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Escape to a Fairytale Fever Dreamscape at Il Falconiere in Cortona, Tuscany Italy

Luxury Wine Resort in Cortona Tuscany, Italy

Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler

Behold the beauty of Il Falconiere Relais & Spa, an elegant 17th-century country residence on the hillsides of Cortona, Tuscany! This was truly a hidden countryside gem in Italy and welcome restful retreat of relaxation, nature and wellness, carefully crafted to be delightful fairytale couture by Silvia and Benedetto Baracchi. Cypress trees, umbrella pines, olive trees and vineyards as far as the eye can see are spotted with stone buildings with terracotta-colored walls while the healthiest, shiniest chickens and roosters roam the grounds. Flowers were blooming everywhere for spring which was intoxicating to the senses. Relais Il Falconiere & Spa somehow bottles all the sensations and beauty of Tuscany into a single destination with massages mixed with its relaxing indoor outdoor heated swimming pool. I stayed inside room 11 next to the spa and inside the San Girolamo Chapel with its own basement bathroom dungeon which delighted me on many renaissance loving levels.

But first, the most stressful three-part train ride in Italy I documented on YouTube! I don’t recommend taking the Trenitalia trains (their websites hate the USA as well by the way) as there is no assigned seating and you’re lucky to find a place for your luggage. Don’t do it if you’re on a tight schedule but I did document and shared for what not to do learning purposes… the hotel did warn me to fly in but being the stubborn mule that I am, I completely romanticized a relaxing train ride for over 7 hours. Wrong! The first train was late, resulting in stressing about the second train which I was only able to catch because of the kindness of strangers within about five minutes layover, fortunately right next to each other. I was then able to connect to the Wifi thanks to a nice young Italian man letting me use his phone number because somehow my phone deleted WhatsApp – my only lifeline to the press trip group and Italian contacts – which gave me yet another heart attack. On the third train to Cortona Tuscany, Italy I was finally able to relax a bit and enjoy the countryside more but those trains are not made for Amazons ya’ll only small Italians with the small, curved inward seats. If you must, book the Frecciarossa high-speed trains, operated by Trenitalia, which reach speeds of 250 miles per hour and offer maximum comfort, snacks for sale and Wifi (from above) if you can connect. With only about five hours of sleep the night before and running on fumes, when I arrived I was sweaty, gross, exhausted and hungry. But as soon as I saw the dreamy sunset, I was instantly re-energized by the beauty of this fairytale space and went into video taking and Nikon photo machine mode.

Il Falconiere is simply breathtaking! Dubbed a refined wine resort owned by the Baracchi family and a member of Relais & Châteaux collection, it is perched on the hills of the Valdichiana, Cortona. This location is the ideal home base for exploring southeastern Tuscany, on the border with Umbria which has less tourists, rich in natural treasures and artistic masterpieces of undeniable beauty, spanning two regions and centuries of history. Halfway between Arezzo and Perugia, near the beautiful Etruscan city of Cortona, the property of Silvia and Benedetto Baracchi is a fairytale, dreamscape property. The property is arranged around a 17th-century country house, and spread between an old farmhouse and a new contemporary villa, with 30 rooms and suites that each have their own characteristics and unique decor. Il Falconiere restaurant occupies the former conservatory, where chef duo Silvia Baracchi and Richard Titi present their local and sustainable approach to gastronomy – and adding a new vertical garden soon. The olive oil and wine produced at the heart of the family property can be found in the treatments provided at Thesan Etruscan Spa. Well being is available in many forms at this magical space! Let’s get into it.

