italy food tour

Italy Food Tours. Since July 2nd, 2011

Visiting italy book a food tour.

Much more than a food tour

Intimate groups of 8-12, led by English-speaking insiders.

Cuisine from vendors feeding locals for generations.

Hidden neighbourhoods far from tourist crowds.

Entertaining stories about local culture.

“ ” A moving feast on the streets of Rome.

“ ” Florence is arguably one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It is basically one giant gallery-museum, stuffed to the rafters with art, history, culture and architecture. The magnificent Italian city is a feast for the eyes... and the tummy if you get off the beaten track

“ ” A food tour that’s off the beaten path.

“ ” It seemed right to follow a foodie around on a ten-stops-in-four-hours, movable lunch feast.

See what people are saying on TripAdvisor

One of the best things to do in Rome. Our guide Toni, was knowledgeable, friendly, accommodating and fun. History accompanied by delicious Roman food that is complemented with wine and craft beer. Final stop holds an amazing surprise followed by dessert and moscato. Jill (Tripadvisor Review)

A Foodie Tour of Italy: 31 Bucket List Food Experiences

How do you begin planning a foodie tour to Italy? With so many great things to do in Italy, even narrowing it down to food tours and experiences would still take years to hit the highlights!

But we are undeterred. You’ve got to start someplace, right?

We wanted to create a foodie bucket list just for all the great Italy food experiences — for the foodies, the buongustaios , the travelers like you and me who visit Italy just for the food !

Nothing against the culturally significant UNESCO heritage sites, countless ruins for archeology lovers, religious pilgrimage sites, and must-see sites for historiphiles, oenophiles and cinephiles. They’re all well worth a visit.

But in a country like Italy where you’re surrounded by good food, all we want to do is eat! #sorrynotsorry

A Foodie Tour of Italy

So we took the liberty of narrowing down a list of our favorite culinary experiences, activities, and exciting food tours for those of us who are all about the food in Italy .

Besides, we thought you’d appreciate a little help with narrowing down the dizzying number of choices for what to do in Italy when you want to experience this amazing country through food.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through our links, we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you.

What’s in this Italy Foodie Tour?

(Click to Jump Ahead)

Food Markets

Venice • Bologna • Florence • Naples • Sicily

Northern Italy

Emilia Romagna • Piedmont • Lombardy • Veneto • Trentino-Alto Adige • Liguria • Friuli Venezia Giulia

Central Italy

Campania • Umbria • Lazio • Tuscany

Southern Italy

Puglia • Calabria • Sardinia • Sicily

Is Italy Bucket List Worthy?

Even still, 26 experiences is a mere drop in any bucket list when you love a place as much as we all love Italy, right? There are so many more so we’ll just keep adding to it.

And, as bucket lists tend to do, we’ll end up adding as fast as we cross one off!

Included in this foodie tour of Italy are some of the more unique experiences we’ve had in our time spent traveling in Italy.

We also asked several travel experts around the world to weigh in on their favorites as well.

What make these Italy things to do bucket list worthy? These are culinary experiences, a cut above the usual tours. They are food experiences to have in Italy with the added Wow factor on where to have them .

The combination of enjoying certain foods and activities at the place makes them truly unique — like eating baguette in Paris , taking a spice tour in the souk of Marrakech , or sipping Vino Nobile in Montepulciano .

The addition of place elevates the activity to an experience worthy of any Italy Foodie’s bucket list.

So start adding to your list and enjoy this Italy Bucket List for Foodies ! Here are our…

31 Top Food Experiences in Italy (by Region from North to South)

Top Italy Experiences: Food Markets

Visit italy’s food markets.

One of our favorite ways to experience the local food in Italy — no matter where we are — is at the nearest local market. Italy has so many markets where you can eat the Italian street food or chat with the locals.

There are many markets in each city, but there are a few historic markets well worth mentioning:

In Venice, a visit to the Rialto Market is a must — it’s the oldest market in Venice. The Rialto market is a perfect example of the Italian dedication to seasonal food items.

You’ll find fresh fruits and Italian cheeses to munch as you browse, fresh veggies, figs, honey and much more. Just next door under a very cool 19th century pavilion is the fish market.

One of the first places to visit when you arrive in Bologna is the famous Quadrilatero , adjacent to the Piazza Maggiore.

The market dates back centuries and was the original location for the guilds of Bologna — from fish mongers, butchers and bakers to gold artisans.

Today, the Quadrilatero is a great place for Aperitivo and dinner.

3. FLORENCE

Just a few blocks from the Piazza del Duomo in Florence is the Mercato Centrale, the premier market in Firenze. This should be on your Florence must-do list especially if you want to experience the foods that Florence is famous for.

Here you’ll find two floors in a beautiful historic glass and iron building. Fresh baked artisan breads, fresh pasta, sandwiches, pastries, and local street foods will have you overwhelmed at where to start.

Start anywhere but be sure to finish with a gelato and espresso.

In Napoli, La Pignasecca market might be small compared to some other markets in the city, but this historic market is famous for the traditional seasonal foods that are the essence of Naples.

A visit here is one of the best things a foodie can do in Naples , and the Amalfi Coast !

Local folks shop here at the stalls for fish, fruits, vegetables, and meats. Cafes, shops, enotecas, and vendors selling typical street food are found throughout the market.

This is where to go to eat like a Neapolitan.

Further south in Sicily , Ballarò is the largest and oldest market in Palermo. This market will give you a full appreciation for the seasonal cuisine that Palermitans enjoy every day.

Not only does the market have the usual local produce, meat, cheese, and fish stands, it is also a lively flea market where vendors sell all sorts of things.This is definitely a must-see market.

Northern Italy Food Experiences

Emilia romagna.

6. Visit FICO Eataly

If you’re the kind of foodie who loves their food experience served in a theme park setting, then FICO Eataly might be for you.

The self-described Italy Food Theme Park is very popular with group tours as you might imagine, but if you go at off hours, the pace is a bit less crowded.

You can experience everything from cooking classes and demonstrations to specialty wine dinners and events.

7. Take the Trifecta Food Tour in Emilia Romagna

Emilia Romagna produces many of Italy’s significant food products , and three of these iconic foods — prosciutto, balsamic vinegar, and parmigiano reggiano — can be experienced (literally from soup to nuts) on this food tour from Bologna or Modena . It is by far, one of the best Italy food tours you can take!

The original tour company who created their Italian Days Food Experience is still the best. If there is one foodie thing to do in Bologna you need to take, it is this one!

You’ll get to tour a local cheese factory to see the full process of how they make the King of Cheese , from the early morning milk delivery to tasting the final aged wheel of cheese. You’ll visit a small family-run acetaia where they age traditional balsamico di Modena in the attic for up to 25 years, and see the production of Italy’s famous prosciutto hams.

This is all followed of course by what the tour owner calls his food coma — a few hours of trying all of the above and more. If ever there was a must-do food tour, it’s this one!

8. Go Nuts for Nutella

If you love hazelnuts, Turin is the chocolate city of Italy so it’s one foodie city you have to visit! It’s the home of Nutella, the decadent chocolate-y, hazelnut-ty spread beloved by foodies around the world.

The food brand is so ubiquitous in fact, there are more than several knock offs who only dream of borrowing some of that Nutella shine.

But while Turin may lure those with a heavy sweet tooth, eating Nutella at the source isn’t the only amazing thing to do in Turin for foodies .

The city is also home to several other amazing food brands like Lavazza , Gianduiotto chocolates, and even one very fine spirit, Carpano vermouth.

9. Savor the Food in Milan

The region of Piedmont, just a stone’s throw from Milan, is home to Italy’s slow food movement which began in the 1980s as a sort of protest to the growth of fast food eateries in this part of the country. Passionate chefs, local growers, and other advocates for authentic Italian cuisine created this grassroots movement that continues today.

In fact, the trend toward slow travel in Italy and around the world has this movement to thank.

In nearby Milan, there’s one place every foodie should visit — Osteria del Treno — and a great Milan food experience.

If you recently saw Stanley Tucci “searching for Italy” around Milano, he made a stop at this famous osteria and his veal shank and potatoes looked amazing. The Osteria’s Sala Liberty ballroom was built in 1898 as a union hall for the Milan’s rail workers who worked at the nearby Stazione Centrale.

Since then, Osteria del Treno has been serving traditional slow food like Milanese occo buco and the beautiful amber-colored saffron risotto in the lively dance hall atmosphere featuring traditional live music.

If your northern Italy culinary tour needs a real highlight, you can’t get much better than this!

10. Sip a Bellini at Harry’s Bar

Venice is known for many things, but some foodies still don’t know the original Harry’s Bar began here. Opened in 1931 by Giuseppe Cipriani and named for Harry Pickering, a long-time patron of the Hotel Cipriani bar, there’s enough legend and celebrity panache to make it worthy of a visit to sip its signature Italian cocktail — the Bellini .

Carnivores should also try the beef carpaccio — also famously invented by Mr. Cipriani right here nearly a century ago — or a traditional cicchetti.

If you’d prefer your raw meat with something less fruity, try washing it down with a dry martini, rumored to be the best in Venice.

11. Eat Cichetti in Venice

The food is surely one reason why Venice should be on every Italy lover's bucket list but there is one food tradition everyone tries in Venice — cicchetti .

Cicchetti are the tapas of the world-famous lagoon city, and the most popular food to enjoy with a sip of wine along one of the many canals after a long day of sightseeing — they’re as popular with locals as they are with tourists.

Cicchetti is the preferred street food in Venice, as opposed to pizza as in other parts of Italy. Pizza isn’t a typical dish in Venice , as open fires, such as those used in pizza ovens, were long forbidden due to the high risk of fire.

Cicchetti comes in many different forms and flavors: Baccalà mantecato (stockfish spread) on crostini, Sarde in saor (pickled sardines with onions), and Mozzarella in Carrozza (breaded and baked mozzarella) are particularly popular. Especially in a city by the sea like Venice where seafood is naturally on the list of ingredients everywhere.

A very good place to try authentic cicchetti is the Bàcaro Cantine del Vino Già Schiavi (Fondamenta Nani, 992, 30123 Venezia) in the Dorsoduro neighborhood of Venice.

The queue can be quite long here, which is always a good sign and proves the popularity of the dishes on offer here. But it’s faster than you think and we’ll worth the wait!

Whether you come for a few hours or plan on spending two or three days in Venice , the cicchetti bars in the city are worth the trip alone.

Explored by Phil from Journication

12. Take A Veneto Prosecco Tour

Over the last several years, Prosecco has grown in popularity across the world and becoming one of the most beloved Italian wines.

But while many people enjoy a glass of Prosecco, far fewer know that you can visit the Prosecco vineyards and wineries of Italy, located just an hour away from the floating city of Venice.

Prosecco DOC is produced across the Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia regions of Northern Italy, while the highest quality Prosecco, Prosecco Superior DOCG, is produced in a small region between Conegliano and Valdobbiadene in Veneto.

Although Prosecco can be produced elsewhere, DOC and DOCG wines signify higher standards of production and higher quality products, a.k.a. the best Prosecco you'll ever taste!

You can reach Italy's Prosecco region by train from the cities of Venice or Treviso. Once you arrive in the area, you'll need to hire a Prosecco driver to get around, so that none of your party gets landed being designated driver.

The majority of wineries welcome guests with open arms and will happily give you a tour of their vineyards and wineries, teach you about their production process and set up a tasting with their own wines, accompanied by delicious local meats and cheeses.

Being a small and relatively undiscovered wine region, a visit to the beautiful Prosecco hills is truly one of the most unique and exciting Italy culinary tours you can take.

Toured and tasted by Emily of London City Calling

Heading to Trentino-Alto Adige?

Bolzano is the perfect base from which to explore the Dolomites. Check out our recommended restaurants in Bolzano and places to stay!

Trentino-Alto Adige

13. Blend Food and Nature in the Dolomites

Mountaineering and backpacking have no place for the traveler in touch with local food, or do they?  One visit to the Italian Alps (especially in the warmer months ) answers that question.

Hiking the Dolomites offers nature-loving foodies a healthy dose of food and wine to pair with their taste of the great outdoors. 

Everyone should travel to Italy to experience the magnificent cities, but it’s a hustle and touristic bustle that can leave you or your family well-fed but drained.

The northern reaches of Italy impress the soul with the magnificent Dolomite mountain range of limestone craggy peaks and delicious little mountain huts along the trails serving Italian food that’ll make your heart melt.

Rifugio Averau , near the famous Cinque Torri WWI history experience and ski area, turns away most reservations despite being located on a rocky peak in the Dolomites.

The best thing on the menu is a 30-year old ravioli recipe made with nuts and cheese that compels the biggest foodie to come back for more year after year, after every breathtaking hike.

But hunger is the best spice, they say, and when you combine a hike with a gourmet restaurant, the food of South Tyrol tastes even better. 

Stay at one of the local mountain huts, like Rifugio Lazazuoi for a night you’ll never forget.

Experienced by Morgan at Crave the Planet

14. Make Pasta al Barolo, Red Wine Pasta

Located in the heart of the Italian Alps between Lake Garda and the Dolomites, the mountainous province of Trentino is a Northern Italian culinary haven.

Northern Italian cuisine is typified by hearty food that sees locals through the long (and often bitter) winters , with culinary influences from neighboring Austria, France and Switzerland.

The region’s food is hearty and unique, and they’ve even managed to make pasta dishes even better.

How? Add a glass of the local Trentino Teroldego, a rich and fruity red wine — and we’re not talking wine with pasta, we’re talking about wine in the pasta!

Created from the deep, punchy red grapes that have been cultivated there for centuries in picturesque vineyards framed by the looming Alps, the addition of Teroldego adds an irresistible, fruity (but not too sweet) tipple to the pasta dough which creates an extra-savory, slightly bitter umami note, and an unshakeable feeling of wanting more.

You can find red wine pasta throughout Italy, and it’s popular in Chianti. But in Trentino, pasta al Barolo is a specialty, so taking a pasta making class to learn how to make it is the perfect foodie thing to do in Italy!

And so you don’t feel bad that you ate all the pasta afterward, pasta al Barolo is so beloved that you can even find excellent pre-made dried red wine pasta to take home!

A cooking class in this region of Italy is a must, as well as the purchase of a bottle (or a case) of Teroldego… if the Italians haven’t bought them all already.

Tasted by Julianna at The Discoveries Of

15. Eat Pesto

If you’re daydreaming of seaside views and colorful houses perched high on clifftops, a trip to the Ligurian coast is what you need, so plan a visit to the Italian Riviera towns of Genoa, Camogli, Portofino or the Cinque Terre.

The warm sea air here rolls in from the Mediterranean and blankets the hills of Liguria, making ideal conditions for growing grapes and basil — lots and lots of basil! And fresh basil means fresh pesto sauce, the tempting green sauce you’ll find everywhere in the region.

Ligurian pesto varies in the ratio of ingredients from chef to chef, but is always made with basil, pignoli nuts, olive oil, either pecorino or parmigiano cheese, and salt and pepper.

Throughout Liguria, you’ll find one delicate pasta shape that blends well with local pesto — the twisty Trofie noodle is most often served, and often used as a topping on grilled crostini.

Friuli Venezia Giulia

16. Gorge on Liptauer Cheese

When you think of Italian cheeses, you might think of mozzarella, Gorgozola, parmesan or mascarpone. However, if you are visiting the Trieste region of Friuli Venezia Giulia area of Northeast Italy, you might notice large bowls of orange cream cheese in delicatessens. This is the famous local cheese called Liptauer .

The recipe for Liptauer is a closely guarded secret. Each shop, town and even family has their own way of making it.

Ingredients include ricotta blended with goats cheese, some Gorgonzola, anchovy paste, maybe some mustard, cornichons, cumin, bell peppers and the all-important paprika. The paprika is what gives Liptauer its orange hue.

Bringing together the influences of the surrounding countries of Austria and Slovenia, Liptauer is a reminder that the area was once under Austro-Hungarian rule.

Gorizia, which shares a border with Slovenia, is the perfect place to try Liptauer.  While the Italian family delicatessens use more Italianate ingredients like cornichons, the Austrian one are peppery, and crisp red bell peppers give an extra bite.

This spreadable cheese is creamy, peppery with a warmth from the paprika. Served on toast, as a dip or even served in small ice cream cones in Trattoria alla Luna, one of the best places to eat in Gorizia . 

Sampled by Larch of The Silver Nomad

17. Eat Pizza in Napoli

If you’re a pizza lover — and especially if you are not — there is no better food experience to have in Italy than eating pizza in Napoli . After all, this is the birthplace of Pizza Margherita — just one reason you’ll love it if you’re not a particular fan of pizza — it just may change your mind forever about pizza.

Pizza in Naples Italy is bursting with flavor and rolled to just the right thickness. Though it’s lightly topped with a crushed tomato sauce and just a few dabs of bufala mozzarella, the dough always takes center stage.

Baked in a 900° wood fired brick oven until the crust is toasty and the toppings bubbling, it’s a work of art.

Neapolitan-style pizza is slightly gooey in the middle, and you eat it with a knife and fork, or as a Neapolitan street food — folded in quarters and wrapped in paper to go.

There’s nothing else like it in the world!

18. Taste Fior de Latte Cheese on the Amalfi Coast

Eating copious quantities of Tomato Caprese is one of the joys of traveling in Italy so you should definitely book a cheese production demonstration during your travels.

In a three-generation family store near Bomerano, you can visit Naclerio in his home and cheese shop, and watch him make Fior de latte — the “ flower of milk ” — the other less-famous mozzarella cheese of the Amalfi Coast.

The family owns its herd of cows so its fresh cow's milk mozzarella cheese is locally sourced. In the front of the store is the retail shop.

But in a separate demonstration room, visitors can see how milk is transformed into compact mozzarella balls or braided in long cheese skeins. Watch “il mastro formaggiaio” (the master cheesemaker) stir the cauldron with his blue plastic gloves, and his crisp white apron matching the bubbling milk.

After the milk is curdled, he removes the whey. Then the curd is immersed in the hot water. The cheesemaker then kneads the curds and breaks off skeins to mold into mozzarella balls. The balls are sprinkled with a little salt from Sicily, and he ends by braiding several skeins off cheese into "treccia."

The entire demo ends with samples of cheese served with crackers.

Tasted by Terri at Female Solo Trek

19. Sip Limoncello on the Amalfi Coast

When life gives you lemons you can make lemonade, but why… when you can make limoncello. If you’ve been to the Amalfi Coast before, the bright yellow citrus fruit the size of grapefruit are lemons, and they grow everywhere under the sun along this beautiful stretch of coast in southern Italy.

Italians take their limoncello seriously too, and households regularly make their own as Americans make iced tea in the summertime. Limoncello is make from the skin of lemons, so the taste is bright and lemony, but will hit you hard if you drink too much. Sip a limoncello after a meal, what Italians call a digestivo. It’s the perfect ending to any Italian meal.

20. Go Truffle Hunting

One of Italy’s most exquisite (and expensive) foods is the truffle, and foodies to Italy can find all about truffles on a truffle hunting tour in Umbria , Tuscany, Piedmont, and Marche. It’s such a great experience!

You’ll learn about the time and expertise it takes to find these delicate morsels in the ground using trained truffle dogs (not pigs), and the differences between white and black truffles found in these regions of Italy.

And the best part is most truffle tours in Italy include a truffle dinner at the end of the tour at a local restaurant that specializes in cooking dishes that feature the earthy goodness of this prized local food.

21. Make Pasta in Rome

The only thing that may beat eating fresh pasta in Italy is getting to personally hand-make the entire dish with an Italian chef in the heart of Rome.

Taking an Italian pasta making class in Rome is as iconic as you can get, and should be at the top of every bucket list for foodies. Throw in a glass or two of fresh Italian vino, and you will be truly living La Dolce Vita.

There are many popular  pasta making classes in Rome,  but the best ones all include a lesson from an Italian chef, include a couple different dishes of pasta and wine, and feature an amazing location like a rooftop patio, a family restaurant, or a visit to a local market.

Most classes are open to the public, but are kept to small groups to keep the experience intimate.

Also, in most pasta making classes in Rome, groups can expect to meet plenty of like-minded travelers and foodies while hand rolling and shaping pasta. Amazing spiced aromas fill the air as pasta sauced is made from scratch and taught step by step.

After the dishes are complete, the class dines together, toasting their new skills and new found friendships.

Made and devoured by Olivia of Girl With Blue Sails

22. Devour a Bistecca Fiorentina

Carnivores to Italy shouldn’t miss tasting one of Tuscany’s most famous foods, Bistecca Fiorentina , the classic Florentine style cut of beef. Devouring this two-inch thick T-bone or porterhouse steak is a bucket list item for Florence foodies .

The steak comes specifically from Chianina cattle, and the traditional preparation is uniquely Tuscan, seared on both sides on a grill over a bed of hot coals.

But it’s the precise seasoning that makes this steak sizzle! Sprinkled generously with just salt and pepper, and brushed with olive oil using a sprig of fresh rosemary, it’s a steak lover’s dream — best served rare, and enjoyed with a full bodied Tuscan red wine.

If you want a more social experience, try taking this tour for an entertaining Florentine steak experience complete with helpful info and a small group of new carnivore besties!

23. A Tuscan Culinary Tour at Agriturismo Marciano and La Lastra

If you are looking for a bucket list food and wine tour in Tuscany, it's hard to beat an experience that delves into the world of Italy's finest wines and foods, starting in one of Tuscany's most picturesque settings among the rolling hills of Siena.

At Agriturismo Marciano, you can experience a wine tasting and tour of their organic vineyards producing wine under the name La Lastra.

Afterwards, you’ll sit down to a five-course meal, complete with wine pairings from the organic vineyard and eat family-style at the table getting to know other guests from all over the world.

Agriturismo Marciano is the perfect place to stay on your foodie tour of Tuscany because it has it all: a romantic farmhouse surrounded by organic vineyards and olive groves; a cooking class offering hands-on classes on how to make Italian dishes with local products; a tasting room where it's possible to sample the estate's wines and olive oils, and a restaurant with a menu full of fresh produce from the farm.

From Agriturismo Marciano, it's easy to explore other foodie destinations in Tuscany, including one of Italy's most beautiful cities, Siena. Y

ou can spend an entire day exploring the narrow streets of the city, with its colorful open-air market and numerous museums while sampling the fares of this heavenly country.

Enjoyed by Casandra from Karpiak Caravan

24. Take A Cooking Class in Florence

One of the best ways to experience the local Italian cuisine on your trip to Italy, is by taking a cooking class in Florence . The class runs for the entire day and involves going to the local market in the morning to pick up the ingredients, pass by a few family run cheese, bread, and meat shops, and then meeting the chef at his kitchen, to cook a three course traditional Italian meal.

