A group of friends is getting together and meeting for a relaxing holiday week in Italy in September. We are planning on renting a large house or villa rather than traveling around. The group has expressed interest in wine tasting and sightseeing of historical sites and gorgeous views. We are looking to rent a villa with great views, a pool, and open space, so while we could be near a major city we do not want to stay in one. Does anyone have recommendations for which part of the country we should stay in? Some have expressed interest in being near the coast or a lake, but we are open to anything. I've been looking into Sicily, Bari, Lake Como, Sorrento, Manarola....We just don't know how to decide!
Thanks!

Gosh - that's a big ask. the trouble is that without more information, we can't decide either.

You really need to do some research about where exactly fits your bill. Have you looked at any of the companies that specialise in Italian villas? They often have filters for various criteria - near a city/lake/coast, views, swimming pool. and they will have pictures on line of the surrounding countryside, any sightseeing opportunities nearby, possible excursions...the possibilities are endless.

and you should also factor in how easy it will be to get there. Are you all flying in from the same place? what is the most convenient airport to arrive at? how easy will it be to get to your villa? do you want to rent a car/s?

I know, it is vague! We are open to renting cars to be able to travel to nearby areas and to get people from an airport. I have looked into a few different companies, but we have to identify where we want to go. I guess the problem is we don't even know where to start. For wine tasting, nice weather, great views, historical site, hiking, all within easy access, is there an area that you would recommend we start looking?

I would start looking in Southern Tuscany. IMHO

Depending on the size of your group, you might also consider booking a few rooms in an Agriturismo, the best site that I've found for browsing them is:

http://www.agriturismo.it/en/

You can filter by amenities including pool, restaurant, etc. I was going to suggest the Piemonte region but if anyone actually wants to get in the pool in September then Tuscany might be a better choice. If people just want to sit around the pool and drink wine that it a different matter

I would ask too, have all been to Italy before? I don't really consider Bari area or Sicily for first timers, IMO. I would stay somewhere that is more characteristic of what most people think of when they think Italy ie Tuscany, Umbria, the Lakes, Amalfi Coast.

With regard to wine, does your group have a preference for white or red?

What kind of historical sites appeal? Pompeii, the great museums of Florence, near Amalfi is Paestum, Greek temples...? Not all of these are priorities for everyone...

I would highly recommend this cooking school in Le Marche

http://www.latavolamarche.com

We have spent numerous weeks there over the last few years. You can see our pics here

https://www.flickr.com/photos/pug_gi...57634528008046

We usually fly into Bologna and rent a car.

Any questions just ask...but tell Jason and Ashley that Jamie and scot recommend them if you decide to look into it!