Italian culinary stereotypes & gastronomic misconceptions
The American versions of Italian cuisine—whether brought over by immigrants years ago or recently imported by California chefs—usually take a number of liberties with their inspiration.
For instance, several foods you won't find in Italy are: spaghetti and meatballs, hoagies (grinders, subs, torpedoes, or whatever they call them where you live), Italian ices, and deep-dish pizzas (Italian ones are usually very thin and very crispy; if you want deep dish, go to Chicago, where they have raised it to an art form).
The common stereotypes of Italian cuisine are often off the mark as well. The Italians don't eat only pasta—in the north you're more likely to find risotto and polenta.
Sure, you'll find a McDonald's in the heart of every city, and you'll probably find yourself ordering il Big Mac on occasion (Mickey D's almost always has great clean bathrooms), but I'd recommend sticking to local restaurants.
Search out restaurants with the most authentic food and atmosphere. Be daring—order what you don't recognize on the menu, lubricate your meal with copious amounts of local wine or beer, and have a grand old time.
So what's so different about an Italian restaurant?
Italian restaurants differ from American restaurants in several ways. Most differences are tiny and even petty; I only point them out because even little changes can put one off, and I would hate unprepared folks to start getting cross when the waiter doesn't bring them free glasses of water when they sit down. If you know to expect the little differences, you can start to revel in them.
- The interior design is not a good indication of food quality. Some of the very best restaurants can look much the worse for wear.
- Water does not come to your table automatically. When you order water, you get to choose between fizzy or non-fizzy bottled mineral water. (You can also order water from the tap, but the bottled stuff tastes better.)
- Italians hardly ever use ice in their drinks, nor do they usually butter their bread (it tastes good enough on its own).
- Service is much more professional, but still very friendly. Waiters don't rush up to introduce themselves by first name and then interrupt every time your mouth is full; rather they appear when you need them and are very helpful.
- Portions are often smaller, but it's because you're expected to order more courses.
- Every dish ordered is served on a separate plate, so don't expect a little pile of vegetables to come automatically next to your steak. You have to order any contorno (side dish) separately, if you want one. (Note: A few Italian restaurants have started experimenting with pairing a contorno and a main and serving them together, and they may make a big deal out of this—it may seem normal to you, but it's a revolution in Italy,)
- The salad (insalata) comes at the end of the meal, before dessert (which makes a lot more sense, digestively).
- You can't take it with you. Italians don't do the doggy bag thing, and many will be highly confused if you point to your half-eaten plate and ask for the balance of your meal to go—especially if you use the term "doggy bag." I've seen many comical exchanges between American diners and Italian waiters who either are (a) dumbfounded as to why you don't wish to finish your dinner in the restaurant, (b) insulted when they mistake your intentions to be a belief that their fine cooking is only good enough for your dog, or (c) horrified and disgusted as they hasten to assure you that "Eet is veal, veal! Eet come from cow, not from dog!"
- The tip (call it the "servizio") is often included in the bill, so always ask. Many restaurants include the servizio (service charge) of 10–15%. This fact—and the precise amount—is usually printed somewhere on the menu (look for some fine print–style, italicized text near the bottom or on the back). It will either say servizio incluso or servizio compreso, sometimes with a percentage. If it says servizio non incluso or servizio non compreso, tip is not included and you should leave the usual 10%–15%. (In some cases coperto and servizio are both inlcuded. Sweet!)
You can also always just ask the waiter: "É incluso il servizio" ("Is service included?"). If the answer is yes, that covers your tip—though it's customary to leave behind an extra Euro per person if service was extra-good. If the answer is no, tip 15% or so as you usually would.
Culinary Tours
Start your experience with a pickup from your Rome hotel or meet your guide in the city center and board your air-conditioned coach. Listen to interesting facts about the Italians famous love of food and enjoy the views as you head north into lush, southern Tuscany.
Arrive in Cortona and enjoy a walk through the heart of this walled hill town, which is little changed since medieval times. Admire the ocher-colored houses that line the cobbled lanes and piazzas and listen as your guide recounts its history and recent surge in popularity for featuring in 'Under the Tuscan Sun', American writer Frances Mayes tales of life in Tuscany in the 1990s.
Perhaps enjoy some free time to look around the picture-postcard streets independently and maybe visit the 19th-century Cathedral of St Margaret (Basilica di Santa Margherita), perched on the hilltop.
Continue along the banks of Lake Trasimeno in Umbria, and stop for lunch at an authentic farmhouse restaurant. Enjoy a tempting 4-course of regional dishes, washed down with drinks (own expense). Please see the Itinerary for a sample menu.
With your appetite sated, drive through the rolling Chianti countryside to the charming hilltop town of Montepulciano, known for its ruby-red Vino di Nobile and Rosso di Montepulciano wines, produced here since early medieval times. Visit one of the towns oldest rock-cut wine cellars and hear how the regions wines are produced as you run your palate by some of the varieties.
After your wine sampling, return to Rome, where your tour ends with a drop-off at your hotel or a choice of points in the center.
Italians are the masters of creating simple dishes that sing with flavour.
Regional, seasonal and as fresh as possible, Italy's cuisine is hearty, satisfying and made with heart.
Inspired by the kitchens of the nonna, Italy’s food is authentic and surprising — pizza and pasta are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the diverse array of unforgettable food you'll find on this adventure that travels from Venice to Rome via San Gimignano and Bologna.