The Italian cuisine is based on the simplicity of fresh, good quality ingredients and the dishes you’ll cook in this class are the classic bruschetta, tagliatelle al ragu, spinach and ricotta ravioli and panna cotta.

The class is hands on, meaning that you will be involved in every single element of the preparation of the dishes, from chopping onions and garlic to making fresh pasta.

During the break, the chef will invite you to his little terrace above the kitchen, where he will treat you with his homemade Prosecco.

He’ll also regal you with stories and a few secrets about Florence, from the drinking holes in the walls (literally!) to the strong ties within the neighborhood communities.   

Back in the kitchen, you will get to enjoy the food you’ve just cooked, washed down by a couple of glasses of red wine. 

Cooked with love by Joanna of The World in My Pocket

25. Learn to Cook Tuscan Specialties Bolgheri and Castagneto Carducci are at the heart of Tuscany's "Oil and Wine Road" ( La Strada del Vino ) along Italy's Etruscan Coast . This is one of the best regions to dive deeper into the top quality ingredients and food heritage of Italy.

To do just that, check out the cooking classes and food tours by Chicca Maione of Cooking In Tuscany. Her collaborative home-cooked meal experiences are sure to delight your taste buds.

The owner of Casa Toscana , Chicca, is a charismatic host and fantastic home cook. She lives on the main floor of her Tuscan farmhouse, where she hosts cooking classes from her home kitchen. (She also rents out two apartments above and has started an online Cooking Club during the pandemic, if you'd like to expand your experience.)

Cooking with Chicca is an interactive cultural experience ending in a feast for the whole family. We had the opportunity to stay with Chicca and take part in a number of her cooking classes and tours.

The delicious dishes we made ranged from hand-rolled pasta to chocolate almond cake. The recipes come from past generations in Chicca's family.

When the ingredients don't come from her garden, she sources mostly from local producers. Delicious! This is truly a food experience you'll never forget.

Plus, just a short but vigorous hike up the hill from Chicca's house is a charming little village with cafes where you can truly experience Tuscany off the beaten path. This is a great spot to relax a bit, enjoy world class ingredients, and make lasting memories.

Home made by Michelle of Intentional Travelers

26. Watch the Pasta Ladies at Work

Foodies, if you’re heading to Puglia in the heel of the boot, grab your camera and phones and get ready for one of Italy’s most unique food experiences.

Browse the narrow streets of Bari and you may have a chance to see — or even try your hand at —one of the region’s most amazing pasta making experience.

Ladies of the community often set up their pasta tables right outside their homes early in the day, and make the local pasta known as orecchiette, or pasta ears. Dough is kneaded then cut into appropriate sizes to make the little ears by hand. But don’t be shy — step up and ask for a lesson, and purchase a portion or two for later.

Want to learn how to roll like these ladies? This small group pasta making tour in Bari is perfect and you’ll devour what you make for lunch!

27. Taste Olive Oil

Puglia is known for the endless hectares of olive groves strewn throughout the region, which produce some of the best olive oil in Italy. So much goes into the production of Italian olive oil from harvest to the table, and you can immerse yourself in just this one food at several events, markets, and tours held in several cities.

From cooking classes, and tours of olive oil factories, there is plenty of green to go around.

But when it comes to a feast for your palate, why not try an olive oil tasting ? You’ll learn which olives make the best oil and taste the subtle notes of olive oil for a good understanding of how it flavors the many dishes in Italian cuisine.

28. Spice it Up with Calabrian Peppers annual Peperoncino Festival

If there’s one food that is ubiquitous in Calabria, it’s the fiery reddish brown Calabrian pepper! But don’t worry if you’re not a fan of too much heat — Calabrian peppers don’t have capsicum that’s off the charts hot, but they do have tons of flavor.

Calabrian peppers are a medium-hot chili (25,000 to 40,000 Scoville heat units) — more than jalapeños but slightly less than cayenne pepper.

But here’s the thing: the flavor of Calabrian peppers is unique — smoky, fruity, and a touch salty. They’re a popular chili for many Italian dishes, but their usage goes well beyond pasta sauce, and they pair so well with the local seafood that is so much a part of Calabrian cuisine.

If you’re a chili fan, for nearly 30 years since 1992, the town of Diamante has celebrated the pepper in its annual Peperoncino Festival held each year in mid September. The 5 day event draws nearly 100,000 chili-loving visitors a year from around the globe.

29. Taste Sella & Mosca Wine

Known for its beautiful beaches that make it a perfect summer holiday destination, Sardinia actually has much more to offer beyond its striking natural beauty.

Should you decide to visit, make sure to explore one of the best wineries in Sardinia and head to the lovely Alghero — a Catalan enclave on the northwestern coast of Sardinia — where you can book a wine tasting tour at Cantine Sella & Mosca, to date the largest and oldest registered vineyard in Sardinia.

A typical tasting experience actually starts with a tour of the vineyard. You will be taken around to discover the main buildings: the chapel that was built in the 1950s and the statue right next to it, contributed by prime Sardinian sculptor late Pinuccio Sciola; the cellar where the barrels are kept; the cellar where the most precious bottles are kept.

You will learn about its history and unique location — can you believe a proper necropolis was found on its grounds? — and more.

The final stop is the actual wine tasting experience. You will have several options to book from, but perhaps you may want to opt for the signature wines, to try the vineyard's best sellers.

In this case, the tasting will be accompanied by a lovely selection of local breads, cheeses and charcuterie.

And wine pours are actually quite generous, considering it is a tasting tour! Expect to pay between €30 and €45 for your wine tasting experience.

Tasted by Claudia of Strictly Sardinia

30. Attend the Salina Caper Festival

The ‘green island’ of Salina in Sicily’s Aeolian archipelago  is lauded for its fruit trees and grapes, the latter used to make Malvasia wine. Another of the island’s most popular food products, capers, is so beloved, it even has its own festival day.

The Caper Festival takes place at Pollara every June in commemoration of the Mediterranean staple that’s grown in such large volumes on Salina, it’s one of the island’s biggest exports.

Rich volcanic soils are perfect for cultivating caper shrubs, and you’ll find berries artfully sprinkled atop food in every restaurant (including at Da Alfredo where the Salina caper  Pane Cunzato  is the stuff of legend).

For the festival, chefs and local restaurateurs descend on the piazza in front of the village church to whip-up their best Sicilian recipes that showcase plump, juicy, sea-salty capers in all their glory.

Meanwhile the island’s winemakers set up booths and crack open their bottles. A ticket to the show affords you bottomless drinks and as many plates of antipasto and pasta Puttanesca as you can handle.

Though lesser-known, Salina’s Caper Festival is a fine example of Italy’s slow food culture and an absolute highlight of any foodie trip.

Although it attracts visitors, it’s still very much a local affair and doubles as a celebration of the island’s unique culture and agricultural heritage.

Tasted by Emily of Wander-Lush

31. Eat Street Food in Palermo

There are a lot of reasons to visit Palermo, and the street food scene definitely ranks near the top!

What is wonderful about the city is that the street food is omnipresent and forms such an integral part of the locals life. From the cornetto with the very short (and very potent) espresso in the morning, to the canollo for midmorning snack and the pane con milza (spleen sandwich) after a night out on the town.

Fancy a brunch, Palermitan style? You got it, simply walk into your local  rosticceria  and pick up a variety of items considered among the best Palermitan street food . 

When you go to order your delicious slice of heaven, there is one golden rule you must remember. When in Palermo you order an Arancina (with an a) and you will receive a round ball of rice filled with ragú.

The city of Catania (in the southeastern part of the Island) has Arancino (with an o) served in a shape of a cone. A centuries-old feud exists between the cities about the right shape and spelling of this street food, and you don’t want to get mixed up in this. Just eat and enjoy!

Devoured by Caroline of Veggie Wayfarer

Have we inspired you to add a few new things to your Italy Bucket List ? What did we miss? Check back soon for more ideas on authentic experiences for foodies to Italy!

Heart of Italy Food Tour

Experience italy’s unforgettable foods, people, and sights., voted best “fun for foodies multi-day tour in italy” by the u.s. news.

Deposit must be between Saturday, June 8th, and Saturday, June 15th at midnight PT to qualify. Not applicable to Portugal, France, and the United Kingdom trip.

Savor Italy’s local flavors on culinary trips to Italy

Roll pasta with a local chef, make mozzarella for lunch, sip fresh limoncello in a family-owned lemon grove, and dine in a secret garden right off the main paths of sorrento., 9 day - heart of italy trip details, on these culinary trips to italy, you will visit three distinct regions of italy, immersing yourself in each locale's culture, cuisine, and history. our dining experiences focus on eating what’s fresh, seasonal, and local, guided by our friends who will share their stories as they invite you into their homes and kitchens..

September 14 - 22, 2024 | SOLD OUT! Join the waitlist! September 28 - October 6, 2024 | ONLY 6 SPOTS LEFT! May 9 - 17, 2025 May 23 - 31, 2025 September 12 - 20, 2025 September 26 - October 4, 2025

2024 Trips $9,460 per person based on double occupancy $11,950 per person based on single occupancy 2025 Trips $9,950 per person based on double occupancy $12,550 per person based on single occupancy

6 to 12 travelers

Destinations

Sorrento & The Amalfi Coast Naples Florence, and the Tuscan Countryside Emilia-Romagna

Trip Inclusions

✓ 4-5* Boutique Accommodations

✓ Airport meet and greet with private transfers

✓All ground transportation logistics

✓ All meals (except for 2 dinners)

✓ Wine tasting and select alcoholic beverages with most meals

✓ All activities, experiences, tours, and sightseeing

✓ English-speaking local guides

✓ Accommodate dietary restrictions

✓ All taxes and tips for all drivers, guides, restaurants, and more

✓ 24/7 Tour Host

Exclusions: transportation or airfare to/from the arrival and departure points, travel protection and trip cancellation protection, hotel room incidentals, and premium alcoholic beverages

Save your seat now and finalize trip details later! If plans change, you have 24 hours to request a refund and get fully reimbursed to your original payment method. Learn more here. Booking within 60 days of a trip? Learn more here .

Download the trip brochure!

You’ll receive the entire trip itinerary and details about trip inclusions and what it’s like to travel with us.

We respect your privacy. By receiving the Heart of Italy trip details, you agree to also receive our weekly newsletter with tips, tricks, and announcements.

Trip Highlights

Thoughtful Exploration

We focus on supporting the local economy by highlighting and working with family-owned and local businesses. Here are a few of the specific ways you’ll get to explore with us and our friends in Italy:

Get to know the Island of Capri with local friend and guide Domenico

Taste the unique flavors of “the other side” of Florence alongside Elise

Gather ingredients at a market in Pistoia for your private cooking class with Chef Alain

Go behind the scenes at a Parmigiano-Reggiano factory

Enjoy a private wine-tasting with Cesare after a tour of his family’s vineyard

Try real Neopolitan pizza with Neopolitan, Laura!

Intimate Dining Experiences

Enjoy unique dining experiences that highlight the culture and traditions of each destination. Dine in locations you won’t find on Google and with some of our dearest friends

Take in the view of the sea and cliffs of the Amalfi Coast as you dine on Marika’s back porch and garden

Dine on seafood pasta and delizie al limone in a greenhouse hidden in the heart of Sorrento

Step into Domenico and Maria’s garden for lunch on their patio shaded by lemon trees on the Island of Capri

Italian friend and nonna, Gloria, welcomes you for dinner in her apartment overlooking the Duomo in Florence

Read more about just a few of the culinary experiences you’ll get to participate in on our trip to Italy.

Cultural Immersion

On this trip, you will experience 3 distinct regions of Italy as local friends and guides highlight the cuisine and traditions unique to each region. What this looks like:

Deep dive into Tuscan flavors and customs with Alain in his small town of Pistoia

Join Luigi for a tour of his garden after meeting his sister Pia for a tour of their lemon groves to learn about their family’s farming and dining traditions

Experience first-hand what makes Emilia-Romagna a food-lover’s paradise alongside the makers of Parmigiano-Reggiano and balsamic vinegar who call this region home

Build Friendships

Meet our favorite tour guides, artisans, farmers, and families when you visit their homes and businesses, prepare meals, dine together, and share stories. In addition, make new friends within your group of like-valued travelers with whom you will share experiences and make memories together.

Here is a highlight of just a few of our friends you’ll get to meet on the trip:

Kathryn - your trusted tour host who will lead you on your culinary adventure through Italy.

Marika and her family -talented home chef and avid gardener. She and her family prepare a feast of gnocchi, crocche, and eggplant parmesan, among other traditional dishes for all of us to share together.

Gloria - retired nonna (grandmother) who lives in an apartment filled to the brim with art and pottery overlooking the Duomo. In her home, she shares her favorite Florentine recipes and we follow along asking questions as she prepares different dishes and shares insight into how to perfect each dish.

Chef Alain - stand-up comedian turned chef and pizzeria owner. Chef Alain is a delight to spend the day with and will teach you the art of Italian cooking. The menu changes depending on what’s in season but rest assured, there will be plenty of pasta!

Effortless Travel

No juggling itineraries or trip logistics. As soon as you arrive, we take care of every single thing so you don’t have to.

Trip to Italy Itinerary

Our detailed itinerary is always subject to change as we constantly research, update our trip, and coordinate with our friends in Italy to work with their schedules! This itinerary is a great resource for getting an idea of what kind of experiences you’ll have when you travel with us to Italy.

Day One - Sorrento

Benvenuto in Italia! Upon arrival at the Naples Airport (NAP), a private driver and car will be waiting to whisk you away on a beautiful, winding drive past Mt. Vesuvius and along the coastline until you reach the hotel in Sorrento. Your tour host will meet you in the lobby to ensure a smooth check-in.

In the evening, we’ll have a short introduction to Sorrento with a walking tour, meandering down cobblestone streets to a tucked-away port where we’ll have dinner at a local garden hosted by our friend Pia, the fourth generation of a family of gardeners in Sorrento.

Day Two - Sorrento

In the morning, we’ll take a short drive to a small town along the Sorrento coast. We’ll start our experience by walking through lemon groves and learning how to make local limoncello liqueur. And what’s a tour without a tasting?! We’ll enjoy a little tart and tasty pick-me-up before we head off on an adventure to visit a family-owned farm where we'll have lunch on the property.

After lunch, we’ll return to our hotel in Sorrento and have some free time to explore. In the evening, we’ll head to Positano to dine with our friends Marika and Emanuele at Marika’s house up on the hillside. Made with the freshest ingredients handpicked from Marika’s garden, we’ll enjoy delicious, seasonal dishes.

Day Three - Capri

Today we visit the island of Capri! Upon reaching the island, our friend Domenico will greet us and lead us on a tour of the island. As one of the few guides on the island who was born and raised and currently resides there with his family, Domenico will share his unique local perspective and insider stories, offering a deeper connection to the island's rich culture and traditions.

After a morning of exploration, we’ll enjoy a traditional Caprese lunch at Domenico and his wife Maria’s home on their back porch under the lemon trees. The setting offers a genuine taste of local life, and the warm ambiance and genuine hospitality make this meal a truly unforgettable experience. Maria will even demonstrate how to make her family famous recipe of Lemon Cake, passed down from her nonna (grandmother). Upon our return to Sorrento, the evening is yours!

Day Four - Naples, Florence

In the morning, we’ll bid farewell to Sorrento and journey north towards Naples, the birthplace of pizza, and we’ll enjoy an early lunch of fried pizza - the way it was originally made!

After lunch, our driver will take us straight to the Naples train station where we will continue on to Florence, the city that became the heart of the Renaissance.

Once we've checked into our Florence hotel, we'll meet up with our private guide for a relaxed and educational walking tour of the city where we'll learn its fascinating past and experience the everyday charm of this incredible city.

After our tour, we’ll head to dinner and feast on some must-try local dishes, such as bistecca fiorentina, ribollita, and many more!

Day Five - Florence

Today is all about discovering the hidden local treasures of Florence. We’ll walk through one of the neighborhoods on the ‘other’ side of the Arno River, visit a variety of eateries and local artisans and taste small bites along the way as we learn about the gastronomy and craftsmanship that abound.

You’ll have the afternoon free to explore, then we’ll peek into the life of a local during dinner with our friend Gloria as she prepares her favorite Florentine dishes for us in her home, an apartment overlooking the Duomo.

Day Six - Pistoia, Florence

In the morning, we’ll venture outside the city to Pistoia, currently famous for its plant nurseries and flower markets, and home of our dear friend, Alain. We’ll spend the day on an Italian market food tour with our chef friend, collecting local products from purveyors to use in our homemade pasta cooking class. We'll enjoy an in-depth lesson on pasta while we sip on Chianti wine.

Then during lunchtime, we will dine on the fruits of our labor, including a Tuscan-style pork filet. And you never know what other seasonal specialties will pop up on our menu while discovering what the market has to offer that day.

On our last night in Florence, you’ll have the evening free to do any last-minute souvenir shopping or sightseeing.

Day Seven - Tuscan Countryside

Today we slow things down a bit and have a leisurely morning before departing for one of our favorite wineries tucked away in the rolling Tuscan hills. We’ll visit a picturesque vineyard and spend the morning sipping wines and hearing stories from winemakers. The countryside with its rolling hills and rows of grape vines will capture your heart and your stomach.

After our tasting, we’ll have a relaxed lunch - with of course more wine! - then head to our final hotel, arriving in time to see the gorgeous sunset over the beautiful countryside property - a break from the hustle and bustle of city life!

Day Eight - Emilia-Romagna

On our final day together, we'll head north into the region of Emilia-Romagna, known as the land of famous Italian foods & luxury car brands. We’ll being with a behind-the-scenes tour of a Parmigiano-Reggiano factory - learning everything there is to know about the precision that goes into making an 84-lb wheel of cheese. We’ll also get an inside look at the traditional history and importance of “balsamic vinegar” to local families and the aging process at a family-run acetaia. Finally, we’ll all enjoy a traditional lunch together.

We’ll return to the hotel in the afternoon and have some free time to enjoy the hotel’s luscious grounds and pool.

For dinner, we’ll savor a multi-course tasting menu that showcases and celebrates the local products and traditional flavors of the area.

Day Nine - Emilia-Romagna

Our departure day begins with an optional group breakfast at the resort before saying farewell. We will coordinate a private driver and transfer to the airport in Bologna (BLQ) or Florence (FLR) or the train station in either city on your behalf.

*Itinerary, hotels, activities, and modes of transportation are subject to change based on availability and/or weather conditions. In the event a hotel is unavailable, another comparable 4-5 star hotel will be substituted. All Terms and Conditions will be sent upon inquiry and must be agreed upon during booking.

Meet your tour host! Send her a message if you have any questions about the trip.

Chat with kathryn, what travelers say.

Frequently Asked Questions

How close to the trip dates can i secure my spot.

As a small business, we strive to be flexible and accommodate all bookings. If a deposit is made less than 60 days before a trip, we will do our best to confirm your spot. However, if we are unable to do so, your deposit will be transferable to any other TTLT trip of your choice or will be refunded, according to your preference.

What is the level of activity for this small group trip?

Travelers should be comfortable engaging in activities like walking tours (lasting up to 4 hours), walking over sometimes uneven terrain like cobblestone streets, climbing stairs, and standing for extended periods. This tour is appropriate for those who are comfortable with some longer and moderately active tour days. If you have any specific questions you’d like to discuss with the tour host, contact us !

How to tour Italy?

Although Italy is famous as a travel destination for Americans, not many tourists grasp the concept of how distinct each region in Italy is and the specialties in cuisine and culture that come forth from different regions. As such, we travel through Italy in 3 distinct regions - Campania, Tuscany, and Emilia-Romagna. We crafted our itinerary to share variety in the liveliness of a region known for its coastal towns, expose modern-day life deeply rooted in history from the Renaissance, and relax in the countryside and indulge in some of "Italy's" most famous eats.

To make the most of your experience, we suggest you take the time to familiarize yourself with Italian culture in advance. For example, embrace slow food! Italians take their time to fully enjoy their food and their company at meals. To get the most out of your trip to Italy, do as the Italians do: don’t be in a rush, prepare for longer meals, sit back, relax, and enjoy the finer things in life. Connect with locals. We enjoy making friends wherever we go! Chatting or (if you’re lucky) dining with locals is a great way to feel more connected to the culture and get insider tips on what to do and where to eat. It never hurts to have a friend in Italy. Check our Italy travel resources for a lot of free insight into traveling to Italy.

If you want to explore Italy on your own, we’re happy to help you build your own itinerary with our Travel Consulting Services . We’ll work with you one-on-one to build a trip that fits your goals and interests!

How to say "Have a good trip" in Italian?

Buon viaggio. Just one of the many Italian phrases and words you’ll learn on our Italy tour.

Check out our other Italy travel resources to learn how to tip in Italy , 4 cities to visit in Northern/Central Italy , and more !

How much is an all-inclusive trip to Italy?

$9,460 per person (based on double occupancy) if you want to join us on our all-inclusive Heart of Italy trip . Contact us if you have any questions about securing your spot!

But that’s not the only way to travel through Italy and get the most out of your experience.

Travel Consulting - Great if you’re looking for personalized recommendations from an Italy expert and want to travel confidently, but want to manage bookings and trip logistics on your own.

Private Trips - Great if you want an Italy expert to build out a personalized itinerary full of quality experiences based on your interests and preferences, handle all bookings from experiences to hotels, and arrange all transportation. By letting us handle trip logistics, you don’t need to spend time building your own trip.

3-Day Itinerary to Rome or Florence - Great if you’re looking for additional guidance to Rome or Florence. This self-guided itinerary comes with pre-booked experiences with our favorite local operators and top recommendations for hotels, restaurants, activities, and shops.

What to wear on a trip to Italy?

We advise you to pack basic and modest clothing so you don’t draw attention to yourself or our group. You will stand out if you wear overtly “touristy” clothing with many pockets and gadgets. Italians are typically well-dressed and as such it’s best to leave any worn, ripped, or raggedy clothing at home; a nice blouse or two go a long way. Check out the 5 life-changing items we can’t travel without !

At religious sites in Italy, the dress codes vary; some are strict and some are not. It’s a good practice for women to wear skirts or pants that are longer than knee length and to cover the shoulders or bring a shawl if they are exposed. For men it’s best to wear long pants and, at a minimum, short sleeves. We rarely visit religious sites on our group tours, but this is good general information if you plan to visit on your own.

Don’t forget comfortable walking shoes - you’ll encounter a lot of romantic cobblestone streets.

