Abruzzo is a region located in the centre of Italy. Almost two thirds of the region is comprised of the Apennine Mountains, the rest being hills sloping to the Adriatic Sea. The mountainous section of Abruzzo is within a few hours drive of Rome, making your Abruzzo villa convenient for day trips to the capital city.

One third of the region has been preserved as National Parks, home to several rare animal species such as the Chamois and the Golden Eagle. While staying in the comfort of you Abruzzo villa you can take advantage of Abruzzo’s magnificent landscape and go skiing, especially cross-country, mountain climbing, mountain biking or bask on one of the beautiful sandy beaches along 129kms of coastline. Abruzzo is home to many popular beach resorts such as Vasto in the South, Silvi Marina mid-way along the coast and Alba Adriatica in the North.

To the South of Abruzzo is the region of Molise, offering a wonderful collection of castles and Romanesque churches. A villa holiday in Abruzzo and Molise is an opportunity to see some of the best preserved Medieval and Renaissance hill towns in Italy.

Abruzzo is known for its Truffles (edible mushrooms), aromatic olive oil, Pecorino (a cheese made of sheep’s milk), saffron, black lentils and red garlic. Your villa holiday in Abruzzo and Molise is a great chance to try the lamb dishes, cooked in the traditional methods of each locality.

Festivals and Events in Abruzzo and Molise
Citta Sant'Angelo - Carnival Parade of Floats (February)
Sulmona - Madonna Rush through the Square (April)
Pratola - Festival of the Madonna della Libera (May)
Cocullo - Procession of the Snake Charmers, celebrating St Dominic, patron saint of the town. (May)
Rocca di Mezzo - Daffodil Festival (May)
Raiano - Cherry Festival (June)
Pescara - International Jazz Festival (August)
Popoli - Trout and Prawn Festival (August)
Lanciano- Medieval Pageant and Horse Race (September)
Scanno - Bonfire Festival (November)

Apulia, also known as Puglia, is located in southeastern Italy, surrounded by the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, the Strait of Otranto and the Gulf of Taranto. While staying in you Apulia villa, you will be able to visit Greek and Roman ruins, medieval hill towns, 760 kilometers of spectacular beaches and coastline, traditional fishing villages and thermal resorts. An Apulia villa vacation is a chance to view buildings and monuments from ancient Greek and Roman times, such as the Amphitheatre in Leece. There are also fine examples of Gothic, Renaissance, Romanesque and Byzantine architecture, such as the cathedrals in Trani and Bitonto and the Sanctuary of Santa Maria dei Miracoli in Andria. In Lecce, you will notice a distinctive architectural style, known as "Barocco Leccese", a local version of the Baroque style. You will know you are in Apulia when you see the unique structures known as Trulli. They are small, whitewashed, cone-shaped structures made of stone, without mortar. You may see them in fields, being used for storage or, if you visit Alberobello, you can see whole communities living in them. Visit one of the trulli tourist villages to see more.

Get outdoors on your Apulia vacation. Walk or ride along the many trails in the Foresta Umbra, one of Italy's largest forests. As well as being home to the local wildlife, it is also a wonderful place to see a profusion of regional wildflowers. The Adriatic coastline offers the visitor to Apulia a choice of pristine white beaches. Take a dip in the crystal clear water and then taste the day's catch at the local tavern (trabucchi). Shop for souvenirs at one of the many craft markets. These are usually held in conjunction with each town's festival or carnival days. In the capital city of Bari, experience the famous nightlife district or admire the fine architecture of the Castello Svevo, the Basilica di San Nicola or the Catherdral of San Sabino. Visit the city of Andria, a favorite of The Emperor Frederick II, and see one of the most famous castles in Italy, the Castel Del Monte.

The Apulia/Puglia region is known for its production of high quality durum wheat for pasta making. Try the local pasta dishes, especially those with orecchiette, where the pasta has been shaped to look like little ears. Also try the regional breads and biscuits, such as the frisedde or the taralli. Sfogliate is bread with a delicious filling baked inside. The fertile soils of Apulia are also well know for producing delicious Fava beans, zucchinis, tomatoes, eggplants and the distinctively bitter lampasciuoli that flavours some of the regional cuisine. Frutti di Mare or seafood is plentiful, given the proximity to the Adriatic and Ionian seas.

