Culinary Journey in Italy

The only thing that is appreciated more than good food and wine by the Italians, is the foodie himself. It is just as important to be passionate about food and ingredients as it is to actually eat well, and you’ll find that the next conversation about food is hanging on the tip of almost everyone’s tongue.

ITALIAN CUISINE

To the Italians, food is not just part of their culture, but the essence of life. Italy has exported its food culture all around the world. Italy boasts nearly 500 types of cheese, over 200 types of pasta and wine made in more than 1000 styles. It’s safe to say that all good cooks and great chefs in Italy are obsessed with materia prima or “basic ingredients”. Most times the answer to what makes Italian food so good, is a love of the primary ingredients. 

Each of the 20 regions of Italy offer different cuisines and local specialities. Immerse yourself in Italy through the local markets, the vineyards & the restaurants and trattorias, learn to make homemade pasta in a nonna’s kitchen.In all Italian towns and villages you will still find traditional food markets, and you still find many Italians who will take time out of their busy schedules to go to their favourite stalls to select the freshest artichokes, zucchini and tomatoes. On weekends, you’ll find Italians out looking for mushrooms, chestnuts or truffles depending on the time of year.

ITALIAN DRINKS

As far as drinks in Italy, coffee & wine dominate. Italians adore Caffè whether it’s served as a caffè freddo, caffè latte, cappuccino, caffè ristretto, caffè lungo, caffè macchiato or caffè corretto (with a drop of strong alcohol.)

Wine – Italy produces one fifth of the world’s wine – Italy boasts over 1000 grape varieties with 400 of these in production. The grapes of each region are often distinct to that region – the most well known Italian wine regions include Lombardia, Piedmont, Veneto, Tuscany, Umbria, Abruzzo, Puglia, Campania, Sardegna & Sicily. Italian wines include Pinot Grigio, Soave, Primitivo, Nebbiolo, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Chinati Classico & sparkling wines like Prosecco & Moscato d’Asti.

Grappa is the single most popular digestivo in Italy. Liquers, there are many liquori produced in Italy but the most popular are Amaretto, Limoncello & Sambucca.

Small Group Tours of no more than 8 people or can be done as private itineraries

Four different itineraries available taking in different iconic regions of Italy & Sicily, contact Journeys Rediscovered to learn more..

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