Venice, Rome, Bellagio…all sensational destinations for corporate incentives which participants rate very highly. But top-end hotel accommodation usually sought and demanded by corporate clients doesn't come cheap in any of Italy's magnificent showcase cities and resorts.

This was a difficulty faced by TMG Events account manager Sophie Moseley when responding to a brief for a 3-night programme for a client with a limited budget expressing a preference for fashionable Portofino. As many readers will be aware, the magnificent Splendido, one of four Orient Express properties in Italy and a member of Leading Small Hotels of the World, is the sparkling jewel in Portofino's crown. But it comes at a price.

Sophie's solution was some nifty negotiation to secure space at a super little property in neighbouring Santa Margherita, by no means palatial but welcoming and extremely comfortable. All three dinners were taken off property to create variety, including a memorable evening in Portofino itself.

The style of the trip was easy-paced and relaxing, especially during the day. Sophie explained, "Though we did lay on optional visits and activities, participants really enjoyed the free-time which had been deliberately built into the programme. It was a feature of the trip highlighted on evaluation forms as something they particularly appreciated."

Each morning many people chose to explore the beautiful coastal walks or stroll the leisurely 5kms into Portofino itself, before taking a taxi back to the hotel to spend an even more leisurely couple of hours in the late afternoon, relaxing by the pool or chatting over a glass or two of white wine, before preparing for what the evening had in store.

April or May is a great time to plan a short visit to this mouth-wateringly attractive corner of the Mediterranean - a buzzy atmosphere with plenty going on without the hordes of high summer. And with a bit of luck the weather should be just perfect.

And the very best bit is that the whole trip - accommodation, meals, flights, everything - can be achieved for less than £1500 per head, which represents great value for one of the best bits of Italy.

Interested in this destination? Contact TMG Events.