Travel pretty much anywhere in the world and you can see Italian influences. From art to the architecture, Italy has made its mark. And nowhere is that more apparent than in our food.
Pizza and pasta are available almost everywhere, but there’s nothing like exploring Italy to get an authentic taste of the best Italian flavors.
From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the ancient ruins of Rome, each region brings unique ingredients and flavors. Wherever you travel in Italy, there are ample tours of the area’s gastronomic offerings.
So, before you set off for a visit to Italy, read on about some of the most delicious spots for an Italian food tour.
Bologna: Taste and See Italy’s Finest Artisans
We start in Bologna, the capital of the Northern Italian Emilia-Romagna region, which is known for its many artisan specialties. Here you can try some of the best balsamic vinegar, Parmesan cheese, and mortadella in the world. It’s no wonder Bologna markets are so popular!
You can take a food tour of the city and try a tagliatelle al Ragù, also known as pasta Bolognese. Watch through the windows of a pastaficio — or pasta factory — as master cooks craft delicate tortellini by hand. Better yet, take a Bologna food tour with a cooking class and learn how to make your own stuffed pasta.
Then, consider stopping in a local bar to sample the regional spirit Lambrusco, a sparkling red wine that WWII soldiers used to call Italian Coca-Cola. Afterwards, stroll through Bologna’s ancient porticos while snacking on some raviole Bolognesi, a delicious jam-filled shortbread cookie.
Naples: The Birthplace of Pizza
Offering deep cultural history and stunning views of Mount Vesuvius, Naples is more than just a delicious stop on your Italian food tour. Traverse the cobblestone streets to see ancient castles and churches and try out meaty Neapolitan street food like polpette or cuoppo.
Naples holds the lofty distinction of being the birthplace of pizza. Often baked in a stone oven, this pizza’s crust is soft and chewy. We recommend you try Margherita-style, with San Marzano tomatoes and buffalo mozzarella, for true authenticity. While on your Naples food tour, be sure to try other local favorites as well. These include minestrone Napolitano, a flavor-packed version of the classic vegetable soup, and sfogliatella, a delicate shell-shaped pastry filled with custard cream.
Florence: Tuscany’s Cultural Hub
The Tuscan region features some of the best food and wine tours in Italy. And the city of Florence is the perfect starting point for your tour. Formerly ruled by wealthy Italian families and home of the Renaissance movement, Florence is flush with culture and cuisine. A food tour in Florence will not disappoint.
The Tuscan countryside is perfect for farming and fresh produce is a staple of Florence markets. Carnivores, however, will love the Bistecca Fiorentina, a grilled and flavorful T-bone steak. For dessert, Florence is rumored to be the birthplace of gelato- our absolute favorite Italian treat! Ask for a crema Fiorentina and you’ll be sampling a flavor right out of Italian history or try our favorite, Amarena. Vineyard tours are another popular Tuscan staple, with Chianti being the most famous varietal of the region.
Rome: Modern Cuisine with an Ancient History
All roads lead to something delicious in Rome. The variety in Rome is simply unmatched. Find the freshest seafood in Michelin-star restaurants right around the corner from humble street carts serving pizza al taglio, a thin-crust delight.
A food tour of Rome will have you sampling endless flavors in the Eternal City. Maybe hone your pasta-making skills with a cooking class in the Trastevere neighborhood. Try Cacio e pepe, pasta in a delectable cheese and pepper sauce, or Amatriciana, a zesty tomato sauce. They are both staples of Roman cuisine. Stop at the famed Campo di Fiori market for a sampling of local artisan goods. Visit some of Rome’s hidden gems like Villa Doria Pamphili public park. The park’s bistro is a great spot for lunch.
Palermo: A Perfect Slice of Sicily
Formerly an ancient trading port, Palermo stands today as the capital of Sicily. Thanks to its diverse history, this island is a rich mix of European and Middle Eastern cultures. The fertile Mediterranean soil and temperate weather make for a culinary paradise.
Take a walking tour of the city and sample Palermo’s famous street foods. Don’t miss the luscious fried rice balls known as arancini or the scfincione, fresh-baked bread with pizza toppings. If you are a little braver, you can try pane con la milza (a spleen sandwich) or stigghiola (seasoned, grilled sheep innards!)
On a sunny Sicilian day, cool off with a granita al caffè, Italy’s version of a frozen coffee. Also, be sure to make a stop at one of the many family-owned seafood restaurants. Once you’ve had your fill of Palermo food tours, consider venturing inland to find wine and culture excursions.
Be it street food, seafood, or artisan craft. Each city offers something special. Exploring Italy in a food tour is the perfect way to sample the country’s best offerings. Just make sure you pack your appetite!
Well, there’s your quick culinary tour of Italy! Want to learn more or ready to chat about a vacation to Italy or the next trip on your list? Schedule a complimentary 30 minute consultation here: https://calendly.com/dreamtravelbydesign/30min
