The town of Francavilla in the heart of the beautiful Alcantara valley is in ideal base from which to explore eastern Sicily. The lively seaside resort of Taormina and the breathtaking volcano of Mount Etna are both only 20 kilometres away, and there is local natural beauty to be found at the nearby olive-groved gorges. Hotel D Orange D Alcantara, Messina
Swimming pool
A superb holiday hotel in Imperia, the four-star Grand Hotel Diana Majestic is set in Diano Marina. This lovely Italian hotel has spacious, comfortable and luxurious rooms, all with Carrara marble bathrooms and big terraces looking out onto the crystal-blue waters of the Ligurian Sea - a true oasis of peace. Grand Hotel Diana Majestic, Imperia
Swimming pool
Situated in Pozzallo on the coast south of Ragusa, this charming Sicilian hotel offers ideal access to the so-called Baroque region in the south-east of the island. The towns here are gems of Baroque architecture, especially nearby Noto. Hotel Megaron, Ragusa
Swimming pool
Sangallo Park Hotel is a modern three-star hotel just outside Siena (Sienna) with a large swimming pool and splendid panoramic views. Sangallo Park Hotel, Siena
Swimming pool
This Turin hotel is situated in the business and commercial district, west of the city centre. Fast and frequent metro trains get you into the historic heart of Turin in just five minutes. The four-star Blu Hotel is in the Collegno district of the city, and has a fresh, contemporary and colourful design (the hotel was only finished in 2003). Blu Hotel, Turin
Swimming pool
Hotel Tre Torri is handsome three star hotel set a short distance outside Agrigento. There are 118 spacious rooms, all with modern en-suite facilities as well as satellite TV, direct-dial telephone, personal safe and hairdryer. The hotel has a fine restaurant, an elegant piano bar and a discotheque. Hotel Tre Torri, Agrigento
Swimming pool
On an old farm in Chianti, the four-star Hotel Casabianca occupies a uniquely beautiful position ... gazing down on the Val di Chiana on one side, and the Crete Senesi on the other. Enjoy lavish luxury within an idyllic country setting. Hotel Casabianca, Siena
Swimming pool
This Rimini hotel offers a taste of the sumptuous history of the Adriatic Riviera. Fellini loved this neoclassical hotel so much, he set part of his film 'Amarcord' in its elegant corridors. Grand Hotel, Rimini
Swimming pool
