Italy

Now in its third edition, Alastair Sawday's Special Places to Stay: Italy lists approximately 300 properties, all carefully chosen and inspected for their unique qualities and character. Chose from a 13th century tower on a hilltop in Florence, or a beautiful house on a Venetian canal, to a remote retreat on an isolated island. More than 100 of the properties listed are ideal for those travelling on a budget, with rates from as low as GBP45 per person. More than 500 colour photographs ensure all properties are illustrated throughout.