Festivals and events in Apulia / Puglia
Novoli - Puccia all'Ampa (flat bread) Festival (January)
Fasano - Carnival Parade (February)
Putignano - Carnival Parades (Each Sunday in February)
Bari - Historical re-enactment of the arrival of St Nicholas's Bones from Turkey (May)
Mola Di Bari - Octopus Festival (July)
Putignano - Frisella (round bread) Festival (July or August)
Martina Franca - Festival della Valle D'Itria (July-August)
Monteleone di Puglia - Festival of Caciocavallo cheese (August)
Grottaglie - Moustache and Beard World Championships (August)
Lecce - St Orontius's Festival (August)
Adelphia - San Trifone Festival (November)
Rutigliano - Pettola (cinnamon fritter) Festival (December)
Pezze di Greco - Living Nativity Display (December-January)

Campania is located in the Southern half of Italy and faces the Tyrrhenian Seas. Off the coast are the spectacular Islands of Capri, Procida and Ischia. Use you Campania villa holiday to visit the region's capital, Napoli (Naples), which is rich in history, with a Palace, ancient fortifications and world-class museums. It also offers a wealth of restaurants, cafes, shops and outdoor markets.

The region of Campania contains many remains of ancient cultures, such as those at Hurculaneum and the Sybil's cave at Cumae. Visit the amazingly well preserved Doric Temples at Paestum. Go back in time to the way life was in 79A.D. by visiting the remains of the ancient city of Pompeii. See how an eruption from the nearby Mt Vesuvius buried the city but also preserved many structures, sculptures and artwork. You can see mosaics and wall paintings from Pompeii as well as well as the rest of the most important archeological collection at the National Museum in Napoli. Not far from Napoli is the spectacular Royal Palace at Casserta, offering a fine example of the Baroque style. Charles IV ordered the building of the palace and was successful in his desire to rival the Palace of Versailles

Take time to relax on your Campania villa holiday, at one of the many spas and thermal pools on the Island of Ischia.

Your Campania vacation is a chance to taste the special food of the region. Try the mozzarella cheese made from buffalo milk, known as Mozzarella di bufala Campana. The curds of the buffalo milk are stretched out and then "mozzata" or cut off into sections for storing. This cheese is a vital ingredient in one of the few official Neopolitan pizzas, the "Extra Margerita". Pizza was invented in Naples over 300 years ago and a Campania villa holiday is the perfect opportunity to try the many pizzas on offer, both traditional and modern varieties. Finish you meal with a Limoncello, a liqueur made from the highly perfumed local lemons, or a Strega liqueur produced in the regions capital, Benevento. The fertile volcanic soils in Campania mean that fresh and tasty vegetables are readily available and widely used in the regional cuisine. There is also plenty of fine seafood on offer along the coast

Festivals and Events in Campania
Pontelandolfo - Carnival Parade and Cheese Festival (February)
Caserta - Festival of San Sebastian (February)
Benevento - Festival of the Madonna of the Graces (July)
Ischia- Vinischia - Food, Wine and Regional Crafts Festival (July)
Napoli - Open Air Cinema Festival (July to September)
Foglianise - Wheat Harvest Festival (August)
Naples - Pizzafest (September)
Scisciano - Walnut Festival (October)
Fragneto Monforte - Hot Air Balloon Pageant (October)
Napoli - PASTAshow (Mid October)
Valle di Maddeloni - Annurca Apple Festival (November)

Make your Amalfi Coast villa your home base while you take day trips to some of the spectacular sights of the region. Visit the Emerald Grotto and marvel at the colour of the water and the stalactite and stalagmite formations. Go diving a Li Galli in the Punta Campanella Marine Reserve or take in the sun as you stretch out on a towel at the Marina Grande Beach. A great place to start your Amalfi coast vacation is in the picturesque seaside resort of Amalfi. Visit the 6th century Duomo, containing the remains of St Andrew the Apostle. See the famous bronze door and the stunning collection of mosaics that decorate the Duomo. In Sorrento, visit the traditional Fishing village and the Piazza Tasso, dedicated to the towns most famous poet. After sipping an aperitif in the Piazza, stroll through the shops on the Via San Cesareo, the centre of shopping in Sorrento. An Amalfi Coast holiday should also include a visit to the historical and artistic towns of Positano, Praiano and Massa Lubrense.

