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Italy
Italy is celebrated for its rich history and unrivalled Renaissance art, for wonderful cuisine and fine wines. The scenery is magnificent too, be it the vineyard-clad hills of Piemonte (Piedmont) in the north, the hauntingly beautiful Sibillini Mountains of Le Marche in the east, the wild, rugged landscapes of Basilicata in the south or the magnificent landscapes of Sardinia. From art museums and hill-top towns in Tuscany to Romanesque churches in Umbria, and from colourful fishing villages with characteristic tall houses in Liguria to winding paths into the mountains of the Südtirol, there is much to discover. As is the case for most properties featured in this programme, we provide walking or cycling route notes wherever possible so that you can explore on foot or by bicycle; at other properties your welcoming hosts will be happy to make suggestions. Südtirol Südtirol
The Südtirol, the mountainous corner of northern Italy, has a distinct identity blending Italian and Germanic influences. German is widely spoken, and the regional cuisine features dumplings and speck (smoked ham) alongside dishes such as polenta. At this high altitude, ample sunshine ensures that apple, pear and plum trees thrive in the lower valleys, while the higher areas are a rich patchwork of vivid green meadows, forests and tranquil hamlets. Towering peaks over 3,000 metres high stand sentry along the border with Austria and glaciers spill down into the valleys below. > Rose Apartments, near Meran (sleep 2-6) Liguria
The Ligurian Riviera stretches from the border with France down to Tuscany. The most picturesque region is that south of the great port of Genova, where thickly wooded mountains plunge into the Mediterranean, and colourful little fishing ports cling to the rocks in sheltered bays and sandy coves. Many visitors come here to relax by the sea, but to do so would be to miss out on some excellent walking across rugged peninsulas, through scented pine forests and along high paths above the famed Cinque Terre (‘Five Lands’, named after the five villages which shelter in small coves between the headlands) that reward you with unforgettable views over the sea towards Corsica. Piemonte
Bordered by the Alps and Liguria, Piemonte is a region steeped in the traditions of wine-making. The lush hills of the south produce its most well-known wine, the full-bodied, velvety Barolo, but as you progress north, these are replaced by the vines from which Asti Spumante is made, and these in turn give way to the Barbera and Grignolino vineyards. Here, green rolling hills are dotted with medieval stone villages, hill-top castles and towers, and there is a distinct timelessness to the area that is enhanced by the feeling of being in ‘secret’ Italy. > Tufo Stone Cottages, Monferrato (sleep 2-4) Tuscany
Rolling vineyards, cypress avenues, warm hills, hill-top towns where almost every church houses a Renaissance masterpiece, earthy red and flinty white wines, and one of the most famous country cuisines of the world - Tuscany is a land of many pleasures, and one to explore at leisure. Enjoy a week in one of our properties and you have the time you need for both relaxation and discovery - time to let Tuscany’s relaxed pace of life become your own. > Da Giovanni, Bucine (sleep 2-8) Umbria
South-east of Tuscany, Umbria is a magical, spiritual region of refreshing naturalness, justly renowned as Italy’s ‘Green Heart’. Visit the art treasures of magnificent Assisi, Gubbio and Perugia, stroll across the wild and rugged countryside, or simply relax and unwind at our comfortable cottages. The tasty regional cuisine is famed for its use of black truffles, and is best accompanied by delicious red wines such as Torgiano and Montefalco. > Castel Rigone Apartments, near Trasimeno (sleep 2-4) Le Marche
If you like walking, visiting medieval towns and exploring the quiet side of Italy, then you will love Le Marche. Away from the Adriatic Coast, this is one of the country’s most rural and traditional areas, where picturesque hills hiding the handsome city of Ascoli Piceno give way to the high peaks of the Monti Sibillini, perhaps the most splendid mountains in the Apennine chain that forms Italy’s spine. Such is the wild, unspoiled majesty of these mountains that they have been declared a National Park, and it is immensely rewarding to walk amid the hauntingly beautiful landscapes and visit the walled medieval villages such as Norcia that crown the ridges. > Stefano's Barn Cottages, Montefalcone Appennino (sleep 2) Campania
The Italian region of Campania is best known for the enchanting Amalfi Coast, the flamboyant city of Naples and the archaeological treasure of Roman Pompei, standing in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius. But the Cilento National Park is also worthy of note. Rugged mountains, picturesque villages, vast olive groves, thick chestnut woods and incredible archaeological sites characterise the Park and its coastline. The extraordinarily well-preserved Doric temples of the Greek and Roman settlement of Paestum, the amphitheatre and early archway of the Hellenistic town of Velia and the tiny coastal village of Pisciotta are just three of the treasures that you can discover on a holiday here. Combine visits to these with lazy days on the sandy beaches and rewarding walks in the National Park looking out for golden eagles, kites and black woodpeckers, and you can enjoy a wonderfully varied holiday. > Velia Vista, near Ascea (sleep 2-6) Basilicata
One of Italy’s last remaining ‘undiscovered’ regions, Basilicata is also very much Italy’s deep south, with a slower rhythm to daily life. It may be little-visited, but the wealth of sights and places of interest scattered across the rugged mountains and wide-open expanses of pastureland is astonishing. Settled by the Greeks, the Byzantines and the Normans, its history is rich and fascinating, with numerous archaeological sites and ancient towns to testify to this colourful past. > L'Orto, near Montescaglioso (sleep 2 adults and 2 small children Sardinia
Sardinia is rich and diverse, geographically, historically and culturally. The landscape ranges from rugged volcanic mountains to dense woodland, lush meadows and a coast of hidden coves and expansive dunes and beaches. Ancient stone nuraghi towers and Roman remains can be found throughout the interior while medieval watchtowers stand sentinel along the clifftops. The traditional cuisine is robust and flavoursome, with such specialities as the traditional porcheddu or suckling pig; malloreddus (hand-made, gnocchi-like pasta), pane carasau (or music paper, a thin crispy bread) and fine cheeses that include the local pecorino. > La Collina, near Alghero, northern Sardinia (sleep 2-4) < Back to Villas & Cottages Index  |
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