Photograph by: Sunday Times

Q I am keen to stay in an Italian village in Italy that is off the tourist track and where one can get to live among the local people. Friends have recommended the village of Castel Cellesi. Do you have any information about this town, how to get there and where to stay? — Francis Saunders

A With only 200 residents, Castel Cellesi is a tiny, 16th-century village located in Tuscia at the meeting point of Northern Lazio, Tuscany and Umbria. This is an area of outstanding natural beauty. It is famed for its hills, lakes, spas and old Etruscan villages with ancient tombs and amphitheatres and has remained isolated from development because the only road to the village ends in the village — there is no through-traffic.

The best place to stay is in a rented house. one of the houses that is rented out to visitors. Private homeowners have joined forces as the Italian Village Association (ITA) and offer their cottages for rental. Many of these have been beautifully renovated and have prime positions in the village, overlooking the church piazza or the surrounding countryside. All the residences are self-catering, but the ITA can arrange for home-cooked meals to be delivered to your house. A swimming pool is set in an Italian garden for the use of guests and a representative can advise you on day drives and fascinating places to visit in the region.

The nearest airport is Rome Fiumicino and the nearest train station is Alviano. You can either rent a car and drive to Castel Cellesi or ask the ITA to arrange a transfer. For further details, go to check out the www.castelcellesi.com website or contact the ITA on telephone +39-0761-790-010.

Do you have a travel question? Email Peter at travelmag@sundaytimes.co.za.