You can reach the Island of Capri by ferry or hydrofoil from either Naples or Sorrento. Take the funicolare (funicular) up to the Piazza Umberto I and have a coffee in one of the many cafes. Shop for jewelry or designer fashion on the Via Vittorio Emanuele or gaze out at the stunning view of the sea over a steaming plate of Ravioli Caprese. Don't forget to visit the ruins of the Imperial Roman villas as well as Anacapri and the Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzura).

Enjoy the great nightlife on your Amalfi Coast vacation, especially during the summer months in Positano and Ravello. Choose from Jazz lounges, wine bars, open-air restaurants and concerts of many different musical styles that are well patronized by the locals as well as the tourists. Dine in one of the many restaurants that take advantage of the spectacular view out to sea.

Taste the fruits of the Sea in the Amalfi Coast regional cuisine. Many of the traditional dishes feature lobster, octopus, prawns and spider crab. Enjoy with a glass of Rosso Sorrento wine and finish your meal with a Nocino liqueur made from locally grown walnuts and coffee beans.

Festivals and Events in Campania - Amalfi Coast
Massa Lubrense - Lemon Festival (June)
Amalfi - Regatta of the Ancient Maritime Republics (June, every fourth year)
Amalfi - Festa di Sant'Andrea - the patron saint of this town (27 June and 30 November)
Positano - Musica D'Estate - International chamber Music Festival (June to September, date change each year)
Ravello - Wagner Music Festival - also includes Opera, dance and cinema inspired by Wagner (July to September)
Minori - Jazz on the Coast (July)
Capri - Festival of San Costantino - the patron saint of Capri (July)
Sorrento - Sorrento Summer of Music (July to September)
Capri - International Folklore Festival (August)
Positano - Sbarco dei Saraceni - re-enactment of a pirate invasion on the beach (15 August)
Minori - Gusta Minori - celebrating local food and drink (September)
Positano Art Festival (October)
Sorrento - International Cinema Festival (December)

Arezzo is a province in the east of the region of Tuscany. It contains the territories known as Casentino, Valdichiana, Valtiberina and Valdarno. The province contains quite a number of nature parks and reserves that are perfect for those who wish to make walking, horseback riding or mountain biking a part of their Tuscan vacation.

Arezzo is also the name of the province's capital city. The city of Arezzo is the setting for the 1999 Academy Award winning movie, "Life is Beautiful", directed by Roberto Benigni. The historic part of the town is predominantly medieval. There are a number of beautiful palazzi and churches to explore. Don't miss the Piazza Grande and the Duomo, which contains some spectacular stained glass. Arezzo is the place to admire the art of Piero Della Francesca. You can see the set of frescoes, known as La Leggenda della Vera Croce (The Legend of the True Cross) in the church of San Francesco.

An Arezzo vacation is a chance to shop for beautiful leather goods, glassware and crystal, handmade tassels and lace.

While on your Arezzo villa holiday try some of the bread soups, which are a local specialty, such as Ribollita or Acquacotta. Make room for the filled pastas and gnocchi, the Pappardelle fettucine, with its delicious hare sauce and the Valdarno chicken, rich with the flavour of delicious Italian tomatoes. Game, roasted meats, truffles and side dishes of seasonal vegetables feature in the Arezzo cuisine. Valdichiana is the home of a special breed of cattle, known as Chianina. The Chianti wines of the Arezzo region provide the perfect accompaniment to a flavorsome Chianina steak.

