Horse Riding HotelsIl Falconiere Relais & Spa
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Il Falconiere Relais & Spa Overview
First Impressions
When I first pulled up the cypress-lined drive to Il Falconiere Relais & Spa, I honestly thought I’d taken a wrong turn into some private Tuscan estate. This five-star property sits on a hillside just outside Cortona, and you know what strikes you immediately? The silence — except for the distant sound of horses in the nearby stables and maybe a hawk circling overhead. The main villa dates back to the 1600s, and they’ve restored it so thoughtfully that it feels like stepping into a living piece of Tuscan history.
The Equestrian Experience
Here’s what makes this place special for horse lovers — they don’t just offer trail rides as an afterthought. The stables are professionally run, and the guides actually know the terrain around Cortona like the back of their hand. I spent a morning riding through olive groves and vineyards, following ancient paths that connect medieval villages. The horses are well-trained and calm, perfect for both beginners and experienced riders who want to explore the Val di Chiana valley properly.
Luxury Accommodations
My room was in one of the restored farmhouses scattered across the property — stone walls, beamed ceilings, and a view that stretches all the way to Lake Trasimeno on clear days. The suites feel authentically Tuscan but with modern luxury touches (heated bathroom floors, Egyptian cotton linens, that sort of thing). What I really appreciated was the private terrace where I could sit with morning coffee and watch the mist lift off the valleys below.
Dining and Wellness
The restaurant here has earned a Michelin star, and after eating there, I can see why — Chef Silvia Baracchi creates dishes that feel rooted in Tuscan tradition but with surprising modern touches. The spa occupies a converted lemon house, and honestly, getting a massage while looking out at vineyard rows is pretty much peak relaxation. They use local ingredients in their treatments — olive oil scrubs, wine-based facials — which sounds gimmicky but actually works beautifully.
Why Guests Love It
What sets Il Falconiere apart from other luxury hotels in Tuscany is how it balances elegance with that authentic countryside feeling. You’re close enough to Cortona (about 10 minutes) to explore its medieval streets and art galleries, but far enough away to feel like you’ve escaped completely. The staff treats you like family friends rather than hotel guests, and there’s secure parking for your rental car — which matters more than you’d think in this part of Italy. It’s the kind of place where you plan to stay three nights and end up wishing you’d booked a week.
Hotel Highlights
Reviews
Staff: 9.3
Comfort: 9.3
Location: 9.2
Free WiFi: 9.2
Facilities: 8.8
Cleanliness: 9.2
Value for money: 8.2
Alanood from United Arab Emirates (28 November 2025)
Pretty property you feel like your home
What could be improved: Service was excellent
Hoi from Hong Kong (25 November 2025)
Great hospitality and friendly staff
Tim from United Kingdom (31 October 2025)
Loved the setting although the narrow driveway was a bit scary . Room was excellent
What could be improved: Being on he side of a hill meant there were a lot of steps .
Humberto from Brazil (21 October 2025)
excellent
Anne-marie from United States (20 September 2025)
Everything- from the location, to facilities, personnel, atmosphere, ambience and views- everything is so serene and beautiful; such a place that you hope that the last day will never come.
What could be improved: This place has no faults whatsoever
Linda from United States (11 September 2025)
Romantic, incredibly beautiful site. We stayed in the villa. Grape harvest! Breakfast fantastic
Nicholas from United Kingdom (1 September 2025)
Stunning grounds, great location. We loved the little shop, the spa and the pool area. A really wonderful place to unwind and enjoy exquisite Tuscan grounds.
What could be improved: The room would be improved within some extra lamps for better low lighting (for example a lamp on the writing desk). Otherwise everything was excellent.
Alia from Jordan (26 July 2025)
One of the most incredible stays of my life. From the moment O stepped into the property, it was a fairytale. Pictures do not do this property justice. The staff, the scenery, the food… a true epitome of a 5 star hotel. A very special feature is the evening maid service- I came back after dinner to a prepared bed and changed linens ready to sleep. ...
Hallie from United States (17 July 2025)
It was beautiful! Stunning views, amazing dining, fabulous service and rooms. The beds were comfortable and the pools were pristine.
