Why? It was the first time I'd spent a bit of serious money on a holiday. I went with my wife Rebecca to Umbertide, self- catering in a castle on a hillside with wonderful views of the countryside.

The best thing: We were there at the height of summer and the weather was fantastic. Every day, the heat would build up and up until an evening storm came along to cool the air - just the way you'd want. At the time, Umbria seemed to be the undiscovered version of Tuscany, and it is filled with fascinating places, like Arezzo and Assisi.

My ideal day: It would start in one of the small hill towns for morning coffee. Then I'd take a walk and look at some frescoes in a church. I'd stay for a good lunch in the same place before heading back to base for an afternoon swim in the pool. In the evening, I'd try my hand at local cuisine and cook supper. There'd have to be truffles involved, too. That trip to Italy was when I had my first truffle experience - and they were delicious.

My advice: Spend a day in Assissi. And if you are hiring a car, consider getting a convertible. We had a regular saloon and I recall being very envious of some holidaymakers in their convertible MG.

Getting there: Ryanair (08701 569 569, ryanair.com) flies London Stansted to Pisa from £140 return.

· A former Royal Ballet dancer, William 'Billy' Trevitt co-founded the George Piper Dances (gpdances.com). Its Spring Tour is currently underway, appearing tonight at The Lowry, Salford (0161-876 2000) and on March 22 at the Waterfront Hall, Belfast (028 9033 4455). The tour includes a run at The Place, London (020-7387 0031) from April 23-27.