Food festivals take place all over Italy in October and chocolate lovers, for example, should head to the Umbrian region between 18th and 27th for the popular 'EuroChocolate festival of Perugia' and enjoy the exhibitions, cooking classes, tastings and celebrations of all things chocolatey!  See eurochocolate.com for more details.

For those who'd like to visit this medieval hilltop town and sample some excellent chocolate, specialist operator, Vintage Travel is highlighting a couple of lovely properties situated in the Umbrian countryside.

Enjoying fabulous views, Casale Laura is a three bedroom, three bathroom villa sleeping six situated close to the hamlet of Casalalta in the hills behind Deruta and just 28km from Perugia.

The property has an indoor pool which can be heated for a supplement, a fitness area with gym equipment and enclosed grounds of lawns, flowerbeds and terraces.  Central heating is available throughout. The price for the week's rental commencing 19 October is £1695.

Alternatively, for a larger group of eight, Casale Tiberina is a wonderful four bedroom, four bathroom property situated on a hillside in 12 acres of private grounds and woodland. Enjoying magnificent 360° views across the rolling Umbrian countryside to the Apennine Mountains, it is within an hour's drive of Perugia.

Parts of the building date back to the 11th century and internal features include exposed stonework, vaulted beamed ceilings and handmade Cotto-tiled flooring.  In addition, the property is just a few hundred metres away from a restaurant specialising in local truffle and mushroom dishes.  The price for the week's rental starting 19 October is £1250.

Return UK flights and car hire are extra, but these can be arranged by the company on request.

01954 261431, www.vintagetravel.co.uk

Ends

For further information please contact Denise Egan on 01954 261431

Release issued by BeaconPR 01572 748800