Check out our packing tips for international travel !

Must-haves for a trip to Italy?

Just to name a few…

Reservations for popular attractions like the Accademia Gallery, the Uffizi Gallery, the Colosseum, the Vatican, etc. Check out our 12 Bucket List Experiences in Florence!

Dinner reservations in cities since it’s very common for restaurants to book up

A reusable water bottle. Although there are many 'tabbachis' that sell bottled water, many cities in Italy (like in Rome) have running water fountains with clean drinking water where you can refill your bottle on the go.

5 life-changing items our team can’t travel without

How does the 24-hour refund policy work?

Upon payment, travelers have a 24-hour period to request a refund with full reimbursement to the original payment method. After 24 hours from payment, the travel deposit becomes non-refundable consistent with our Terms & Conditions. Any cancellation or refund requests made thereafter will not be eligible for reimbursement. To request a refund, contact us at [email protected].

Do we offer discounts on trips?

We prioritize delivering exceptional and exclusive travel experiences to our travelers. Our commitment to maintaining the highest quality in every aspect of your journey, from accommodations to activities, is paramount. By refraining from offering discounts, we ensure that our travelers receive access to unique, carefully curated experiences that set us apart.

Additionally, we believe in fair compensation for the friends and partners we collaborate with around the world. This allows us to build and maintain strong relationships, ensuring that every element of your travel experience is delivered with excellence. By upholding fair compensation standards, we contribute to the sustainability of the travel industry, have a positive social impact, and support local communities and economies in the destinations we explore.

For those who appreciate exceptional value, we have exciting travel bonuses that are exclusively revealed on our annual trip launch date and during the Black Friday weekend. To be the first to know about these incredible offers, we encourage you to sign up for our newsletter.

Destinations About Contact Reviews FAQ Press Room Travel Protection Careers Travel Agents Partners

THE TABLE LESS TRAVELED , SAMMAMISH, WA 98075, USA     +1.206.222.4055      [email protected]

Italy Real Food Adventure

8 days | uncover the secrets of fresh italian cuisine.

Italians are the masters of creating simple dishes that burst with flavour. Inspired by nonnas’ kitchens all over the country, this food is regional, seasonal and as fresh as possible. On this eight-day food-focused adventure through everybody’s favourite culinary hub, you’ll discover that pizza and pasta are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the diverse array of unforgettable street eats, meals and cicchetti from the postcard-perfect Venice to Rome, where medieval meets modern. Delight in local wine, fresh produce, homemade dinners and seasonal favourites in San Gimignano, Tuscany and Bologna.

Trip overview

• Stay in a traditional Tuscan farmhouse near San Gimignano, surrounded by vineyards and olive trees, and tour the grounds, indulging in tastings of their local wines and rich organic olive oil.
• Take a cooking class and watch a demonstration of how Bologna pasta is made right in the heart of this culinary namesake before sitting down to enjoy the fruits (or pasta sheets) of your labour for dinner with your host.
• Swap stories with a Roman local as you feast on seasonal dishes, homecooked for your group for dinner right in their home.
• See Italy’s iconic sights, like the canals of Venice, the romantic streets of Rome and the UNESCO World Heritage Site in San Gimignano.
• Find foodie bliss with a food tour that lets you taste all the regional highlights, like gelato, cicchetti, pasta, vinegar, cheese, seasonal fruit and veg and organic meats.
• By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Cooperativa Coraggio. Donations help them regenerate 22 hectares of unused public land to create local jobs and produce organic food in Italy.
• The cuisine of Italy includes a lot of meat and seafood. For vegetarians and vegans, we recommend reviewing the itinerary and inclusions to ensure that you will be able to fully participate and enjoy this trip. We also have many other trips to Italy which can accommodate a range of dietary requirements.
• The primary means of transportation on this trip is by train. Trains are comfortable and all have toilets but can be quite busy. You'll have to carry your own luggage on and off the train, so make sure it doesn’t exceed our weight and size recommendations. You can find this information in the 'Packing' section of the Essential Trip Information.
• Don’t let the heat keep you from exploring the world! Summer temperatures can be extreme in many of the regions visited (over 40°C), which can be uncomfortable. It’s essential to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat and drink plenty of water. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.

Buongiorno! Welcome to Italy. Your adventure starts in the iconic city of Venice. If you arrive early, take some time to get lost in the narrow cobblestone streets and spacious piazzas, crossing the tiny bridges to find shops, markets, galleries and churches. Stroll past St Mark’s Square, the Campanile and the Doges Palace. Cross the Rialto and admire the Bridge of Sighs. You’ll have a welcome meeting tonight at 6 pm. After, head out for a welcome aperitivo – the spritz and the bellini are local favourites. Venice's distinctive culinary heritage goes back to ancient times and features rich risottos, saline baccala (salted cod) and creamy polenta. If you're hungry, follow your leader to an atmospheric restaurant for your first introduction to Venetian flavours.

• Hotel (1 night)

There are no meals included on this day.

• Venice - Welcome Aperitivo

It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

Time to explore "La Serenissima”. This morning you will be treated for a typical Venetian Breakfast by your tour leader. Stop at a local café’ to enjoy an espresso or cappuccino with local Venetian pastries such as Baci di Dama, Brutti ma Buoni, Bussola', then continue walking down the canals and watch farmers unload their produce from their boats, ready to be sold at Venice's famous Rialto markets. This tradition is more than 1000 years old. Next, you’ll swing past the fish market, where the day’s catch might come directly from the Venetian lagoon – the enclosed bay of the Adriatic Sea. You might want to enjoy the typical drink aperitivo drink Spritz after the market visit. Finish with an Italian cafe alongside the market. The afternoon is free for your own exploration. In the evening, discover the Venetian answer to tapas on a cicchetti crawl through the city's fabulous bacari (wine bars). Snacking is an important pastime in Venice, with many people stopping for cicchetti both before and after meals.

• Venice - Cicchetti tour
• Venice - Venetian Breakfast and Market Tour
• Venice - Traghetto Ride
• Venice - Doge's Palace & Bridge of Sighs - EUR30
• Peggy Guggenheim Collection - EUR17
• Venice - St Mark's Campanile - EUR12
• Venice - Accademia Gallery - EUR16
• Venice - San Giorgio Bell Tower - EUR6

If you are interested in visiting the Doge Palace, Venice, we strongly suggest planning your visit in the afternoon and pre-booking your tickets at https://muve.vivaticket.it/en/tour/palazzo-ducale/2478?qubsq=8cd3daed-1b9e-4df0-a209-4833f9c62371&qubsp=279989d9-9291-44b1-899f-169c3d93c415&qubsts=1716888509&qubsc=bestunion&qubse=vivaticketserver&qubsrt=Safetynet&qubsh=7cb44c49d26eb092de1552a748b8ae4c

Travel to Bologna by train this morning – this city's culinary claim to fame is significant, thanks to the ragu alla bolognese. Home of tagliatelle, mortadella and a range of other cured meats and salamis, Bologna, along with the surrounding Emilia Romagna region, is a foodie’s paradise. When you arrive, maybe wander past the beautiful old terracotta buildings and lively streets and acquaint yourself with the area. Later, you'll discover the real food of Bologna with a hands-on cooking class in the fine art of pasta-making. Feast on your handiwork over dinner with your host and your group, celebrating your new skill.

• Bologna - Pasta class
• Bologna - Eataly World - Free
• Bologna - Torre degli Asinelli Tower - EUR5

Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.

Today you’ll discover the flavours of the renowned Emilia Romagna region. Visit a factory dedicated to producing one of Italy's most coveted culinary exports – Parmigiano Reggiano. Learn how this cheese is made, and then try it for yourself. Continue to the town of Modena and visit an acetaia – a house where the family produce fine-aged Modena balsamic vinegar in the attic. You'll see how the vinegar is aged in barrels made from different woods, learn why it’s never less than 12 years old and then see the difference between the factory-made vinegar and the real stuff with a tasting. Head to a trattoria for a delicious lunch of the best local produce and farm-fresh seasonal dishes. Wash it down with a glass of Lambrusco – the town's famed sparkling red. Stroll around the town and admire the Palazzo Ducale before returning to Bologna in the late afternoon.

• Modena - Acetaia Visit
• Modena - Trattoria Lunch
• Modena - Parmigiano Reggiano cheese factory visit

Your travel time today will be approximately 1 hour.

This morning, travel to the village of Pancole in the heart of Tuscany. The region is renowned for a cuisine that celebrates simplicity and the bounty of locally grown produce in hearty, rustic dishes. Pecorino cheese, farro (an ancient grain) and artisanal cured meats like lardo di colonnata are just some of the many local ingredients you can expect to indulge in during your stay. Your accommodation is a traditional Tuscan farmhouse near the enchanting village of San Gimignano. The farmhouse is surrounded by vineyards and olive trees that the family has been producing excellent wine and olive oil from by organic methods for over fifty years. Enjoy a guided walk through the vineyards and cellars of the estate, followed by a tasting of some signature Tuscan wines and olive oils. Dinner tonight will be seasonal favourites, made with ingredients freshly harvested from the farmhouse garden beds. This could include homemade pasta, salads, finocchiona salami, crostini toscani (chicken liver pate on lightly toasted bread) and seasonal vegetables.

• Agriturismo (1 night)
• Agriturismo - Tour with wine and olive oil tasting

Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.

This morning, walk along a portion of the Via Francigena – the major pilgrimage route to Rome during the Middle Ages. Explore the medieval walled town of San Gimignano – a UNESCO World Heritage Site often called the Town of Fine Towers due to the preservation of several impressive torre (tower houses) within its walls. Stop past an award-winning gelateria, where intriguing flavours like gorgonzola cheese and walnuts await your tastebuds. Spend the rest of your time exploring the walking paths around the farm or, weather permitting, relaxing by the pool, enjoying beautiful views of the Tuscan countryside.

• San Gimignano - Leader-led orientation walk
• San Gimignano - Gelateria visit
• San Gimignano - Walk a section of the Via Francigena

The walk along the Via Francigena is about 7 km (4.5 miles) and takes approximately 1.5 hours. The terrain is nice and easy, although you can elect to take a taxi to San Gimignano if preferred (at own cost).

Today, jump on a train to Rome – Italy’s capital famed for its deliciously fresh food and scattered ancient ruins. When you arrive, take a leader-led orientation walk through the historical city centre, past the Spanish Steps, Trevi fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Venezia, Roman Forum, and Colosseum. After taking in all the big (and small) highlights of this magical city, you’ll head to a local’s home for a special homecooked, plant-based dinner experience. Swap stories with your host and sit down for a feast of seasonal dishes, which could include local favourites like cacio e pepe, saltimbocca, artichokes or porchetta. After, maybe head to a local bar and cheers to a trip well-travelled over a glass of local wine.

• Rome - Leader-led orientation walk
• Rome - Home-cooked dinner

With no activities planned after breakfast, your food adventure comes to an end today. If you’d like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent.

If you are interested in visiting the Colosseum, we strongly suggest planning your visit today as there is very limited time on Day 7 and pre-booking your tickets at https://colosseo.it/en/opening-times-and-tickets/

If you are interested in visiting the Vatican Museums, we strongly suggest planning your visit today as there is very limited time on Day 7 and pre-booking your tickets at https://www.museivaticani.va/content/museivaticani/en.html

7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners

Train, Metro, Private Vehicle, Bus

Hotel (5 nights), Farmstay (2 nights)

Dates and availability

Important notes.

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement exclude Days 5 and 6 (Agriturismo) where you will be in shared accommodation, and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. 2. While we endeavor to cater for specific dietary requirements, some meals and food activities are set in advance and may be difficult to adjust. Please advise us of any dietary requirements at the time of booking so that we can ensure you’ll enjoy this trip. 3. As of April 2024, Venice will implement a visitor’s fee for all travellers visiting the city between 25 April and 15 July 2024. This fee is not payable by Intrepid customers, however you will need to apply for an exemption before arrival at https://cda.comune.venezia.it/en/richiestaEsenzione . For further information, please see the “Passports, visas and entry requirements,” section of your Essential Trip Information.

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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Italian food is famous across the globe for its elegant simplicity and robust flavors. Discover the nuances of Italian cuisine that varies greatly between its twenty regions and uncover unique cultural insights. Through Zicasso’s personalized trip planning process, your culinary adventure to Italy will open the door to the most genuine Italian experience.

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8  Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from  $2,859

Let the rich tomato sauce simmer as you sip a refreshing glass of local wine, and then unwind in the anticipation of the heavenly flavors to come. Your custom tailored tour combines the pleasures of captivating history and gorgeous landscapes with the delectable tastes of Southern Italian cuisine. The sea laps at your toes on a beach along the Amalfi Coast as you finish an unforgettable meal in an ancient tower on the Mediterranean. With a glass of Limoncello at your side, bite into a pizza you made from scratch. Your culinary tour of Southern Italy and the Amalfi Coast makes you feel at home.

9  Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from  $3,217

Rome will make your mouth water with the ineffable flavors of cuisine emboldened with history and tested with time. Sip the bittersweet flavor of an espresso in view of detailed baroque fountains. Sample the crumbly herbaceous Pecorino cheese directly from the makers' shelf. Wander along vast vineyards blanketing the hillsides leading to medieval walls. Your custom tailored tour immerses you in the culinary delights of Italy, letting you bask in the flavors of fresh pasta and a culture known for its cooking. Traverse the countryside of Tuscany, Umbria, and Lazio to find perfection in the kitchen.

7  Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from  $2,501

The regions of Italy have perfected their flavors, turning cooking into a cultural statement. Experience the celebration of Abruzzo cuisine in learning the traditional craft on your custom-tailored Italy culinary itinerary. The nutty aroma of olive oil encapsulates a family-owned olive mill. Wines offer bouquets of strawberry and raspberry. Dramatic castles adorn soaring cliffs and the velvety, light texture of gelato beckons you back for another bite. Fishermen cast their nets into the Adriatic. Medieval lanes lead to unforgettable panoramas. Lounge on the beach, learn to make pasta from start to finish and bask in the refined flavors of Italy.

Dynamic pricing from  $6,235

On this VIP culinary Italy itinerary, experience life beyond the mainland with a gourmet taste of Sicily’s rich history of cuisines. Sample fine wines on premier estates. Wander the vibrant open-air markets in Palermo, passing colorful produce and fresh seafood. Witness the golden stones of Arab-Norman palaces. Discover the largest ancient temple on the island rising out of the blossoming wildflowers. Discuss ideal wine pairings with an experienced sommelier and enjoy an unparalleled panorama of the beach on a secluded cruise of a gorgeous bay. Bask in the beauty, luxury, and flavor of Sicily on this unforgettable Italy vacation.

14  Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from  $5,007

Through the beauty of the cuisine, you will discover endless passion, embrace unfamiliar flavors, and take pleasure in history and gastronomy while exploring Southern Italy. Olive trees captivate with produce ready for harvest and grapevines absorb vibrant minerals, adding depth to sophisticated wines; lemon trees offer fragrant hints of citrus and the coastline erupts with revitalizing aromas of the sea. Celebrate zesty sauces and inspiring seafood, mouthwatering stews and refreshing salads during your customizable Southern Italy itinerary connecting you to the villages, towns, and cities of the region, from Sicily to Puglia.

10  Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from  $3,575

Italy is made for indulgence. Your customizable Italy itinerary will treat you to the culture and cuisine of the north and allow you to experience geography’s influence on history.  Your journey will bring enticing food, wine, and art as you explore Piedmont, Emilia-Romagna, and Tuscany. Scour the woodlands in search of white truffle, and then bask in the beauty of the rolling hills while sampling a Brunello di Montalcino. Stroll through vibrant aisles in a local market and taste the decadent pasta made by your own hands. From rich chocolate to vibrant espresso, enchanting villas to medieval walls, your itinerary in Italy will satisfy your gastronomical and cultural desires.

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The treasures of Italy usually conjure a mixture of delicious cuisine and fabulous art that illustrates the beauty of the peninsula. Step beyond the façade of generalizations for an intimate discovery of regional specialties and captivating histories during your custom-tailored trip to Italy. Whether visiting the northern regions of Italy for the first time or the fifth, the abundance of famous artwork and enchanting artifacts, dishes made with seasonal ingredients and neighborhood specialties reflect true beauty. Byzantine mosaics, Renaissance palaces, historical wines, and Baroque villas embody the majesty and grandeur of your personalized Italy.

Dynamic pricing from  $3,665

This 10-day culinary journey through Italy presents a feast for the senses as you encounter new sights, flavors, and smells in this rich landscape. Your Italian culinary legacy tour begins in Palermo and travels to Rome, both revealing Italy’s diverse character in the open-air markets, kitchens, and regional ingredients. Finally, the rolling hills of Tuscany will beckon as you bask in the vibrant neighborhoods and charming countryside of Florence.

This luxurious 14-day Southern Italy tour has you traveling through revered regions and back-country villages to uncover tales of ancient cultures and modern delicacies. Luxuriate on the beaches in Sicily after sipping homemade wines, marvel at spectacular views from a Norman Castle, admire art and architecture in magnificent cathedrals, witness active volcanoes, and learn how to make cannoli during your majestic experience of Southern Italy.

The true path into the heart of the Italian Peninsula is through the food that is experienced during your 8-day culinary tour of Italy in Emilia Romagna and Tuscany. Discover traditional flavors and embrace prestigious culinary arts. Whether searching for luscious olive oil or enjoying fabled wines, your luxurious gastronomy tour features the heritage of rustic cuisine that is found in the celebrated regions of Emilia Romagna and Tuscany.

History and culture surface through traditional cuisine and celebrated wine during your personalized senior tour of Italy. Indulge in the exceptional flavors and the local specialties of Piedmont and Emilia-Romagna. Savor the distinct taste of white truffles, craft the elegant stuffed shells of tortellini pasta, and experience the excitement of driving a Ferrari on a search for authentic heritage spanning more than two millennia. From forested countryside to magnificent medieval towers and charming city skylines, travel from Turin to Bologna for an immersive tour at your pace indulging in passionate history, flavorful cuisine, and captivating tradition.

Dynamic pricing from  $7,015

Embrace the marvels of Italian flavor and the splendor of Italy's scenery during this 9-day luxury Italy wine tour. You will have an immersive experience of the wine culture and Italy's fabulous history of wine consumption, which will reveal sumptuous vines, elegant tastings, and exclusive excursions. From regal estates to stately panoramas, you will wander through antique cellars, stroll through medieval towns, and sample the spirit of Italy through its illustrious wines.

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Fearlessly Italy

Best Italy Food Tours To Discover Italy Cuisine And Culture

Italy has long been known as the land of romance, good food, and rolling vineyards. The true birthplace of satisfying and hearty cuisine that fills up the stomach and the soul, Italy has become more famous for its food than almost any other part of the historic and beautiful country. Originating such classics as pasta, pizza, bottarga, polenta, risotto, and more, every part of Italian cuisine is designed to tempt and tantalize with every bite. With so much culinary history, you might be wondering if it’s even possible to experience it all! Some of the best Italy food tours address that question by taking you through a guided tour of all the best parts of Italian food in the locations of their birthplace, traveling through many different food and wine tours of Italy to ensure you experience the richness of every part of its cuisine.

The luscious vineyards of Italy are dripping with plant goodness that’s present in every dish. Wine tasting holidays in Italy are equally popular and allow you to tour this world famous wine location, but you can also plan a complementary culinary holidays Italy won’t let you forget anytime soon. With so many wonderful options for food vacations in Italy, it can be hard to know where to start. Luckily for you, we’ve reviewed and prepared some of the best food tours in Italy so you know exactly what to book to help yourself discover the best Italy food tours have to offer and experience the many joys of Italian cuisine.

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Best Italy Culinary Tours To Tantalize Your Senses

Italy real food adventure by intrepid travel.

Uncover the secrets of delicious Italian cuisine while traveling across the northern and central Italian landscape from Venice to Rome , two of the most popular destinations included in the best Italy tours . Visit regional locations and take in seasonal and fresh ingredients for a delicious and authentic tasting food tour that’s inspired by days of the year. Your tour won’t just be limited to pizza and pasta- you’ll get to enjoy every part of Italy’s classic food traditions here thanks to the unforgettable restaurants and dining experience with your experienced guides.

Your guided tour travels from Venice to Rome, with pit stops in San Gimignano and Bologna (and a loop around Modena). You’ll experience four incredible staple cuisines in the Italian culinary landscape: Rome, Tuscany, Emilia Romagna, and the Veneto, and get to taste fresh ingredients at farmstays that let you watch fresh wine and olive production as well as original balsamic vinegar handcrafted by local chefs. Take hands on cooking classes, roll your own pasta, and prepare authentic meals guided by trained chefs in the heart of Italy for the perfect Italy food tour package.

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Northern Italy Gourmet Experience – 8 Days by Click Tours

Known for its fine delicacies and luscious landscapes, with this Northern Italy tour , you will find a region that is a gastronomic heaven overflowing with tantalizing flavors and delicious meals and traditions. The Northern regions of Italy are known for such famous foods as their Bolognese pasta, Parmigiano Reggiano, Barolo wine, and even their delicious and worldwide famous truffles. Your delicious tour will take you through many historic parts of Italy’s culinary culture, including Bologna , Turin , and Pavia. You’ll tour the rolling foods where your food comes from, craft some meals yourself, and visit with your guide some of the most historic and delectable restaurants Italy has ever known.

You’ll begin in Bologna, the enogastronomic capital of Europe, before heading to Modena to sample fine Balsamic vinegar and learn about the history of the famed Ferrari car. Next, you’ll dive into the history and culture surrounding Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and learn about the region’s equally famous Parma ham. In Barolo, you’ll tour the fields your food is harvested from and learn more about the rich truffle traditions that surround Italy- you’ll even get to hunt truffles yourself with a local truffle guide dog! End in Turin touring castles and local small villages and sipping on delicious wines and other fine delicacies, having filled to the brim on the best things Northern Italy has to offer.

Culinary Paradise in Italy

This week-long vacation in the heart of Italy is designed to offer you unique and unforgettable experiences you won’t find anywhere else. This tour connects you with local Italians in an authentic and genuine way, helping you to live among the townspeople, meet local artisans and crafts, and learn about the true faces of Italy’s culinary history. At night, you’ll return to your accommodations for the week, a privately-owned 15th-century palazzo that’s been restored to a stunningly noble decor with Italian gardens and stunning views enjoyed from your room with breakfast.