Day 1: Venice
Day 2: Venice
Day 3: Bologna
Day 4: Emilia Romana
Day 5: San Gimignano
Day 6: San Gimignano
Day 7: Rome
Day 8: Rome
It's remarkable that Italy, where tradition runs so strong and deep, is where some of the world's most progressive, innovative and exquisite vegan food experiences can be had.
Join Intrepid's very first vegan-themed trip in Europe, from Venice to Rome, and discover why Italy positively excels at vegan food.
It's more than just the olive oil and bread, more than just the funghi and pappardelle and espresso and gelato — it's the dedicated producers at all levels of hospitality that have taken up the movement with gusto and zero compromise, from the backstreets of Venice to the rolling hills of Tuscany.
Come and see how Italians do it better, especially when they are bucking the trends and rewriting the rules.
Day 1: Venice
Day 2: Venice
Day 3: Bologna
Day 4: Bologna
Day 5: San Gimignano
Day 6: San Gimignano
Day 7: Rome
Day 8: Rome
Discover why the southern Italian regions of Puglia, Basilicata and Campania are the newest foodie hot spots everyone's raving about.
Take in the sights of the cave city of Matera while learning to cook with the locals, sample olive oil and homemade wine at a small, family-run farm just outside of Rome and munch mozzarella cheese, sip limoncello and learn to prepare the world's best pizza while soaking up the charming surrounds of Sorrento.
Day 1: Rome
Day 2: Rome
Day 3: Avetrana
Day 4: Matera
Day 5: Matera
Day 6: Sorrento
Day 7: Sorrento
Day 8: Sorrento
Savour Italy through its top regional specialties: Pesto sauce, focaccia, Italian salami, Parmigiano Reggiano, prosciutto di Parma, Mozzarella di Bufala, the authentic Italian gelato and much, much more A 4-hour walking tour for foodies through the narrow streets of the Medieval town, off the beaten track. Simply unforgettable!
Duration: 4 hours approx
Meeting point: in front of the main entrance of the Sanremo Casino.
Experience highlights:
• 15 food & wine tastings (walking itinerary - several stops).
• The finest Ligurian street food and Italian specialties from vendors who have been feeding locals for generations.
• Discover off-the-beaten path neighborhoods in Sanremo, away from the tourist crowds;
• Visit of the Sanremo fruit and vegetables market;
• Guided tour of the Medieval village, called La Pigna, run by licensed tourist guide.
• Shared tours. Small groups 4-12 people maximum (depending on the activity), are led by local English-speaking experts.
Food & wine tastings:
• Local bakery specialties: focaccia, sardenaira torta di verdura;
• Oil tasting: extra virgin olive oil DOP Riviera Ligure Riviera dei Fiori & Taggiasca olives;
• Pesto sauce;
• Wine tasting: 2 local DOC wines (Rossese di Dolceacqua and Pigato), pairing them with local specialties;
• Parmigiano Reggiano;
• Prosciutto di Parma;
• Mozzarella di bufala;
• The true Italian gelato;
• Bacio di Sanremo Amaretto - Romoletto (3 delicious local small cakes).
Meeting point: in front of the main entrance of the Sanremo Casino.
Day 1: Pick up at the airport/station than transfer to your bed&breakfast, where your host will welcome you with a traditional and cool aperitif. After that you can start to explore Naples with your private driver but also by your own when you prefer. He will give you a lot of suggestions about restaurants, pizzerias, and city attractions like museum, old buildings, churches, and amazing places.
Day 2: At 9 o'clock breakfast. 10 o'clock your driver will pick you up and you can visit Pompeii and Vesuvius Volcano. This tour has value 6 hours and at the end you will be driven in an ancient winery in the historical center of Naples, where the owner will serve you local high quality wines accompanied by cheese tasting, cold cuts, and typical taste of the famous Lattari Mountains.
Day 3: 8 a.m. Breakfast. 9 o' clock departure towards Amalfi Coast. On the way, your driver will stop you to take some pictures from the best panoramic points. Than you will be driven through some of the most fascinating villages of this area, such as: Positano, Amalfi and Ravello. You will have time enough to walk around.
* On request, you can have a guided tour in a Mozzarella Cheese Factory, or in an ancient Winery of Lattari Mountains.
* Other tours on request.
You will not only visit the most interesting art and history sites but also experience delicious eating and drinking in country farms and vineyards.
Explore Venice, Verona, Florence, Rome, Naples, Pompeii, Amalfi Coast, Puglia, Calabria, Sicily and their spectacular charming countryside rich of flavors and colours
This is a unique tour for food wine and art lovers that want to see both famous and off-the-beaten tracks highlights of Italy.
Enjoy Italy food wine and art treasures in one all-inclusive tour with private guide and driver with air-conditioned minivan/bus. They will pick you up at the airport or port in Venice and take you through the peninsula down to Sicily. You will be staying in highly-rated rural villas and farms to relax and taste real Italian countryside flavors and atmosphere. The followin itinerary can be customized to suit your availability and desires.
Day 1: Guided tour of Venice highlights and Food Market to taste some of the city specialties such as Sarde al Saor and Tiramisù (yes! it was invented here)
Day 2: Explore Valpollicella and Amarone Vineyards that surround the city of Verona. Visit its famous monuments: Romeo and Juliet House, the Roman Amphitheatre and taste the Risotto.
