Easter egg hunting in Tuscany

This Easter, specialist tour operator Sanctuary Retreats is offering children (and adults) the opportunity to hunt for eggs in the private and expansive grounds of many of its villas in Europe. Properties include a Tuscan farmhouse within a 100 hectare estate and a villa sleeping 14 in Provence.

Renting a self-catering villa in Europe is the ideal family Easter holiday – families have the flexibility of private and comfortable accommodation where the kids are free to run and play in spacious houses with gardens.

All of the following properties are available over the Easter break, from Saturday 11th April – Saturday 18th April 2009.

Villa la Veduta, Tuscany, Italy
Villa la Veduta is a charming Tuscan stone farmhouse situated on a hilltop amid an historic 100 hectare estate. Set within a private enclosed rural estate, the large grounds and surrounding woodland provide plenty of opportunity for relaxation and play, as well as being the perfect venue to experience an Easter egg hunt.

The house itself is spacious, comfortable and well-equipped for a relaxing holiday en famille. Children will enjoy the use of a spacious swimming pool and diving board, whilst parents will appreciate the daily maid service for six days a week and picturesque views over the Tuscan countryside.

Villa la Veduta sleeps eight people in four bedrooms. Over the Easter holidays, it can be rented from €96 per person per night based on a Tailor Made (villa only) service.

Le Mas du Luberon, Provence, France
Located in scenic Bonnieux and set amongst 20 hectares of stunning countryside, this private property is set across three self-contained areas - two in the main villa and the third in a separate cottage - and is ideally suited for two or three families travelling together.

The property is surrounded by extensive gardens, vegetable and herb gardens and rural walks and hikes leading to picturesque vistas of the Luberon Valley - offering hours of entertainment for the young ones searching for their chocolate treats. Children will also enjoy the property’s spacious heated and gated swimming pool.

Le Mas du Luberon sleeps 14 people in seven bedrooms. Over the Easter holidays, it can be rented from €70 per person per night based on a Tailor Made (villa only) basis.

St Paul, Côte d’Azur, France
Resting just 3km outside the medieval village of Saint Paul de Vence, this luxury villa is beautifully appointed and especially suitable for families, with a heated and alarmed swimming pool; spacious gardens with boules pitch; television room with Sony LCD TV; and electronic gates for extra security.

A balcony running the length of the property can be accessed via French windows in the upstairs bedrooms, from where beautiful views overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and the Côte d’Azur can be enjoyed.

St Paul sleeps eight people in four en-suite bedrooms. Over the Easter holidays, it can be rented from €95 per person per night based on a Tailor Made (villa only) basis.

Sanctuary Retreats offers many deluxe villas suitable for families, which can be equipped with high chairs, cots and buggies, DVDs, bicycles, toys and games to keep the children entertained. Some Sanctuary Retreats villas offer self-contained nanny flats to accommodate those travelling with a family and to support their needs. The company can also provide extra touches, such as babysitting services and a private chef to prepare family meals.

Booking information:

Villas are available on a Tailor Made (villa only) basis or with an upgrade to the unique Sanctuary Hosted basis. The Sanctuary Hosted package offers guests an inclusive, but not intrusive, selection of extra services including an arrival supper, a welcome pack of toiletries and daily maid service amongst other special touches. Flights are not included, although extra services, from chefs to car hire can be arranged.

To book or for more information, see Sanctuaryretreats.com/villas.

Sanctuary Retreats’ stunning villas in Europe are part of the company’s wider portfolio, which also encompasses river and expedition cruises in Egypt, China and the Galapagos, as well as luxury lodges and camps in Africa.