Villas in Italy: Tuscany, Umbria, Le Marche, Italian Lakes, Piedmont, Liguria, Apulia, Amalfi coast, Sicily and Sardinia

It is easy to understand why Tuscany is such a beloved Italian region. Think about rows of cypresses, old stone farmhouses and picturesque fields. Add to this gorgeous landscape fascinating cities such as Florence and its Renaissance past or Pisa and its leaning tower. Do not forget little gems, for example the fortified towns of Lucca and Cortona. Finally, discover the wines and gastronomy, an integral part of the experience.

Often described as "Tuscany's sister", the Umbrian countryside offers a similar palette of colours and sceneries, with the bewitching Lake Trasimeno as a focal point. A smaller region, Umbria offers easy access to its numerous towns worthy of a visit, from the most famous like Spoleto, Perugia or Assisi to the smaller Montelfaco or Città di Castello. As for mountain lovers, they should head east towards Gubbio and Norcia.

A cluster of pastel-coloured houses, suspended on a cliff and dominating the deep blue see... This is probably the picture that comes to mind when thinking about the glorious Amalfi coast. A UNESCO World heritage Site as a cultural landscape, this region is fantastic for coastal and hiking holidays alike. Let the various charms of Ravello, Amalfi, Positano, Sorrento or Salerno work their magic on you!

Sicily could be described as a cultural melting pot, the place where Europe meets Africa and East meets West. This is reflected in its many historical sites and architectural wonders, vestige of once powerful civilisations. The region's natural beauty is composed of clear waters and sandy beaches, but also volcanoes, mountains and islands. Sicily truly is a land of contradictions and that is what makes it so fascinating.

A visit to the lovely Apulia region is like embarking on a journey through the ages. Traces of prehistory can still be found and the odyssey reaches a culminating point with the radiance of Renaissance and Baroque towns. Unique in Italy, the trulli, these strange circular houses topped with a cone-like roof, are not to be missed. And why not alternate sightseeing with days of resting on a beautiful beach?

The Marches offer mountains perfect for skiing, long golden beaches and mysterious caverns such as the Frasassi Caves. There is a selection of lively seaside resorts to choose from for entertainment; if you are after a more peaceful atmosphere, you can head to one of the many national parks, like the Sibillini Mountains. You could also experience the hospitality and culinary delights of a farmhouse and of course visit Urbino and its Palazzo Ducale.

As Piedmont means "foot of the mountain", it is no surprise that this region is surrounded by the Alps. A true paradise for skiing and hiking lovers, it offers spectacular sceneries. The Piedmont is also the home of the beautiful Lake Maggiore and its famous Borromean Islands. Historical Turin or Ivrea and its fortress are popular sightseeing ideas. A spa trip to the renowned Acqui Terme can also be recommended.