My first views of Il Falconiere, little did I know what beauty I signed up for!
Bells and birds singing in the distance at Il Falconiere with a view to the left outside the gates.
Looking toward the entrance to Il Falconiere.
And the road we drove in on to Il Falconiere. My driver was witty, funny and a bit wild. I liked him immediately.
Soon I made my weary way to the lobby at Il Falconiere, sadly wheeling my luggage behind me in the tiny gravel when a man appeared running and took them from me immediately. You can purchase all the family wine inside here and other souvenirs!
With my track record with bikes at this time, I opted maybe not this time for the bike and picnic experience at Il Falconiere.
Even with all the travel delays, I was happy to arrive at sunset at Il Falconiere.
The metal falcon in question at Il Falconiere.
I was losing light fast so was very happy to be rid of my luggage so I could frolic at Il Falconiere.
An outdoor seating area patio connected to the bar at Il Falconiere.
I noticed a long path connected to more of the property and thankful I was close to the lobby at Il Falconiere.
It seemed every path led somewhere beautiful at Il Falconiere.
A swimming pool not heated at Il Falconiere, I tested it.
Back through the swimming pool archway at Il Falconiere.
Looking back at some of these photos, I was in a fever dream at Il Falconiere. This was the lobby again!
Looking out past the restaurant at Il Falconiere.
The place was dripping in nature and warmth at Il Falconiere. This was overlooking the parking lot.
A great view of the countryside at Il Falconiere.
Noticing all the beautiful buildings at Il Falconiere and wanting to peek inside each one.
Soon I decided it was time to actually check in at Il Falconiere. I literally agreed to come and explore this property with blind trust through a referral and so glad I did!
My room number 11 next to the spa at Il Falconiere at sunset. Simply dreamy!
My sleeping chambers that gave me 9 hours of glorious sleep at Il Falconiere.
The wardrobe, desk and gifts given including a thick book about the history of Il Falconiere on the desk.
Imagine warming yourself by the fire and watching the sunset with wine at Il Falconiere.
The mirror of my dreams and entrance to my dungeon bathroom at Il Falconiere.
Into my dungeon we go at Il Falconiere.
Into the dungeon I went to get clean at Il Falconiere.
A marble scalloped sink at Il Falconiere. I was also in love with the Angel’s Frenzy brand of hand products.
A better view of the sink in all its antique glory at Il Falconiere.
Of course a toilet and bidet at Il Falconiere.
The shower that got spicy hot at Il Falconiere that looked out from the dungeon bathroom into my bedroom.
A final view of the dungeon bathroom at Il Falconiere.
Right outside of my room at Il Falconiere. I can see why someone would not want to stay here because of spa foot traffic to the left, but I found it perfect placement for my relaxation needs.
The sunset at night on my Nikon camera at Il Falconiere. A painting!
And I zoomed back toward the mountain at Il Falconiere.
There was endless espresso and water as requested at Il Falconiere. Under the television, a whole mini bar awaited. Yes, those are real apples!
A close up of the massive fireplace at Il Falconiere.
Somehow the light got even more beautiful at Il Falconiere. When I returned from dinner that night, ninjas readied my bed for me!
The sheer, lace curtains made a dreamy effect at Il Falconiere.
The smell of flowers blooming is intoxicating at Il Falconiere.
The front of where I was staying at Il Falconiere. I fancied a photoshoot here later in this post!
My eyes were having their own version of wine at Il Falconiere.
Every direction was like a perfect painting at Il Falconiere.
The entrance to Il Falconiere restaurant in the blue haze.
Peeking into the window at Il Falconiere restaurant.
A glowing gorgeous sunset at Il Falconiere restaurant.
Inside the hostess station at Il Falconiere restaurant.
No one is usually here to greet you so keep going past the kitchen at Il Falconiere restaurant.
A large group was dining that night at Il Falconiere restaurant.
And walking into the dining room was very dramatic with the blue skies at Il Falconiere restaurant.
Toward where we walked in from at Il Falconiere restaurant.
Where the breakfast buffet comes to life in the morning at Il Falconiere restaurant.
Originally I think I was supposed to dine with Sylvia herself at Il Falconiere restaurant.
The telltale falcon from Il Falconiere restaurant.
Delicious prosecco from Baracchi Winery at Il Falconiere restaurant.
In order for it to be champagne, it has to come from Champage, France but these golden bubbles from Baracchi Winery hit the spot.
My view for dinner at Il Falconiere restaurant.
Soon Chef Silvia Baracchi came over and introduced herself at Il Falconiere restaurant. We instantly bonded over being in male dominated fields. She was worried about another large table of guests so could not join me sadly but kudos to her in full hair and makeup in a kitchen! A man could never.
I was completely exhausted but knew I had to delve into A Journey Into Tuscany wine pairing dinner at Il Falconiere restaurant.

Imagine eating anchovies ice cream at Il Falconiere restaurant! Yes, you read that right. After a rather ragged train ride or three from Sanremo, Italy, I arrived at Il Falconiere & Spa ready to throw down on some serious Italian cuisine. So I opted for The Journey in Tuscany tasting menu by chef duo Silvia Baracchi and Richard Titi with the namesake Baracchi wine pairing, ready to taste all the flavors of Cortona. Little did I know how extensive that experience truly was! I tasted flavors and textures I’ve never had before, delighted in all the rich, earthy wines and almost had to tap out at the end. But if you take just one bite, no one is offended in Italy even if you are about to burst. I saved space for mostly the pasta in its many forms but also the fresh made couture cuisine created in front of my eyes right next to me! The Michelin-starred Il Falconiere restaurant, located inside the ancient lemon house of Villa Baracchi, has an elegant indoor dining room and striking sunset views on the patio.

