Ciao, Cucina: Italy’s Culinary Landscape

Food in Italy is a celebration of life, tradition, and community – every region, town, and village has its own culinary identity. From Neapolitan pizza to Roman pasta and Caprese salad, these flavours tell a story, and there’s plenty for curious palates to discover… 

Private Tuscan Cooking Class

Location: Florence

In a land famed for its food, Tuscany is perhaps the best place to learn to cook Italian style. Visit a market to gather ingredients and take a hands-on cooking class with an English-speaking chef, who’ll introduce you to well-loved recipes from Florence’s repertoire – rustic-style dishes that incorporate high quality produce: local cheeses, meats and bread. Using techniques that rural communities have perfected over centuries, you’ll prepare fresh pasta, a main course and a typical Italian dessert, with a glass of bubbles and fine Tuscan wines to toast to new skills.

Visit during our Tailor-Made Holiday itinerary: Classic Italy

Street Food Tour

Location: Palermo

Amble through Palermo’s centre and allow the intoxicating scent of its culinary delights to overwhelm your senses. This is an ancient city where each street is akin to a whole new neighbourhood, complete with new cultures, sounds, and dishes. These old lanes are home to unique meals that blend the Italian love of food with the flavours of Sicily: arancini (rice balls), milinciani fritte (fried aubergine), panino con le panelle (bread with chickpea fritters), and classic cannolis. 

Visit during our Tailor-Made Holiday itinerary: Treasures of Sicily

Bosco de Medici Winery Visit

Location: Naples

This visit to the Bosco de Medici Winery is bookended by an awe-inspiring exploration of Mount Vesuvius - one of the world’s most iconic active volcanoes - and a fascinating two-hour tour of Pompeii, an ancient city frozen in time. Established in 2017, this newcomer to the Italian wine scene offers a memorable experience for wine lovers, foodies, and keen geographers. Sip its produce, learn how the rich volcanic soil imparts distinctive flavours, and dine on recipes that have been lovingly passed down through generations of the family behind the vineyard.

Visit during our Tailor-Made Holiday itinerary: Rome & the Amalfi Coast

Isaac Fluss – Personal Travel Consultant

“Wineries in Naples are centred around the wine culture of the Campania region, so expect to taste real Vesuvian wine produced using traditional methods and indigenous grape varieties, like Aglianico, Piedirosso, and Caprettone.”

Foodie Exploration of the City

Location: Bari

In typical Italian style, Bari's street food is among the tastiest you can find. From oven-baked focaccia to fried polenta, indulgent gelato and beautifully fresh seafood, the city has something to suit everyone's palate, and many dishes are designed to be eaten on the go. Eateries are scattered throughout labyrinthine streets, creating a lively atmosphere that, when paired with mouthwatering meats, cheeses and snacks, is an unforgettable experience for any avid foodie. 

Visit during our Tailor-Made Holiday itinerary: Highlights of Puglia