Festivals and Events in Tuscany - Arezzo
Arezzo - Antiques Fair in the Piazza Grande (first Sunday, and the Saturday before it, of each month)
Arezzo - Arezzo Festival (July)
Arezzo - Giostra del Saracino - Joust of the Saracen Knights Festival (third Sunday in June and first Sunday in September)
Arezzo - International Goldwork Show (September)
Olmo - Tuscan Wine Market and Exhibition (September)
San Sepolcro - Palio della Balestra (last Sunday in September)
Caprese a Michelangelo - Chestnut Fair (October)

Chianti is the term used to refer to the central part of the region of Tuscany, from Florence to Siena. It shares its name with the very famous Italian wine, traditionally bottled in a special shaped bottle enclosed in a straw basket. This large geographical area contains much natural beauty with picturesque hill towns separated by groves of olives, vineyards and fields of grain. In the middle ages, this area was the subject of battles between Florence and Sienna. This led to the building of castles and fortifications, many of which have now been transformed into magnificent villas.

Visit the town of Castellina in Chianti and see the medieval walls and fortifications. One of the main cities in the region is Greve in Chianti. Stroll through the ancient market place, the Piazza Matteotti, and admire the many arcades. Radda in Chianti is another Tuscan hill town to visit on you Chianti vacation.

Get active on your Chianti villa holiday and hike through the beautiful Monte San Michele Nature Park in the Chianti Mountain range and see the regional flora and fauna in their natural state. Go cycling or walking through the many towns and villages, taking advantage of the many opportunities to stop and taste the wine or the regional cuisine. A Chianti vacation is also an opportunity to take a cooking class at one of the many cooking schools, showing you how to replicate those fabulous Tuscan flavours.

A Typical Tuscan meal begins with Crostini - large pieces of toasted Italian bread, served with dip or with assorted toppings. This is usually followed by pasta, such as ravioli or tortellini, or soup, such as Ribollita. Try the lasagnes or pasta flavoured with game. Tomatoes, leafy greens, beans and Chestnuts grow abundantly in this region and can be tasted frequently in the regional cuisine. Roasted or pan-fried beef, pork and chicken, flavoured with local herbs, are popular for main courses. Many cafes and restaurants will also offer a wonderful assortment of salamis and cheeses, delicious with the local mild-tasting (salt less) breads. Tuscan Pecorino cheese, served with fruit and wine, is a wonderful way to finish your meal.

Festivals and Events in Tuscany - Chianti
Greve - Market in the Piazza Matteotti (every Saturday)
Greve - Antiques and Collectors Fair (Easter Monday and the second Sunday in October)
Chiocchio - Boar Festival (April)
San Polo in Chianti - Iris Festival (May)
Many Villages - Chianti Festival (July)
Greve - Chianti Wine Fair (September)
Castellina in Chianti - Music Week (September)
Vagliagli - Grape Festival (September)
Lucolena - Chestnut Festival (October)

Cortona is a beautiful hill town in the region of Tuscany. It is located in the Arezzo province, high on a hilltop, over looking the magnificent lake Trasimeno. Cortona retains its medieval fortified walls and is perfect for exploring on foot. The area has been made famous in the books of American author, Frances Mayes, such as "Under the Tuscan Sun", which was also made into a very popular movie. Cortona and the area around Lake Trasimeno was first settled by the Etruscans, and it is not difficult to find Etruscan tombs and other remnants of their civilisation, such as those in Camucia, Il Sodo and the Tanella di Pittagora, near Camucia. For lovers of art history, a Cortona villa holiday is a chance to see Fra Angelico's "Annunciation" and "Madonna and Child with Saints" in the Diocesan Museum in Cortona.

Lake Trasimeno is the largest lake on the Italian peninsular and is vitally important to local agriculture. The lake contains three islands, one of which is inhabited, and has a number of small towns and castles located on its shoreline. Take a boat out to Isola Maggiore and buy some handmade lace from its respected lace makers or visit the castle ruins at Castiglione del Lago. Go swimming, sailing or windsurfing or just take in the view of the Lake as you try out the local cuisine in the medieval village of Castel Rigone.

A Typical Tuscan meal begins with Crostini - large pieces of toasted Italian bread, served with dip or with assorted toppings. This is usually followed by pasta, such as ravioli or tortellini, or soup, such as Ribollita. Try the lasagnes or pasta flavoured with game. Tomatoes, leafy greens, beans and Chestnuts grow abundantly in this region and can be tasted frequently in the regional cuisine. Roasted or pan-fried beef, pork and chicken, flavoured with local herbs, are popular for main courses. Many cafes and restaurants will also offer a wonderful assortment of salamis and cheeses, delicious with the local mild-tasting (salt less) breads. Tuscan Pecorino cheese, served with fruit and wine, is a wonderful way to finish your meal.

