Sitting on the first floor of a noble palazzo in the typically Tuscan town of Cortona, this apartment will put a smile on the face of anyone fond of the opulence of yesteryear. Wander about the home and you'll spot everything from intricate frescoes and high vaulted ceilings to a black marble fireplace and handsome wooden furnishings. This tasteful interior is bathed in natural light from the large windows, which also offer guests lovely views of the townscape and the wider valley. We don't want to give you the impression that the address is a museum piece, however. The kitchen is plenty large enough for whipping up Tuscan feasts, plus the presence of a bathtub will be appreciated by those that like to end the day with a relaxing soak. When you're in the mood to explore, the local town is small enough to get about on foot, although there are enough attractions with which to fill an itinerary, including the Diocesan Museum only five minutes' walk away and a good choice of restaurants dotted along the medieval streets.

Additional fees

• Your host can arrange railway station transfers, private chefs, cookery classes, and days out for an additional fee

Additional fees subject to a 3.5% handling charge.