For those wondering about pricing who aren’t guests at Il Falconiere restaurant. There was also a Spring tasting menu.
And so we deep dived right into the wine at Il Falconiere restaurant. My commute was literally up the steps so I deeply indulged. Probably the rose prosecco was my favorite from the family wine.
They also have their own olive oil brand which was equally delicious at Il Falconiere restaurant.
The first course in usual plates at Il Falconiere restaurant. I’m not sure I ate it properly honestly! In well-rested retrospect, I think the sauce went on the meat. Still delicious either way!
Each course had more wine so I was actually doing a wine tasting at the same time at Il Falconiere restaurant.
I was becoming the bubbles inside my glass at Il Falconiere restaurant.
The sardine ice cream at Il Falconiere restaurant made tableside.
This was a wild plate but designed to play and it was fun at Il Falconiere restaurant. I did not hate it and actually found it amusing on my tastebuds.
Moving on to the white wine which tasted like flowers and was my absolute favorite at Il Falconiere restaurant. So far so good on the family wines!
A light and delightful play on a sushi roll at Il Falconiere restaurant.
The heavier the courses, the darker the wine at Il Falconiere restaurant.
I was enjoying the light playing off the table at Il Falconiere restaurant.
The pasta was outstanding at Il Falconiere restaurant. I slurped it up in no time with glee and delight!
This was my favorite out of the red wines at Il Falconiere restaurant. So much so I had it twice!
A stuffed pasta like ravioli except in a long, spiral shaped format almost like a roll of stamps at Il Falconiere restaurant.
My least favorite wine was Ardito but only because it was giving me hiccups and burps at Il Falconiere restaurant.
Onto the beef, perfectly cooked and flavored at Il Falconiere restaurant.
The strawberry and ginger palate cleanser at Il Falconiere restaurant was divine!
A digestivo not made by the family that would send me off to blissful sleep later at Il Falconiere restaurant.
To my delight, another table side display of dessert this time at Il Falconiere restaurant.
Anything with chocolate delights me at Il Falconiere restaurant.
And freshly made espresso at Il Falconiere restaurant.
More chocolate and cream on top at Il Falconiere restaurant.
And a beautiful creation is made of tiramisu at Il Falconiere restaurant.
Before you leave, there is always second dessert at Il Falconiere restaurant. Remember, a tiny nibble makes the Italians happy!
Leaving that night was a bit hazy as I bee-lined my way to bed at Il Falconiere restaurant. The buzzing kitchen is to the right.
After a dead to the world 9 hour sleep, I woke and began slowly exploring at Il Falconiere. Apparently I am married. I did have a lot of people surprised I was solo which used to happen a lot 20 years ago but surprising it’s still a thing today.
Il Falconiere restaurant looked completely different that morning for the breakfast buffet.
I ate lightly as I was still stuffed from the amazing dinner at Il Falconiere restaurant but the quiche was calling my name.
But did nibble on some sweets at Il Falconiere restaurant… pistachio croissant after all! With a cappuccino is divine.

The next stop on my slow travel itinerary was Thesan Spa next door to my room which I was very grateful! Travel runs you ragged sometimes but let me tell you, looking back and writing about this experience is pure delight teleporting back in time. Thesan Spa is a wellness space created in harmony with the Tuscan landscape and the thriving botanicals! At Relais Il Falconiere & Spa, the spa was next door to my room and perfect placement for much-needed moments of relaxation in a heated atmosphere that immediately took all the train travel stress away. Olive oil and wine produced by the Baracchi property form the basis of personalized spa treatments, an infinity pool with a view of the gardens and the valley and in the Acqua & vapori circuit, water and heat are combined with medicinal plants, salts and scented essences. I was very lucky and blessed to have the full space to myself after a soothing massage with fast strokes… Rita even ended with telling me I’m okay which made me cry happy tears. It’s not only a unique sensory experience, this zen place helps restore harmony between your body, mind and soul.

