A lovely new  vacation apartment   awaits  visitors, especially those  who  love Renaissance gardens. Located  a few steps from the entrance of Villa Lante in Bagnaia, just outside Viterbo,  La Casa del Vignola  is a two bedroom  gem  perfect  for  friends  or  a family. It is located  on the  first  and second levels  of a small palazzetto  with views  to the Renaissance gardens and the  nearby local train station. From here a vintage  electric  train connects  Bagnaia  with other towns:Rome, Civita Castellana, Vignanello   (Castello  Ruspoli and gardens )  and Viterbo.  A perfect situation  for  non-driving  visitors looking   for “slow travel” and a taste of laid back  country living.  For more photos and contact  check out their Instagram  and Booking.com page.  Direct contact  lacasadelvignola@gmail.com  (alloggio turistica)

For a  romantic  getaway  or family  vacation  in  a pastoral, quiet  area of Italy’s green heart region, we are happy to recommend  the magnificent Castello di Giomici.

Dating from the 11th century, the castle includes  two medieval towers and a frescoed chapel. It has been carefully restored  preserving  all its historical and architectural features.

This beautiful Umbrian castle  has  self-catering apartments  for  holiday rentals and it can also be rented

entirely  for a special  event, wedding or family reunion. Your hosts are the Balestra family  who produce  wine on their large estate. Guests can wander through woodlands,  olive groves and vineyards that cover the 160 hectare estate.

Towns close to the castle are  Assisi, Gubbio and Perugia while Orvieto, Spoleto  Todi and Viterbo  are about an hour away.

Check out the website http://www.castello-giomici.com  for  more information

Historic hunting lodge  of the noble Chigi Albani family, now a 4 room luxurious  B&B  with frescoes by Pietro Paolo Cennini, rooms decorated with stucchi, 1720s views of Rome, painted mirrors and  blue Delft tiles. Perfect for lovers of art and history .

Your hostess Maria Luisa prepares magnificent breakfasts eaten on the terrace with views across the Tiber valley or, in winter, in front of the fireplace.

Soriano has been a getaway place for Romans  since the popes and cardinals established summer villas in the 16th century and now Casina degli Specchi’s swimming pool makes it even better.