Day 3: Visit the cities of Parma and Reggio Emilia and a farm producing Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.
Day 4: Discover the masterpieces of Bologna and enjoy the best Tortellini, Lasagne, Fettuccine and Mortadella.
Day 5: Guided Tour of Florence highlights. Explore the food market and enjoy Ribollita soup, Cantucci with Vin Santo, Finocchiona and other specialties.
Day 6: Explore the Chianti castles and Vineyards: Guided tour of Medieval city of Siena.
Day 7: Visit Montalcino, Pienza, D'Orcia Valley. Enjoy Brunello and Pecorino cheese.
Day 8: Tour the volcanic lake of Bolsena and the town of Orvieto and Bagnoregio.
Day 9: Guided Tour of Viterbo and Tuscania with tradional food and spirits tasting.
Day 10: Visit Rome and the Vatican. Experience real Carbonara, Maritozzi, Artichokes.
Day 11: Visit Tivoli Gardens and Villas and an olive oil farm.
Day 12: Visit Capua and its Ampitheatre and a traditional Mozzarella producer.
Day 13: Guided tour of Caserta Vecchia and Royal Palace.
Day 14: Guided tour of Naples monuments. Enjoy the best Pizza Margherita, Coffee, Sfogliatella, Babà.
Day 15: Visit Pompeii, Vesuvius Volcano and Spaghetti producer in Gragnano, italy's most famous town for durum-wheat pasta
Day 17: Discover the Amalfi Coast, Positano, Sorrento, and authentic Limoncello.
Day 18: Guided tour of Paestum and Cilento natural and food highlights.
Day 19: Explore Castelmezzano, Pietra Pertosa and Basilicata art and culinary treasures.
Day 20: Visit the towns of Matera and Alberobello and taste Puglia regional specialties.
Day 21: Discover the villages of Scalea and Tropea and other beautiful treasures of Calabria region.
Day 22: Guided tour of Taormina and Catania. Taste Pasta alla Norma and original Cannoli.
Day 24: Explore Piazza Armerina and Palermo, Sicily's capital.
Day 25: Visit Monreale and Castellammare. Enjoy Malvasia, Rosolio and bucatini con le Sarde.
You will love this memorable tour of the best of Italy!
Day 1, Upon your arrival at Cagliari airport, youll be greeted by your personal English-speaking Local Insider. Welcome aperitif at Poetto beachat a light lunch. Hopefully we will get to see the iconic pink flamingoes. Scenic drive through Cagliari most panoramic sites. Stroll through the historical city centre with visit to the Santa Maria Cathedral and the Castello area. (Lunch)
Day 2, Discover the colorful and characteristic local market of San Benedetto. Your Local Insider will teach you how to distinguish the different products and to recognize the freshest and most flavorful ones. Leave Cagliari northbound, and stop for lunch in Villamassargia. During the afternoon you will visit the mud-bricks traditional house in which youll enjoy a hands-on cooking lesson (where you'll learn how to prepare home-made pasta) followed by a refreshing aperitif under majestic olive trees. You can spend the rest of the day to wander through the village centre and visit the ancient church. (Breakfast, tasting at the market, Lunch)
Day 3, Exploration of Porto Flavia dismissed mines and visit of Pan di Zucchero cliff. Youll have a pocket lunch in the dazzling Cala Domestica beach. As an alternative, we will visit the Monteponi dismissed mines. Time for swimming (depending on weather), light lunch at a beach-bar restaurant, then scenic drive the Sinis peninsula. Check-in and fish dinner at the Hotel Lucrezia (Breakfast, Picn-nic lunch, Dinner)
Day 4, Let yourself be amazed by Monte Prama Giants (in the Cabras Museum). Guided visit of the ancient Phoenician city of Tharros. Immerse yourself in the past of this legendary city and discover its history. You'll enjoy a tour of the best Sinis' beaches. The lunch will be at a traditional beach restarant, with a fish based menu.. In the afternoon youll experience a Vernaccia wine tasting, at local cellar (Breakfast, lunch)
Day 5, Visit of Su Nuraxi a nuragic archaeological site in Barumini, included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. Lunch in a traditional oil mill where youll taste local products and oil and guided tour with the owner. Youll explore the Giara di Gesturi plateau, a high and steep-sided basaltic plateau with a surface of more than 40 square kilometers where a local and unique in its species small dark horse lives. Pizza dinner at the hotel (Breakfast, lunch in the mill, Pizza dinner)
Day 6, Morning visit to a flour grinding milll, for a guided tour of flour and for purchasing the ingredients for the cooking class. Spend the day in a local family engaging on cooking classe, story-telling and fun. Dinner at the hotel (Breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Day 7, Depending on your flight departure time at leisure or/ and visit of the Archaeological National Museum of Cagliari. Taxi to the airport (Breakfast)
-Carpaccio Celtico mille-feuille and a selection of cheeses with a lime foam
Sparkling Italian Champagne
-Fresh durum wheat ravioli with Triangolo Lariano cheese and butter
Sangiovese prom Toscany
-Riserva San Massimo Carnaroli risotto of the day
Nebbiolo from Piedmont
-Steamed zander with lentil and leek purée
Sauvignon Blanc
-Mango and passion fruit sorbet Lamb in a myrtle and mustard crust Raspberry panna cotta
-Lamb in a myrtle and mustard crust
Pinot Noir
-Raspberry panna cotta
Sweet italian Wine
an incredible dinner experience in one of the most beautiful wine cellar of all italy, this unique private table give you the possibility of this exclusive fine dining or lubch time as well with the best italian wine and the beautiful cucine of chef Luigi Gandola.