Your tour takes you to several key locations in Italy, including Rome and Spoleto. Hunt truffles with a real-life truffle hunter and visit a local farm that makes fresh Ricotta cheese every day. Cook in a family-owned and operated Italian restaurant to learn from the pros before visiting the area’s oldest winery. Sneak away for sightseeing in Rome and Spoleto and connect with your guide to hidden local hangouts that are full of the flavor and culture of your surroundings. With Culinary Paradise, you’ll be sampling all the best flavors of Italy in an authentic and genuine experience.

Best of Tuscany Wine Trails – 8 Days by Click Tours

Designed to offer the best of the best in terms of Italian wine tour packages, the Best of Tuscany Wine trails allow you to soak up all the best wine and alcohol craftings of the Tuscan wine scene on a simple eight-day experience that’s luxurious and culinarily satisfying. Your stay includes accommodation and an expert guide as well as meals and transport from location to location. Your first day begins in Florence , where you soak in the classic food and wine of Florence and Italian culture. Travel next to Chianti Classico to experience traditional and classic wines before trailing the footsteps of Antinori to explore the history of winemaking there.

You’ll also spend an entire day with winemakers in Montepulciano, soaking in the natural order of winemaking and learning local secrets and traditions along with great wine. Taste many different delicious wines alongside traditional Tuscan light lunches or fares and walk along the sloping landscapes to admire the greenery draped hills. Next, visit the Val D’Orcia and the river along the provinces of Siena, Grosseto, southern Tuscany, and Maremma, visiting historical sites and of course drinking delicious Tuscan wines before returning home sated and full of culture, culinary delights, and good wine.

South Italy Real Food Adventure by Intrepid Travel

Take your travel to the next step by exploring the southern regions of Italy as the center of the new and hopping Italian culinary scene. Puglia, Basilicata, and Campania are full of deliciously packed and traditional flavors and dishes all steeped in local culture and history. Book this South Italy tour to explore the breathtaking city of Bari and wander through the cave city of Matera, all while learning how to cook with local families, sampling homemade olive oils and wines, and taste freshly made mozzarella cheese on pizza in its natural birthplace, Naples.

The eight-day odyssey of meals takes you through some incredible local and larger culinary areas and combines tasting and fine dining with local masterclasses and cooking classes taught by locals with experience, heritage, and handcrafted products. Travel across the country from Rome to Bari and Matera to Naples to enjoy plenty of food and drink from all manner of local and public restaurants. If you’re looking for contemporary dishes and delicious meals, this is definitely the perfect tour to book as one of the best food tours in Italy.

Wine Trails of Cinque Terre & Piedmont – 6 Days by Click Tours

Cross through the trails of Italy and its luxurious wine locations to soak in some of the best wine on this side of paradise. Your six-day tour is a lavish wine-tasting experience that takes them through some of the richest wine regions Italy has to offer, including Cinque Terre , Portovenere, and more. Complete with an expert guide who’s well versed in both wine history and local history, this tour allows for the perfect combination of local history and delicious wine tasting as well as traveling through many highlights of Italian travel.

Your tour begins in the Cinque Terre. Spend a day and night there before traveling to Portovenere, Manarola, Riomaggiore, Corniglia, Vernazza, & Monterosso, all surrounded by lush nature and pristine waters. Soak in vineyards, olive groves, citrus orchards, and connect with both nature and mankind in this incredible vintner’s experience. You’ll also visit Barolo, Portofino, Santa Margherita, Italian Riviera, Barolo, Vergne, LaMorra, and more, ending your trip in Milan with the city’s contemporary wine regions. Lavish, richly taught and filled with perfect wine, you’ll love your time in Cinque Terre with this guided tour.

Italian Espresso Foodie by Contiki

This express foodie tour bounces you across Italy in ten days, traveling through all the greatest hits of Italy and experiencing historic meals, cities, and culture in one simple tour. Your accommodation, expert guide, meals, transport, and more are all included in your purchase price, making it a fully inclusive express experience that powers you through an entire civilization’s culinary history in just ten days. Your tour both begins and ends in Rome, completing a full circle experience that leaves you a more informed traveler and diner with a new appreciation for Italian cuisine.

Your tour will take you through many famous locations in Italy, including Rome, Florence, Siena, Cinque Terre, Lucca, Milan , Lake Como, Venice, Bologna, and Verona, all historic locales with plenty of individual history and culinary additions to add as well. Each day introduces you to a new culinary staple and more delicious food and drink to sample. Highlights of the tour include Venice, Verona, Milan, and Florence, all staples of the Italian culinary scene in a few different ways as well as boasting cultural significance within the country of Rome. For an express trip, you’ll get the perfect crash course in all the best parts of Italian cuisine.

Small Group Sicily Food & Wine Tour By Sicily Activities

Travel your way with Sicily Activities on this personalized small group Sicily tour that takes you through all the best parts of Sicily’s food and wine experience on your time table and preferences. Begin in the historic location of Catania and travel for eight days through six historic locations in Italy. End in Palermo, city of pizza, pasta, and wine, and depart from there for your next travel destination! Your tour includes accommodation and meals as well as transport with your expert guide who’s well trained in local cultural and culinary traditions.

Your tour will take you through many different local, family-oriented traditions and culinary routines as well as larger cities’ restaurants and meals. Visit the countryside of Etna and taste the best of their food and wine, and learn to cook yourself in Taormina alongside the Family Trattoria. Take a walking tour through Noto and enjoy fresh seafood at lunch before heading to Syracuse for a light lunch and winery tour. End on the streets of Palermo for an authentic Italian experience that will leave you craving more Italy culinary vacations

Gourmet Journey of Emilia Romagna – 7 Days by Click Tours

This straight shot through the enogastronomic capital of Europe takes you through the rich wine and food traditions of the Emilia Romagna region- considered by many to be the highlight of Italian culinary culture. Your seven-day tour package takes you through many significant Italian locales as well as exposing you to traditional and contemporary dishes and meals thanks to the efforts of local guides and experts who walk you through meals, transport, and more. Your tour will study not only significant regions of Italy but also significant foods.

Begin with one day in Bologna before traveling to Faenza to taste the Lambrusco wine and Byzantine in Ravenna. Next, travel to Modena to test out their Balsamic Vinegar and visit the acclaimed Ferrari Museum. Stop over in Parma to experience first hand the culture of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and parma ham (more staples of the Emilia Romagna region) and visit an Italian castle, the Torrechiara castle, before heading to the Romanesque Cathedral and Corale Verdi to finish your trip. Packed with delicious food and historic sightseeing, you’ll love every part of this seven-day food vacation in Italy.

Taste of Salento – Authentic Culinary Experience by Soleto Travel

Experience Italian cuisine personally with this private tour that exposes you to local cuisines, local cooking styles, and historical local sightseeing stops all in one simple trip. Start and End in Brindisi for a circular experience that takes you through eight high-quality destinations in Italy that are off the beaten path but still packed with gastronomic history. Enjoy the authentic Salento culinary experience by sipping on local wines and pastas as well as training with local chefs to make your own.

Follow along with a local expert to learn the art of olive oil production before visiting Castro and the prehistoric cave of Zinzulusa. Learn how to make your own pasta with guidance from trained professionals and complement your meal with local wines and delicious blends from nearby vineyards. Cross from Castro, Gallipoli, Lecce, Maglie, and more, ending again in Brindisi for easy travel in and out of your tour.

Booking a food or wine tour is one of the best decisions you can make for yourself when making travel plans. Food and wine tours provide incredible benefits to your local holiday that turn an average trip into the vacation of a lifetime. Booking a guided package makes your travel plans incredibly simple. If you are traveling independently, you can also opt for a day tour like one of these food tours of Florence .

Rely on the experience of your booking company to organize and manage the minute travel planning details and transportation, leaning back and relaxing while they coordinate your arrival. Your stress levels will decrease drastically with an expert guide in charge who knows the area. The second benefit to booking a pre-paid Italy food tour is that expert guides can add local life and flavor to the sightseeing experience by sharing their knowledge and learned experiences of the area to your tour. Hear a local’s opinion and the colorful and authentic Italian experience as you travel with a local guide in charge, as well as one who can help you connect with locals in the communities you’re touring and visiting.

The best part of booking prepared expert tours is that you can soak in Italian experiences for a far better price with prepackaged tours that minimize spending on the go and package everything neatly into an all-access, all-inclusive package. Accommodations, travel, and meals are all paid for ahead of time, making it easy to budget for your trip and keep a tighter budget while you’re actually traveling. Whatever your reason for booking a food and wine vacation, Italy continues to offer some of the best food tours in the world, making them an ideal destination for your next food holiday.

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Culinary & Food Tours in Italy

Home > Italy Tours > Italy Food Tours

Italy should be devoured!

Find all five of your senses being captivated as you indulge on a culinary vacation to Italy. Please your palate on an Italian food tour with tastes from impressive vintners, with wines that range from full-bodied and fruity to smooth and delicate and food that sings and melts in your mouth. Enjoy Italy wine tours and culinary experiences all the while soaking in the scenery of Italy and its diverse regions; the rolling hills of Tuscany , or Piedmont and its mountains, each destination enticing you to absorb every element around you. Italy is attractive not only for its quaint countryside villages or its diversity of destinations but for its encouraged slow pace allowing you to smell the grape soaked barrels, see the vintage land where vineyards produce the wine, and to taste the final product. Italy food tours will be an experience that you’ll never forget.

Food Tours in Italy

Helicopter Wine Adventure from Rome: Truffle Hunting and Gourmet Lunch Experience

Tuscany E-Bike Adventure: Montalcino & Brunello Wine 🚴‍♂️🍇

🍝 Sorrento Cooking Class: Traditional Recipes Experience 🍷

Tuscany cooking class and Winery Visit

🍇 Tuscany Winery Visit with Organic Lunch 🍷

Sorrento Lemon Grove Tour and Tasting 🍋

8-Day Sicilian Delights: Culture & Cuisine Group Tour

8-Day Small Group Sicily Food Tour

Milan Food Tour

Cooking Class in a Florentine Home

Fantastic Cooking Classes in Rome: Fresh Market Experience

Bologna’s History, Food and Wine Walking Tour

8-Day Sicily Wines & Foods Tour

8-Day Foodie Tour of Rome, Amalfi Coast, Sorrento & The Region of Apulia

8-Day Foodie Tour of Northern Italy

7-Day Wine Food Tour of Tuscany from Rome

7-Day Emilia Romagna Foodie Tour

7-Day Cooking In The Abruzzo Mountains Tour

Testimonials

“Perfetto!”

We had such a wonderful trip. We had knowledgeable tours, transportation was flawless, hotels wonderful, cooking class, wine tasting, shopping, all were perfetto! Traveling abroad can be stressful, but Rem and Italy4Real made it easy. I highly recommend using this travel agency for an Italian food tour.

“Our trip to Italy couldn’t have been any better.”

Dear Rem (Owner of Italy4Real), Our trip in Italy couldn’t have been any better. Every detail you arranged was perfect. The hotels you chose were great, I so appreciated having people to get me from point A to B, the Opera in Venice was simply outstanding. The Tuscany tour was priceless, the tour in Florence was exceptional, the tour guide for the Vatican was excellent and also I appreciated the extra guide for Siena. I love that Village! Rem, you helped us do exactly what we wanted and needed. I can’t tell you how deeply my heart holds gratitude for what you did for us! Thank you!!

- Peg & Hilary

“You all have been great to work with!”

We had a fantastic trip and everything came off without a hitch thanks to you. You were so helpful in adjusting arrangements mid-trip, making suggestions, keeping us informed, etc. and you have all been great to work with!

Thank you again for helping make this a truly memorable trip!

- Pat & Pasquale

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Italian Food Tour Highlights

Get ready for an Italian food adventure like no other! Imagine strolling through Rome’s lively markets, soaking up the smells of fresh herbs and bubbling sauces. It’s all about diving into the real deal of Italian cooking – we’re talking handmade pasta, super fresh seafood, and dishes that are like stories of old traditions and serious passion.

Then picture yourself in the heart of Tuscany, where food’s pretty much an art form. You’ll get to dig into some seriously good eats during your Italian culinary vacation, like rich wild boar with pappardelle, all jazzed up with world-famous local olive oil and herbs. And while you’re eating, just look around – the Tuscan hills at sunset are a sight to behold, all golden and gorgeous.

With Italy4Real, every single Italian food tour is a journey through amazing flavors, stunning views, and the heart of Italian culture. Whether you’re chilling with a gelato in a cute café in Florence or sipping some top-notch Barolo wine in a Piedmont vineyard, our tours are all about giving you a taste of the good life, Italian style. We’re talking about experiences that’ll wow your taste buds and feed your soul. Want to check out our Florence food tours ? Look no further.

Italy4Real’s culinary trips to Italy are like no other.

Emilia-Romagna

Emilia-Romagna, often hailed as the heartland of Italian gastronomy, is a region where culinary tradition and innovation converge to create an unparalleled epicurean paradise. Nestled in northern Italy, stretching from the rugged Apennine Mountains to the serene waters of the Po River, Emilia-Romagna is a treasure trove of culinary delights, making it a must-visit destination for any food enthusiast looking for an exquisite Italy food vacation.

The region’s gastronomic richness is rooted in its diverse landscapes, from fertile plains to lush mountains, each contributing unique ingredients to its food tapestry, making it the ideal destination for anyone looking to undertake a gastronomic tour of Italy. Emilia-Romagna is renowned for its exquisite array of local products and dishes, many of which have attained global acclaim. Parmigiano-Reggiano, the king of cheeses, hails from this region, its nutty and savory flavors a testament to the art of cheese-making perfected over centuries. Similarly, Prosciutto di Parma, a delicately cured ham, embodies the region’s mastery in charcuterie.

Bologna, the vibrant capital of the region, is affectionately known as “La Grassa” (The Fat One) for its rich cuisine. Here, the legendary Bolognese sauce, a meat-based pasta sauce, was born. It is best savored with the region’s fresh, handmade tagliatelle or in the classic lasagna al forno, layered with béchamel and Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Modena, another culinary gem, is the birthplace of traditional balsamic vinegar, an elixir aged for years, sometimes decades, acquiring a complex sweetness and depth that enhances any dish it graces. The region is also home to the succulent Mortadella, a finely ground pork sausage scented with spices.

The cuisine of Emilia-Romagna is a celebration of simplicity and flavor, where the quality of ingredients speaks for itself. From the hearty piadina flatbreads to the sumptuous tortellini, each dish tells a story of the land and the people who have cultivated its culinary heritage.

Explore a culinary trip to Italy and visit Emilia-Romagna, it’s not just a destination; it’s an experience, a journey through the flavors and traditions that form the soul of Italian cuisine.

Tuscany’s food? It’s like getting a big, comforting hug from your Italian grandma. The magic lies in whipping up something utterly delicious from the simplest things. Take Ribollita – it’s this amazing soup that takes stale bread, beans, and a bunch of veggies, and turns them into a bowl of heartwarming goodness. And let’s talk about the Bistecca alla Fiorentina. If you’re a steak fan, you’re in for a real treat. This isn’t just any steak; it’s a giant, perfectly grilled T-bone that’s all about the flavor and the perfect sear. And the olive oil here is something else – a little splash of this peppery gold, and even the plainest bread tastes like heaven. Eating in Tuscany is more than just good food; it’s those long, relaxed meals where you chat, laugh, and just enjoy the moment – it’s what makes you fall in love with this place.

Sicily’s food is like a big, vibrant party on a plate. It’s all about bold flavors and hearty laughs around the table. Picture waking up to a sweet, icy granita and a fluffy brioche – it’s like a morning high-five from the island itself. The seafood here? It’s a big deal. Take pasta con le sarde – it’s a dish where fresh sardines and wild fennel come together like old friends. And you’ve got to try arancini – these little fried rice balls stuffed with cheese and ragù are basically bites of happiness. Then there’s caponata – this sweet and sour eggplant dish is like a zesty little party in your mouth. And desserts here are a whole other level of awesome, especially cannoli. Crunchy on the outside, creamy on the inside, they’re basically happiness rolled into a pastry. Eating in Sicily is more than just great food; it’s like joining a big, loud, loving family feast.

Rome is like the Italian food tour that you envision in your dreams, but here at Italy4Real we can make it reality. When in Rome, you’re in for a real treat with the food. Carbonara? It’s the bomb – creamy, cheesy, with a nice kick of pepper and some amazing pancetta. Then there’s Cacio e Pepe – it’s just pasta, cheese, and pepper, but oh man, it’s good. And Amatriciana? It’s pasta in a kicky tomato sauce with guanciale, which is basically the best kind of bacon. For a quick bite, you’ve gotta try Supplì. These are like little fried balls of heaven, stuffed with tomato sauce and melty mozzarella. And don’t even get me started on Pizza al Taglio. It’s this awesome, thick, slice-as-you-like pizza with all kinds of toppings. Eating in Rome is like a non-stop flavor party – simple stuff, but so, so tasty.

In Venice, the seafood is just out of this world. Walking around, you’re gonna bump into some amazing fishy dishes. Definitely give Sarde in Saor a try – it’s this funky sardine dish with a sweet and tangy twist, plus onions, pine nuts, and raisins. Really hits the spot with its unique Venetian flavor. And oh man, you can’t skip spaghetti al nero di seppia – it’s spaghetti in this awesome squid ink sauce that’s full of flavor and looks pretty cool too. For a quick bite, fritto misto is where it’s at. It’s like a mixed seafood fry-up, all crunchy and delicious, perfect for snacking on the go. Seafood in Venice isn’t just eating; it’s like diving into the city’s culture. Each dish has its own flair and the flavors are as lively and fun as Venice itself. Explore food travel in Italy with our Venice food tours .

Amalfi Coast

If you’re heading to the Amalfi Coast, do yourself a favor and try the limoncello and Buffalo mozzarella on your eating tour of Italy– they’re absolute musts. The limoncello is this zingy, sweet lemon liqueur that’s like a mini vacation in a glass, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring. And the Buffalo mozzarella? It’s insanely good. This cheese is all about the creaminess, coming right from the local Mediterranean buffaloes. Just grab a chunk, maybe pair it with some fresh tomatoes and olive oil, and you’re in for a real treat. Seriously, these are the flavors that make the Amalfi Coast an experience unforgettable.

Let Us Design Your Dream Trip

Welcome to Italy.  Home to many of the world’s greatest works of art, architecture and the best food and wine tours, Italy elates, inspires and moves like no other. The epicenter of the Roman Empire and the birthplace of the Renaissance, it is here that you’ll stand in the presence of Michelangelo’s David and da Vinci’s The Last Supper .  In fact, Italy has more UNESCO World Heritage sites than any other country on earth.

The best food and wine tours in Italy will allow you to walk in the footsteps of ancient Romans in the ruins of Pompeii, stroll the Vatican gardens and take in the spectacular Colosseum and 2000-year-old Pantheon or toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain.

Sail the Po River and lagoons of Venice.  Imagine the audacity of building a city of marble palaces on a lagoon!  The Grand Canal reflects the glories of centuries of Venetian architecture lining its banks.  Wake-up to the calls of gondoliers calling ‘Ooooeeeee!’ and you’ll soon discover the pleasures of la bea vita (the beautiful life).

No land is more caught up with the fruits of its fertile earth than Italy’s Tuscany region, a gourmet destination whose residents spend an inordinate amount of time thinking about, discussing and consuming food and wine.  It’s gentle rolling hills dipped in soft morning mist and sculptural cypress alleys is postcard material.  With its wine-soaked villages, swathes of olive groves and truffle fields, Tuscany epitomizes la very Italia.

The Popularity Of Wine Tours In Italy Are Based On Reputation

In Italy, food and wine are more than a source of sustenance – they’re a way of life.  Fine wine is something to share with friends over good conversation, while meals bring together families for events that last well into the night. Given that it has been this way for thousands of years, it’s no wonder that the food and wine tours in Italy are truly legendary.

Italy is the world’s largest wine producer, with Italian labels being enjoyed all over the world. Italians also rank near the top of worldwide wine consumers; so, it is not just the art of making wine, but also the art of drinking it where they excel. It’s no wonder, considering that wine production in Italy has gone on for well over 2,000 years, since before Roman times.

Every region in Italy produces wine, leading to an incredible variety of grapes and varietals. Perhaps the most well-known Italian wine region is the ever-popular Tuscany region, however, there are many others that are equally worthy of exploration. From the red-lovers’ dream of Calabria in Italy’s south to the unique Friuli Venezia Giulia, with its Austro-Hungarian influence, Italy boasts an incredible selection.

Italy Food Tours Make You Want To “Ciao” Down

It is not just the wine that has made Italy one of the world’s most famous gastronomic destinations. It is perhaps equally famous for its delectable cuisine, which has influenced chefs all around the world. It’s at its traditional best in Italy, however – and a culinary tour in Italy is undoubtedly an adventure to savor.

Italian cuisine varies greatly by region, meaning you will be delighted by all different flavors on your food and wine tour in Italy. However, as a general rule, Italian cuisine is often deceptively simple, allowing the flavors and quality of the ingredients to speak for themselves. The result is flavors that are tantalizing yet subtle, often made from recipes that have been passed down through generations.

Of course, there’s no better accompaniment to a traditional Italian dish than exceptional Italian wine. And you’ll find plenty of those.

Parmeson Wines

Parmeson wines 2024 mediterranean tapestry wine cruise, venice to barcelona.

• DATES: June 29 - July 11, 2024
• LENGTH: 12 DAYS
• CRUISE LINE: Oceania Cruises

Walsh Family Wine

Walsh family wine 2024 italy intensive wine cruise call for pricing & availability, rome to monte carlo.

• DATES: June 29 - July 06, 2024
• LENGTH: 7 DAYS
• CRUISE LINE: Azamara

Rombauer Vineyards

Rombauer vineyards 2024 gems of europe wine cruise waitlist only, rome to lisbon.

• DATES: September 13 - September 23, 2024
• LENGTH: 10 DAYS

Food & Wine Trails

F&wt 2024 sommelier series wine cruise featuring kelly mcauliffe, athens to rome.

• DATES: October 20 - October 30, 2024

Fritz Underground Winery Ketcham Estate

Fritz underground & ketcham estate adriatic & ionian portrait 2024 wine cruise limited availability, venice to rome.

• DATES: October 25 - November 04, 2024

Goosecross Cellars

Goosecross 2025 springtime rivieras wine cruise, rome to barcelona.

• DATES: May 18 - May 26, 2025
• LENGTH: 8 DAYS

Kosta Browne

Kosta browne 2025 mediterranean voyage.

• DATES: June 15 - June 22, 2025
• CRUISE LINE: The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

Eberle Winery

Eberle winery allure of the adriatic 2025 wine cruise, rome to venice.

