Villa rental accommodation with shared swimming pool

On the outskirts of Naples, this four-star Italian hotel is in the town of Pozzuoli, in the Campi Flegrei. This active volcanic area is the Elysian Fields of Classical myth, immortalised by Homer and Virgil. There are fascinating trips out to explore the nearby semi-extinct volcano of Solfatara, with steam and sulphur issuing from the 'fumaroles' that pockmark the hot soil. Hotel Beauty Farm Villa Luisa, Naples

Step just off the tourist trail and discover the real Venice ... La Locanda di Orsaria is a fine hotel in the old quarter of Canareggio. This is the part of Venice that was the original Ghetto, back in the Middle Ages, and is historically fascinating. La Locanda di Orsaria, Venice

On the sea-front in the fashionable Marina Centro area, the recently renovated Villa Bianca Hotel has 64 well-furnished rooms, each with air conditioning, private bathroom, satellite TV, direct-dial telephone, minibar, hairdryer and private balcony. Hotel Villa Bianca, Rimini

Hotel Universal is a handsome modern four-star hotel adjacent to the beach in the pretty Adriatic spa town of Cervia. The hotel has 110 comfortable rooms, all with sea views and private bathroom facilities. Bedrooms all have cable/satellite TV, direct-dial phone line, internet link and minibar. Hotel Universal, Ravenna

Garda - This 3 star vacation hotel is near Lake Garda in the Italian region of Trentino. Overlooking the blue lake waters and amidst green olive trees, the hotel is surrounded by mountains that provide a scenery of unparalleled beauty. Hotel Gabry. Hotel Gabry, Trento

Housed in a handsome Art Deco/Liberty-style villa, the three-star Hotel Atlanta Augustus has 38 elegant rooms. Every room at this hotel in Venice (Venezia) has its own private bathroom as well as satellite TV, direct-dial telephone, built-in hairdryer, minibar and direct modem connection point. Hotel Atlanta Augustus, Venice

A perfect spot for a family break, this Rimini hotel offers a range of apartment suites sleeping up to five people in modern luxury. Each suite has a private bathroom and a well-equipped kitchenette, and some have sofa beds and a small lounge. Hotel Astoria Suite, Rimini

The prestigious Hotel Melia Poltu Quatu is a stone's throw from Porto Cervo on Sardinia's exclusive Costa Smeralda. There are bright, spacious rooms all with en-suite bathroom, satellite/cable TV, direct dial phon, internet link and minibar. Melia Poltu Quatu, Sassari