Stay at a 700-year-old Tuscan villa among the rolling hills

Standing tall among 200 acres of groomed gardens, lemon trees and vineyards, the 13th century Relais Borgo Santo Pietro is more than just a hotel. The perfect spot for a romantic hideout away from the crowds, all eight of the decadent suites are dripping in lavish style and decor; think grand chandeliers, plunging roll-top baths, ornate tapestries and Roco-style king-sized beds. After a relaxing couples massage in the spa and dip in the infinity pool, a special farm-to-plate dining experience awaits you at the in-house Michelin-starred restaurant. On the sizeable menu at Meo Medo, choose from hand-stretched pasta, freshly-caught sea bass and house-made prosciutto. Make sure to top the evening off with a visit to the wine cellar to check out Tuscany’s best wines.

Read more: Discover what makes a stay at Relais Borgo Santo Pietro so memorable. Is it the glamorous suites, fragrant rose garden or rolling Tuscan views? See for yourself.

Forage for truffles in the woods of Umbria

A new day, a new adventure. This morning you’ll meet your driver and make your way through the Umbrian countryside to truffle territory in Citerna. Here in Perugia Provence, you’ll join forces with a local truffle expert and his specially-trained dog, on the hunt for one of the world’s most expensive, and delicious cooking ingredients. Treading through thick foliage and stunning woodland, with the dog 20 steps ahead at all times, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of one of Italy’s oldest traditions, the hunting techniques and what makes this treasured fungi so sought after. Then, with all the truffles you’ve collected, take part in a private truffle-cooking class alongside an expert, local chef.

Read more: After cooking up a storm in the kitchen, take a coastal tour of Ravello and Positano on the beautiful Amalfi Coast as part of this 10-night itinerary.

Drink the wine cellar dry in a 12th-century castle

Chianti in Tuscany is one of Italy’s most renowned wine regions, with production dating back 2,500 years. So whilst staying at the luxurious COMO Castello del Nero in Tavarnelle Val di Pesa we’ll arrange a romantic wine tasting tour for two with the hotel’s in-house sommelier, Lorenzo. Guiding you through Tuscany’s finest wines, he’ll teach you how to swirl, sniff and sip your samples from Chianti Classico and Brunello di Montalcino to the estate’s award-winning varieties. Followed by a pairing of prosciutto ham and pecorino cheese tasting, you’ll leave the grand wine cellar feeling wined and dined. Time for a quick spa treatment before dinner at La Torre Michelin-star restaurant in that case. 

Read more: It’s not just the wine cellar we love at Castello del Nero. Make sure you take some time out to explore the Chianti hills via horseback too.

Prepare for lift-off in a hot-air balloon ride at sunrise

This morning, prepare for lift-off as you soar high above the hills on a private hot-air balloon ride over Tuscany. Taking off just after dawn, you’ll cozy up under a blanket and fly high into Italian heaven, watching on as the Chianti countryside lights up with the glowing sunrise. Gliding over verdant vineyards, twisting olive groves and grand country villas is an experience you’ll cherish forever⁠—and one that will leave you with just one question⁠—why did no one mention this romantic experience pre-proposal? After landing back on the ground between the Mediterranean Cypruss trees, unpack a gourmet breakfast prepared by your chef, brimming with locally baked pastries, freshly squeezed orange juice and a bottle of chilled champagne.

Read more: After cozying up in a balloon basket,  head out on an afternoon horseride through the hills with an expert guide, breathing in the fresh Tuscan air.

Taste your way through Florence alongside a local food writer

Since Medieval times, food has played a pivotal part in Florentine identity, and today you’ll delve deep into its culinary world alongside a local food writer. As you stroll along the city’s cobbled streets, you’ll dive in and out of the food markets and Tuscan eateries that pave the way, sampling pistachio gelato, local burrata and freshly baked focaccia. After quizzing your Florentine guide on all things food, it’s time to part ways and head for a romantic dinner for two at Bottega Conviviale in the heart of Florence. Locally renowned for its wood-fired pizzas and Tuscan cuisine, we hope you’ve left some room for this authentic Italian experience, as you select a Chianti classic from restaurateur Matteo’s extensive wine list. Begin with a selection of prosciutto and creamy burrata sharing plates, before moving onto mains of cacio e pepe ravioli, gorgonzola gnocchi and grilled octopus. There’s a reason we keep returning to this hidden gem.

Read more: Part of our six-night Eater tour through Italy, we’ll also show you Rome’s mouthwatering restaurants to seal the deal. Expect lamb chops, carbonara and Sangiovese wine.