We are a retired couple who want to travel around Italy staying in some larger towns and some small villages. We think we'll travel by train from town to town staying a week in each place and then hiring a car for day trips. We are reluctant to drive much in Italy but hope we'll be OK in the country. It's the other side of the road for us! We'd like to go to the lakes district and also to Tuscany and Umbria. We've been to Italy three times already but we'd like to spend more time getting to know the locals. Anyone know of some good apartments in places like Arezzo, Siena or Assisi? We'd like to travel for a while so we will be on a budget!

Hi you two. Perhaps we can help. We live in the wonderful hilltop town of Spello, near Assisi, in Umbria. We own a house in the centro storico which is a great base for seeing the area. There's lots to do and see. We have great neighbours who love speaking to our visitors. My husband is half Italian and loves teaching people the basics of the language. I love Italian cooking and the Italian culture - art, history etc. I open up my kitchen to anyone who longs to buy the local produce and cook for themselves. We can take you anywhere you want, arrange tour guides where needed or just support your independence by sorting out itineraries, bus/train times etc. We are here to ensure you have a great time - giving you our mobile number, enabling you to speak directly to us in times of need or difficulty - peace of mind in this wonderful country. Email me at spello@btinternet.com and I'll answer your queries. Helen ps when are you planning to come?