I actually snuck into Thesan Spa the day before when no one was around but this front door had been beckoning me since arrival.
Back to using my cell phone when there is water involved, it actually helps with these large format rooms at Thesan Spa.
The view looking into Thesan Spa from the front doors.
Lounge chairs await to relax you with warm steam and calming music at Thesan Spa.
Another row of lounges, one that was previously occupied the day I came in at Thesan Spa.
But officially this time, I went through the wisteria vine doors at Thesan Spa and met Rita, my amazing masseuse.
First you are taken back to remove your street clothes at Thesan Spa.
Then led into this delicious room at Thesan Spa for massage time. She used fast, quick strokes but it worked to get the ick out.
A public shower at Thesan Spa if you forgot or needed a rinse.
A steam room fit for a queen at Thesan Spa, I played in here a bit with the door ajar to breathe.
And the sauna space at Thesan Spa was comfortable as well to warm your bones.
The amazing Angel products I grew to enjoy at Thesan Spa with some refreshments in the back room including water and tea.
Looking out into Thesan Spa area, I was so lucky to be solo that day!
I made some fun, happy swimming videos (see above) and really enjoyed stretching in here at Thesan Spa.
Then it was back to my room for a quick shower and getting ready to explore more. I found this view amusing each day.
Slowly finding out there’s a whole bar at Il Falconiere across from the lobby.
And indoor outdoor dining if you so choose at Il Falconiere.
I had an hour left until my town of Cortona, Tuscany tour and driver arrived so I hung out with the rooster for late lunch at Il Falconiere. He was talkative! Possibly Roco but not sure all their names.
These chickens were living their best life at Il Falconiere. Once about 60 of them, after the foxes about 14 left. See the chicken “mud spa” in front? They like to roll around in the dry dirt. Silvia and I joked it was a chicken spa!
My body was so confused but happy to be here so I had the trifecta of drinks at Il Falconiere. A real Coke with a glass straw, wow!
The most delicious farm fresh caprese salad I’ve ever had exploding in flavor at Il Falconiere.
A tuna bowl to offset all the pasta damage I did at Il Falconiere was delightfully fresh as well.
And like a true Italian, I took my espresso like a shot to go at Il Falconiere. Silvia swung by right beforehand in full designer, makeup and heels. I aspire to be her!

Take a Tour of Cortona Tuscany, Italy

Cortona, Italy is a place for meandering rather than ticking off key sites! Ripe with medieval alleyways, Cortona is no longer an insider secret since the Tuscan city became famous for the bestselling book and then movie, Under the Tuscan Sun, by Frances Mayes. Cortona’s quaintly crooked, cobbled streets can be packed with summer visitors but not terribly crowded in the early Spring so that may be the sweet spot. I was blessed to have an amazing guide that day, Cathy from San Diego, California, who also fell in love with the city and moved, now spending her days showing tourists her beautiful city.  If you have only a small window of time, we were able to squeeze in a lot in only two hours but make sure to pack your hiking shoes as it’s mostly vertical. Hit up Via Janelli for its row of brick buildings with some of Tuscany’s oldest surviving medieval houses, Ghibellina and via Guelfa are picturesque streets with medieval mansions, hike for the views at the top of the Fortezza del Girifalco, a the Medici fortress, which occupies the site of the Etruscan acropolis. Look out longingly at the Valdichiana plain, as spot as many olive groves and vineyards as the eye can see, as well as Lake Trasimeno and Monte Amiata. Probably the steepest climb up is to the Basilica di Santa Margherita, on Piazzale Santa Margherita, dedicated to the city’s patron saint, a follower of St. Francis where I met Catholic cats lounging about and a sacred service happening in real time. We also ran into an Italian man in town who sells the most beautiful and unique antiques and if he likes you enough, you’ll get treasures for a steal! I did share his card below as a reward for reading my blog. Learn more at visittuscany.com.

