Book it: Four hotel restaurants for a gastronomic getaway in Europe

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Borgo Egnazia, Puglia Best for... local food lovers

The low-down: Rome and Venice may be Italy's enduring tourist cities, but nestled in its 'boot' is Fasano, part of the Puglian south that shows the country's softer side. It is there you'll find Borgo Egnazia, a hotel-cum-village that at its summer peak plays host to some 550 guests (not to mention 500 staff), set against rows of olive trees and fennel plants. Offering rooms and villas sleeping up to seven, and with the majority of its food, wine, staff and even building materials coming from the region, this celebration of Puglian tradition shows that Italy's attractions aren't just confined to the north.

Out and about: Drive (or be driven) around Puglia's hillsides in Maseratis, Lancias and other classic Italian cars courtesy of Puglia Auto Classica. The seafood or meat set menus at Osteria del Tempo Perso, a 16th-century cave featuring the best of local specialities, such as orechiette pasta and creamy burrata, are well worth a try. Top it off with a passeggiata around the cobbled streets of Ostuni's old town afterwards.

Source: Book it: Four hotel restaurants for a gastronomic getaway in Europe