Il Falconiere, Cortona

A Relais & Châteaux gem, this boutique farmhouse hotel, with its sumptuous spa and classically designed rooms and suites, sits surrounded by the beauty of the Tuscan countryside. With villages and vineyards on its doorstep, it’s the ideal base for exploring one of Italy’s most scenic spots.

The real highlight here, however, is the food. The hotel’s restaurant, awarded one star in the Michelin guide, is a showcase for organic, regional produce, with the tasting menu in particular dedicated to beef sourced directly from the valley. There’s a menu for vegetarians, too, with dishes such as stuffed zucchini blossoms served with a Bloody Mary shot and pecorino cheese and mint ravioli with porcini mushroom soup among the delicious highlights. And it’s all served with the finest local wines, of course, including those from the prestigious cellars of Riccardo Baracchi. But it’s not all about the tasting. There’s also the chance to cook some of the dishes yourself at a cooking class with head chef Silvia Baracchi. It’s a unique opportunity to create traditional Tuscan recipes under the tutelage of a Michelin-starred chef.