The most beautiful Cortona Tuscany, Italy landscape. This day did not have the brilliant sky and sunset from the night before however it did help my fair skin!
Viewing Cortona Tuscany, Italy in the other direction at the meet up statue spot.
Cortona Tuscany, Italy could be a place for lovers as well with each view a dream for your eyes.
A popular meetup spot in Cortona Tuscany, Italy because it begins at the city’s bottom and has a roundabout. If you need GPS, use the restaurant above.
Carol and I instantly bonded and began walking and talking in Cortona Tuscany, Italy. It’s hard to get lost!
Not me wanting to buy a corset in Cortona Tuscany, Italy.
Just in case you want to get one in Cortona Tuscany, Italy!
A photo for my mother as this is totally her style in Cortona Tuscany, Italy.
Italians just enjoying their overcast day in Cortona Tuscany, Italy.
The urge to go shopping here is strong in Cortona Tuscany, Italy. Pottery that has lasted decades is available for sale.
An archway that heads up a hill to some funky art in Cortona Tuscany, Italy.
The sense of history is strong in Cortona Tuscany, Italy.
More dresses trying to get me to buy them in Cortona Tuscany, Italy.
I love a good side street in Cortona Tuscany, Italy.
One of the high end leather goods shops in Cortona Tuscany, Italy. I want all the green ones!
Just amazing alligator art on a handle in Cortona Tuscany, Italy.
The town center in Cortona Tuscany, Italy. There was a lot of police presence in Italy but it never felt imposing.
The bust of a main man lurking over Cortona Tuscany, Italy. Look at that mustache!
Taking a nap on steps is perfectly normal in Cortona Tuscany, Italy. Ouch!
The museum we swung by caught my eye because of the Egyptian additions in Cortona Tuscany, Italy.
A quick peak inside the tourism office for Cortona Tuscany, Italy with a fresco just above a video.
A whole wall of history markings in Cortona Tuscany, Italy.
We sort of stumbled upon this antique collector at Cortona Tuscany, Italy.
Once he found out I was a journalist, he let us in and was giving us amazing prices in Cortona Tuscany, Italy. This is a grape lamp.
It was truly amazing seeing all of these old artifacts usually only seen in museums or castles in Cortona Tuscany, Italy.
The man behind the amazing collection in Cortona Tuscany, Italy.
This gem was already sold but so my style in Cortona Tuscany, Italy.
The business card as promised in Cortona Tuscany, Italy. He doesn’t speak English so try Google translate!
A quick pic of demure Carol who kept the history engaging and fun in Cortona Tuscany, Italy. They must wear this pass when working.
I loved seeing all the statues as well in Cortona Tuscany, Italy.
But more so the dragons depicted in Cortona Tuscany, Italy.
Up up and away we were going in Cortona Tuscany, Italy.
To a church with views of my host hotel in Cortona Tuscany, Italy.
A very famous sculptor in Europe, you will see his work everywhere in Cortona Tuscany, Italy.
The large building in the middle is a cemetery in Cortona Tuscany, Italy.
A hazy day photo to the right in Cortona Tuscany, Italy.
And to the left in Cortona Tuscany, Italy.
Zoomed in, you can almost see Il Falconiere in the middle at Cortona Tuscany, Italy.
A closeup of the angel guarding the church door crushing a serpeant in Cortona Tuscany, Italy.
We were able to pop inside the famous Teatro Signorelli theater in Cortona Tuscany, Italy.
Virtually impossible to get the whole huge ceiling at Teatro Signorelli theater in Cortona Tuscany, Italy.
Imagine sitting here in your finest corset at Teatro Signorelli theater in Cortona Tuscany, Italy.
In the front of Teatro Signorelli theater in Cortona Tuscany, Italy, it is a restaurant.
The view from outside walking away at Teatro Signorelli theater in Cortona Tuscany, Italy.
Right across the street from Teatro Signorelli theater in Cortona Tuscany, Italy.
And down the hallway from Teatro Signorelli theater in Cortona Tuscany, Italy.
Up the steep streets we went next in Cortona Tuscany, Italy.
I loved this pretty restaurant setup in Cortona Tuscany, Italy.
Just amazing architecture in Cortona Tuscany, Italy.
Looking back down the street in Cortona Tuscany, Italy.
Our San Francesco church destination in Cortona Tuscany, Italy at the top!
Even the door was impressive in Cortona Tuscany, Italy.
Inside the church in Cortona Tuscany, Italy.
The altar in Cortona Tuscany, Italy.
Some say its real in Cortona Tuscany, Italy.
Enjoying all the architecture then I see a cat in Cortona Tuscany, Italy.
A Garfield cat greets us and rolls around for full effect in Cortona Tuscany, Italy.
This black cat happily cleaning himself while services go on nearby in Cortona Tuscany, Italy.
To the right, a Catholic priest performs a service but we’re not allowed to photograph or attend in Cortona Tuscany, Italy.
Back down the hill we start going in Cortona Tuscany, Italy.
Crests from long ago linger in Cortona Tuscany, Italy.
A stop for a nice view about every 5 seconds in Cortona Tuscany, Italy.
A park that has renaissance era vibes in Cortona Tuscany, Italy.
We were moving at this point in Cortona Tuscany, Italy.
But Carol pointed out some key artwork for me in Cortona Tuscany, Italy.
Honestly I could have taken photos for hours in Cortona Tuscany, Italy.
Another gorgeous view in Cortona Tuscany, Italy.
A weathered lion guards a door in Cortona Tuscany, Italy.
A quick peak up the alleyway in Cortona Tuscany, Italy.
And back to meet the driver in Cortona Tuscany, Italy with Carol reluctantly posing. Thank you dear!

