The accommodation of Borgo Giusto near Lucca is known as an 'albergo diffuso' or Lifestyle Hotel. In short, this residential complex is a medieval village now converted exclusively to tourism. Guests stay in the old houses, villas and homes of what was once Soccolognora.

Today's Borgo Giusto is named after the Giusti family, one of the original inhabitants. An enchanting and romantic spot which always remained in the heart of composer Giacomo Puccini who was born near Partigliano. He was a friend of the Giusti family and would go hunting in the zone with their sons. Puccini used to sleep in 'Casa di Lena' and infamously shot a hole in the roof when joking with the brothers. The hole was discovered during the restoration to confirm the legend.

Cascina Barac country residence offers a country boutique accommodation near Alba for Piemonte food, wine tasting, truffle hunting, mountain biking in the heart of Langhe. For anyone looking for farmhouse vacation accommodation near Alba in the Langhe Roero territory of Piemonte, then the Cascina Baràc is a wonderful choice.

Surrounded by a stupendous panoramic view of the surrounding vineyards, it is a perfect base to discover both the city of Alba and the wider zone throughout the year.

Masseria Appide is a charming hotel resort accommodation in Salento, southern Puglia, for anyone seeking a relaxing vacation with good local food guaranteed. The rural complex is located near Otranto in the heart of Salento, the very heel of Italy in the province of Lecce, 25km from Gallipoli 25, 30km from Lecce and 18km from Otranto. It is also equidistant from the Adriatic and Ionic Seas.

The name of the local village of Corigliano d'Otranto refers to the presence of wild pear trees whose name in Greek is named 'appida'. The Masseria Appidè offers an aristocratic and elegant atmosphere in the tradition of the culture of Italian hospitality. Indeed, the main structure of the hotel dates from the end of the 18th century and belonged to an important local family, the Barons Comi di Martano.

Relais San Biagio is a converted ancient monastery located in the Monte Subasio Natural Park in central Umbria. Its origins date back one thousand years. As well as a being a religious structure, it offered accommodation for nobles and Templar knights of the time and subsequently hospitality for medieval pilgrims travelling to Rome and beyond.

Today, Relais San Biagio has been carefully restored and is perfectly located for visitors seeking out the likes Assisi, Perugia, Spoleto, Gubbio and the nearby regions of Tuscany, Le Marche and Lazio. It boasts a Wellness centre, Phytocosmetic Laboratory with on-site spa.

Villa Giulia is a Hotel de Charme overlooking the Adriatic Sea in Le Marche. Set in its own parkland near the town of Fano, the historical residence is just 2 miles from Pesaro and half a mile from the beach, above all perfectly located for a vacation to discover the heart of Italy.

Guests are accommodated in ensuite double rooms or suites with B&B service, or in apartments in the Dependence, a beautiful farmhouse which lies in the grounds of the estate close to Villa Giulia (less than 100 metres). The park merges into the family farm olive grove from where you carry on to the Villa's picturesque swimming pool.

The Agriturismo Tenuta Regina lies in the heart of the low Friulian plain, south of the route that connects Venice with Trieste and a short distance from the sea. The buildings date back to the earliest days of farming in zone and have been recently rebuilt to guarantee a comfortable stay.

The farmhouse accommodation offers both independent apartments stay or bed and breakfast. One apartment is located in the main house ("Airone"), three in an adjacent farm house ("Masorini 1, 2, 3") and four in a second farm house about 400 meters away ("Folaghe 1, 2, 3, 4").

Le Case Country Residence is a luxury agriturismo accommodation near Assisi in the Subasio hills in central Umbria with swimming pool, solarium, house restaurant served with organic products from the farm.

The property is a perfect family holiday location for discovering the classic Umbrian cities of Spello, Gubbio, Spoleto and Perugia, as well as the medieval towns of Bevagna, Montefalco and Trevi.

The Subasio Hills around Assisi offer fantastic opportunities for mountain bike excursions, trekking and horse back riding throughout the Parco Monte Subasio. But anyone seeking to follow in the footsteps of Saint Francis of Assisi will find corners of peace and meditation inside the woods and valley.

La Pineta Podere Caldaruccio is an 18th century casale villa immersed in the green heart of Umbria between Perugia, Gubbio and Assisi. This country accommodation is perfect for a relaxing family break in the region.

Set in a panoramic position and surrounded by woods, the Podere Caldaruccio also boasts a swimming pool, private garden, tables and chairs, a children's play zone, as well as trails in the woods for exploring by mountain bike or horseback.

ll Baio Relais Resort and Natural Spa is a new hotel vacation proposal in Umbria which combines good food with relaxation and staying healthy. Il Baio offers, therefore, a combination of relais vacation accommodation, on site restaurant, fully equipped health spa, as well as a business and events venue all located in the Umbrian countryside near Spoleto.

