Make a great escape to a great Tuscan estate

Early bookers are being offered rare savings on stays at a classic great estate in Italy next summer with Invitation to Tuscany. Avenues of cypress trees, vineyards, olive groves, and woodlands form the evocative backdrop to a cluster of beautifully converted farmhouses and a handsome villa on the hilltop Montestigliano estate close to Siena.

A haven for families, Montestigliano has two large swimming pools and hundreds of acres of grounds rich in wild flowers and wildlife. There is a sparklingly clean river for safe bathing, a games room, a small restaurant, a little shop selling local farm produce and an ancient granary which stages summer concerts and exhibitions. Cookery and art classes for adults and children are regularly organised, and a concierge service can arrange tennis, riding, guided excursions and even hot air balloon flights. Excellent restaurants can be found in local villages and Siena is just eight miles away.

Farmhouse properties on the estate sleep from three to ten. All are furnished and decorated in attractive, traditional Tuscan style and each has its own private garden. There is a 10% discount on all 2009 summer holidays booked before December 1.

Prices for a two-bedroom cottage sleeping three mid-season (May 9-June 26 and August 29-October 2) now start at £759 per week (saving £76) and high season (June 27-August 28) at £1,145 (saving £115). A spacious farmhouse apartment for six now costs £1,025 mid-season (saving £114) and £1,394 (saving £155) high season.

Alternatively, groups of 12 can stay at the estate’s distinguished Villa Donati, with its elegant high-ceilinged rooms, antique furniture and paintings, and wide marble staircase. A week mid-season now costs £2,324 (saving £258) and high season £3,156 (saving £351). Prices are for accommodation only.

For more information and bookings, log on to invitationtotuscany.com.