• DATES: July 07 - July 17, 2025

Corner 103 Venice & The Jewels of Veneto 2025 Wine Cruise

Venice to venice.

• DATES: September 14 - September 21, 2025
• CRUISE LINE: Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

• Italy Food Tours

Introducing the delectable world of Italian cuisine. On our Italy food tours you’ll embark on a culinary journey that goes beyond the surface, diving deep into the rich flavors, traditions, and stories that make Italian food legendary. Our food tours are meticulously designed to let you savor the essence of Italy, one bite at a time. Whether you’re a passionate foodie or simply curious about Italian gastronomy, our tours cater to all tastes and preferences. From the bustling markets of Rome to the charming trattorias of Florence, our expert guides will lead you through authentic culinary experiences that will leave your taste buds tingling with delight.

We take you off the touristy paths and into the heart of Italian neighborhoods, where you can interact with local chefs, artisans, and farmers. You’ll learn the secrets of making the perfect pasta, taste artisanal cheeses, sip on world-class wines, and discover the hidden gems of Italian street food. Our food tours are more than just meals; they’re immersive cultural experiences that connect you with the soul of Italy through its most celebrated art form: food. Whether you’re exploring the bustling streets of Naples or the charming alleys of Venice, our Italy food tours promise an unforgettable journey into the heart of Italian cuisine. Buon appetito!

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The Original Coffee Experience Small Group Tour – From Florence

Tuscany Olive Oil & Wine Small Group Tour – From Florence

Tuscany Olive Oil, Coffee & Wine Small Group Tour

Rome in a Day Small Group Tour: Colosseum, Culture, and Cuisine

Tuscany Coffee & Wine Small Group Tour from Florence

Florence Small Group Day Tour without Museums – Architectural Wonders, History & Flavors

Tuscany Olive Oil & Coffee Small Group Tour

Best of Venice Small Group Walking Tour with Food Tastings

Trastevere Rome Art & Aperitivo – Small Group Tour

Florence Food & Aperitivo Half-Day Small Group Tour

Ancient Rome and Food Small Group Tour

Private Lucca Walking Tour with Food Tastings

Tasting Tour of Brindisi

Turin Gourmet Food Tour

Naples Street Food Tour

Ancient Pompeii & 2 Vesuvian Wineries Tour from Pompeii

Neapolitan Pizza Workshop in Naples

Verona Food & Wine Walking Tour

Rome Market Tour & Cooking Experience

Private Florence Full Day Tour Without Museums – Architectural Wonders, History, and Flavors

Flavors of Bologna Walking Tour

Traditional Pasta Class in Naples – Neapolitan Ravioli and Fresh Pasta

Etna Food and Wine Tour from Taormina

Milan Street Food & Drink Evening Tour

Chianti Half-Day Cooking Class – From Siena

Palermo Street Food Morning Tour

Dinner in Chianti Vineyards – From Florence

Vatican Dome & Street Food Tour

Taormina Food and Wine Tasting Tour

Siena Half-Day Food Tour

Roman Pizza Making Experience

Tuscany Pizza & Gelato Cooking Class from Florence

Sicilian Coastal Food & Wine Tasting Tour

Tuscan Market Tour and Cooking Class from Florence

Risotto & Pasta Cooking Class in Verona

Pienza & Montepulciano Wine Tour from Siena

Verona Food and Bike Tour

Gelato Making Class in Verona

Milan Half-Day Food Tour

Brunello Half-Day Wine Tour & Lunch in a Castle – From Montalcino

Sicilian Cooking Class from Taormina

Catania Street Food Evening Tour

Flavors Around Mount Etna Private Tour from Taormina, Catania & Messina

Tuscan Cooking Class – From Siena

Mozzarella Tasting Tour in Martina Franca or Conversano

Pasta Cooking Class in Milan

Private Cooking Class with a Local in La Spezia Cinque Terre

Private Cooking Class with a Local in Pompeii

Private Cooking Class in Arezzo

Private Cooking Class with a Local in Positano

Private Cooking Class with a Local in Sorrento

Private Cooking Class with a Local in Naples

Private Half-Day Cooking Class in Milan

Palermo Street Food Evening Tour

Flavors of Genoa Walking Tour

Gubbio Private Walking Tour With Truffle Tasting

Secrets of The Bolognese Cuisine: Private Cooking Class In a Sfoglina’s House

Venice Food & Market Morning Half-Day Tour

Palermo Street Food Bike Tour

Venice Evening Wine Tasting & Tapas Tour

Pesto Course in Levanto

Traditional Pesto Cooking Class in Manarola (Cinque Terre)

Private Cooking Class with a Local in Rome

La Spezia Traditional Food Tour (Cinque Terre)

Market Tour & Ligurian Fish Cooking Class in La Spezia

Private Cooking Class with a Local in Venice

Turin Food & Wine Private Walking Tour

2 Day Florence Food, Duomo & Medici Tour

Private Cooking Class with a Local in Taormina

Private Cooking Class with a Local in Palermo

2 Day Milan & Bergamo Tour

Private Catania City and Street Food Tasting Tour

Balsamic Vinegar ‘Aceto’ Tasting from Modena

Flavors of Emilia Romagna Private Tasting Tour from Bologna & Modena

Flavors of Parma Private Tasting Tour from Bologna

Assisi Private Walking Tour

3 Day Alternative Florence & Tuscany Tour

Private Cooking Class with a Local in Turin

Rome 4 Day City Break Tour Package

4 Day Venice City Break Tour Package

Venice from Florence by Train – 4 Day Tour Package

Verona 5 Day City Break Tour Package

Rome & Pompeii 5 Day Tour Package

5 Day Florence Food & Wine Tour Package

5 Day Venice & Countryside Tour Package

Siena 5 Day City Break Tour Package

Taste of Rome – 5 Day Food Tour Package

Flavors of Tuscany 6 Day Package Tour

Siena Food & Wine 6 Day Tour Package

6 Day Alternative Florence & Tuscany Tour Package

The Secret Tastes of Sicily Tour Package – 6 Days

8 Day Taste of Sicily Tour Package

An Italy Food & Wine Journey – 13 Day Tour Package

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La Via Gaia

Authentic and Experiential Culinary Tours of Italy

Main Content

A new look into an old world, come and meet our friends, a new look into an old world.

Regional food and wine travel experiences with award-winning chef Jeff Michaud

Artisanal Italy in Modena,Bologna,& Parma

What we love: This relatively overlooked region introduced us to the legacy of craftsmanship in its heritage foods, and the authentic character of Modena Balsamic Vinegar, Prosciutto di Parma, and its delicate fresh pasta.

• Visit the village of Savigno, meeting artisans who carry on family traditions, including Guido, transforming the local Mora pig and Bianca Modenese cow into mouth-watering cured meats and steaks for 3 generations.
• Walk the streets of Parma to discover and taste the gastronomic delicacies that will delight eyes, nose and palate.
• Learn about Italy’s luxury racing automobile at the Enzo Ferrari Museum with classic models on display.
• Become acquainted with the Spigaroli family, makers of Culatello di Zibello and share lunch at their Michelin-star restaurant, dedicated to the Po River territory’s culinary heritage.

Best of all, join the chefs Joe Sasto and Jeff Michaud in 2 pasta making classes and learn how to use a matterello (or wooden pin) to roll out the yolk-rich dough and then shape regional specialties like Tortellini, Tortelloni, and Tagliatelle.

Italy’s Treasures of Bergamo & Lake Iseo

What we love: Because Claudia grew up in Bergamo and her relatives still live there, we feel most connected to this historic walled city, where we spend most of our personal family time in Italy.

• Explore Lombardy's culinary culture, inspired by the bounty of the surrounding countryside.
• Stay in a truly enchanting retreat atop Bergamo's old town, famous for charming narrow streets and picturesque squares.
• Share traditional specialties like Acquarello carnaroli rice, veal ossobuco and bergamascan polenta, and the distinctive regional cheeses of the Orobic Alps.
• Cruise the hidden gem of Lake Iseo, situated in the Franciacorta wine region, producing some of Italy’s best sparkling wines.
• Settle into Milan’s stylish Navigli neighborhood for a classic aperitivo in a canal-side bar, followed by a traditional Lombardy dinner.

Best of all, experience the cooking classes of award-winning chefs and friends Franklin Becker and Jeff Michaud, as they reveal the secrets of the area’s quintessential flavors, and even arrange a dinner with Jeff's mother-in-law, a true Italian home cook.

Bountiful Puglia

• Luxuriate at an exclusive Masseria in the Itria Valley. A 17th-century restored villa bordered by private gardens in a valley of vineyards and olive groves.
• Taste culinary heritage in every bite of Pane di Altamura, a celebrated regional crusty bread produced for over a century.
• Explore the maze of alleyways and connecting staircases in historic Ostuni, known as “Citta Bianca” for its brilliantly whitewashed architecture.
• Watch Norcini masters craft authentic Pugliese Black Pig capocollo in Martina Franca, before an alfresco feast at the Caroli family olive mill.
• Be an artisanal cheesemaker at an organic Farm with owner Mariangela, followed by an intimate family lunch.

Discover local in Friuli & Slovenia

What we love: Here is where our daughter Gaia, only six years old at the time, enjoyed the entire 19-course meal at Hiša Franko, and we met our friend Giampaolo Venica, fourth-generation vintner who now hosts our trips in his homey Wine Resort.

• Explore the cafe life in Trieste, stopping to savor a nero (espresso) in this port city known as the “Capital of Coffee”.
• Meet regional winemaking luminaries who produce legendary varietals like Ribolla Gialla, celebrated for its bright fruitiness.
• Gather for a memorable meal from Ana Roš, named one of the world’s best female chefs, at her 3 Michelin-starred Hiša Franko, in the countryside of nearby Slovenia.
• Wander the scenic mountain village of Sauris, surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Dolomites, known for its time-honored Alpine agricultural pastimes.

Best of all, experience a unique half day in Venice under the enthusiastic guide of Katie Parla and explore the region's cuisine in a cooking class by award-winning chef Jeff Michaud as you learn to make local specialties like frico and Cjarsons a staple of Friuli’s rural cucina povera .

The Romance of Lake Garda & Verona

What we love: We launched our La Via Gaia trips here, taking over a farmhouse to welcome our very first guests. Since then this region has became our Summer weekend getaway to enjoy stunning scenery, outdoor activities, and some of our favorite foods.

• Meet Veneto wine masters and learn to appreciate the difference between regional superstars, Amarone and Valpolicella.
• Appreciate the magic of Chiaretto di Bardolino, the rosato/rose famously produced in the Alpine-Mediterranean environment of Lake Garda.
• Find yourself square in in the middle of Verona’s Piazza delle Erbe, the crossroads of city life.
• Spend Sunday Supper with an olive oil producer for the Spiedo ritual of slow spit-cooking meat, among the world’s oldest techniques.
• Visit the beautiful and unique architectural structures of the Lemon Gardens that preserve an ancient local tradition.

Best of all, play a part in making authentic creations with award-winning chefs Jeff Michaud and Greg Vernick in intimate classes designed to give you first-hand experience.

Genuine Living in Piemonte Wine Region

What we love: Every year our family returns here, to the town of Alba known for its white truffles, to drink in spectacular vistas, romantic hill towns, wonderful food, and finely crafted wines.

• Experience robust Barolo and Barbaresco, produced from the intensely aromatic Nebbiolo grape in bottlings from top winemakers.
• Venture into the wild patches of forest on a truffle hunting mission.
• Roam through world-famous wine regions, from The Langhe and Roero's small DOCG wine district to the hills of historic Monferrato.
• Taste the lush, buttery mouthfeel and a depth of flavor of Giorgio Cravero's Parmigiano Reggiano, a fifth-generation cheese refiner in Bra.
• Float above vine-covered hillsides and storybook villages in a sunrise balloon ride over Barolo, the heart of the Piedmont region.

Best of all, learn about Piemonte's unique cuisine in dinners at trattorias, Michelin-star restaurants, and in two memorable cooking classes, held by award-winning chefs and friends, Michael Cimarusti and Jeff Michaud and discover that, here, every meal tells a story.

What our fellow adventurers have to say

You feel like a true family member everywhere you go. Winemakers, cheesemakers, prosciutto makers, chefs, farmers, agriturismo proprietors, musicians all welcome you with very generous open arms like you've known them forever to share their talents, secrets. Their passion for what they do is contagious as is Jeff's love of Italy and his infectious smile and ability to connect everyone in the group to each other and bring out the adventurous spirit in all of us. Already booked another trip for next year!

The trip we took to Piemonte exceeded my expectations. It was clear from the start that at every place we went, the chef, owner, guide had a deep relationship with Jeff and they all went out of their way to make the trip one of the most memorable I have ever taken. La Via Gaia carefully put together the right blend and flow of activities to make every day perfect. I wouldn't change a thing

LA VIA GAIA highly curated experience in Piemonte was executed flawlessly with Jeff whisking us from cheese caves to wineries to unique dining experiences that would typically only be available to those in-the-know. His knowledge combined with command of the language and culture enables a plunge into Italian culture that cannot be obtained elsewhere. Bring your appetite, sense of adventure, and passion for luxury meets farm to table. Highly recommended...!

While over the top gastronomic experiences were expected and delivered what was most surprising was the laughter and friendships that flowed in even greater quantities that the exceptional wines and will last far longer.

This was one of the most remarkable trips we have ever taken. What made it so special was Jeff's over-sized, charming personality and the personal touches that went into the trip. From his intimate knowledge of the Bergamo & Lake Garda area's wineries, cheese makers & restaurants, the way he related to & looked out for the needs of everyone on the trip, to the extraordinarily special times like lunch at his mother-in-law Pina's to eating a home-cooked meal with the family that runs an olive oil business. Loved it all!

A private trip with La Via Gaia in Piemonte was an adventure I didn't even know I was missing! I was hesitant to go on an expensive trip with my colleagues but after the amazing comradery, wineries with views, a cheese tour/tasting, beautiful balloon ride, truffle hunting, vespa and convertible fiat driving, three Michelin restaurants, chef led cooking classes, shopping in Milan, Turin and Alba, incredible local restaurants, three amazing guides, and lots of fun I deem this trip priceless. The warmth exuded by Jeff and Claudia Michaud, and their guest Sommelier Matteo Donadoni added to a jam-packed itinerary (with some relax time included). Anyone can go to Northern Italy but these three shared their love of Italy with all of us.

La Via Gaia's culinary and wine tour is not to be missed. Chef Jeff Michaud and his beautiful wife sparkle as they share their love of all things Italian. Days are filled with private tours of wineries and a Parmigiano-Reggiano aging cave, a hot air balloon ride, a drive through the gorgeous Piemontese countryside, and a tour of Turin. The meals include simple regional dishes shared by local cooks, dinner made by the group participants during a cooking lesson at a winery, and spectacular dinners prepared by Michelin starred restaurants. Truly fantastico- grazie!

La Via Gaia has taken us on 2 unique and unforgettable trips filled with amazing food, wine and experiences. The key is Jeff Michaud’s infectious love of Italy, its people, its culinary traditions, and Italian life in general. The warm relationships he has built over the years with chefs, wine makers and shop owners flow onto the group and make us feel we are cared for in a way we have never experienced with any other trip.

Jeff and Claudia have thoughtfully created a traveling and eating experience that opens the window into the world of Northern Italy. It builds on their personal relationships and experiences, accumulated over many years of living in there. It is not a sterile tour, one lived out of a bus. Rather it is meeting the people that make Italy come to life on a daily basis.

Jeff and Claudia have created an experience like no other for folks who are truly passionate about food and wine. Jeff is the consummate host and, for one week, you are part of his family which includes not only your fellow travelers, but all of the amazing artisan producers and talented chefs that go to great lengths to make your time with them very special and memorable. Jeff's passion for everything culinary, along with his well established relationships, are what make this trip unique. This is more than a culinary tour - this is an immersion into the very best of what Italy has to offer.

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Luxury Food & Culinary Tours in Italy

Searching for a luxury food & culinary touring experience? Look no further, as our luxury tours of Italy will allow you to discover exceptional destinations such as Florence and Siena. Taste the adventure and discover new cultures while enjoying premium services and facilities.

39 Luxury food & culinary tours in Italy with 266 reviews

Food & Culinary Family

Tuscany Private Experience: Food and wine among villages and art

Food & Culinary Family Explorer +1

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Veneto: the Alps, Prosecco wine, amazing villas and Adriatic Sea

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Exploring delicacies of Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna and Veneto

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Small Group Tour of Sicily: Highlights (Maximum 8 Guests)

"The guides were on the most part very good and informative. Overall we were glad we used the services of the company." Andrew, traveled in May 2024

• 10% deposit on some dates

Food & Culinary Explorer

Small Group Sicily Food & Wine Tour (Maximum 8 Guests)

"Well organized tour with plenty of down time to stroll and explore the towns. Highly recommend this company." Sara, traveled in September 2023

Food & Culinary Family Christmas & New Year +1

Grand Tour of Puglia-Basilicata, from Matera to Lecce

5 Luxury days on the Sacred Land of Umbria

Food & Culinary Explorer Wine tasting +1

Charming Sicily Food & Wine Small Group Tour - 8 days

"I really enjoyed the tour!" Genevieve, traveled in October 2022

Tuscany Gourmet Cooking Tour

In-depth Cultural Food & Culinary Historical +2

Tuscan Treats

"Very good tour. Good value for the money. Loved all the sights and off the beaten path adventures." Elaine, traveled in June 2023

Private Tour - Explore the Essence of Tuscany

Bicycle Family Food & Culinary Explorer +2

A Fantastic Journey- Tuscany Small Group Cycling Tour

"The riding was wonderful, the countryside was glorious, the food was outstanding." Marty, traveled in October 2018

Private Tour - Florence Through Art, Culture, and Culinary Delights

What people love about luxury food & culinary tours in italy.

Very well organised tour. Communications were timely and clear. Hotels were in very well chosen locations with comfortable rooms and excellent breakfasts. Local guides were informative.Transport in mini-vans was efficient and comfortable.

The food and guides were great! Hotels were very comfortable. Drivers were excellent!

Overall our tour was wonderful. We had a great time. Denise, especially was a very good guide, very knowledgable and personable. The cooking class and our Palermo Street Food tour was, probably my favorites. A few areas that could have been improved upon: - A little more communication prior to the tour would have been reassuring. In this day of fraud it is a little unnerving to send all that money into the internet and not get much of a response. - The final communication, our itinerary, was a definite problem. We were told by Tour Radar that we would receive it 10-14 days before we left. The tour operator (ClickTours/Mossimo) told us we would receive it 8 days before we left. I finally called Tour Radar 6 days before we left

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Best Food Tours in Italy - Secret Food Tours

A rich timeline of fascinating history, mouthwatering cuisine and magnificent architecture make up just a snippet of what Italy has to offer on your next visit. From the rolling landscapes of Tuscany, to the preserved ruins of Pompei, there is something for everyone in this diverse country.

Naples, Florence, Rome and Bologna, all with their own unique flavours, history and culture, are the perfect spots for our Secret Food Tours that will take you on a journey through Italy's best cuisine.

Secret Food Tours: Bologna

Secret Food Tours: Florence

Secret Food Tours: Rome

Sunday Food Tours: Rome

Secret Food Tours: Milan

Secret Food Tours: Naples

Secret Food Tours: Venice

Secret Food Tours: Palermo

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Rome Food Tour

After our food tour, rome will feel like home.

The Roman Food Tour is Recommended by :

#1 Rome Food Tour on Tripadvisor

Our food tours in Rome offer the ultimate foodie experience, exploring the Roman culinary scene for the real taste of Italian cuisine. During our food tour, Rome will be revealed through a gastronomic journey, visiting the most authentic restaurants and best places to eat in Rome.

Meet beloved chefs from Italy and within the Lazio region, to discover their kitchen secrets, use of gourmet ingredients and learn ancient Roman recipes, to further your appreciation of delicious flavors from iconic dishes.

In between food and wine tastings, enjoy walking through the beautiful piazzas and picturesque streets of Rome, to receive an insight into the history, culture and customs, which define the Eternal City.

Joining The Roman Food Tour is essential for any trip to the Italian capital. We believe after experiencing our food tours, Rome will feel like home. Group sizes are limited, so book now to reserve our award winning Rome food tour.

Our food tour in Rome offers the ultimate foodie experience, exploring the Roman culinary scene for the real taste of Italian cuisine. During our food tour Rome will be revealed, through a gastronomic journey visiting the most authentic restaurants, hidden gems and best places to eat in Rome.

Joining The Roman Food Tour is essential for any trip to the Italian capital. We believe after experiencing our food tours Rome will feel like home. Group sizes are limited, so book now to reserve our award winning Rome food tour.

Best Selling Food Tours in Rome

Rome food tour in prati.

Taste the best of Rome in the Roman neighborhood of Prati. This food tour provides a complete insight into Italian cuisine, visiting four unforgettable venues.  Begin your evening in typical Italian…

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Taste of Trionfale Market Tour  

Visit the largest food market in Rome, along with a handful of locally loved restaurants. Your introduction to Italian cuisine begins with breakfast at La Pasticceria Siciliana.…

Rome Food Tour in Trastevere

Our Rome Food Tour in Trastevere, visits 4 locally loved restaurants for over 20 delicious food tastings, while admiring the beautiful architecture, cobblestone streets and ivy-coated buildings. Tastings include 30…

Popular Culinary Experiences in Rome

Cooking Class in Rome

This special culinary experience incorporates both a cooking class in Rome, to learn the secrets of authentic Italian cuisine in a locally loved Roman restaurant, as well as a visit…

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VIP Private Rome Food Tour 

Treat yourself to this VIP private Roman food tour, including the best view of the Trevi Fountain, from an exclusive rooftop restaurant. *Tour available for private groups of…

Rome Wine Tour with Vineyard Visit

Join this half-day wine tour in Frascati (located 25 minutes by train from Rome Termini station) to explore the local town and learn about the traditional wine making techniques, at…

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Visiting Florence or Venice?

Cooking Class in Florence

Learn the secrets of authentic Italian cuisine in a locally loved Florentine restaurant, during this 3-hour cooking class in the heart of Florence.

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Food Tour in Florence 

Stroll the quaint Florentine streets and enjoy iconic dishes and Traditional Tuscan treats, at locally loved restaurants, during this 4 hour food tour in Florence.…

  Cooking Class in Venice

During this 3-hour cooking class in the heart of Venice, learn the recipes of  Venetian pasta dishes and tiramisu, accompanied by local wine.

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Rome Food Tour FAQ's

A food tour takes you to multiple restaurants to taste the best of which each venue has to offer. We believe, after joining our food tour Rome will have a more meaningful affect on you, through experiencing authentic Italian cuisine and embracing Roman culture.

