The farm, just a bike ride away from Ponte Pietra (8 km) near Verona, is the ideal base for those who want to enjoy the quietness of a stay in the country without having to do without the pleasures of the city.

The house, whose main body dates back to 1800, has been lovingly renovated following the criteria of the biological construction trade and furnished with ecological materials. The family’s farm is extended all around: 8,5 hectares largely terraced, with olive trees, fruit, vegetables and wood all under biological conduct.

There are two rooms available to rent, they include a private bath and a kitchen and the stay includes either English or Continental breakfast made with the farm’s fresh produce.

Visitors can also go horse riding and try out the jams, honey and extra virgin olive oil produced on the farm and learn all about organic farming and traditional beekeeping.

Prices start at 75 Euros per night.

image: giraitalia.com

The first capital of modern Italy, Turin is still one of Italy’s larger cities with over a million inhabitants. Situated in the North West of Italy and an hour’s drive from France, it’s cut into two halves by the Po river, with gently-sloping hills, scattered with villas and stretching off into the Alps.

Elegant, covered arcades in the city centre make it ideal for strolling and shopping at any time of year, while outside you’ll find pavement cafes and bars set out on cobblestoned streets. Don’t let that last detail put you off if you’re planning on bringing a bike: Turin is also an excellent city for cyclists, as an extensive network of cycle lanes has recently been introduced.

Turin has a wide range of attractions for visitors, including Italy’s National Cinema Museum, which was opened in 2000 and is housed in a spectacular contemporary building. Following the parth of the Po river is the beautiful Valentino Park, which houses the elegant Valentino Castle and a small Medieval village.

Finally, no visit to Turin is complete without spending some time at Eataly: widely considered to be the world’s first ever Slow Food supermarket. Expect to be astonished by the range of artisan Italian food, from hand shaped pastas of all shapes and sizes to deliciously rich olive oils and local cheeses – all guaranteed by the Slow Food Movement.

Image: Dalbera

With over 800,000 bicycles in the city, you’ll have no trouble finding one to rent. For the authentic experience, go for a Dutch-style bike, as there’s no need for more high-tech cycles on such flat terrain. Bike city has some lovely models available for hire, and also suggests scenic cycle routes in and around Amsterdam.

Navigating Amsterdam’s carefully planned cycle routes is a relaxing and particularly eye-opening experience for those used to cycling in London or any other big city that’s not quite so geared up for cyclists. The Dutch have long recognised the practicality and pleasure of getting around town by bike, and in many ways this is why Amsterdam is such a great city to visit: it’s not been spoilt by traffic pollution and the town planning nightmares usually associated with introducing cars to places that pre-date the industrial revolution.

Despite all that has been done for cyclists in Amsterdam, there are a few important safety points to remember: the city is criss-crossed with tram tracks, so make sure you don’t lose your wheel in one of them: always approach at an angle.

It’s also worth knowing that the narrower streets in the very centre of town are shared by cars and bikes and can become very crowded — but cyclists have been given right of way. This guide has some very useful tips that you should familiarise yourself with before taking to the saddle.

Image: Bitboy

Spain’s Basque region is particularly beautiful between March and April, and the easy rail and ferry links into Bilbao make it an ideal Slow Life destination.

As with any Slow Life break, getting there is half the fun. Opt to travel by sea, and you’ll get all the benefits of a ‘mini-cruise’ experience with plenty of time to unwind, stretch your legs and relax as you start your holiday the gradual way. Many travellers on this route report sightings of dolphins and whales as they sail through the Atlantic. P&O currently offer a service departing from Portsmouth, but be warned that they plan to withdraw it in September.

By rail, there is the option of travelling via Eurostar to Paris and overnight train, taking about 15 hours in total. The sleeper trains are comfortable, and make for an unforgettable experience for those who don’t immediately succumb to sleep!

Once you’ve arrived, there’s a wealth of things to see and do in Spain’s largest Basque city. Don’t worry if you haven’t come by car: it’s not a great city to drive in, and the subway system makes it quite easy to get around. Aside from the well-documented visual delights of the Guggenheim (which deserves an entire day in itself if you want to experience the sights and the two excellent restaurants), there’s plenty of scope for pottering around as you discover this area of ‘green Spain’ with its bracing views and clear skies – a real delight for the senses after a gloomy British winter.

One such opportunity is provided by the seven streets of the Casco Viejo: an area renowned for its open air food markets, with artisan produce from around the region. Here, you’ll find the sort of exceptionally fresh and juicy fruit and vegetables we can only dream of growing back home. For a relaxing walk, visit the Plaza Moyua, with its attractive boxed flower displays, and the river provides scenic walks, letting you take in the city’s stunning, decorative architecture.

Image: Dalbera

For the perfect staycation or Slow Life holiday break this Easter or summer why not rent a classic caravan and enjoy some time in the dramatic landscapes of Cornwall.

Love Lane Caravans offer a small selection of classic caravans that have been lovingly restored to their original splendour. Whether you prefer a vibrantly painted, wooden gypsy caravan or a classic Fifties trailer, you are sure to find the perfect mobile home for you. All of them are fully functional without the need for an electric hook up, meaning they can be set up in remote areas, or anywhere else that suits.

Each is kitted out with all that you might need for a comfortable and authentic caravanning holiday – the kitchens are fully equipped with ‘of the period’ items that you would expect to find at home. Bed linen, BBQ equipment and outside seating are also provided so you are ready to host some alfresco dinner parties.

 If you are not too sure where to set up your temporary home, Love Lane also suggests a number of campsites around Cornwall.

The county is perfect for a relaxed, slow-paced holiday with its hundreds of remote beaches, dramatic cliffs and rolling surf. Nature lovers will appreciate the many tropical gardens along the South coast of which the Lost Gardens of Heligan are particularly beautiful.

The spectacular Eden Project, a global garden under a series of giant domes, will transport you to the wonders of a tropical rainforest or Mediterranean garden, while the Maritime Museumin Falmouth gives a fascinating insight into local maritime traditions.

For more information on Cornwall click here