Just a few minutes drive from Bellagios city center and Lake Como, an elegant restaurant the Salice Blu in Bellagio is home to the award-winning imaginative creative Chef Luigi. While young, Chef Luigi worked in the illustrious Villa DEste 5 star for seven years and has already won 50 gold medals in international culinary competitions. Still, Chef Luigi is humble and energetic as he talks about using local ingredients and teaches his hands-on pasta cooking class in his family-owned restaurant.
This tour will take you along some of the most beautiful art cities of Italy, a real crab for culture and taste. Discover the most authentic Italian food and culinary traditions from local markets to boutique wineries meeting producers of excellent made in Italy foods and wines. In this gastronomic adventure from South to North, you will have the chance to taste high-quality products, get involved in cooking classes, learn about the production process and undestand the diffent regional cuisine. Through food and wine, you will step in to the most authentic side of Italy. Combining culture and taste you will discover hidden gems of the most beautiful Italian cities eating like a local with locals!
• Discover the vibrant Trastevere area eating like a local, with locals!
• Shop in a farmers' market and learn how to cook a traditional Italian lunch
• Explore the genuine Roman countryside where you will meet Frascati wine & food producers
• Treat yourself with an exclusive dinner in a boutique winery Chianti hills
• Be surprised by the colours of Rialto Market and taste the local cicchetti, the real Venetian tapas
• Be involved in hands-on cooking classes and learn how to prepare a real Italian meal
The tour begins at Pizza San Fedele 3 minutes from Duomo di Milano. Over two hours, we will walk about 1 km, less than a mile around the Duomo area and your tour guide Elizabeth will explain the origins of four different kinds of pizza which you'll get to taste (included in the price of your tour). Please arrive hungry as you'll be offered more than a full meal on this tour. You will try:
- Two types of Classic Pizza Napoletana -- pizza from Italy's acclaimed birthplace of pizza Napoli in Campagna
- Focaccia from Liguria -- here we will discuss the true origins of pizza
- Pizza al Taglio -- Roman style served by the cut
Our wine tasting experience will take place in a traditional enoteca and wine store with a small group setting. The list of wine includes white, red, and sparkling wines from different regions such as Chianti, Brunello, Prosecco ...paired with artisan cheese and cured meat to ensure that your experience will not only cover a variety of wines, but also Italian´s delicious gourmet. As this tasting is guided by a professional sommelier, he or she will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have as you will be in a small group.
It's remarkable that Italy, where tradition runs so strong and deep, is where some of the world's most progressive, innovative and exquisite vegan food experiences can be had.
Join Intrepid's very first vegan-themed trip in Europe, from Venice to Rome, and discover why Italy positively excels at vegan food.
It's more than just the olive oil and bread, more than just the funghi and pappardelle and espresso and gelato — it's the dedicated producers at all levels of hospitality that have taken up the movement with gusto and zero compromise, from the backstreets of Venice to the rolling hills of Tuscany.
Come and see how Italians do it better, especially when they are bucking the trends and rewriting the rules.
Day 1: Venice
Day 2: Venice
Day 3: Bologna
Day 4: Bologna
Day 5: San Gimignano
Day 6: San Gimignano
Day 7: Rome
Day 8: Rome
Italians are the masters of creating simple dishes that sing with flavour.
Regional, seasonal and as fresh as possible, Italy's cuisine is hearty, satisfying and made with heart.
Inspired by the kitchens of the nonna, Italy’s food is authentic and surprising — pizza and pasta are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the diverse array of unforgettable food you'll find on this adventure that travels from Venice to Rome via San Gimignano and Bologna.
Day 1: Venice
Day 2: Venice
Day 3: Bologna
Day 4: Emilia Romana
Day 5: San Gimignano
Day 6: San Gimignano
Day 7: Rome
Day 8: Rome
Discover why the southern Italian regions of Puglia, Basilicata and Campania are the newest foodie hot spots everyone's raving about.
Take in the sights of the cave city of Matera while learning to cook with the locals, sample olive oil and homemade wine at a small, family-run farm just outside of Rome and munch mozzarella cheese, sip limoncello and learn to prepare the world's best pizza while soaking up the charming surrounds of Sorrento.
Day 1: Rome
Day 2: Rome
Day 3: Avetrana
Day 4: Matera
Day 5: Matera
Day 6: Sorrento
Day 7: Sorrento
Day 8: Sorrento
Italians are the masters of creating simple dishes that sing with flavour.
Regional, seasonal and as fresh as possible, Italy's cuisine is hearty, satisfying and made with heart.
Inspired by the kitchens of the nonna, Italy’s food is authentic and surprising — pizza and pasta are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the diverse array of unforgettable food you'll find on this adventure that travels from Venice to Rome via San Gimignano and Bologna.
Day 1: Venice
Day 2: Venice
Day 3: Bologna
Day 4: Emilia Romana
Day 5: San Gimignano
Day 6: San Gimignano
Day 7: Rome
Day 8: Rome
It's remarkable that Italy, where tradition runs so strong and deep, is where some of the world's most progressive, innovative and exquisite vegan food experiences can be had.
Join Intrepid's very first vegan-themed trip in Europe, from Venice to Rome, and discover why Italy positively excels at vegan food.