Festivals and Events in Tuscany - Cortona Trasimeno
Cortona - Archidado Joust Festival (May)
Chiusi - Historical Horse Race and Pageant (June)
Ronzano di Cortona - Folklore Festival (July)
Piazzano - Flower Festival (July)
Cortona - Fiera di Cortona (October)

Elba is an island in the Tuscan Archipelago and is located about 20kms from the nearest coastal town, Piombino. It forms part of the National Park of the Tuscan Archipelago and is perhaps best known as the place where Napoleon I was sent into exile in 1814, after he was forced to abdicate as Emperor of France. The island can be easily reached by plane, ferry or hydrofoil.

Your Elba villa holiday is a time to enjoy the mild climate, swim in the clear water and breathe the clean air. Bask on the sandy beaches or entertain the children at one of the amusement parks. Walk along long used trails and mule tracks to the top of Mount Jove and see the history of the island in the ancient structures and rock formations. Take a tour of the island on horseback or mountain bike and admire the native wildflowers and the incredible views. Go snorkelling or diving or hire a kayak and explore the beaches and inlets around the island. Explore the many cafes and restaurants to experience the local cuisine, which combines the traditions of Tuscan cooking with the fruits of the sea.

A Typical Tuscan meal begins with Crostini - large pieces of toasted Italian bread, served with dip or with assorted toppings. This is usually followed by pasta, such as ravioli or tortellini, or soup, such as Ribollita. Try the risottos and the dishes flavoured with squid and octopus. Tomatoes, leafy greens, beans and Chestnuts grow abundantly in Tuscany and can be tasted frequently in the regional cuisine. Roasted or pan-fried beef, pork and chicken, flavoured with local herbs, are popular for main courses. Many cafes and restaurants will also offer a wonderful assortment of salamis and cheeses, delicious with the local mild-tasting (salt less) breads. A vacation on Elba will give you the chance to taste the wines for which this island is famous. Try some of the traditional sweets for dessert with a glass of the locally produced Aleatico dessert wine.

The term Etruscan Coast refers to a stretch of land on the West Coast of Italy, where the region of Tuscany meets the sea. It stretches from Livorno in the North as far as Piombino and includes over 80 kms of sandy beaches and coastline. An Etruscan villa holiday is perfect for those interested in water sports and diving or history buffs keen to see Etruscan excavations and historical sites. There are numerous medieval villages to explore and easy access to the island of Elba and the main cities in the region of Tuscany.

Take the wine road from Montecatini to Piombino. Have a massage or a mud bath at the Valle del Sole thermal spa in Campiglia Marittima. Enjoy the nightlife at the seaside resorts or take a walk through the majestic pine forests. Stretch out on the fine white sand of the beaches in Vada or join one of the many fishing tours. Explore the many cafes and restaurants to experience the local cuisine, which combines the traditions of Tuscan cooking with the fruits of the sea.

A Typical Tuscan meal begins with Crostini - large pieces of toasted Italian bread, served with dip or with assorted toppings. This is usually followed by pasta, such as ravioli or tortellini, or soup, such as Ribollita. Try the dishes featuring the fresh local fish. Tomatoes, leafy greens, beans and Chestnuts grow abundantly in this region and can be tasted frequently in the regional cuisine. Roasted or pan-fried beef, pork and chicken, flavoured with local herbs, are popular for main courses. Many cafes and restaurants will also offer a wonderful assortment of salamis and cheeses, delicious with the local mild-tasting (salt less) breads. Tuscan Pecorino cheese, served with fruit and wine, is a wonderful way to finish your meal.

Visit the ancient Italian city of Florence, which is situated in the heart of the beautiful Tuscan countryside by the side of the Arno River. This picturesque city is best visited in Spring or Autumn as it can be overwhelmingly full of tourists in July and August. See an amazing collection of art at the Uffizi Gallery, Michelangelo's famous sculpture of David in the Academia and the domed cathedral, Santa Maria del Fiore, known as the Duomo. Have your portrait sketched by one of the artists working in the Piazza dell Signoria, as you sit near the Fountain of Neptune. See the Medici Family's private art and treasures collection at the Pitti Palace. Cross the Arno River on the Ponte Vecchio and admire the many shops on the bridge.