The words Baio actually means 'bay' in Italian and is a reference to the origins of the location as breeding stables. A number of the earlier structures have been converted to host visitors. The large grounds and open spaces still offer the opportunity to take a horse ride and alternative holiday facilities include a pitch & putt golf course, two swimming pools and mountain bikes.

La Tavola dei Cavalieri is not only historical residence accommodation near Assisi in central Umbria, but also a restaurant, organic farm and holiday destination suitable for families of any age.

This fully renovated medieval hamlet borgo is situated in 18 hectares of uncontaminated Umbrian countryside and woods of the Natural Park of Monte Subasio, 800 meters above sea level. As well as Assisi, Perugia, Spello and Spoleto are all close by.

The nearest airport is Perugia. The nearest train station is Santa Maria degli Angeli Assisi. By car you need to arrive to Assisi town and from Porta Perlici follow the SS444 toward Gualdo Tadino up to Km 26, then follow La Tavola dei Cavalieri sign on the right.

Foresteria Il Giardino di Fontarronco is elegant Tuscany agriturismo accommodation in the Chiana valley for a family holiday, apartment vacation, good food and wine tasting. The ten country apartments are based near Arezzo and provide an atmospheric vacation base in east Tuscany for discovering the zone.

Il Giardino di Fontarronco Guest Farm is owned by the Illuminati's, a family from the Val di Chiana. The 18th century villa has been meticulously restored with style and elegance and antique furniture.

L'Antico Forziere near Deruta is a country house and restaurant converted from a medieval farmhouse. It is everything you would want from rural accommodation in Umbria with its sturdy wooden beams, large fireplaces, wide stony arches and rich, green garden and has appeared in Italy's finest Home, Garden and Culinary magazines such as “Case & Country”, “Viaggi e sapori”, “Salute e Beauty”, “Bell'Italia”, “Sale & pepe” and “Voyages”.

The L'Antico Forziere is located in Deruta, the Umbria town famous worldwide for its art ceramics. Deruta is also an ideal base from where to discover Assisi, Perugia, Todi and Spoleto and the rest of the Valle Umbra, in particular the Strada del Sagrantino where you can taste and purchase the Sagrantino and Rosso di Montefalco wines.

The Dune Agriturismo Relais opened in the autumn of 2007 and offers a tranquil rural beach location for family holidays on the Veneto Coast near Venice. The agriturismo is just a few meters from the beach and surrounded by coastal nature rich with Mediterranean animal and plant life including huge pine trees.

Venice is just a 30 minute drive away and a little further the art and gastronomic cities of Treviso, Portogruaro, Padova, Verona and Vicenza. Your town of reference is Eraclea Mare just a few kilometers south from the main Veneto beach resort of Caorle, the fishing village loved byHemingway.

Masseria Fumarola is a wonderful Puglia country resort offering authentic trulli accommodation in the Itria Valley just south of Martina Franca. It is also ideally located for visits to such towns as Cisternino, Ostuni, Locorotondo, Ceglie Messapica and, of course, Alberobello.

Situated in a tranquil setting surrounded by characterisitic olive trees, the iconic stone buildings of the structure date from the 1800's and now offer refined holiday accommodation.

The Locanda del Molino is a charming inn situated deep in the Tuscany countryside around Cortona. With just 8 romantic rooms and a wonderful rustic restaurant, it is perfect for a quiet getaway dedicated to great wine, great food and relaxation, as well as a base for discovering nearby Umbria.

The locanda is owned by the Baracchi family of the Relais Il Falconiere and what was once an olive pressing mill by the River Esse has been transformed with the same attention to detail, throughout you will be wamred by antique fabrics, four poster beds and country furniture. Each room is air conditioned with a private bathroom with shower or hydromassage.

The article below was inspired by a journey to Umbria by American food writer and culinary teacher Maria Battaglia. Based in Montefalco, the hometown of Sagrantino wine, she explored the dishes, artistic treasures and the amazing landscapes of the region, as well as experiencing the warmth, charm and hospitality of an Italian boutique hotel, Hotel Villa Pambuffetti.

Montefalco, Umbrian Food, Wine, and Beauty...nel CUORE VERDE D’ITALIA  – The Green Heart of Italy

by Maria Battaglia

Il Piccione Viaggiatore is a cozy and romantic country house a few kilometers inland from Senigallia along the Adriatic Coast near Ancona. Although officially classed as a bed and breakfast, it offers independent rental apartment accommodation on the upper floor and is ideal for a family of four or group of friends seeking weekly or longer stays in Le Marche.

Guests enjoy a living room with log burning fire, 2 double bedrooms, a fully functional kitchen, washing machine and bathroom. Guests also have their own private entrance and small balcony.

The owner lives on the ground floor and takes scrupulous care and cleaning of the property every three days. Her breakfast is made of local typical products and special dietry needs or even foody requests can be made prior to arrival. For example, organic bread and butter, local honey and homemade cakes.