Popular Roman cuisine includes pasta (amatriciana, carbonara and cacio e pepe) pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice), suppli (fried rice balls) and trapizzino (typical Roman street food) All of which are offered on our Rome food tours.

Expect a full course meal with free-flowing fine Italian wine. Non-wine drinkers can choose Italian lager, craft beer, spritz and lemoncello.

All food allergies can be accommodated. Menus on our food tours can be modified to gluten-free, vegetarian, lactose intolerant, vegan and non alcohol drinkers.

The Rome Food Tour in Trastevere is ideal for visitors to the Italian capital, who prefer to tour a picturesque Roman neighborhood. The Rome Food tour in Prati takes place in a residential neighborhood in Rome close to the Vatican City, suited to those seeking a more local experience. Expect to walk between 1.5 / 2 kms on our food and wine tours. Customers with walking difficulties are provided with complimentary taxis.

We provide a full refund for tours cancelled within 24 hours of the tour. Private tours 7 days prior to departure

Yes. Our cooking class in Rome runs every day at 14:00. It includes a pasta and tiramisu making course.

Lunch In Rome is usually eaten from 1 p.m until 2:30 p.m. Romans eat dinner mostly from 8 p.m. Tipping in Rome is not expected but always appreciated. After our food tour Rome and Roman customs, will be ingrained within you.

Regardless of the type of meal in Rome you’re seeking, we offer restaurant recommendations for all tastes and budgets, including fine dining, pizzerias, gelaterias, street food and much more. See our Guide to Rome blog or email us to receive suggestions.

Experience Rome Like a Local with The Roman Food Tour

The Italian capital offers endless sightseeing opportunities, from historical monuments, colossal ruins and ancient remains, to beautiful churches and breathtaking fountains, however equally as important for visitors travelling to Rome is tasting authentic food and wine.

After touring the Colosseum, visiting the Pantheon and Trevi fountain, admiring artistic masterpieces in the Vatican Museums and staring at the Sistine Chapel, maximize your Roman holiday with our walking food tour in Rome.

Instead of losing your appetite at touristy restaurants, serving substandard food, touristic menus and microwave meals, allow The Roman Food Tour to introduce you to the most authentic food Rome has to offer.

The Italian capital offers endless sightseeing opportunities, from historical monuments, colossal ruins and ancient remains, to beautiful churches and breathtaking fountains, however equally as important for visitors travelling to Rome is tasting authentic food and wine.

After touring the Colosseum, visiting the Pantheon and Trevi fountain, admiring artistic masterpieces in the Vatican Museums and staring at the Sistine Chapel, maximize your Roman holiday with our walking food tour in Rome.

Instead of losing your appetite at touristy restaurants, serving substandard food, touristic menus and microwave meals, allow The Roman Food Tour to introduce you to the most authentic food Rome has to offer. And, we also offers Florence Food Tours …

Our food tour guides lead small groups, away from the tourist traps to explore Roman neighborhoods including Trastevere, Testaccio and Trionfale, to visit restaurants, trattorias, pizzerias, gelaterias and popular food establishments, where locals enjoy eating in Rome. Our aim is after joining our food tour Rome will feel less touristy.

Food Tour Rome Trastevere

What’s on the menu? Highlights include, spaghetti alla carbonara cooked al dente,  taste  authentic   Italian   flavors and  classic Roman dishes such as coda alla vaccinara  and carciofi alla romana.  Taste the best pizza in Rome from the Michelangelo of pizza Gabiele Bonci,  savor mouthwatering street food in Rome such as suppli and trapizzino, as well as artisanal gelato tasting.  You won’t leave hungry!

To drink, enjoy sipping on fine Italian wine such as Barolo and Amarone, as well as local vino from Roman vineyards such as Frascati Superiore, Castelli Romani and Prosecco.

After joining our tour, you will leave stuffed with a full stomach, as well as full of knowledge on Roman culture. So put down your guidebooks and wine and dine in Rome with The Roman Food Tour. 

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Cooking Vacations & Culinary Tours in Italy, Portugal & Croatia

Culinary Vacations with the best hands-on cooking classes & cultural tours in Italy, Portugal & Croatia. Culinary Tours in Tuscany , The Amalfi Coast , Sicily Portugal and more. Learn to cook traditional Italian recipes with local Nonnas, famous chefs, pastry artisans & pizza masters. Our Italian culinary holidays are all inclusive, authentic, and include market, vineyard & cultural tours and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Make wine in Tuscany’s vineyards, go truffle hunting in Umbria, make limoncello on the Amalfi Coast, Cannoli in Sicily, Tortellini in Bologna, experience "local" Croatia, and exclusive Portuguese dishes in Portugal. You are Family in our Italian, Portuguese and Croatian Kitchens, and share our love for cooking and family on our culinary vacations in Italy , as well as our culinary vacations in Portugal and our experiential vacations in Croatia .

Featured Vacations:

• Wine & Cooking in the Heart of Chianti and Florence, Tuscany

Tuscany Cooking Vacation with Wineries, Florence, Siena, Museums, Cortona, Sightseeing & Private BBQ!

• 4 Cooking Classes
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• Portugal – Family, Culture, Wine & Cooking

A week of true cultural immersion & local traditions with the wonderful people of Portugal. Discover Port wines in Porto, explore the Douro Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site, breathtaking towns, & cook local dishes.

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• Cooking & Adventure on the Islands of Sicily

Unfortunately, we are not operating this destination at this time. We are working on a new itinerary that we hope to re-launch in 2025! Stay tuned!

Pure Adventure on the Western Islands of Sicily. Cooking Classes, Salt Harvesting, Private Night Fishing & More.

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NEW! - Small Group Sicily Coast to Coast Tour with Exclusive CDV Only experiences, Boutique Lodging, Cooking & More.

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All of Our Culinary Vacations

• Wine & Cooking Under the Tuscan & Umbrian Sun
• Cooking in Paradise on the Amalfi Coast
• Culinary Treasures of Bologna, Venice, Michelin Stars & Exotic Cars
• Wine, Cooking, Truffles & Chocolate: A Foodie's Paradise in Umbria and Tuscany
• Wine, Cooking, & The Olive Oil Harvest - Soriano
• Cities Lost in Time on the Road Less Traveled
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Our Culinary Vacations in Italy, Portugal & Croatia

We promise you will fall in love with each of our all-inclusive italy cooking vacations , as well as our culinary vacations in Portugal and our immersive vacations in Croatia . They about much more than just sightseeing, food, and cooking. We create an experience of a lifetime, immersing you into the culture while giving you the sense of having found your home away from home. You will truly feel like family with us. We don’t do the traditional tour thing. When we cook, we are a group of friends doing hands on cooking classes based on traditional Italian family recipes. When we are on excursions, we are a group of friends exploring the beautiful hamlets and countryside together. It is a unique experience like none other, and time again our guests tell us it was the best vacation they had ever taken , and we had completely changed the way they will travel forever. Have a look at our hundreds of Italy Cooking Vacations reviews , and learn more about our:

• Tuscany Cooking Vacations
• Amalfi Coast Cooking Vacations
• Sicily Cooking Vacations
• Portugal Vacations
• Croatia Vacations
• Other Italy Cooking Vacations

A Truly Authentic Family Experience

It starts with location. There is nothing quite like small town hospitality when you get away from the areas infected with mass tourism. The people are warm and welcoming, and the more you eat their food and drink their wine, the more they fill with joy. That sense of Italian hospitality is our number one priority with every guest on our culinary holidays. Our goal with each guest is not to simply show you the sights and offer culinary experiences. It is to bring you into our family . Everything we do revolves around that premise. It is all so relaxed and fun. Our guests quickly find that we don’t treat them like customers. We treat them like visiting relatives (The kind we enjoy having, that is!). Of course, this sounds like marketing mumbo jumbo, but it simply isn’t. It is one of the reasons our guests so regularly tell us we far exceeded their expectations .

"Be" The View

Small & Intimate Groups

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Truly exclusive experiences.

Experiences you could never have on your own or with any other tour company...

Most of our vacations are all-inclusive. We take care of everything except gifts you bring home...

Local Living & Boutique Hotels

We choose truly special and small locations that reflect the local living wherever we go...

Truly Unique Locations

Get to know the real Italy, Portugal & Croatia as you visit the places that excite the locals, as well as bucket list destinations...

Small Groups

Nobody wants to feel like cattle, and we want to know you! So our average group size is 16 to 18 guests...

No Shop-Steering

We will never "steer" you into tourist traps that give tour company incentives or kickbacks...

Live the Local Life

All personal with true local culture at the center of it all. A true sense of family and belonging...

Farm to Table Food

Experience Italian & Portuguese Food by Local Standards, where restaurants have their own farms...

No Surprise "Options"

Everything is included in our up-front pricing. When you are with us, we have nothing to sell you...

Guest Reviews & Testimonials

Letters & Reviews From Our Guests...

   The hosts, guides (Danielle and Rocky) were excellent tour guides. They exceeded my expectations and more. They have such great sense of humor. I felt treated like a guest and not a tourist.   

   Culture Discovery is truly an immersion of Italian culture and family.   

   Thank you for your hospitality and a wonderful experience   

   "How are we ever going to describe this awesome experience to people?" It was that good!   

   I can't find the right words to express how perfect this vacation was   

   What amazing experiences!   

   The trip was packed with excursions, experiences and adventure and it kept us smiling, or out and out laughing, from morning to evening.   

   Once again thank you for opening your hearts and your home.   

   The best part of the vacation was the time we spent among the people of Italy outside the tourist traps.   

   Every detail is taken care of, stress free traveling! Incredible activities, and the food was off the charts! You really do become part of the Family of CDV   

   It was fun exciting and interesting...   

   ...thanks to your entire staff for making the week fun, entertaining, informative, educational and just so great.   

   We will never forget this celebration   

   We have made great memories and new friends! Welcomed by everyone with CDV to be part of a big Italian family.   

   I am not sure I will be able to go back to my "regular" life without reliving this experience everyday   

since we started the dream

have become family

served to happy tummies

Italian Food Tour

Our Italian Food Tour offers the ultimate in discovering the best food and wine in Italy. Enjoy visits to Rome as well as the Roman countryside to discover the rich flavors of the area. Indulge in fresh fish and Limoncello on the Amalfi Coast , and revel in the finest flavors of wine in Tuscany as you visit winerys Chianti , Bolgheri , and many other places world famous for their reds and whites. Learn how to make pizza in Tuscany, and wonderful dishes in Tuscany with private cooking classes . An exciting and delicious experience.

Duration: 11 Full Days

Tour Services

Length of the tour from 9 AM to 5 PM Any extra requests must be notified, and it will cost 70 Euro per hour

FOOD EXPERIENCES

Nemi, Pompeii, Rome, Sorrento

In the meals price are included 1/4 lt of wine, water or soft drinks 33cl per person, anything else will be paid extra directly to the restaurant

ACCOMMODATIOM

Hotel in Rome, Sorrento and San Gimignano

The menu will be composed by 3 courses or some tasting meals, all the requests will be paid extra directly to the restaurant

Cooking Class Naples and Bolgheri

WINE TASTINGS

Transfers from the Airport/train station to the accomodation; Internal Transfers from a region/city to another; Mercedes Benz Vehicle

Tour operator insurance

Private English Speaking Driver & English Speaking Licensed Guides

Detailed Itinerary

Day one: arrival in rome.

Day Two: Tour of Roman Countryside (Castelli Romani)

Day Three: Food Tour in the Center of Rome

Wake up and enjoy a nice Italian breakfast and meet your Private English Speaking Driver to start your day at the Ancient Colosseum! Enjoy skip the line tickets and explore this ancient must-see monument. Experience the rich flavors of Rome, famous for its pasta recipes as well as unique dishes. Enjoy wine and Carbonara, Amatriciana, Cacio e Pepe, or Trippa, Suppli, Pinsa, and many more Roman delicacies as you indulge in a fine Roman lunch. In the afternoon discover the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and the inside of the Vatican. An unforgettable visit!

Day Four: Check out of Rome - Transfer to Sorrento - Pompeii

The next morning you will enjoy breakfast and check out of your elegant hotel in Rome. You’re being chauffeured to the Amalfi Coast! On the way to your new accommodation, you will visit the intriguing site of Pompeii! A historic ancient city ruined by Mount Vesuvius in 79AD and has remained the same ever since. Explore the ruins and learn about the ancient history. Move on to a famous vineyard in Pompeii where you will enjoy an incredible wine tasting as well as an authentic lunch filled with delicacies of the area. Continue on your journey to Sorrento and stop at a local farm where you will indulge in the finest and freshest Mozzarella di Bufala! Buon Appetito! Arrive in Sorrento and check into your hotel.

Day Five: Amalfi Coast Day Tour

Wake up and enjoy breakfast before starting your exciting day on the Amalfi Coast. Start off in the stunning town of Positano, where you will be awestruck by the incredible views from the clifftown overlooking the sea! Enjoy the boutiques along the roads and move on to the town of Ravello to enjoy a stroll and shopping. Our Italian Food Tour wouldn’t be what it is without a stop for lunch in Amalfi where you will dine on the freshest fish and indulge in a wine tasting of the best wine of the area along the seaside. Head back to Sorrento, where you will of course visit a factory that produces the worldwide famous Limoncello! Taste the rich flavors of this original Limoncello, as Sorrento is the original creator due to being a main producer of lemons.

Day Six: Naples Day Tour

Day Seven: Check out and transfer to San Gimignano

Day Eight: Chianti Day Tour

Day Nine: Bocelli Countryside Escape

Day Ten: Siena and Montalcino

Day Eleven: Check out and Transfer to Rome - Bolgheri

Day Twelve: Check out and Arrivederci!

The 7 Best Food Tours in Rome Italy

W hen you think about the food you might eat on a visit to Italy, most people think about gelato and pizza . I wasn’t any different.

What I learned from a food tour in Rome is that Italy has so much more than just pasta, pizza, and strong espresso. There is so much history behind the food, with long-standing traditions that go back for centuries.

Food isn’t just a necessity in Italy, it’s a way of life, and feeds into the culture in such a big way.

If you’re looking to take one of the top Rome food tours , then this guide is for you. Each food tour offers something different and unique, so keep reading to find one that’s right for you.

What to Expect from Rome Food Tours

Before visiting Italy, I essentially planned a two-week trip around the country to search for the best pizza north of Rome . (I did end up finding it — in Rome — but I’m still open to another round of explorations!)

On my own sort of food tour around Italy, I decided I’d go to the experts to find out a bit more about the nation’s culinary history.

When in Rome, do as the Romans do, and gorge yourself!

You can expect food tours to take you to not only the best places to find local, freshly-made food to sample dishes and snacks, but you can also expect to be taken to some historic sites and neighborhoods.

As you walk from place to place, you will learn about Rome’s history, both food related and not, and hear from passionate local guides about the local way of life, traditions and culture.

It’s not all about delicious food – although that is the focus.

The Best Rome Food Tours

Below you will find a list of food tours in Rome and what you can expect from each.

1. Rome Street Food Tour

This Rome Street Food Tour is a great experience for first time visitors to Rome who are looking to discover the city’s culinary secrets while exploring its vibrant streets.

The tour is led by a friendly local guide, who will take you on a journey through the city’s neighborhoods, where you’ll visit traditional food markets and sample some of the best street food in Rome.

You’ll learn about the history behind each dish and the cultural influences that have shaped Roman cuisine over the years.

The tour includes stops at family-owned restaurants, bakeries, and gelaterias, where you’ll taste a variety of authentic Italian treats, such as pizza bianca, suppli, and artisanal gelato.

This engaging and delicious tour is a must-do for anyone looking to experience the true essence of Rome. You can read all about our experience on the Street food and history walking tour of Rome . Of course it made the list of the best things to do with teens in Rome .

Check prices and availability for the Rome Street Food Tour here. There are plenty of food tastings, includes a beer and wine stop, and a small group experience..

2. Taste of Testaccio Food Tour

I arranged for a walking food tour in Rome’s Testaccio neighborhood . It’s not the most touristy area of Rome but, as I soon learned, there were plenty of reasons why it’s the best area for culinary freaks like myself.

The tour started in the morning so we’d first have time to explore the local farmer’s market. In the market, we met with some of the locals who’ve had stands there for years and years.

My favorite was Carmelo, the “Tomato Poet” who sells his tomatoes each for the same price—no matter the type. We sampled several different varieties just as Carmelo would offer for other visitors.

After the tour of the food market, we had the chance to try a local Roman-style breakfast pastry—the cornetto.

It’s something most of us on the tour had never heard of before. And it was amazing! There was also tiramisu in a chocolate cup. Can’t go wrong with that.

My favourite part of the walking tour was when we stopped at the gourmet foodie shop  E. Volpetti . The shop serves gourmet cheeses (over 140) and meats, but what I most enjoyed was the balsamic tasting.

I enjoyed it so much I even brought home a balsamic vinegar .

After all those treats we spent some time getting a better history of the Testaccio area of Rome.

Rather than just stuffing our faces all afternoon, we visited one of Rome’s most famous cemeteries—it’s for non-Catholics only and is where the famous poet John Keats is buried.

Our tour guide explained some of the history of the area, which inevitably included details about the neighbourhood’s football (soccer) obsession, the mafia history and any number of your typical Italian stereotypes.

After exploring the more historical sites, it was back to the food tour.

Lunch included typical Roman pasta dishes and — of course— fine wine. By this time I was more than adequately full. But when the final stop of the tour was announced—Rome’s most popular gelato cafe—my appetite grew yet again!

In the gelateria, our tour guide explained the most important tips for knowing the difference between real and fake gelato, as unfortunately some gelato stores are tourist traps:

• Pay attention to the color. Banana gelato should be off-white not yellow (you don’t eat the banana peel!)
• Pay attention to the shape. Real gelato shouldn’t have large, billowy mounds flowing out of the metal tubs. More rich and tasty gelatos while be full of less air!
• Keep an eye out for the ingredients. If you see big brown boxes behind the counter, or empty tubs, then you’re probably not eating the real thing. Italian food shops will often prominently display their ingredients so just have a quick look around before you buy!

By the end of the tour I pretty much felt like a food expert, but thankfully the good food in Rome didn’t stop there.

My guide offered up all her favorite Rome restaurants so that the rest of my stay would be as tasty as the tour!

• We recommend this Tastes & Traditions of Rome: Testaccio Food and Market Tour with Devour Tours (one of our favorite companies) It includes 8+ food tastings and a small group of maximum 12 people. We did three of their food tours in Italy and loved everyone. Including the next tour…

3. Hidden Rome Trastevere Food Tour

The Hidden Rome food tour of the Trastevere district is an evening food tour that allows you to experience the city’s vibrant nightlife and indulge in its delicious cuisine.

The tour takes you through the charming streets of Trastevere, one of Rome’s most picturesque neighborhoods , where visitors can explore its hidden alleys and corners.

You’ll be led by a local guide who will introduce you to the area’s best food spots and traditional dishes, as well as sampling some of the freshest ingredients such as fresh mozzarella di bufala and truffle cheese.

Along the way, you’ll learn about the history and culture of Trastevere and Rome, making this an immersive and enriching experience.

This food tour is perfect for anyone looking to taste some of Rome’s best food in a lively and authentic setting.

• Here is Trastevere at Sunset: Rome Food & Wine Tou r from our favored Devour Tours, this Includes 10+ food tastes and 6 drinks across 5 local eateries (enough food for a full dinner)

4. Flavors of Rome Campo Marzo Street Food Tour

This food tour allows you to explore the city’s food culture while seeing its famous landmarks.

The tour combines a walking tour of Rome back streets and hidden alleys, taking you past some of the most iconic sights to some hidden gems in the historic district.

You will make stops at local food markets and street food vendors, where you’ll taste traditional Roman dishes.

A knowledgeable guide will provide insight into the city’s rich history and architecture, as well as its culinary traditions.

This tour is perfect for those who want to experience the highlights of both worlds: delicious food and unforgettable sightseeing.

• Check prices and availability for the Flavors of Rome Food Tour here.
• You may also love this Semi-Private Food Tour of Rome Italy , which  allows you to explore Rome through its food – from pasta to gelato, this tour hits all the food highlights.

5. Vegan Food Tour Experience

If you have dietary restrictions, such as being gluten-free, vegetarian or have allergies, then the vegan food tour is for you.

This one-of-a-kind tour lets you indulge in the city’s delicious vegan Italian cuisine, taking you to some of the best vegan restaurants and food spots in Rome.

This tour offers a chance to taste traditional Italian vegan dishes made from fresh and locally sourced ingredients.

You’ll visit markets and eateries that specialize in vegan cuisine, exploring a wide range of flavors and textures.

Along the way, you’ll learn about the history and culture of veganism in Rome, making it an immersive and educational experience.

Check prices and availability for the Vegan Food Tour here.

6. Jewish Ghetto And Navona Food And Wine Tour

If you’re looking to sample some of the classic Italian fine wines, then this is the tour for you.

The Jewish Ghetto and Navona Food and Wine tour is a fantastic way to experience the city’s culinary delights and sample some of Italy’s finest wines.

The tour takes you through the charming streets of Rome’s historic center, where you’ll visit traditional food markets, artisanal bakeries, and famous wine bars.

Your guide will introduce you to authentic cuisine from the Jewish area, such as artichokes, as well as local wines, such as Frascati and Chianti.

Along the way, you’ll learn about the history and culture of Rome, making for an immersive and enriching experience.

Check prices and availability for the Jewish Ghetto and Navona Food Tour here.

7. Small-Group Walking Tour of Trastevere, Campo de’ Fiori & Jewish Ghetto

Last but not least, is the small group walking tour of Trastevere, Campo de’ Fiori and the Jewish Quarter. This is where you’ll taste some of Rome’s most delicious dishes.

Your expert guide will take you to traditional markets, family-owned restaurants, and popular eateries, where you’ll sample local specialties such as supplì, pizza, and gelato.

The tour also includes visits to historic landmarks and cultural sites, providing a deeper understanding of Rome’s rich history and culture.

This small group tour ensures an intimate and personalized experience, making it perfect for foodies and history buffs alike.

Check prices and availability for the Small-Group Walking Tour here.

Final Thoughts on the Best Food Tours in Rome

Taking a food tour in Rome is an excellent way to uncover the Eternal City’s culinary delights while immersing yourself in its rich history and culture.

Rome’s culinary history and traditions are some of the oldest in the world, and food tours allow visitors to access a wide range of delicious dishes, from traditional pasta dishes to artisanal gelato in one day trip.

