We know why you go to Italy. It’s why we go, too. The history, the landscapes, the wine, but mostly… the FOOD. Italy is gastronomic heaven; a foodie paradise filled with aged-to-perfection cheeses, full-bodied wines, fresh seafood, cured meats, and hearty sauces to top off handmade noodles. Are we making you hungry yet? The flavors you can experience in Italy are endless, and all of them delectable. But, did you know that each city has a specialty dish?
Use this as your guide to know what to try where when you visit Italy!
WHERE
NAPLES: One of the world’s favorite foods was founded here in the 1800s… PIZZA! We love you already, Naples. While the traditional Neapolitan pizza consisted solely of bread topped with tomatoes, the Margherita pizza (which also has mozzarella and basil on top) is considered to be the classic. A trip to southern Italy is not complete without trying this specialty (once, twice, or half a dozen times… we won’t tell).
Eat all the pizza your heart desires on the Highlights of Sicily and Southern Italy tour (including a private pizza tasting!)
PARMA: The name gives this one away, but the charming town of Parma is world-renowned for parmesan cheese and prosciutto. What’s not to love? In another life, we’d like to be Parmesans.
GENOA: This town is the birthplace of Pesto – a sauce consisting of garlic, pine nuts, basil, parmesan cheese and olive oil. It’s so irresistible that the airport here will allow you break that pesky 3oz. liquids rule and carry large jars of the sauce home with you in your carry-on luggage!
MILAN: When in Rome, do as the Romans do… When in Milan, eat risotto! Rice became a Mediterranean staple in the Middle Ages and evolved into Risotto when it was combined with slow-cooking practices. Risotto is traditionally cooked in broth and mixed with cheese, vegetables, or topped with meat!
Try risotto on the Northern Italy’s Highlights & Cinque Terre tour!
BOLOGNA: Home to the famed Bolognese sauce, of course! Or, ragu, as they call it in Italy. Traditionally, Bolognese sauce is prepared with home-grown vegetables like onion, carrots and celery and meat. And don’t forget the freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top!
What’s for dessert? GELATO! While you can find incredible gelato in all Italian cities, a gelateria in Spoleto was recently awarded the title of best gelato in the world!
Taste for yourself on the Gems of Umbria and Tuscany tour!
WHEN: The guide to seasonal ingredients and when to order them
Spring (March – May)
- Asparagus
- Artichokes
- Zucchini flowers
- Strawberries
Summer (June-August)
- Tomatoes
- Onions
- Peppers
- Eggplant
- Berries
Fall (September-November)
- Mushrooms & Truffles
- Chestnuts
- Pumpkin
Winter (December-February)
- Minestrone
- Potatoes
- Blood oranges (Find these in Sicily!)