It's more than just the olive oil and bread, more than just the funghi and pappardelle and espresso and gelato — it's the dedicated producers at all levels of hospitality that have taken up the movement with gusto and zero compromise, from the backstreets of Venice to the rolling hills of Tuscany.
Come and see how Italians do it better, especially when they are bucking the trends and rewriting the rules.
Day 1: Venice
Day 2: Venice
Day 3: Bologna
Day 4: Bologna
Day 5: San Gimignano
Day 6: San Gimignano
Day 7: Rome
Day 8: Rome
Discover why the southern Italian regions of Puglia, Basilicata and Campania are the newest foodie hot spots everyone's raving about.
Take in the sights of the cave city of Matera while learning to cook with the locals, sample olive oil and homemade wine at a small, family-run farm just outside of Rome and munch mozzarella cheese, sip limoncello and learn to prepare the world's best pizza while soaking up the charming surrounds of Sorrento.
Day 1: Rome
Day 2: Rome
Day 3: Avetrana
Day 4: Matera
Day 5: Matera
Day 6: Sorrento
Day 7: Sorrento
Day 8: Sorrento
Its a genuine tour mix between art and coulture, food wine and snacks going to spand a day like a local do in Florence, and in the same time visiting the historical iconic place
Also i can assist for tour in Chianti Venice Rome Milano or Cinque Terre, hotel booking airport transfers and more.
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Pass By: II Centro Storico di Firenze
Welcome To Italy
This is Antonio (Tony) with Enjoy Discover Italy :-) i am to guide you in this wonderful country :-)
Meeting point in Florence going for a walking tour in the city visiting the main point of interest.
At first going to drink an espresso in one of the oldest coffee shop in town Caffe Gili, here you can have also a breakfast with some delicious italian delicatesse and cappuccino.
Main Point Of Interest:
Duomo
Piazza Della Republica
Ponte Vecchio
Piazza Della Signoria
Palazzo Vecchio
Piazza Santa Croce
At lunch time going to Mercato Di San Lorenzo, introducing to italian and local food, here you can bay also cheease mozzarella samali parma ham limoncello and more, all at affordeable price, have a lucn here at Tavenra Di Nerbone try some original old food from Florence like Lampredotto Zuppa Toscana e Bollito, of course we can have a glass of red wine is well :-).
After lunch going to try some original ice cream, the best ice-cream in Florence, no tourist here just local people.
Going beck in the city walking true the Fortezza Da Basso, i will bring you at your hotel, the journey ends here, bat if you need assistance for dinner or for a night out no problem at all :-)
See You Soon
Requirements: suitable for everyone; we recommend a minimum age of 6 years
Approximate duration: 4h (flight duration 1 hour)
Departure at 6:30 a.m.
Hotel pick up / drop off service upon request for a fee.
Other languages available for a fee.
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Pass By: Basilica inferiore di San Francesco d'Assisi, Assisi, Province of Perugia, Umbria
We'll enjoy a stunning view of the entire Assisi Valley: Assisi, Montefalco, Spello, Perugia, Lake Trasimeno ... just to name a few !!!
A great mix of Sardinia, Archeology, History, Shopping, Wine Tasting, Panorama and Relax!
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Porto Cervo, Porto Cervo, Arzachena, Province of Olbia-Tempio, Sardinia
Visit Local Market, Costa Smeralda Panorama Tour, Archaeo Site Nuraghe, Porto Cervo Shopping Area, Visit a Local Winery - Wine Tasting
Duration: 5 hours
Day 1: Pick up at the airport/station than transfer to your bed&breakfast, where your host will welcome you with a traditional and cool aperitif. After that you can start to explore Naples with your private driver but also by your own when you prefer. He will give you a lot of suggestions about restaurants, pizzerias, and city attractions like museum, old buildings, churches, and amazing places.
Day 2: At 9 o'clock breakfast. 10 o'clock your driver will pick you up and you can visit Pompeii and Vesuvius Volcano. This tour has value 6 hours and at the end you will be driven in an ancient winery in the historical center of Naples, where the owner will serve you local high quality wines accompanied by cheese tasting, cold cuts, and typical taste of the famous Lattari Mountains.
Day 3: 8 a.m. Breakfast. 9 o' clock departure towards Amalfi Coast. On the way, your driver will stop you to take some pictures from the best panoramic points. Than you will be driven through some of the most fascinating villages of this area, such as: Positano, Amalfi and Ravello. You will have time enough to walk around.
* On request, you can have a guided tour in a Mozzarella Cheese Factory, or in an ancient Winery of Lattari Mountains.
* Other tours on request.
You will not only visit the most interesting art and history sites but also experience delicious eating and drinking in country farms and vineyards.
Explore Venice, Verona, Florence, Rome, Naples, Pompeii, Amalfi Coast, Puglia, Calabria, Sicily and their spectacular charming countryside rich of flavors and colours
This is a unique tour for food wine and art lovers that want to see both famous and off-the-beaten tracks highlights of Italy.
Enjoy Italy food wine and art treasures in one all-inclusive tour with private guide and driver with air-conditioned minivan/bus. They will pick you up at the airport or port in Venice and take you through the peninsula down to Sicily. You will be staying in highly-rated rural villas and farms to relax and taste real Italian countryside flavors and atmosphere. The followin itinerary can be customized to suit your availability and desires.