Simon from United Kingdom (14 July 2025)
Initial room offered was not good but the staff did everything to move us to a better room with terrace, excellent service
Surroundings
What's nearby:
- Cattedrale: 2.9 km
- Melone II del Sodo: 3 km
- Chiesa di San Niccolò: 3.5 km
- Chiesa di San Francesco: 9 km
- Collegiata dei Santi Michele E Giuliano: 9 km
Restaurants & cafes:
- Cafe/bar Dell'Accademia: 3 km
- Restaurant Osteria da Franco: 3.1 km
- Restaurant Le Rughe di Cortona: 3.1 km
Natural beauty:
- Lake Lake Trasimeno: 7 km
- Mountain Passo di Cerventosa: 12 km
Public transport:
- Train Camucia-Cortona: 4.2 km
- Train Castiglion Fiorentino: 9 km
Closest airports:
- Perugia San Francesco d'Assisi Airport: 60 km
Il Falconiere Relais & Spa Rooms
- Estimated price from: $958. Suite with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2
Facilities
View:
- Landmark view
- Garden view
- View
General:
- Shuttle service Additional charge
- Pet bowls
- Pet basket
- Hypoallergenic
- Designated smoking area
- Air conditioning
- Non-smoking throughout
- Wake-up service
- Tile/marble floor
- Heating
- Soundproofing
- Private entrance
- Car hire
- Packed lunches
- Chapel/shrine
- Soundproof rooms
- Lift
- Family rooms
- Barber/beauty shop
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Airport shuttle Additional charge
- Non-smoking rooms
- Room service
Kitchen:
- Coffee machine
Bathroom:
- Toilet paper
- Towels
- Bidet
- Bath or shower
- Slippers
- Private bathroom
- Toilet
- Free toiletries
- Bathrobe
- Hairdryer
- Shower
Outdoors:
- Picnic area
- Outdoor furniture
- Sun terrace
- Terrace
- Garden
Wellness:
- Fitness/spa locker rooms
- Personal trainer
- Fitness classes
- Yoga classes
- Full body massage
- Hand massage
- Head massage
- Couples massage
- Foot massage
- Neck massage
- Back massage
- Spa/wellness packages
- Spa lounge/relaxation area
- Steam room
- Spa facilities
- Body scrub
- Body treatments
- Pedicure
- Manicure
- Waxing services
- Facial treatments
- Beauty Services
- Sun umbrellas
- Sun loungers or beach chairs
- Open-air bath
- Hammam
- Hot tub/Jacuzzi
- Massage Additional charge
- Spa and wellness centre
- Solarium
- Sauna
Activities:
- Bicycle rental
- Live music/performance Additional charge Off-site
- Cooking class Additional charge
- Tour or class about local culture Additional charge
- Happy hour Additional charge
- Themed dinner nights Additional charge
- Bike tours Additional charge
- Walking tours Additional charge
- Horse riding Additional charge Off-site
- Cycling Off-site
- Hiking Additional charge
Living Area:
- Desk
Food & Drink:
- Coffee house on site
- Fruits
- Wine/champagne Additional charge
- Kid meals Additional charge
- Special diet menus (on request)
- Snack bar
- Breakfast in the room
- Bar
- Minibar
- Restaurant
- Tea/Coffee maker
Accessibility:
- Emergency cord in bathroom
Room Amenities:
- Socket near the bed
- Clothes rack
Languages spoken:
- English
- French
- Italian
Cleaning services:
- Daily housekeeping
- Ironing service Additional charge
- Laundry Additional charge
Safety & security:
- Fire extinguishers
- CCTV outside property
- CCTV in common areas
- Smoke alarms
- Security alarm
- Key access
- 24-hour security
- Safety deposit box
Media & Technology:
- Flat-screen TV
- Telephone
- TV
Reception services:
- Invoice provided
- Lockers
- Private check-in/check-out
- Concierge service
- Luggage storage
- Tour desk
- Express check-in/check-out
- 24-hour front desk
Business facilities:
- Fax/photocopying
- Meeting/banquet facilities Additional charge
Great for your stay:
- 2 restaurants
- Parking
- Private bathroom
- Spa and wellness centre
- Pets allowed
- Free WiFi
- Air conditioning
- View
- Free parking
- Flat-screen TV
Entertainment and family services:
- Board games/puzzles
- Babysitting/child services Additional charge
2 swimming pools Pool 1 - outdoor Free!Pool 2 - outdoor Free!:
- Seasonal
- All ages welcome
- Infinity pool
- Pool with view
- Shallow end
- Pool/beach towels
- Pool bar
- Sun loungers or beach chairs
- Sun umbrellas
- Seasonal
- All ages welcome
- Infinity pool
- Pool with view
- Shallow end
- Pool/beach towels
- Sun loungers or beach chairs
- Sun umbrellas
Other for your stay:
- Wardrobe or closet
- Dressing room
House Rules at Il Falconiere Relais & Spa
Pets:
- Free! Pets are allowed on request. No extra charges.
Groups:
- When booking more than 4 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.
Check-in:
- From 15:00 to 00:00
- Guests are required to show a photo identification and credit card upon check-in
Check-out:
- From 08:00 to 12:00
Cancellation/prepayment:
- Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please check what conditions may apply to each option when making your selection.
Il Falconiere Relais & Spa Location
Loc. S. Martino 370, 52044 Cortona, Italy
