Immersed in the typical olive groves and vineyards of the Florentine hills, this farm with swimming pool (10 x 5,5 metres) offers the best in vacation rentals Tuscany. Courses on Tuscan cooking are available. Agriturismo Podere Il Poggiolo, Florence
Offering Tuscany vacation rentals on a farm estate in the Arezzo-Cortona-Chianti area, this impressive stone manor house is set in beautifully maintained gardens with privacy and tranquillity. Offering five elegant self-catering holiday apartments, accommodation for groups of 2+ to 4+, a large 'ecological' swimming pool, excellent facilities and views. Torre del Guado Holiday Apartments, Arezzo
Sleeps 2 to 10+
Swimming pool
Casa Mary is a pretty house within walking distance of Lucca's mediaeval walls. It offers accommodation for 2 to 4 in a bright, compact apartment. Italian lessons. Casa Mary, Lucca
Sleeps 4
Umbria - A 15th century farmhouse with a swimming pool (available from June) on a hill just outside Perugia - in open countryside, but a stone's throw from the historic centre of the city. Cooking lessons. Villa Nuba, Perugia
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
Le Sorgive e Le Volpi, Lombardy - Near Lake Garda, this vacation farm offers apartments and rooms for rent. It has excellent facilities including a pool, restaurant, gym and horse riding school. Agriturismo Le Sorgive e Le Volpi, Mantua
Chianti - Tenuta Corsignano is a collection of delightful holiday apartments on a farm overlooking Siena. Lots of activities and courses, stunning surroundings and a large pool. Tenuta Corsignano Vacation Apartments, Siena
Villa Ghiaia offers a selection of apartments, cottages and farmhouses for rent on a beautiful country estate not far from Lucca. Splendid scenery, swimming pools and a range of services that include weddings, guided tours and helicopter trips. Villa Ghiaia holidays, weddings and services, Lucca
