Feature: Idyllic Italian summer escapes

While thousands will be heading to Italy’s range of fine beaches this summer, it’s wise to remember that this fascinating country isn’t all golden sand and swanky resorts. Inland, rolling hills give way to olive groves and picturesque villages, offering some of the most delicious rustic cuisine imaginable. From art to food and stunning countryside to chic fashionable cities, Italy has it all. The only downside is – everyone knows about it! But don’t fret, there are some hidden gems if you look hard enough, and specialist companies like Real Holidays offer unique tailor made breaks away from the tourist crowd. So why not explore a little further into Italy’s beautiful rural lands... The landlocked central region of Umbria is a stunning place, full of lush pastureland and quaint villages. Nestled in the heart of this area is the sprawling 200-acre country hotel La Casella , miles from any main road. A fantastic eco-destination, the four converted farmhouses sit atop a hill surrounded by gorgeous forested mountains, creating a mini resort in the heart of nature. A good place for a family break or a romantic weekend, there’s a tennis court, two swimming pools, a small beauty centre and a long tabled restaurant where guests can mingle. The surrounding countryside is great for walking and cycling, and you could spend hours rambling through woodland before having a lovely picnic in a clearing. The Umbrian countryside is full of sweeping valleys and meandering creeks. Other activities include horseback riding, cooking classes and pony rides for children! A week’s half board in July costs £651 per adult and £133 per child. Flights cost £224 per person. The rugged coastline of Cilento is a history lover’s dream! Just 60 miles south of Naples, Italy’s second largest national park is a UNESCO listed wonderland of Greek temples, rolling hills and picturesque coastal towns. Located in the small seaside town of Santa Maria di Castlellabate, the 17th Century historical palace of Palazzo Belmonte is situated right next to the sea. A picturesque place of ivy clad stone buildings; jasmine and honeysuckle laden hillsides surround the charming resort and guests can pass through the gates into a beautiful flower filled courtyard. Visitors can spend relaxed days around the pool or take a short walk to the beautiful sandy beach.

Mountain Traveler: Susan Van Allen » Live Travel Mountains

Experiencing Italy on foot is the perfect way to savor every detail of this beautiful country, get peace of mind, and a good fragrant hit of nature while you’re at it.

Some of my favorite trails are along the coasts . In the northern region of Liguria, there’s the popular Sentiero Azzuro (Blue Path) in the Cinque Terre , which connects five enchanting seaside villages.

You can do the entire hike in 5 or 6 hours (beginning in Riomaggiore) and then, after a refreshing swim in Monterosso , take a ferry or train back to your starting point. But it’s best to settle in for a few days, to indulge in beach and boating time. There is a 5 euro charge for entrance to the Sentiero Azzuro, and be aware that it gets very crowded in high tourist summer season.

My most beloved coastal hike is the Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods) , above the Amalfi Coast , south of Naples. Steep paths that were once used for mules to carry goods to the villages take you through lemon groves, forests, and vineyards, with stunning views of the candy-colored towns below that stretch out to the tantalizing sea horizon.

Amalfi Coast, Campania.