The best Italian food – the finest hams, olives and wild mushrooms, fruit, vegetables and fresh fish – makes its way to the markets of Tuscany and Umbria.

The key to using such quality ingredients is simplicity. What could be more perfect than roasted baby artichoke (carciofi), or carpaccio of beef served with shavings of parmesan, or local pecorino cheese partnered by ripe figs? And the best pasta dishes come with the least complicated sauces – perhaps just fresh chopped tomato, torn basil and fragrant olive oil. Almost always on the menu, pasta and risotto dishes offer plenty of choice for vegetarians, particularly in Umbria where main courses are more meat oriented.

Eating out can be extra simple – perhaps just bruschetta or crostini (toasted bread with different toppings) accompanied by a salad. And many coffee bars offer delicious sandwiches and snacks. As for the ice cream, need you ask?

Italian wines are now among Europe's best. You will want to linger over Chianti Classico – made in the centre of Tuscany from the Sangiovese grape (black cockerel on the label). Other producers have been using Cabernet Sauvignon grapes to improve body and style in wines like Tignanello, Solaia and Ceparello. Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Rosso di Montepulciano are excellent, as are the new ‘Super Tuscans’, while the much-revered Brunello and Rosso di Montalcino are still, arguably, the very best.

Orvieto, in Umbria, is known for the quality of its whites (look for the stylish Cervaro della Salla produced by Antinori), though in Torgiano, Lungarotti is using new techniques to produce some of Italy’s finest wines.

A tempting choice in Tuscany and Umbria

Italian cuisine enjoys an enviable reputation internationally. Some of our small countryside hotels in Tuscany and Umbria prepare exceptional meals, often using home-grown organic produce. Justifiably proud of their skills, some hotels offer cookery lessons. The hotels would be ideal on their own or in combinations to introduce you to a wide selection of excellent Italian cuisine.

Le Boscarecce near Castelfiorentino
Family-run, Le Boscarecce boasts a superb country restaurant offering many traditional Tuscan dishes as well as some innovative fare. Cookery lessons with Susanna can be booked locally.

Cogno, near Castellina in Chianti
Giovanna invites guests to sample her delicious dinners and tasty lunchtime snacks. Her cuisine is influenced by her childhood in Liguria and 17 years in Sardinia. Cookery lessons can be aranged.

Borgo Pretale near Siena
Fine dining and an even finer selection of Italian wines are enjoyed by guests at the beautifully located country hotel.

Villa Cicolina near Montepulciano
This magical hotel now serves delicious evening meals, and cookery lessons can be arranged locally too.

Relais La Corte dei Papi, Cortona
Young and enthusiastic owner-manager David Papi has developed his restaurant into one of the most popular venues in southern Tuscany. Here lovers of fine cuisine, whether guests or locals, can enjoy a romantic candle-lit dinner by the pool.

Country House Montali, near Lake Trasimeno
Charming Malu prepares imaginative, award-winning vegetarian cuisine in this hilltop retreat, while her husband, Alberto, manages the hotel. Cookery lessons can be arranged locally.

Santa Maria degli Ancillotti near Assisi
The engaging Villa family all contribute to the smooth running of this little hotel. Delicious and generous home-cooked meals are based on local produce, often including black truffles.