vacation rentals in the hill country of Umbria, close to Todi. Five individual apartments (sleeping either 2 or 4 people), with a shared guest lounge, Jacuzzi, solarium, swimming pool and children's area, as well as a chance to enjoy the fine farm produce. La Torriola, Perugia
This large country villa to rent sits in the hills outside the medieval city of Lucca, Tuscany. In a superb position, the villa, with its own gardens and swimming pool, gazes down upon the valley below. On the wall of the house is engraved Segalato, Lucca
A superb farm holiday resort in the heart of Umbria … these are luxurious double rooms, junior suites in a beautiful 11th century abbey relais de charme and exclusive holiday apartments in an elegant 12th century stone tower, with typical restaurant and panoramic sea salt water pool. Cooking lessons are available. Le Torri di Bagnara, Perugia
Sleeps 1 to 10+
Swimming pool
Tenuta Castel Venezze provides lovely holiday rental apartments on an ancient estate in the Veneto countryside, less than an hour's drive from Venice. There are several bed and breakfast rooms and three apartments available for rent. Tenuta Castel Venezze, Rovigo
Conveniently located for both the spas and for the centre of town, Hotel Mediterraneo offers modern comfort yet still retains the classic appeal of yesteryear. Hotel Mediterraneo, Pistoia
Swimming pool