Day 1: Guided tour of Venice highlights and Food Market to taste some of the city specialties such as Sarde al Saor and Tiramisù (yes! it was invented here)
Day 2: Explore Valpollicella and Amarone Vineyards that surround the city of Verona. Visit its famous monuments: Romeo and Juliet House, the Roman Amphitheatre and taste the Risotto.
Day 3: Visit the cities of Parma and Reggio Emilia and a farm producing Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.
Day 4: Discover the masterpieces of Bologna and enjoy the best Tortellini, Lasagne, Fettuccine and Mortadella.
Day 5: Guided Tour of Florence highlights. Explore the food market and enjoy Ribollita soup, Cantucci with Vin Santo, Finocchiona and other specialties.
Day 6: Explore the Chianti castles and Vineyards: Guided tour of Medieval city of Siena.
Day 7: Visit Montalcino, Pienza, D'Orcia Valley. Enjoy Brunello and Pecorino cheese.
Day 8: Tour the volcanic lake of Bolsena and the town of Orvieto and Bagnoregio.
Day 9: Guided Tour of Viterbo and Tuscania with tradional food and spirits tasting.
Day 10: Visit Rome and the Vatican. Experience real Carbonara, Maritozzi, Artichokes.
Day 11: Visit Tivoli Gardens and Villas and an olive oil farm.
Day 12: Visit Capua and its Ampitheatre and a traditional Mozzarella producer.
Day 13: Guided tour of Caserta Vecchia and Royal Palace.
Day 14: Guided tour of Naples monuments. Enjoy the best Pizza Margherita, Coffee, Sfogliatella, Babà.
Day 15: Visit Pompeii, Vesuvius Volcano and Spaghetti producer in Gragnano, italy's most famous town for durum-wheat pasta
Day 17: Discover the Amalfi Coast, Positano, Sorrento, and authentic Limoncello.
Day 18: Guided tour of Paestum and Cilento natural and food highlights.
Day 19: Explore Castelmezzano, Pietra Pertosa and Basilicata art and culinary treasures.
Day 20: Visit the towns of Matera and Alberobello and taste Puglia regional specialties.
Day 21: Discover the villages of Scalea and Tropea and other beautiful treasures of Calabria region.
Day 22: Guided tour of Taormina and Catania. Taste Pasta alla Norma and original Cannoli.
Day 24: Explore Piazza Armerina and Palermo, Sicily's capital.
Day 25: Visit Monreale and Castellammare. Enjoy Malvasia, Rosolio and bucatini con le Sarde.
You will love this memorable tour of the best of Italy!
Our driver will come and pick you up with our luxury minivan from your accommodation along the Amalfi Coast. Visit a small family run estate set on an 18th century farm located in the regional park of the "Monti Lattari" above the Amalfi Coast. All the vineyards are characterized by high density plant and situated on steep sloped terraced lands between 300 and 500 metres above sea level with fatastic valley views.The tour includes the visit of the winery plus a tasting of the "Appellation Contollee" wines produced.Enjoy the full experience including tour of the winery, the wine tasting and a 3 course lunch with matched wines. We can also accommodate celiacs, vegetarians, and vegans with a special menu.
• Half Day Wine class designed for those who are interested in learning about Umbrian wines, the tasting techniques and food/wine pairing.
• Class is conducted in English by Alessandra, Certified Sommelier English Speaking and held at our beautiful countryhome surrounded by olive groves in Todi, Umbria .
Programme:
• 10AM: Independent arrival at our countryhome
• 10.15AM: Wine class guided by Certified Sommelier English Speaking including:
• Introduction to Umbrian Wines: indigenous grapes, wine areas
• Overview on:
• THE MILLENNIAL HISTORY: Umbria has a very long tradition in wine production, old as its civilization. The vine has been here for centuries, imported from the Middle East and Greece by the first inhabitants of the Peninsula.The Etruscans, who settled on the rock of Orvieto in the six century B.C., were the first ones who started cultivating the vine and making wine with a modern and commercial aim. Equally, the Romans followed their Etruscan predecessors in cultivating the grape all over the region, as well as in the Middle Ages, a period in which wine producing was taken very seriously with harsh penalties for those who damaged vineyards.During the centuries dominated by the Popes, who conquered Umbria in 1500, the wine from Orvieto became one of the favourite at the Papal Court and highly valued both in Rome and Florence.
• TODAY: The general tendency in Umbria for the past three decades is making high quality wines. Umbria achieves about the 3% of the entire production of Italy, almost equally divided in red and white wines.Today the region is divided in thirteen different wine areas, who gained the DOC certification and, two territories, the prestigious DOCG. Each wine area has its own peculiarities in terms of indigenous grapes and/or vinification methods.
• About the wine, its connection with the territory, differences and typical characteristics, the classifications.
• Tasting techniques : sensory analysis; visual analysis; olfactory analysis; palate analysis
• Sampling tasting of 3 different kinds of wines with emphasis on the relevant features discussed in pairing with local food.
• 1PM Final toasts and Arrivederci!
Our wine tasting experience will take place in a traditional enoteca and wine store with a small group setting. The list of wine includes white, red, and sparkling wines from different regions such as Chianti, Brunello, Prosecco ...paired with artisan cheese and cured meat to ensure that your experience will not only cover a variety of wines, but also Italian´s delicious gourmet. As this tasting is guided by a professional sommelier, he or she will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have as you will be in a small group.
