At Belvedere we have aimed to provide most of the things you would hope to find at home to make your holiday as comfortable and relaxing as possible. The list includes:

• All bed linen and towels, including pool towels

• ADSL internet access for your own computer via the Monte Santa Maria Tiberina local area network
• Picnicware, vacuum flasks and coolbox
• Barbecue
• A wide selection of books and videos for adults and children
• A variety of games for all ages, and a basket of toys for younger children
• CD player with iPod dock
• Hairdryers and hot water bottles
• Cots (2) and high chairs for babies

Shopping: There are two small supermarkets about 10 minutes away by car. A full range of shops can be found in Città di Castello (15 minutes) or Sansepolcro (25 minutes) and the area is full of workshops and warehouses making and restoring reproduction and antique furniture. Prada, Gucci, Dolce & Gabanna and many others have factory outlets between Florence and Arezzo.

Markets: Weekly markets in Sansepolcro, Città di Castello, Monterchi and Anghiari. Arezzo is renowned for its monthly antique market.

Sport and fitness: Golf, horse-riding, hiking and ten-pin bowling are all available nearby. Bicycles can be hired and there is an outdoor roller-blading rink about 15 minutes away during the summer (mid-June to September). A new spa centre has opened at the golf course nearby, with indoor pool and spa treatments available to non-members.

For theme park enthusiasts, Mirabilandia, near Ravenna, has good rides and, in summer, a 'beach' and aquapark zone.

Art: It would be impossible to list here the vast array of art treasures to be found in this area of Italy. Belvedere itself is at the heart of the Piero della Francesca ‘trail’, with examples of his work in Arezzo, Sansepolcro (his birthplace), Urbino and nearby Monterchi. Lovers of modern art can also enjoy the Burri collection in Città di Castello.

Music: There is a wide range of musical activities in the area, including the famous Spoleto Festival, the Umbria Jazz week in Perugia, the Tiferno Blues Festival and the Chamber Music Festival in Città di Castello, as well as a series of classical concerts in the garden of the Madonna del Parto exhibition in nearby Monterchi.

Festivals: Throughout the year there are festivals and feast days celebrating anything from a local patron saint to a local delicacy. Most famously there is the twice-yearly Palio in Siena, whilst Arezzo has a jousting competition, and Sansepolcro and Gubbio compete against each other twice a year in the Palio della Balestra (crossbow competition).

Extra Services

Cleaning: It is usually possible to arrange extra cleaning in addition to the hours included in the rental price. Please enquire at time of booking.

Babysitting: This can usually be organised locally, but please let us know well in advance if you may need this service.

Cook Services: We have cooks who will come to the house to prepare meals for you by prior arrangement. This could include a dinner cooked in the old bread oven - a wonderful way to mark a special celebration.

Notes

Smoking: Smoking is not permitted inside the house

Pets: We regret that pets are not allowed at Belvedere.