A food tour is not only a great way to satisfy your taste buds but also a great way to gain a deeper understanding of the city’s culture and traditions.

Bio:  In 2009, Adam Groffman quit his job as a graphic designer in Boston and went on a 15+ month trip around the world. The life-changing journey took him to places like North Africa, the Middle East, India and Southeast Asia. Since 2011 Adam has been living in Berlin – Europe’s most hipster city. His blog, Travels of Adam , focuses on finding the coolest cultural things to do around the world.

More Italy Travel Tips

Need more inspiration for your trip to Italy? Then these other resources may be useful to you…

• ITALIAN LAKES : To help you with your trip to Italy’s largest lake, read our suggestions for  things to do in Lake Garda  and for Italy’s most famous lake, a  guide to things to do in Lake Como.
• TUSCANY:  Don’t miss these stunning  places to visit in Tuscany  and a  guide to Chianti towns  and  how to spend a day in Siena .
• VENICE:  Is it a trip to Italy without exploring these  best things to do in Venice ?
• FLORENCE:  For one of Italy’s most beautiful cities, here are  16 amazing things to do in Florence  and enjoy this  food and wine tour of Florence.
• CINQUE TERRE:  Here’s our  top things to do in Cinque Terre  including our favorite  Cinque Terre boat tour , and here’s a little insight into the personalities of the  Five Towns of Cinque Terre.
• ROME:  Here is our list of  memorable things to do in Rome , a  food walking tour in Rome,  and  what to do with kids in Rome in 72 hours , and our  guides to the Vatican , and the  Colosseum and Roman Forum and 36 Essential Things to know before Visiting Rome and an easy to follow three day Rome itinerary guide.
• OTHER: 10 Italy Honeymoon Destinations For Unforgettable Romance and 10 reasons to visit Puglia, Southern Italy

Do you have any great food recommendations for Rome? Let us know in the comments!

The BEST Venice Tours

St Mark's Square is easily the epicenter of Venice for any traveler. You have great views of the lagoon, a massive piazza, and St. Mark's Basilica. The Basilica is one of the top attractions in Venice and should be seen by anyone visiting. The interior is beautiful, adorned with gold, and home to St Mark's remains. You can book our Ultimate Venice in a Day tour with Murano or Burano or our Venice in a Day Combo to visit without lines. Doge's Palace is right off St. Mark's Square. It was home to Venice's famous "Dukes," who were famous for torturing and intimidating their subjects. The palace is ornate and full of treasures but has a dark side, including prison cells and torture chambers! You can visit it by booking our Ultimate Venice in a Day tour with Murano or Burano or our Venice in a Day Combo to visit without lines. Boat tours in Venice are an excellent option for seeing the city from the water. The main island of Venice is primarily walkable, but if you want to visit Murano, Burano, or Mazzorbo, you'll want to take a boat or pack your swim trunks! Check out the Ultimate Venice in a Day with Murano & Burano or the Island Adventure tour with Mazzorbo, Burano, and Murano. Murano is home to the famous glassblowing, where the art was popularized in Europe. Making mirrors was so sacred that the glassblowers were not allowed to visit the mainland! Burano is famous for lace making but more popular with travelers due to the brightly colored houses. Experience the authentic taste of Venetian dishes with our food tours. Enjoy snacks of cicchetti at local wine bars known as bacari. You will have the opportunity to enjoy a sit down pasta dinner, prosecco, Aperol spritz, and of course, gelato. Let our English-speaking local foodies guide you through the best Venice has to offer.

Find great Venice tours that are right for you and led by knowledgeable, local guides

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St. Mark’s Basilica & Doge’s Palace Half-Day Tour with Gondola Ride

Explore St. Mark's Square's most iconic attractions with skip-the-line tickets and an expert guide

Murano and Burano in a Half Day Boat Tour

Easily visit these colorful Venetian islands by boat and see traditional glassblowing and lacemaking

Ultimate Venice in a Day with Murano and Burano

Do more in a day: St. Mark's, Doge's Palace, glassblowing and lacemaking demos, and a gondola ride

Venice in a Day Tour with Gondola Ride

Visit St. Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace, Rialto Bridge, and the hidden areas of Venice

Venice Evening Food Tour in Cannaregio with Authentic Sit-Down Dinner

Experience top notch Venetian cuisine and wine with a local foodie and dine at a premier restaurant

Private Venice Highlights Tour with Gondola Ride

Join your own expert guide to discover St. Mark’s Basilica, Rialto Bridge, and Venice's hidden gems

Venice Islands and Artisans Private Tour

Explore colorful streets and ancient trades in Murano and Burano with a private boat and local guide

Hidden Canals - Private Venice Boat Tour

Uncover the real Venice as you explore secret gardens, local neighborhoods, and sail the Grand Canal

Venice Discovery Private Tour

Skip the line at St. Mark's, explore Rialto Bridge, and ride a private boat through the Grand Canal

Venice Doge's Palace Private Tour

Dive into Venice's dark history at its grand Gothic palace, Bridge of Sighs, and ancient dungeons

St. Mark’s Basilica Guided Tour in Venice with Access to Terraces

Skip-the-line, admire the opulent interior, take in the view from above, and explore the museum!

Small Group Dining Experience at a Local Home in Venice

Savor a 3-course meal paired with wine in an Italian host’s home

Rooftops of Venice Small Group Walking Tour with Prosecco Tastings

Admire San Polo from above and uncover the hidden gems of Rialto market and the Red Light District

Prosecco Hills Small Group Tour from Venice

Sample bubbly wine alongside an expert guide at two renowned wineries and savor a light lunch!

Taste of Venice Food Tour in San Marco & San Polo

Discover authentic Venetian flavors as you hop between backstreet bacari enjoying cicchetti and wine

How do you get to Venice?

The island of Venice is easily reachable by train to Santa Maria Novella station. There is another station named "Venice Mestre" which is not on the island of Venice. Don't get off there!

What are the main attractions in Venice?

Top visited attractions of Venice include St. Mark's Square and Basilica, Doge's Palace, and Murano island. There are many other popular attractions such as the Guggenheim in Venice. Check out our list of the top things to do in Venice for more.

What are the best tours in Venice?

The most popular tours in Venice are:

St Mark's Basilica & Doge's Palace half-day tour with gondola ride

Murano and Burano in a half day boat tour

Venice in a day tour with gondola ride

Ultimate Venice in a day with Murano & Burano

Venice local food tour in Cannaregio

Are tours in Venice worth it?

Absolutely. Venice is can be difficult to navigate. Going with a guide helps you get from site to site without worry or stress of the small streets with poor cell service. Also, the monuments are often 1000 years old and guides unlock stories, anecdotes, and history behind what you're looking at.

Is Venice Crowded in the Sumnmer?

Yes, most of Italy's main cities are crowded and Venice can feel very busy. Check out our where to stay in Venice article to learn how to beat the crowds.

Top Attractions in Venice

St. Mark's Basilica | Murano Island | Burano Island | Doge's Palace | St. Mark's Square

OUR BEST SELLING TOURS AT A GLANCE

Most Popular Tours

Ultimate palace of versailles tour from paris.

Breeze past the lines for the palace and gardens with a friendly English speaking guide

Privileged Entrance Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel

Skip the line and gain direct access to the Raphael Rooms, Creation of Man, and St. Peter's Basilica

Rome in a Day Tour with Colosseum and Vatican Museums

Explore the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, Roman Forum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and more!

Special Access Colosseum Arena Floor Tour through the Gladiator's Gate

Walk in the footsteps of gladiators on the Colosseum floor and see the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

Semi-Private Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel

Enjoy a premium and exclusive tour of the Raphael Rooms, St.Peter's Basilica, and more!

Privileged Entrance Colosseum Tour with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

Skip the line at the Colosseum, plus Arch of Titus, Temple of Julius Caesar, and more!

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The best of Italian trips unlocked for you

Experience Italy differently. Enjoy one-of-a-kind experiences and uncover local secrets when our friends across the country open their doors to you. Here’s just a sample of the rich experiences you can expect.

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“Uffizi Gallery in Florence is a world class museum with an incredible renaissance art collection. Enjoy a guided tour with a Local Specialist to make the experience more memorable, especially when in front of Botticelli’s stunning ‘Birth of Venus’ painting”

Pino, Travel Director

See Michelangelo's frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel

One of the most important structures of the Catholic faith, the Vatican City’s Sistine Chapel is a must-see on a tour of Italy. Though the chapel walls have witnessed centuries of worship, it’s the renaissance ceiling paintings of Michelangelo that will leave you in awe.

Visit the glamorous Isle of Capri

Enjoy the classic Italian summer in Italy’s picture-perfect Gulf of Naples. Famed for its crystal grottos, dramatic coastlines and endless glamour, our trips to Italy are complete with a day of freedom spent under a striped umbrella, watching sailboats pass by.

Cruise your way through Venice

The charm found in the canals of Venice is nothing short of irresistible. Admire gothic palaces and postcard bridges whilst adrift in a gondola, gaining an understanding of life in a city that floats. Exploring a city by foot will never be the same after a trip to Venice.

Journey to the well-preserved ruins of Pompeii

An unfathomable history lesson is found in the archaeological ruins of Pompeii. Buried and preserved by the ash of a volcano eruption in the year 79, in this Italian town you will discover the progressive life of early Roman times as you walk within the parameters of an open-air time capsule of life on Earth.

Go shopping in Italy's fashion capital Milan

Armani, Gucci, Prada and Versace. These are some of the prestigious fashion brands that call the Italian city of Milan home. In between yearning through boutiques and department stores, stop to sample the city’s delicacies like breaded veal cutlet and ossobuco.

Our top 5 things to do in Italy

It's the moments of quiet stillness that take your breath away on a Trafalgar tour through Italy. Sitting in the calm halls of the Vatican. Floating on the canals of Venice. Standing beside the ruins of Pompeii.

Uffizi Gallery

The Tuscan capital is home to Uffizi Gallery, where the brushworks of art’s true masters are found. Names like Raffaello, Leonardo, and Michelangelo dress Uffizi’s grand pink walls, whilst internal courtyards leading to the Arno River will show you the building’s architectural brilliance.

Vatican Museums

A collection of Christian artwork that spans centuries and stirs the soul is found in Rome’s Vatican Museums. From the intricate ceiling by Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel to the detailed Pope portraits from the 16th century to today, you will be lost for words once inside this blessed museum complex.

Doge's Palace

Home to the leader of Venice from its opening in 1340, Doge’s Palace summarizes the sparkle of this city. An opulent example of Venetian Gothic architecture and home to numerous historical works, this museum is a must when you visit Venice.

Best museums in Italy

The epicenter of the Catholic faith and the birthplace of art’s most renowned masters. Our guided tours of Italy will take you to the many museums found here, whether in the Sistine Chapel, by the canals of Venice or in the grand galleries of Tuscany.

The authentic carbonara experience will take place in Rome, covered in salty Pecorino Romano cheese. A simple dish inspiring heart-warming meal times, this pasta will connect you with Italy’s rich culinary customs - an impressive evolution from its supposed heritage as a coal-miner’s meal.

Pollo alla Cacciatora

Literally translating to ‘hunter’ in Italian, cacciatore offers an appreciation for Italy’s meals of days gone by. Typically a preparation of rabbit or chicken, it’s the simmering tomato stew that makes this dish so mouthwatering. Satisfy a genuine hunger and consume with hand-ripped bread.

Italy tours are best served with an oversized slice of tiramisu. Cementing this country's obsession with espresso, this cake of layered biscuits soaked in coffee is the perfect after hours pick-me-up before an evening stroll through the charming streets.

Best food in Italy

A date with Italian food will likely start and end with a slice of pizza. But it’s the menu items that we share with you in between that will take your appreciation to new heights; think cacciatore and Carbonara with a slice of tiramisu in between.

What to pack for Italy

A classic linen outfit

The Italians are famous for their equal parts glamorous and effortless dress sense. Look the part with a few ensembles featuring classic linens in navy and white.

A blank journal

With the wealth of inspiration tucked into every corner of Italy, you might find yourself compelled to write down notes or memories. At the very least to remember the traditional Italian recipes you learn.

With such a large expanse of space to explore, on some days, long journeys are unavoidable. The scenery will provide plenty of visual entertainment, while headphones can be used to listen to some local music or enjoy podcasts about Italian history, culture and politics when you're not enjoying the storytelling from your Travel Director.

A small blanket

When exploring the soul-stirring setting of Tuscany, a picnic may call. Come prepared with a small blanket to cover in wine and cheese.

Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes

A classic memoir that brought the romance of Tuscany to the world, there’s no better time to read this book than when venturing through the country yourself.

Pack for sustainable travel

Consider your environmental impact when you next take a trip and go single-use-plastic-free by packing a reusable water bottle, a steel straw, your own shopping bags and reusable toiletry bottles.

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13 top-rated nyc food tours of 2024.

Take a bite out of the Big Apple on these foodie-focused NYC excursions.

The Top-Rated NYC Food Tours

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As one of the best foodie cities in America , New York City has no shortage of delicious eats spread across its five boroughs. But the enormous volume of food carts, award-winning restaurants and long-standing favorites can be overwhelming for visitors searching for the Big Apple's most delicious dishes. A food tour can be a great way to narrow your search, thanks to the guidance of an in-the-know local. Considering traveler sentiment and expert opinion, U.S. News selected the top food tours in NYC. Whether you're craving the best bagel or the tastiest slice of pizza, you'll walk away with a full belly and a better understanding of the local food scene after one of these tours.

A Slice of Brooklyn Bus Tours – The Original Brooklyn Pizza Tour

Price: Adults from $105; kids from $95 Duration: 4.5 hours

Calling all pizza lovers – this tour was made for you. During the nearly five-hour outing, you'll board a bus from Manhattan to Brooklyn where you'll enjoy Neapolitan-style pizza at Grimaldi's and Sicilian-style pizza at L&B Spumoni Gardens. You'll also visit filming locations of famous movies like "Saturday Night Fever," "Goodfellas" and "The French Connection." In between stops for pizza, you'll have to time to enjoy a stroll on the Coney Island boardwalk (a particular highlight for reviewers) and pass by the million-dollar homes along Shore Road in Bay Ridge. Travelers heap praise on the guides for their knowledge and humor, and appreciate the many stops for photos. Others appreciated the comfortable bus.

The tour is typically available Wednesday and Friday through Monday at 11 a.m. If you didn't get your fill of the borough, you can also join in on the company's other Brooklyn-themed tours.

Check prices & availability on:

Nice Guy Tours – Greenwich Village Tour

Price: From $89 Duration: 3 hours

For a food tour that mixes in a healthy dose of New York City history, consider the Greenwich Village Tour from Nice Guy Tours. On this foodie excursion, you'll make at least six stops for samples of the neighborhood's best falafel, pizza, fries and cupcakes, among other tasty treats. Along the way, you'll see neighborhood landmarks, such as the longest-running off-Broadway theater, the narrowest house, the oldest house and Washington Irving's former home, not to mention the exterior of the famous "Friends" apartment. Participants commend Nice Guy Tours, saying the guides are funny and knowledgeable, and the food is incredible.

The tour is offered Tuesday through Sunday at 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.; additional tour times may be available depending on the month. Food-focused tours of the Lower East Side are also available.

New York Fun Tours – The Best of Brooklyn Half-Day Food & Culture Tour

Price: From $149 Duration: 4.5 hours

For a crash course in the food and neighborhoods that make Brooklyn so unique, consider this nearly five-hour outing led by New York Fun Tours. You'll start the tour in Greenwich Village and then board a coach bus to Brooklyn where you may visit neighborhoods like Williamsburg, Greenpoint and Carroll Gardens. As you learn about the history of each neighborhood, you'll sample some of the area's most famous dishes, including traditional Polish pierogis and kielbasa, New York-style brick oven pizza and cannolis, among other tasty bites. At the end of the tour, you have the option of boarding the bus back to Greenwich Village or walking across the Brooklyn Bridge back to Manhattan. Tourgoers offer high praise for the variety of food featured and applaud the guide and driver for their expert knowledge of the area.

Tours are usually offered Thursday through Monday at 11 a.m. Private tours of Manhattan are also available.

Check prices & availability:

Ahoy New York Tours & Tasting – Chinatown and Little Italy Food Fest

Price: From $105 Duration: 3 hours

Learn about the history, culture and food of two of New York City's distinct immigrant neighborhoods on this tour. You'll meet your guide in Chinatown, where you'll enjoy a Chinese pastry paired with jasmine green tea followed by authentic Chinese dumplings, roasted duck or egg rolls, as well as a tour of the neighborhood's historic Chinese landmarks. From there, you'll make your way to Little Italy for a brief history lesson before heading to mom and pop shops to sample prosciutto, olives, cheeses, fresh pasta and more. In all, you'll enjoy up to three seated tastings and up to six on-the-go tastings – a great value, travelers say. According to reviewers, this is a fun, filling combo tour with engaging guides who are very knowledgeable about the two neighborhoods.

Tours are typically offered multiple times a day beginning at 10:30 a.m. Private dinners in Little Italy and public tours of Mulberry Street (in Nolita) are also available.

Intrepid Urban Adventures – Tenements, Tales, and Tastes

Price: From $79 Duration: 3 hours

This tour celebrates the impact of immigrants and the cuisine they brought to New York that locals and visitors still enjoy today. The tour starts at the African Burial Ground National Monument and weaves around the Lower East Side, Little Italy and Chinatown, among other ethnic enclaves. As your guide provides historical context of the various neighborhoods and the immigrants who shaped them, you'll sample dumplings, knishes, pretzels and cheese, among other delicious bites. Reviewers say the tour provides an outstanding overview of the immigrant experience and deftly introduces participants to some hidden gems.

Tours are offered daily at 10 a.m. Intrepid Urban Adventures also offers a Brooklyn Bridge and Dumbo food tour, among others.

Free Tours by Foot – Greenwich Village Food Tour

Price: Free (excludes cost of food) Duration: 2 hours

If you're on a budget, this may be the excursion for you. Instead of paying one upfront fee for the tour and the food, you'll pay as you go. During the approximately mile-long tour, you'll stop at several different shops and restaurants in the village where you can choose whether you'd like to pay for a sample or not. You'll generally spend between $8.50 and $15 on your bites, according to the company. Possible dishes featured along the tour include falafel, pizza, bagels, cupcakes and arancini (fried rice balls). As with other trips from Free Tours by Foot, you'll pay your guide what you think the trip was worth at the conclusion of the tour. Past travelers said they loved sampling the different food and appreciated the flexible pricing.

Tours are offered at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday and Friday and reservations are required. The company also offers food tours in a variety of other neighborhoods, including Chinatown and Williamsburg, as well as seasonal tours.

Check availability on:

Courtesy of Foods of NY Tours

Foods of NY Tours – Chelsea Market & The High Line

Price: Adults from $75; kids from $50 Duration: 3 hours

Sample one of the city's best hot dogs, Brooklyn-made ice cream and more on this tour of Chelsea Market and the High Line . The tour includes six on-the-go tastings and two seated tastings, along with commentary from your expert guide about the market's history and its vendors, as well as the history of the High Line and how the elevated rail line was once used to transport millions of tons of meat, dairy and produce. Reviewers laud the tour guides for their engaging, passionate commentary, their ability to navigate the crowds and their recommendations.

Tours are available at 10 a.m. Thursday through Monday. When you're ready to explore beyond Chelsea, consider signing up for the company's tours of other famous foodie neighborhoods, including Brooklyn, Chinatown and Nolita.

Manhattan Walking Tour – Hell's Kitchen Food Tour and Central Park Walking Tour

Price: From $134 Duration: 4.5 hours

According to reviewers, this tour combines just the right mix of food, history and sightseeing. During the half-day stroll, you'll make stops at five different spots in Hell's Kitchen for tasty eats like empanadas, hush puppies, baba ghanoush and doughnuts. You'll also enjoy a walking tour of Central Park – a particular highlight for travelers. Tourgoers are complimentary of the passionate guides and the interesting and delicious food. What's more, tours are capped at eight participants – another plus for reviewers.

Tours are offered daily at noon. If you've gotten your fill of Central park, you can also book an abbreviated version of this tour that does not stop at the park.

Secret Food Tours New York – NYC Food Tour in Greenwich Village

Price: Adults from $79; teens from $74; kids from $69 Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours

This traveler-approved food tour takes up to 12 participants through Greenwich Village to sample a classic New York bagel, falafel, a cupcake, a slice of pizza and a gourmet doughnut for a total of six stops. Part of the fun on this tour is the "secret dish," which is revealed the day of your tour. Participants say the tour is educational, with many praising the secret stop and the personable guides.

Tours are offered daily beginning at 11 a.m. Still hungry? The company also offers tours of Chinatown, Little Italy and Brooklyn.

Like a Local Tours – Flatiron Food, History & Architecture Tour

Price: Adults from $78; kids from $68 Duration: 3 hours

Appeasing both history buffs and foodies, this tour explores the food, architecture and history of two of New York's most iconic neighborhoods: the Flatiron District and Union Square. During the mile-long stroll, you can enjoy Italian fare at Eataly and a Reuben at Zucker's Bagels, plus snap pictures at the famous Flatiron Building and more. Tourgoers rave about the substantial food portions and the knowledgeable guides, who win praise for sharing plenty of historical context in a fun, engaging way. However, a few reviewers warn the tour may not be entertaining for young children since it focuses heavily on history.

Tours are offered Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 10:30 a.m. Kids younger than 4 can tour for free. The company also offers food and walking tours of other NYC neighborhoods and boroughs, including Brooklyn.

Sidewalks of New York Tours – West Village Food Tour

Price: Adults from $89; kids from $75 Duration: 3 hours

Indulge in classic New York City dishes while exploring the tree-lined streets of the West Village on this tour. With a local as your guide, you'll make six stops for samples including bagels, pizza, falafel and cupcakes. Along with the histories and traditions of the eateries, you'll also learn about the hangouts of the Beat Generation and Bob Dylan and view the exterior of Monica's apartment from "Friends," among other West Village hot spots. Reviewers applaud the variety of food offered and the generous portions. Others gush about the friendly, knowledgeable guides.

Tours are offered Friday and Saturday at 11 a.m. Prices include all food. After you've sampled the West Village food scene, consider the company's other food tours of midtown, downtown and the Lower East Side, among others.

