What’s better than exploring a new city and getting to know its history? Eating its food, of course! Many people would agree that food is one of the biggest reasons why they travel. In fact, according to TripAdvisor, food tour bookings have been rising since 2017. If you want to go on a food-themed holiday, treat yourself to an Italy culinary tour. From the fresh seafood of the Mediterranean to the hearty dishes of the north, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Italy culinary tours: The best destinations to visit
The great thing about Italy is that every region offers something different—no matter if you’re a food lover, a history buff, or an architecture enthusiast. It’s undoubtedly one of the most exciting places on earth for an epicure. There’s something delicious around every corner.
- Tuscany
Tuscany is often cited as one of the best Italian regions for food and wine, and it’s not hard to see why. This gorgeous area in central Italy hosts the perfect environment for anyone who wants to enjoy their food without feeling too pressured or exhausted.
One dish you should try on your Tuscany food tour is the tagliatelle al Tartufo, made with fresh tagliatelle pasta, melted butter, garlic, parmesan cheese, and a healthy serving of black truffle. Thanks to this final ingredient, the world-famous pasta dish is widely loved for its earthy umami and distinct flavor.
And, of course, you can’t leave Tuscany without finishing a bottle of wine or two. The central Italian region is home to some of the world’s most renowned wineries, producing household names such as the Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.
Your wine tour doesn’t have to end with a wine-tasting experience. You can learn more about the production process from the experts themselves, taking home a wealth of knowledge that will definitely be useful on your next trip to Italy.
- Sicily
Have you ever wanted to taste a piece of history? You won’t be disappointed upon landing in Sicily, one of the most diverse regions in Italy. This large Mediterranean island has been the center of international trade for centuries, and as a result, its culture is heavily influenced by the Arabs, Spanish, Greeks, and Normans.
You’ll also find these influences in authentic Sicilian cuisine. One popular example is the Cúscusa, which traces its roots back to the Arab domination of Sicily in the 10th century. This dish is made with couscous, fish, and tomato paste.
Meanwhile, the Greeks played a significant role in Sicily’s wine culture. In the 8th century, Greek settlers planted vineyard upon vineyard of grapes, resulting in iconic Sicilian wines such as the Nero d’Avola, Nerello Mascalese, and Carricante.
- Rome
Exploring everything Rome has to offer can be a little tiring, and soon, you’ll find your stomach growling for some good grub. And luckily, this historical city doesn’t disappoint in its food choices.
Pasta, of course, is a must-try no matter which Italian city you visit. But Rome has a specialty: rigatoni carbonara. Contrary to the spaghetti carbonara most people are familiar with, this authentic dish does not have a single tablespoon of cream. Instead, it owes its rich creaminess to raw eggs, Pecorino cheese, and Parmigiano Reggiano.
Pizza al Taglio is also a must-try, especially if you’re craving a quick snack while wandering through the winding streets of Rome. Roughly translated as “pizza by the slice,” this well-loved dish is baked in massive square trays and comes with a variety of toppings. Go for the classic option with marinara sauce, or try something new by experimenting with different local cheeses, meats, and vegetables.
- Venice
Nothing beats the age-old combination of food and romance. So what better way to celebrate a special day with your significant other than by visiting Venice, the City of Love?
Venice’s cuisine is just as unique as its geography. The local food choices heavily rely on fish and vegetables, resulting in combinations that will tickle your taste buds. For instance, the sweet-and-sour sarde in saor is made with sardine fillets marinated in vinegar, onion, raisins, and pine nuts, resulting in a mouthwatering appetizer.
If you’re looking for something that will garner a lot of double-takes back home, the risotto al Nero di seppia won’t disappoint. This distinctly dark-colored dish is made with squid ink, but don’t be fooled—it tastes just like your favorite seafood dishes.
The region of Veneto also doesn’t lack in world-famous wines, featuring renowned varieties like the Garganega, Prosecco, and Corvina.
- The Amalfi Coast
Italy is also a top summer destination, attracting beach lovers from around the world. One of the most famous regions can be found in Southern Italy, spanning the coastline of the Tyrrhenian Sea: the Amalfi Coast.
And naturally, with great beaches come delicious seafood. The Amalfi Coast is known for its anchovy dishes, such as the Alici di Cetara, drizzled in olive oil and garnished with luscious red tomatoes.
If you want an even richer taste of the sea, don’t hesitate to order the Scialatielli all’amalfitana from a local restaurant. This thick pasta dish is filled with all the seafood you could think of, from mussels and clams to shrimp.
After a long day at the Positano beach, you can enjoy refreshing treats like the limoncello and the Delizia al Limone. Both are made with the Amalfi Coast’s locally grown lemons, perfectly capping off your summer vacation.
Italy has no limits when it comes to culinary offerings. Every region has something unique, and you’ll find yourself always coming back for more.
And fortunately, your trips don’t have to be too stressful—all you need is a reliable and experienced tour provider by your side. Choose from a wide variety of Italy culinary tours offered only by the best tour operators, ensuring that you make the most of your trip. Plus, this means you can take advantage of exclusive services such as private transportation, professional local-guides, and access to luxury hotels.