A Florence villa vacation offers some great opportunities for shopping. Florence specialises in beautiful paper, especially hand-marbled paper and paper accessories, fabric, handmade tassels and braids and leather ware, especially gloves, handbags and shoes. Florence also offers fine wines and a delicious regional cuisine, especially if you can avoid the really touristy areas.

A Typical Tuscan meal begins with Crostini - large pieces of toasted Italian bread, served with dip or with assorted toppings. This is usually followed by pasta, such as ravioli or tortellini, or soup, such as Ribollita. Try the lasagnes or pasta flavoured with game. Tomatoes, leafy greens, beans and Chestnuts grow abundantly in this region and can be tasted frequently in the regional cuisine. Roasted or pan-fried beef, pork and chicken, flavoured with local herbs, are popular for main courses. Many cafes and restaurants will also offer a wonderful assortment of salamis and cheeses, delicious with the local mild-tasting (salt less) breads. Tuscan Pecorino cheese, served with fruit and wine, is a wonderful way to finish your meal.

Festivals and Events in Tuscany - Florence
Florence - Flower Market, Loggiati di Via Pellicceria (Thursdays)
Florence - Oltrano Flea Market, Piazza San Spirito (second Sunday of the month)
Florence - Historical Soccer Game and parade (June)
Pistoia - Historical Parade and Jousting Tournament (July)
Carmignano - Historical Parade and Horse Race (September)
Prato - Historical ball game and Parade (September)

Lucca is a province in the northern part of the region of Tuscany. It is also the name of the capital city of the province. The city of Lucca is a beautiful medieval walled city, offering many of the delights of the larger cities of Tuscany, on a smaller and quieter scale. Admire the many Romanesque and medieval basilica-form churches, with their heavily accented facades, such as San Michele in Foro and San Martino. Visit the Ducal palace and the home of Giacomo Puccini. The still intact medieval walls of the old city provide a great starting point to take a walking tour. Lucca is also a great place to hire a bike and take yourself on a tour. The streets are fairly flat and many locals also get around on bikes, leaving the streets relatively free of cars. Climb to the top of the Torre Guinigi and see the ancient oak tree. Visit the nearby villas, such as the Villa Reale or the Villa Mansi, and their exquisite gardens. Admire the boutiques on the Via Fillungo or stop in one of the many cafes and restaurants for some authentic Tuscan cuisine.

A Typical Tuscan meal begins with Crostini - large pieces of toasted Italian bread, served with dip or with assorted toppings. This is usually followed by pasta, such as ravioli or tortellini, or soup, such as Ribollita. Try the lasagnes or pasta flavoured with game. Tomatoes, leafy greens, beans and Chestnuts grow abundantly in this region and can be tasted frequently in the regional cuisine. Roasted or pan-fried beef, pork and chicken, flavoured with local herbs, are popular for main courses. Many cafes and restaurants will also offer a wonderful assortment of salamis and cheeses, delicious with the local mild-tasting (salt less) breads. Tuscan Pecorino cheese, served with fruit and wine, is a wonderful way to finish your meal.

Festivals and Events in Tuscany - Lucca
Pescia - Pinocchio's Birthday (May)
Lucca - Medieval Parade and Horse Race (July)
Lucca - Lucca Summer Festival (July)
Torre del Lago - Puccini Opera Festival (July-August)
Lucca - Fiesta della San Croce (September)
Lucca - Palio della Balestra (July and September)

Siena is the name of one of the provinces of the Region of Tuscany, as well as the name of the main city of this province. Siena is a splendid medieval town, well known for its annual horse race, the Palio, and its distinctive architecture. The city is built on three hills, with the uniquely shaped Piazza del Campo at its heart. Go to the top of the Torre del Mangia for amazing views of Siena and the Tuscan countryside. Nearby is Montepulciano, a exceptionally beautiful renaissance hill town. Also well worth visiting is the city of towers, San Gimignano.

