For foodies and wine connoisseurs, there is no better destination than Italy for culinary tours. Not only are the twenty regions throughout the country known individually for their premiere food items and wine varieties, but the Italian culture itself is steeped in culinary tradition, history, and passion.
Trips 2 Italy offers a variety of food and wine tours ranging from fully customizable, culinary-focused vacation packages to individual touring experiences that make fantastic additions to already established itineraries. With a wide variety of touring options available, travelers can literally taste their way through Italy. Some examples of experiences to be had during our available culinary tours include:
- Winery Tours
- Wine Tastings
- Food & Wine Pairings
- Hands-On Cooking Classes
- Private Meals at Local Establishments
- Excursions to Local Markets
Whether travelers prefer their culinary adventure to be focused mainly on food, primarily centered around wine, or a good mixture of both, our tour options are flexible, making them ideal additions to any Italian getaway.
Regional Cuisine
Italy is home to twenty regions, each of which is known for a distinct regional cuisine. Those looking to explore Italy through its vast array of food and wine offerings will be delighted to find that the flavors and styles of cuisine are nearly endless. From touring wineries in Tuscany to learning about Piedmont’s slow food movement, the experiences for lovers of food and wine throughout Italy are incomparable.
Tuscany
Located in central Italy, Tuscany is quite possibly Italy’s most famous region for food and wine. Its legendary status was achieved by a long history of prioritizing local, seasonal, yet basic ingredients. The recipes prepared in Tuscany are rustic and not complicated – all the better to highlight the pure flavors of the magnificent ingredients. In addition, the area is home to some of the world’s best wineries.
Food and wine tours of Tuscany will reveal the history of some of Tuscany’s greatest food items, such as olive oil, hearty meat dishes like steak alla Fiorentina, Pecorino cheese, Panzanella salad, and fresh baked bread. Wine lovers can tour wineries and experience the taste of Tuscany’s Chianti wine – famous around the world.
Emilia-Romagna
The region of Emilia-Romagna is known as a wealthier part of Italy – a characteristic that extends to the cuisine as well as the culture. The food in this region is rich and often comprised of higher-end, more indulgent ingredients.
While traveling through Emilia-Romagna, travelers can take food tours which highlight famous local foods such as prosciutto di Parma, a melt-in-your-mouth cured meat, and the “king” of all cheeses – Parmigiano Reggiano.
Modena
A must-see for foodies while in Emilia-Romagna is the town of Modena. The birthplace and only producer of true balsamic vinegar, Modena is known worldwide for its famed concentrated, dark, and slightly sweet vinegar. Taking a tour of the region will no doubt give travelers a chance to taste this delicious creation and learn the history of its origins.
Campania
The region of Campania, located in Southwest Italy, is blessed with fertile soil, made so by the volcanic minerals which enrich it. As a result, incredibly lush produce is grown there, such as tomatoes, figs, eggplant, lemons, and enriching greens. Campania is also home to quintessential Italian favorites such as fresh buffalo mozzarella and limoncello liqueur.
Naples
To truly capture the essence of Italy, one must try authentic Neapolitan pizza, and there is no better place to do so than in Naples – Campania’s capital. The pizza we know and love today was created in a pizzeria in Naples in the 18th or 19th century. Today, food tours in Naples take travelers on an adventure through the historic city and offer them a taste of what else – delicious, authentic Italian pizza.
Food Tours
From the first course– traditional antipasti of cured meats, fresh cheeses, salty olives, and crusty bread – to the final course – cannoli, gelato, sweet bread, or cake, there is a deep history and tradition to be tasted throughout the meal in Italy. For foodies and culinary enthusiasts, the best way to explore this history is to embark on food tours filled with unique culinary experiences.
Travelers can enjoy trips to nearby markets and shop among locals, learn the trademark techniques of some of Italy’s finest chefs, and enjoy private dining at incredible local restaurants. Between the beauty of Italy’s famed scenery and the tantalizing flavors on the plate, a food tour of Italy is sure to make a lasting impression.
Wine Tours
For wine enthusiasts, Italy is the premiere destination. With centuries of tradition in classical winemaking, the country is home to some of the world’s most awarded and highly regarded wineries. In addition, it is the birthplace of some of the most popular and delicious wine varieties. Fittingly so, wine is an essential part of the Italian dining culture – a central aspect of most all meals throughout the country – as it perfectly highlights and accompanies the various flavors in common Italian dishes. Wine tours allow travelers to explore and immerse in the wines of Italy.
Travelers can take group tours of wineries, enjoy delicious food and wine pairings, and learn about the history of traditional winemaking throughout Italy. Whether paired with food tours or enjoyed on their own, wine tours truly capture the essence of Italy’s vibrant wine culture.
