3. To Tuscany

Hot Property: Villa Mina, Tuscany, Italy

Lisa Leggate, Reservations Manager at To Tuscany says: "We have a number of families who revisit this villa and in particular one multi-generational family that visit year after year. In order to stay here next summer, you would need to book by December 2008." The villa has eight bedrooms sleeping 14 and five bathroons. Its mature private gardens are partly shaded by hundred-year-old umbrella pines and decorated with fruit and flowers, while the private swimming pool with loungers offers breath-taking views from the hills above Florence. Villa Mina is near a train station that has links to Florence and nearby activities include ballooning, yachting and mountain-biking. The price is £2,997 - £4,232 per week.

Bookable alternative: Villa Il Molinaccio, Tuscany, Italy

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Il Molinaccio is an equally fantastic property with seven bedrooms sleeping up to 16 people. It has a private pool and garden surrounded by woodland and is reached by crossing a wooden bridge over a river. The paved area surrounding the pool is furnished with loungers, sun umbrellas, tables and chairs and there are terraces for outside dining. Lisa Leggate says the reason this villa has more availability is because of its secluded location in the Chianti countryside and because local transport is not as accessible as at Villa Mina - she advises rented scooters to get around. Nearby activities include ballooning, horse-riding and cookery schools. The price is £3,007 - £3,957 per week.

4. Islands of Greece

Hot property: Villa Areti, Skiathos, Greece

"We have generations of the same family that book Villa Areti year after year," says a spokesperson for Islands of Greece, "if you want it in July or August you have to book early." The villa is situated on the slopes of Cape Kalamaki with glorious sea views across to Evia and Pelion. A path leads down to the secluded Koutsouri beach, which has an excellent family taverna. The villas sleeps six and has outdoor dining. Costs from £479 per person per week including flights from Gatwick.

Bookable alternative: Villa Yianna, Skiathos, Greece

This is a great alternative to Villa Areti because it is next door but one, so has the same wonderful views. The modern villa sleeps six and like Areti has a large living area and a terrace. Costs from £479 per person per week including flights from Gatwick.

5. Vintage Travel

Hot property: La Vallée, Najac, Midi Pyrenees, France

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