If you want to get active on your Siena villa holiday, ballooning, cycling, hiking and horse riding are all readily available. There are also many tours to local wineries and Etruscan tombs as well as culinary tours of regional villages.

A Typical Tuscan meal begins with Crostini - large pieces of toasted Italian bread, served with dip or with assorted toppings. This is usually followed by pasta, such as ravioli or tortellini, or soup, such as Ribollita. Try the lasagnes or pasta flavoured with game. Tomatoes, leafy greens, beans and Chestnuts grow abundantly in this region and can be tasted frequently in the regional cuisine. Roasted or pan-fried beef, pork and chicken, flavoured with local herbs, are popular for main courses. Many cafes and restaurants will also offer a wonderful assortment of salamis and cheeses, delicious with the local mild-tasting (salt less) breads. Tuscan Pecorino cheese, served with fruit and wine, is a wonderful way to finish your meal. Siena is famous for its Panforte, - a rich fruitcake, flavoured with honey and almonds. Try a glass of the famous local wines, Vernaccia di San Gimignano and Brunello di Montalcino.

Distinctive local products such as paper, silk, gold jewellery, fabric and ceramics would make wonderful souvenirs of your Siena vacation.

Festivals and Events in Tuscany - Siena
Siena - Open-air market in the streets around the Fortezza (every Wednesday)
Siena - Antique Market, Piazza del Mercato (3rd Sunday of every month)
Siena - Treno Natura train trips through countryside south of Siena (Spring until Autumn)
Siena - Palio Horse Race and Pageant - (July-August)
Siena - Siena Jazz Festival (July-August)
Siena - Week of Senese Music, Academia Musicale Chigiana (July, August and November)
Montepulciano - Historical Pageant and Games (August)

The region of Umbria is located in Central Italy. While on your Umbria villa holiday, see the regional capital, Perugia. It is famous for its historic buildings, such as the Palazzo dei Priori (the town hall - containing celebrated frescoes by the artist Peitro Perugino) and for its chocolate. You'll also find a great choice of restaurants, cafes, bars and nightclubs.

Other main cities to visit on your Umbria holiday are Assisi, Gubbio, Orvieto, Todi, Spoleto and Terni. These cities boast some impressive structures from the Etruscans, Ancient Romans, the Romanesque period and fine examples of Gothic and Renaissance architecture. Be sure to visit the Roman Theatre and Druso's Arch in Spoleto and the Ipogeo de Volumni, an Etruscan tomb not far from Perugia.

There is something for everyone in an Umbria villa holiday. Stretch out on the beach at Capalbio. Go fishing on Lake Trasimeno or rafting on the rapids of the Nera River. Take a cycling tour from Assisi or Orvieto. Play golf or go horse riding or trekking through the vineyards and olive groves. View the incredible art collections and treasures of the ancient world at the many archaeological museums or stroll through the markets for fine local produce or some of Umbria's world-renowned handmade ceramics. See the Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi. It is a World Heritage site. The town also boasts a medieval castle, the Rocca Maggiore.

A vacation in Umbria is a chance to taste fragrant wine and high quality olive oil produced in the Umbrian hills. Try the delicious pork antipasti, the Arvotolo (pancakes) and other local specialties like Ciriole (a tagiatelle with onions and garlic), Umbrici (spaghetti) and Strascinati (macaroni with sausage and egg). Leave room for sweet treats like Panpepato (spice cake), Pinoccate and the almond flavoured Torciglione.

Festivals and Events in Umbria
Castiglione de Lago - Tulip Festival (April)
Castiglione de Lago - 'Painting the Skies' Kite Festival (March - May)
Todi - Italian Antique Exhibition (April-May)
Assisi - Calendimaggio - a celebration of medieval and renaissance life (May)
Gubbio - Ceri Race Festival (May)
Stroncone - International Street Artists' Festival (June)
Spoleto - Spoleto Festival (June or July)
Perugia - Umbria Jazz (July)
Cannara - Onion Festival (September)
Gualdo Tadino - Historical Games and Food Festival (September)
Acquasparta - Medieval Banquet (September)