Requirements: suitable for everyone; we recommend a minimum age of 6 years
Approximate duration: 4h (flight duration 1 hour)
Departure at 6:30 a.m.
Hotel pick up / drop off service upon request for a fee.
Other languages available for a fee.
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Pass By: Basilica inferiore di San Francesco d'Assisi, Assisi, Province of Perugia, Umbria
We'll enjoy a stunning view of the entire Assisi Valley: Assisi, Montefalco, Spello, Perugia, Lake Trasimeno ... just to name a few !!!
- Slowfood.it
- Yelp.com - Though not as thorough abroad as it is in North America, this crowdsource review site remains useful.
- Tripadvisor.com - The Big Daddy of crowdsourced travel user reviews, offering reviews on hotels, restaurants, sights, activities, and more—though with so many millions of reviews, there are plenty (experts say 1/3 to 1/2) of fake ones, so take it all with a grain of salt.Partner
- Scattidigusto.it
- Localistorici.it - A constorium of historic hotels, restaurants, and caffès.
- Chowhound.com - Good reviews.
- Slowtrav.com - Dedicated to life (and travel) in the slow lane, with a focus on tradition.
- Buonricordo.com - Consotrium of Italian restaurants. Order the "Buon Ricordo" house specialty at each and you get a commemorative hand-painted Vietri plate
- Gamberorosso.it - Italy's premier restaruant guide and rating service—think of it as an Italian version of the Michelin Red Guide
- Msadventuresinitaly.com - Blog focused mainly on Italy and its food.
- Timeout.com - Good, thorough restaurant reviews that really keep on top of the latest and greatest on the local dining scene.
- Timeout.com - Good, thorough restaurant reviews that really keep on top of the latest and greatest on the local dining scene.
Tips
You will notice that all restaurants (and sights and hotels) on this site have a ReidsItaly.com star designation from ☆☆☆ to ★★★.
This merely indicates that I feel these eateries offer a little something that makes them special (or extra-special, or extra-extra special, etc.).
These star ratings are entirely based on personal opinion, and have nothing to do with any official local restaurant ratings or grades.
In general, a pricier restaurant has to impress me that it is worth the added expense.
This is why I give ★★★ to some inexpensive eateries or sandwich shops that happen provide amazing value for the money—and similarly have ranked a few fancy but notable restaurants just ★★☆.
Here at ReidsItaly.com we simply provide a general price range indicating the general amount you should expect to pay for a full meal in the eatery.
Each eatery is rated into a price category, which indicates—very roughly—what you could expect to pay, per person, for a standard full meal: Three courses—primo (first course), secondo (main course), and contorno (side) or dolce (dessert)—plus something to drink.
There are three price ranges, giving you a sense of which restaurants are budget, which are moderate, and which are splurges:
| € | under €15 |
| €€ | under €40 |
| €€€ | over €40 |
Useful Italian for dining
| English (inglese) | Italian (italiano) | Pro-nun-cee-YAY-shun |
| Where is? | Dov'é | doh-VAY |
| ...a restaurant | un ristorante | oon rees toh-RAHN-tay |
| ...a casual restaurant | una trattoria un'osteria |
oo-nah trah-toar-RHEE-yah oon ohst-air-EE-yah |
| I would like to reserve... | Vorrei prenotare... | voar-RAY pray-note-ARE-eh |
| a table for two | una tavola per due | oo-nah TAH-voal-lah pair DOO-way |
| ...for 7pm | per le sette | pair lay SET-tay |
| ...for 7:30pm | per le sette e mezzo | pair lay SET-tay eh MET-tzoh |
| ...for 8pm | per le otto | pair lay OH-toh |
| I would like | Vorrei... | voar-RAY |
| ...some (of) | un pó (di) | oon POH (dee) |
| ...this | questo | KWAY-sto |
| ...that | quello | KWEL-loh |
| chicken | pollo | POL-loh |
| steak | bistecca | bee-STEAK-ah |
| ...rare | al sangue | ahl SAN-gway |
| ...medium | rosato | ro-ZA-to |
| ...well done | ben cotto | ben KO-to |
| veal | vitello | vee-TEL-oh |
| fish | pesce | PEH-shay |
| meat | carne | KAR-neh |
| I am vegetarian | sono vegetariano | SO-no veg-eh-tair-ee-YAH-no |
| side dish [veggies always come seperately] | cotorno | kon-TOR-no |
| dessert | dolce | DOAL-chay |
| and | e | ay |
| ...a glass of | un bicchiere di | oon bee-key-YAIR-eh dee |
| ...a bottle of | una bottiglia di | oo-na boh-TEEL-ya dee |
