Just a few miles north of Siena in the rolling and picturesque region of Tuscany, is the linguistically perplexing Albergo Abbeveratoio, a former luxury villa now transformed into a warm and relaxing 15-room countryside accommodation where guests to this fantastic region can enjoy the sun, the fine food and the even finer wine in style and tranquillity.

The recently restored 3 star Hotel Metropole is a lovely guest house situated in the heart of the village of Bellagio and vaunts a fantastic view out over Lake Como which can be enjoyed from both the Hotel Terrace and the patio of hotel restaurant. Panoramas of the lake can also be savored from all of the hotel rooms. Other notable facilities include rooftop solarium, ice-cream café and snack bar.

On the magnificent and undiscovered Mediterranean island paradise of Ventotene, the 4 star luxury guest house Cacciatore offers two things that will make your holiday unique - incredulous panoramic views of the sea and island from one of its highest points - a natural marine reserve, and one of the finest restaurants on the island (with a sister restaurant, Il Cacio e Pepe, in Rome!).

Hotel Roma is a large and inviting 3 star hotel in the remote town of Trieste near the Slovenian border. Trieste was finally and indefinitely made part of Italy in 1920 by the fascist regime but once enjoyed a kind of autonomy under the Austrian Empire, hence why many citizens here neither look nor sound very Italian!

Deep in the heart of the stunning region of Tuscany is the medieval town of Pistoia and the Artemura Residence - self catering apartments in some of the most picturesque and relaxing surroundings to be found in Italy. Ideal for a family break, the Artemura Residence is also well located for tours of Tuscany including Florence, Pisa and Siena.

On the coast of Tuscany just a few hours from the rolling hills and sublime countryside of the Riviera is the town of Castagneto Carducci and the Campastrello Sport Residence, where families and groups can choose between self catering or a 4 star hotel pampering and make use of the extensive facilities, including swimming pool, tennis courts and 5 hectares of private parkland.

The Versilia Palace Hotel Complex by the seaside in Tuscany, a great place to stop and unwind during a tour of Italy, offers a wealth of facilities to keep you and the kids entertained, including bike riding, two swimming pools and a private beach, not to mention a great hotel restaurant. Self catering or short stays with or without full board.

Tuscany is well regarded - particularly by the English rich and famous - as one of the most stunning regions in the world, but you don't need to be rich or famous to experience it, with a break in the comfort and tranquillity of the 3 star Villa Moorings in Barga, 20 miles from Lucca, with a modest 12 rooms for a personalised service all in Liberty style.

For a break in Italy with relaxation and wellbeing guaranteed, try the San Marco Hotel in the spa town of Montecatini. The very volcanic air of this much sought after location is said to do wonders for your constitution, as does the menu in the hotel restaurant, the sports and fitness centre and for the mind, a library rich in fine literature.

The Grand Hotel & La Pace is a luxury 5 star hotel in the luxury 5 star town of Montecatini Terme in luxury 5 star northern Italy, where the volcanic spas will leave you feeling rejuvenated and refreshed, even reborn, in time to pamper your newfound self in the softest lap of luxury. They also do weddings and other special events.