Underground Donut Tour – New York City: Downtown Donut Tour

Price: Adults from $75; kids from $65 Duration: 2 hours

Doughnuts have an extensive history in New York City. Dutch settler Anna Joralemon opened the United States' first doughnut shop in NYC in 1673, and Harlem bakery owner Adolph Levitt created the first automatic doughnut machine, dubbed "The Wonderful Almost-Human Automatic Doughnut Machine," in 1920. Travelers can learn more about this deep-fried, ring-shaped pastry with the Underground Donut Tour. The 2-mile walking tour takes participants on a journey through downtown New York, with stops along the way to try treats like a brioche-style doughnut and an everything doughnut. Reviewers say the tour guides are knowledgeable and the outing is an overall delicious experience. Travelers were also surprised and delighted by the variety of doughnuts featured.

Tours are offered daily between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Underground Donut Tour also offers outings in Times Square and Union Square, along with private tours, tours for students and bachelor and bachelorette parties.

Greg Walks NYC – NYC Greenwich Village Italian Food Tour

Price: From $89 Duration: 2 to 3 hours

The New York City Greenwich Village Italian Food Tour aims to teach travelers about the area's Italian history through food. During the walking tour, foodies will have a chance to visit famous Greenwich Village shops and eateries like Raffetto's Pasta and the Tiro A Segno Italian Rifle Club – one of the oldest private Italian heritage clubs in the U.S. As Greg shares stories of the neighborhood's past, you'll also sample Italian delicacies, such as prosciutto di parma, Italian cheese bread and fruit-a-misu, a berry tiramisu. Reviewers say this tour is fun and filled with interesting information. Many called it the highlight of their NYC trip.

Tours are offered Tuesday through Sunday at 11:30 a.m. The company also offers other walking tours, including the East Village Pierogi Food Tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

New York City is famous for several foods thanks to its diverse residents, who represent an array of cultures. Some of the most famous foods that you may encounter on a food tour or when dining throughout the city include falafel, bagels, pizza, pastrami sandwiches, soft pretzels, hot dogs, cheesecake, pierogis and dim sum.

Tips for tour guides are not mandatory, but gratefully accepted. In New York City, it's standard to tip 18% to 25% of the tour price.

Interested in more New York City tours? Check out the:

• Best New York City Tours
• Best New York City Bus Tours
• Best Statue of Liberty Tours
• Best New York City Boat Tours
• Best New York City Walking Tours

Tags: Tours , New York City , Travel , Vacations , food and drink

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Inside anne burrell’s maximalist brooklyn loft with ‘friends’ nod, louboutin shoe wall, garden-like terrace and more.

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Anne Burrell has a taste for dinner and design.

The Food Network star took Page Six on an exclusive tour of her maximalist loft located in the heart of the hip Carroll Gardens neighborhood of Brooklyn, NY.

“I had an architect/designer, and … the design part he was offering was very beige — and I’m not beige,” Burrell, clad in a vibrant green and blue polka-dot dress, told us.

While she still utilized the expert for his measuring and rendering skills, the celebrity chef, 54, was the main mastermind behind the quirky interior of her two-bedroom abode.

Burrell’s pad — where she lives with her husband, Stuart Claxton , and their two cats, Marcia and Nancy — features a primary bedroom with an en suite bathroom, a gourmet chef’s kitchen opening up to a living space and dining area, and an impressive outdoor terrace overlooking the city’s elevated subway tracks.

“When I was looking for an apartment, I said to the realtor, ‘I want somewhere that is quirky and sort of old … somewhere that has good bones and is not cookie-cutter,'” the West Village transplant recalled.

“Everything here is a little crooked, and I think that suits me just well,” she added. “I think I’m a little crooked, so I feel right at home here.”

The focal point of the “Worst Cooks in America” host’s warm and welcoming home is, of course, her charming kitchen.

The forest green cabinetry is similar to the shade from Monica Geller and Rachel Green’s iconic New York City apartment in the ’90s sitcom “Friends.”

“I felt like I was one of the friends,” Burrell explained of her connection to the NBC show.

The cooking area also includes a Miele oven, a delightfully rustic butcher-block kitchen peninsula and a refrigerator filled with fresh ingredients and no shortage of condiments.

“When I’m having dinner parties — and I have a lot of dinner parties — I love to entertain,” the “Secrets of a Restaurant Chef” alum said, noting that her open-concept kitchen allows her to be “part of the action” while cooking for her visitors.

Burrell’s stylish bar area also plays an integral role in elevating her famous supper soirées.

“Own Your Kitchen” by Anne Burrell with Suzanne Lenzer

“Whenever anyone comes over, the rule is: I make the first drink for them, and then they’re on their own after that. And please, help yourself,” she shared.

The cuisine connoisseur’s bar is brimming with top-shelf tequilas and whiskeys, though she is known for shaking up her signature Aperol Spritzes when friends come to town.

The kitchen space expands into a spacious dual living-dining area, where Burrell likes to knit on her “flop-down couch” and host exquisite seated dinners or casual game nights.

“We just like to have fun here. This is a happy house,” she said with a smile.

The self-proclaimed “hostess with the mostest” likes to set her dining table with fresh wildflowers, playful tchotchkes and antique silverware. But it is her eclectic collection of art that really makes the space sing.

Stunning black-and-white photos with Claxton from their early days of dating hang front and center on her living room wall. She also has framed oil paintings of figs by artist Nicora Ganji, a print of a cow by a Cazenovia College dishwasher, a copy of the New York Times listing her cookbook “Cook Like a Rock Star” as a bestseller as well as a newspaper crossword puzzle that used her name as a clue.

Burrell’s entryway wallpaper is especially unique considering she designed the print herself.

“When I had a restaurant in Cobble Hill on Smith Street [called Phil & Anne’s Good Time Lounge], I designed this wallpaper. It was sort of inspired by an orange paisley blouse that I had,” she remembered.

The former Institute of Culinary Education instructor had the print blown up to look like a “huge mural.” After her eatery closed in 2019, she repurposed the wallpaper to line the main hallway of her home.

Jonathan Adler Lips Full Dose Needlepoint Throw Pillow

Homesick New York Scented Candle

Burrell’s favorite feature of the property is her “dreamy” outdoor space. She transformed the luxurious terrace into a garden oasis by installing artificial grass on the ground and draping ivy and purple wisteria along the walls.

“I planted some tomatoes and flowers and herbs, and I live out here, pretty much, in the summer,” she said. “I have my coffee out here every morning, and it just makes me so happy to spend time out here, and it’s great for entertaining and dinner parties.”

Burrell’s guest bedroom, used by her English husband’s son, Javier, draws inspiration from the British Invasion with psychedelic bedding and a large Union Jack flag painted on the wall.

“Every time I come in here, I want to start singing Beatles songs,” she enthused. “It looks very, like, ‘All You Need Is Love.'”

The TV personality’s home office has a gothic-style sliding door, a diverse collection of light fixtures, jazzy furniture and a groovy window shade to brighten up the low-lit space.

The main attraction inside Burrell’s primary bedroom — aside from her cheery floral duvet — is her “infamous” Christian Louboutin shoe collection mounted on shelves surrounding her doorframe.

“They are beautiful,” she said of the pricey red-bottom stilettos. “I went through a phase a bunch of years ago.”

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“They’re art,” she added. “And every morning when I open my eyes and I look at all my beautiful shoes that I never have to wear, they make me very happy.”

Burrell isn’t just a collector of shoes: She has also amassed a bevy of sports jerseys that she keeps tucked inside her entryway closet.

“I’m a huge New York Rangers fan, so I do have a collection of jerseys,” she shared.

Christian Louboutin Kate 85 Pumps

The sports fanatic also has a plethora of New York Mets jerseys, which is no surprise considering she opened a food stand at Citi Field this summer called Anne Burrell’s Italian Eats.

“Oh yes. Don’t we love that?” she exclaimed.

The Italian eatery is located in section 102 of the stadium and serves up some of Burrell’s favorite recipes, including chicken parmesan heroes, pepperoni chip nachos and meatballs with ricotta and dill pickles.

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Money blog: Drivers 'losing £112m a year' due to this one mistake

Drivers are wasting rubber - and money - by driving on tyres that are inflated below manufacturer-recommended levels, research shows. Read this and the rest of today's consumer and personal finance news in the Money blog - and leave your thoughts on anything we cover below.

Thursday 13 June 2024 17:15, UK

• Budget airline ranks worst for delays for third year running
• Mortgage market 'unseasonally bad' as four lenders hike rates
• Drivers 'losing £112m a year' making this mistake
• UK passport one of worst valued in Europe after price hike
• Swifties fuming after spending £680 for 'lovely view of a tent'

Essential reads

• Want an England shirt that's not £124.99? Here are some cheap alternatives
• Ian King analysis: Why the economic outlook makes election timing even more peculiar
• Cheap Eats: Michelin Guide chef picks top cheap eats in London
• 'Would you ask me that if I was a man?' Meet the woman behind the UK's first net-zero whisky distillery
• Basically... APR v AER - what's the difference?
• Money Problem: 'I bought a heat pump dryer that takes nine hours but Candy and AO say there's no fault - what can I do?'
• Best of the Money blog - an archive

Ask a question or make a comment

Sainsbury's has become the first retailer in the UK to offer an electric vehicle charging loyalty scheme . 

Customers using the Smart Charge service will be able to collect Nectar points for doing so. 

Rolling out today, the system allows customers to gain one Nectar point for every £1 spent on charging their car. 

Smart Charge is an ultra-rapid EV charging network with more than 400 charging bays. 

"With bays in more locations than ever before, and Sainsbury’s stores conveniently placed far and wide, it has never been easier for EV drivers across the UK to access ultra-rapid facilities, and now they can reap the benefit of Nectar points too," said Patrick Dunne, Sainsbury's director of property, procurement & EV ventures. 

London's new DLR trains have been delayed due to "challenges" discovered at the testing stage. 

This could mean the reduced service in place could continue for longer than expected. 

In total, 30 new trains have been built and are in various stages of testing, according to the Transport for London's Commissioner's June report . 

It says work is continuing to prepare the first train, which is now expected to be operational in late 2024 - it was originally due to launch in March. 

Issues were noticed in the "integrated testing and operational proving phase", the reports says. 

"While we have experienced some challenges with this phase, we continue to work collaboratively with our suppliers and operator to mitigate this."

By 2026, the DLR is still on track to have 54 new trains, which will be feature USB ports, air cooling tech and real time operational information. 

Arran Rusling, TfL's head of programme for DLR rolling stock replacement, said: "Our programme of rigorous testing continues of the new DLR fleet to ensure the trains can enter service safely and reliably. 

"As part of this, we encountered some complex challenges, which means we will now start to introduce the new trains into passenger service later this year." 

US interest rates are to be cut just once this year, according to updated forecasts from its central bank.

The cost of US borrowing was kept at a more than 20-year high despite news yesterday that inflation, the rate of price rises, fell to the lowest level in more than three years at 3.4%.

The Federal Reserve published new guidance from its interest rate-setting committee, which expects just one rate cut this year. Just three months ago, three cuts were anticipated.

While the UK's interest rate-setters at the Bank of England don't give rate forecasts like the US, market expectations are for three rate cuts this year, according to Refinitiv market data.

The first of those cuts is expected to be in September. It was previously hoped the first cut in more than four years would happen in May - but interest rates were held at 5.25%.

Whispers of "It's coming home" are starting as the nation gears up for the start of the Euros.

The competition kicks off tomorrow night with Scotland vs Germany and, on Sunday, England will play Serbia. 

The price of England shirts have crept up over the years - and this year a "match" shirt from the official England shop will set you back  £124.99 - though there is a cheaper "stadium" shirt for £84.99. 

So to help anyone with any budget get in the spirit, we've rounded up some cheaper alternatives you can buy on the high street. Here's what we've found: 

Sports Direct 

The sporting goods store is selling a range of shirts on its website, including this one for £11 . 

We should point out though that stock seems to be quite limited. The website showed just large shirts were available. 

It's also offering the option to pre-order this women's top for £9.99 .

JD Sports 

One of Sports Direct's competitors - JD Sports - has got "It's Coming Home" T-shirts on its website for £10 . 

If you fancy spending a little more, you can get a shirt with Jude Bellingham or Harry Kane on for £18. 

Asda had a range of cheap shirts available, with the most expensive costing £14 . 

These were the cheapest though, setting you back £5.60 and £6.25 respectively. 

Sainsbury's 

TU at Sainsbury's has quite a broad range as well - and is selling the same Kane top that we featured above for slightly less at £16 .  

The cheapest we found was this women's England shirt, which costs £6.00 .

For slightly more, you can get a licensed FA shirt for £15 .

We found Aldi had the cheapest shirt available at £4.99 .

The budget supermarket also sells a Scotland version for the same price. 

If a cropped look is more your style, Primark is offering this women's crop top for £5.

There's also this T-shirt for £15 .

A word of warning

One thing to avoid if you're actually going to Germany is buying knock-off replica kits - as they can land you in trouble with the authorities. 

Here's our digital video producer Phoebe Williams to talk you through why... 

UK drivers are losing at least £112m unnecessarily every year due to an avoidable issue, a new study suggests.

Research by the Motor Ombudsman reveals drivers are wasting rubber - and money - by driving on tyres that are inflated below manufacturer-recommended levels.

The ombudsman said that as well as presenting "many hidden dangers", under-inflation means tyres wear out far quicker than they should, reducing their lifespan and leading to more frequent trips to the garage.

Figures from the British Tyre Manufacturers' Association and charity TyreSafe reveal around 57% of cars on UK roads have tyre pressures at 10% less than recommended - equating to around 19 million cars.

The Motor Ombudsman said that with the most commonly seen tyre sizes averaging £85 a tyre, the total bill for the nation's drivers is at least £112m every year.

Its survey of 1,000 UK car drivers also revealed that more than a third of motorists wouldn't feel comfortable topping up the air in their tyres.

The ombudsman's findings have been published as part of its "Make Time for Tyres" campaign.

Bill Fennell, managing director and chief ombudsman, said under-inflated tyres "carry a number of risks and costs". 

"Avoiding any unnecessary expense is especially pertinent with the current financial pressures on the nation's motorists," he said.

Four major mortgage lenders have announced rate increases today, with some by as much as 0.35%. 

Barclays has upped a number of deals by 0.15%, while TSB has increased rates across their residential and Buy to Let ranges by up to 0.35%. 

Smaller increases have been announced by Leeds Building Society , including a 0.6% hike on selected residential products and a 0.20% rise on some shared ownership products. 

Clydesdale Bank has opted for similar increases, upping its 95% LTV Five Year Fee and other fee fixed rate deals by 0.20%

Its exclusive 90% LTV Purchase Two Year Fixed Rate package will also go up by 0.15%. 

Justin Moy, managing director at EHF Mortgages, said the market was "unseasonally bad" and high rights were the "last thing borrowers and the property market need". 

"It feels like one lender has blinked and the rest have followed. Money markets haven't increased excessively in the last week or so, in fact longer swap rates have fallen, so these increases may reflect activity from the end of last week," he told Newspage. 

And, it doesn't look like things are going to be getting better anytime soon. 

Katy Eatenton, a mortgage and protection specialist, said it's looking more likely the Bank of England will opt to hold interest rates at its meeting next week, which will add to the turmoil.

"Rising mortgage rates are sucking the energy out of the property market. This is certainly not the direction of travel we had anticipated for this stage in the year," she added.

"It's looking ever more likely that the base rate will hold next week and that the outlook for borrowers will be roughly as bright as the UK summer." 

The recent E.coli outbreak in the UK could be linked to fresh produce, according to reports. 

At least 37 people have been admitted to hospital with the bacteria since an urgent warning was released a week ago, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). 

Owing to the "wide geographic spread of cases", the agency said last week that the outbreak was linked to a nationally distributed food item or multiple food items. 

Now, an industry source has told The Grocer that the Food Standards Agency has focused its investigation on fresh produce in sandwiches and salads. 

It is understood that cheese is not a cause for concern at present. 

Sky News put the claim to the FSA, which said the source of the illness is "most likely linked to one or more food items". 

Darren Whitby, head of incidents and resilience at the FSA, said "extensive food chain analysis" was being carried out to find the cause of the outbreak, adding that staff were working closely with food manufacturers to put control measures in place. 

Updated guidance on how to handle fresh produce

He also updated the FSA's guidance on handling fresh food. 

"We advise consumers that food should be cooked in accordance with the cooking instructions on the product label, to ensure it is safe," he said. 

"Fruit and vegetables should be washed with water before they are eaten to make sure that they are clean. This should be done under a running tap, or in a bowl of fresh water.

"You should not prepare food for others if you have had symptoms, or for 48 hours after symptoms stop."

Who has been affected? 

All the cases recorded in the outbreak involve Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O145 (Stec), with 81 cases in England, 18 in Wales, 13 in Scotland and one person in Northern Ireland who believes they fell ill in England.

Those affected range in age from two to 79, with the majority of cases in young adults. 

E. coli are a diverse group of bacteria that are normally harmless and live in the intestines of humans and animals.

However, some strains produce toxins that can make people very ill, such as Stec, which can cause people to suffer with diarrhoea.

About 50% of cases have reported bloody diarrhoea. Other symptoms, which can last up to two weeks, include stomach cramps and fever.

Stec is often transmitted by eating contaminated food but can also be spread by close contact with an infected person, as well as direct contact with an infected animal or where it lives.

By James Sillars , business news reporter

The FTSE 100 is off to a slow start this morning as investors digest events across the Atlantic.

The US Federal Reserve last night signalled it would make just one interest rate cut this year - disappointing investors who want borrowing costs to come down.

Despite that guidance, bets remain on two US rate cuts this year after inflation figures for May came in flat on the previous month.

As such, the FTSE 100 moved just 0.1% lower at the open amid the conflicting messages.

The interest rate path for the UK was also making noises in the market.

Crest Nicholson, the housebuilder, saw its stock plunge by 11% after issuing a profit warning.

It blamed the lack of a UK interest rate cut for falling demand.

The company cut its dividend after reporting an 88% slump in half-year earnings, warning that annual profits would be hit as a result.

Wizz Air has once again topped the table as the worst airline for flight delays in the UK, new figures show.

Departures with the budget airline from UK airports were an average of 31 minutes and 36 seconds behind schedule last year, according to analysis of Civil Aviation Authority data by the PA news agency.

Though an improvement on 2022, it still meant the carrier had the worst punctuality for UK flights three years in a row.

Wizz Air enjoyed a boost to its passenger numbers in the year to March despite its poor punctuality, however. Figures show it had a record 62 million people use its services, up from 51.5 million the year before.

Turkish Airlines ranked second-worst for punctuality last year, with an average delay of 28 minutes and 36 seconds, followed by Tui (28 minutes and 24 seconds).

At the other end of the scale, Irish carrier Emerald Airlines had the best performance, with its average delay sitting at just 13 minutes and six seconds, while Virgin Atlantic followed closely behind at 13 minutes and 42 seconds.

Wizz Air said the firm made "significant improvements" after experiencing "extraordinary operating challenges" in 2022 - but acknowledged there was "still work to be done".

"Helping our customers reach their destination is our number one priority and we will continue to invest in our service to ensure they get there on time," the spokeswoman said.

This week thousands of football fans are heading to Germany for the first game of the Euros - Germany vs Scotland. 

But did you know there are three items you are legally required to have in your car while travelling in the country? 

You need the same items if you are driving through France as well - without them, you face a fine of around £600.

Drivers must have:

• A first aid kit
• A warning triangle badge 
• One high-vis vest per passenger 

Fans driving from the UK will also need to use headlamp beam deflectors if their cars are right-hand drive. 

The RAC also recommends carrying these products in your car, though they aren't legally required: 

• Fire extinguisher
• Replacement bulbs
• A high-quality torch
• A spare fuel can
• Additional engine oil and water (for topping up)
• An up-to-date road map or satellite navigation system
• Refreshments and plenty of water
• Take extra supplies of medication in case you can't get them abroad
• Photocopies of important documents
• European Health Insurance card

Every Thursday  Savings Champion founder Anna Bowes  gives an insight into the savings market and how to make the most of your money...

Although there was a distinct slowdown in the competition between ISA providers immediately after the end of the ISA season, things appear to be picking up again.

While some of the top fixed-term ISA rates on offer are not quite at the levels they were earlier this year, there has been a bit of a recovery over the past few weeks, which could be as a result of the delay to the anticipated base rate cut.

Whatever the reason, it's great news for savers, especially those who are already fully utilising their personal savings allowance and are therefore looking to shelter some of the interest they earn from the taxman.

Virgin Money is the top fixed-rate ISA available - paying 5.05% tax free, fixed until maturity on 30 June 2025. 

You do need to have a current account with Virgin Money to be eligible to open the Virgin Money 1 Year Fixed Rate Cash ISA Exclusive Issue 11.

But you can open a current account now to be eligible and you don't need to transfer your existing current account over or make any regular payments into the current account. 

It does need to have an active balance, so you'll need to put in at least £1. So, a few things to be aware of and a few hoops to jump through.

The next best thing available to anyone prepared to open an account online is with Castle Trust Bank and is paying 4.87% tax-free/AER.

While the longer-term fixed term ISA rates are lower than the shorter term, the top rates are actually a little higher than they were during the ISA season. 

So as the base rate is expected to fall over the next few months and years, it could still be a good time to lock up some of your cash for the longer term, to hedge against falling interest rates.

Home insurance prices have surged by a record amount in the past year, driven by extreme weather events and rising material and labour costs.

According to an index by data provider Consumer Intelligence, the average quoted price of home insurance rose by 41.6% in the year to April - the biggest increase since its records began in 2014.

The firm used quotes from price comparison sites to compile its data. It said premiums were most commonly quoted at between £150 and £199.

London and the South East saw the biggest rises, at 49.9% and 45.8% respectively. Meanwhile, the North West and North East had the lowest increases at 37.6% and 37.8%.

These are the rises in quoted premiums in the 12 months to April for all regions, according to the research:

• London - 49.9%
• South East - 45.8%
• Eastern England - 41.9%
• Yorkshire and the Humber - 41.9%
• Scotland - 41.3%
• South West - 40.6%
• Wales - 40.6%
• East Midlands - 38.9%
• West Midlands - 37.9%
• North East - 37.8%
• North West - 37.6%

Louise Clark, policy adviser at the Association of British Insurers, said providers appreciated "the strain many household budgets are currently facing" - and added that they were "committed" to offering competitive prices "despite the rising cost of raw building materials and labour".

According to ABI data, which is based on prices paid as opposed to quotes, the average home and buildings insurance premium rose 19% in the first quarter of this year compared to the same period in 2023.

"In the last year we've seen a succession of storms sweep across the UK, and insurers paid out £352 million to support customers whose homes were damaged by Storms Babet, Ciaran and Debi alone," Ms Clark said.

"As such events become more common, it's vital more is done to protect people and their property from the impact of these storms."

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