I was happy I decided to return to Il Falconiere to relax before dinner that night. Even though the sky was not popping like my arrival night, it was still very beautiful and fragrant. So I played around the area in the wisteria a while, took some self portraits and then just relaxed on my patio before dinner, finally getting into the Tuscan groove.

The cat theme continued with a new friend at Il Falconiere Relais. Can you see it, a black and white cat?
The parking area at Il Falconiere had wisteria everywhere.
I wanted to drape it all around me at Il Falconiere.
Instead I took a lot of photos at Il Falconiere.
In the other direction at Il Falconiere.
A little side landscape action at Il Falconiere.
Peaking down the patio space at Il Falconiere.
Cactus also exist at Il Falconiere which is surprising to me.
Rows of olive trees at Il Falconiere.
The pathway back toward the balcony at Il Falconiere.
And right before dinner, the cat appeared again at Il Falconiere. They bring me peace and happiness!

If you want something more low key for dinner or to stay, head to Locanda Del Molino, the sister property which is a very affordable old mill in the next town over in the Cortona countryside transformed into a cozy inn and restaurant with eight rooms overlooking a small stream in an oasis of peace and tranquility. I had the best rosa truffle pasta of my life there!

First views of Locanda Del Molino is so quiet and remote.
The restaurant is located through the side door at Locanda Del Molino.
I thought Locanda Del Molino was just a restaurant but it’s so much more!
Even more amazing photo opps at Locanda Del Molino.
The patio I enjoyed after dinner at Locanda Del Molino.
Inside the doors at Locanda Del Molino, a lounge and you can smoke cigarettes here!
The check in hostess station at Locanda Del Molino.
Taking my photos while there’s still some blue light at Locanda Del Molino.
An antique sewing machine much like one I had in Philly at Locanda Del Molino.
The large format dining room at Locanda Del Molino.
A wall of some very familiar wines awaits at Locanda Del Molino.
Very rustic compared to the fancier sister at Locanda Del Molino.
A lovely patio outside connected to a soothing creek at Locanda Del Molino.
I imagine wine out here at night is splendid at Locanda Del Molino.
The creek running behind the patio at Locanda Del Molino.
Into the back dining room near the kitchen I went at Locanda Del Molino.
And settled in across from this spot at Locanda Del Molino.
The renaissance menus were giving me glee at Locanda Del Molino.
Also the horoscopes which I couldn’t read but captured just in case at Locanda Del Molino.
To start dinner at Locanda Del Molino, the family olive oil and bread.
My view looking back at the dining room at Locanda Del Molino.
The cheerful kitchen made a board of most of the appetizers for me at Locanda Del Molino.
And one of my favorite wines at Locanda Del Molino.
I was in love with many reds at Locanda Del Molino.
The rosa tagliolini pasta of my dreams with parmesan fondue and truffle that I could have eaten the whole plate but had more coming at Locanda Del Molino.
Another red to pair, I loved the staff leading me on this at Locanda Del Molino.
A very traditional dish L’Ossobuco at Locanda Del Molino tasted like home in central Pennsylvania. Very familiar flavors here!
And of course I had to try the beef better known as perfect potatoes and pan sear at Locanda Del Molino. I also could have eaten it all!
Looking at the ceiling I realized it was all brick and impressed at its sound structure at Locanda Del Molino.
The dessert menu at Locanda Del Molino.
Trying traditional dishes of the blackberry crostata at Locanda Del Molino was this lovely, thin pie.
And of course a house digestivo to get my stomach straight for the night at Locanda Del Molino. They packed up everything left over for the road the next morning which was much appreciated during train delay debacles!

For the 2026 season, Il Falconiere estate is adding a vertical garden behind the restaurant, a newly renovated suite, and a Michelin-starred kitchen celebrating the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis with newly dedicated dishes. But if that’s too fancy for you, you will still find all the flavors of Tuscany at Locanda Del Molino and in the town of Cortona. Happy exploring!