Italy specialist ExpertoItaly has expanded its programme to include a selection of small boutique hotels and B & B's aimed at holidaymakers looking for short stays in authentic accommodation. Two new regions - Basilicata and Puglia - have been added to the collection and new properties have been added in Tuscany and Sicily.

Basilicata:  Two new properties, the Locanda delle Donne Monache, Maratea, and the Corte San Pietro, Matera, offer the option of combining a stay on the coast with a glimpse of the fascinating world of Matera's 'Sassi' neighbourhood. The Corte San Pietro in Matera is a 5-bedroom B & B, offering contemporary designer accommodation created out of the original caves amongst the winding lanes and stairways in the 'Sassi'.  Prices start at £115 per room per night with www.ExpertoItaly.com, tel. 020 7520 3100.

Puglia:   At Martina Franca, the rural Masseria Fumarola has been converted from a rambling farm into a stylish boutique hotel in the heart of the Valle d'Itria, with accommodation in pale stone trulli and dinner prepared from fresh vegetables gathered from the organic garden.  Over on the coast at Monopoli, the Don Ferrante is a former 16th century fortress, perched high above the rocks, and converted to a charming 10-bedroom boutique hotel with sea-views from a choice of sun decks and a roof terrace.  Prices at the Don Ferrante start at £115 per room per night with www.ExpertoItaly.com, tel. 020 7520 3100.

Sicily:  The 6-room imposing Casa al Castello is situated on the edge of a rocky gorge overlooking the archaeological park of the Cava d'Ispica, and perfectly placed for exploring south east Sicily.  Breakfast on homemade cakes and Modican specialities then wander in the garden and laze by the pool surrounded by palm, olive and lemon trees.   Prices start at £90 per room per night with ExpertoItaly (020 7520 3100, www.ExpertoItaly.com).  Also new to the programme is La Casa sulla Collina d'Oro, a family-run B & B in Piazza Armerina in the heart of Sicily.

Tuscany:  In Tuscany, ExpertoItaly has added several small hotels and B&B's based in the countryside around Florence, Cortona and in Montepulciano, including the Relais San Bruno and the Locanda San Francesco, a 4-bedroom B & B in a 14th century palazzo that overlooks Montepulciano's Piazza San Francesco in the town's historic centre.  Air-conditioning, rainfall showers, bathrobes and Aveda toiletries come as standard and the ground floor of the palazzo is a stylish wine bar and bistro.  Book a private visit to the family's winery or a tour to nearby Montalcino.  Prices start at £185 per room per night with ExpertoItaly (020 7520 3100, www.ExpertoItaly.com). 

ExpertoItaly organises tailor made holidays with accommodation in boutique hotels, villas and apartments in Tuscany, Sicily, Sardinia, the Italian Lakes, Puglia, Basilicata, cities and on the Amalfi Coast.  The company organises tours and a range of concierge services including cookery courses, wine-tasting and convertible car hire.

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For further information please contact:

Jenny Garber

Tel: 020 8444 1010

Email: jenny@jgcommunications.co.uk