| ...a half-liter of | mezzo litro di | MET-tzoh LEE-tro dee |
| ...fizzy water | acqua gassata | AH-kwah gah-SAHT-tah |
| ...still water | acqua non gassata | AH-kwah noan gah-SAHT-tah |
| ...red wine | vino rosso | VEE-noh ROH-so |
| ...white wine | vino bianco | VEE-noh bee-YAHN-koh |
| ...beer | birra | BEER-a |
| Check, please | Il conto, per favore | eel COAN-toh pair fah-VOAR-eh |
| Is service included? | É incluso il servizio? | ay een-CLOU-so eel sair-VEET-zee-yo |
Basic phrases in Italian
| English (inglese) | Italian (italiano) | pro-nun-see-YAY-shun |
| thank you | grazie | GRAT-tzee-yay |
| please | per favore | pair fa-VOHR-ray |
| yes | si | see |
| no | no | no |
| Do you speak English? | Parla Inglese? | PAR-la een-GLAY-zay |
| I don't understand | Non capisco | non ka-PEESK-koh |
| I'm sorry | Mi dispiace | mee dees-pee-YAT-chay |
| How much is it? | Quanto costa? | KWAN-toh COST-ah |
| That's too much | É troppo | ay TROH-po |
| Good day | Buon giorno | bwohn JOUR-noh |
| Good evening | Buona sera | BWOH-nah SAIR-rah |
| Good night | Buona notte | BWOH-nah NOTE-tay |
| Goodbye | Arrivederci | ah-ree-vah-DAIR-chee |
| Excuse me (to get attention) | Scusi | SKOO-zee |
| Excuse me (to get past someone) | Permesso | pair-MEH-so |
| Where is? | Dov'é | doh-VAY |
| ...the bathroom | il bagno | eel BHAN-yoh |
| ...train station | la ferroviaria | lah fair-o-vee-YAR-ree-yah |
| to the right | à destra | ah DEH-strah |
| to the left | à sinistra | ah see-NEEST-trah |
| straight ahead | avanti [or] diritto | ah-VAHN-tee [or] dee-REE-toh |
| information | informazione | in-for-ma-tzee-OH-nay |
Days, months, and other calendar items in Italian
| English (inglese) | Italian (italiano) | Pro-nun-cee-YAY-shun |
| When is it open? | Quando é aperto? | KWAN-doh ay ah-PAIR-toh |
| When does it close? | Quando si chiude? | KWAN-doh see key-YOU-day |
| At what time... | a che ora | a kay O-rah |
| Yesterday | ieri | ee-YAIR-ee |
| Today | oggi | OH-jee |
| Tomorrow | domani | doh-MAHN-nee |
| Day after tomorrow | dopo domani | DOH-poh doh-MAHN-nee |
| a day | un giorno | oon je-YOR-no |
| Monday | Lunedí | loo-nay-DEE |
| Tuesday | Martedí | mar-tay-DEE |
| Wednesday | Mercoledí | mair-coh-lay-DEE |
| Thursday | Giovedí | jo-vay-DEE |
| Friday | Venerdí | ven-nair-DEE |
| Saturday | Sabato | SAH-baa-toh |
| Sunday | Domenica | doh-MEN-nee-ka |
| Mon-Sat | Feriali | fair-ee-YAHL-ee |
| Sun & holidays | Festivi | feh-STEE-vee |
| Daily | Giornaliere | joor-nahl-ee-YAIR-eh |
| a month | una mese | oon-ah MAY-zay |
| January | gennaio | jen-NAI-yo |
| February | febbraio | feh-BRI-yo |
| March | marzo | MAR-tzoh |
| April | aprile | ah-PREEL-ay |
| May | maggio | MAH-jee-oh |
| June | giugno | JEW-nyoh |
| July | luglio | LOO-lyoh |
| August | agosto | ah-GO-sto |
| September | settembre | set-TEM-bray |
| October | ottobre | oh-TOE-bray |
| November | novembre | no-VEM-bray |
| December | dicembre | de-CHEM-bray |
Numbers in Italian
| English (inglese) | Italian (italiano) | Pro-nun-cee-YAY-shun |
| 1 | uno | OO-no |
| 2 | due | DOO-way |
| 3 | tre | tray |
| 4 | quattro | KWAH-troh |
| 5 | cinque | CHEEN-kway |
| 6 | sei | say |
| 7 | sette | SET-tay |
| 8 | otto | OH-toh |
| 9 | nove | NO-vay |
| 10 | dieci | dee-YAY-chee |
| 11 | undici | OON-dee-chee |
| 12 | dodici | DOH-dee-chee |
| 13 | tredici | TRAY-dee-chee |
| 14 | quattordici | kwa-TOR-dee-chee |
| 15 | quindici | KWEEN-dee-chee |
| 16 | sedici | SAY-dee-chee |
| 17 | diciasette | dee-chee-ya-SET-tay |
| 18 | diciotto | dee-CHO-toh |
| 19 | diciannove | dee-chee-ya-NO-vay |
| 20 | venti | VENT-tee |
| 21* | vent'uno* | vent-OO-no |
| 22* | venti due* | VENT-tee DOO-way |
| 23* | venti tre* | VENT-tee TRAY |
| 30 | trenta | TRAYN-tah |
| 40 | quaranta | kwa-RAHN-tah |
| 50 | cinquanta | cheen-KWAN-tah |
| 60 | sessanta | say-SAHN-tah |
| 70 | settanta | seh-TAHN-tah |
| 80 | ottanta | oh-TAHN-tah |
| 90 | novanta | no-VAHN-tah |
| 100 | cento | CHEN-toh |
| 1,000 | mille | MEEL-lay |
| 5,000 | cinque milla | CHEEN-kway MEEL-lah |
| 10,000 | dieci milla | dee-YAY-chee MEEL-lah |
* You can use this formula for all Italian ten-place numbers—so 31 is trent'uno, 32 is trenta due, 33 is trenta tre, etc. Note that—like uno (one), otto (eight) also starts with a vowel—all "-8" numbers are also abbreviated (vent'otto, trent'otto, etc.).
