Written by Molly Demmer and Jayme Madson for Tonka Times Magazine.

As the land of la dolce vita (the sweet life), Italy is one of the world’s most loved destinations. It is a country that celebrates the good and simple things in life and where tradition reigns. Sampling delicious Italian food and wines is often a priority for travelers to Italy. We can’t blame them. Perhaps nowhere else in the world is food more highly regarded than in Italy, the land of perfectly aged cheeses, hand-rolled pastas, savory wines and mouth-watering gelato. It is here where food and wine have a leading role, often leading the way on a tour of Italy’s most famous landmarks and landscapes.

To Italians, there is no such thing as Italian food. Instead, each of Italy’s twenty regions has its own distinct cuisine, with flavors and cooking styles varying drastically between regions. In southern Italy, for instance, you’ll find food with more spice, and in the north you’ll find risotto, polenta and cream sauces that are not native to the south. A journey through Italian cuisine will not only delight taste buds, but will offer insight into the history and culture of this beautiful country.

Rome: Traditional Tastes

Rome is a city with a pull unlike most others in Europe. Known as “The Eternal City,” Rome is famous for its rich history and many stunning attractions, including the Vatican, Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Campidoglio, Pantheon, Palatine Hill and Roman Forum. But visiting these attractions isn’t the only reason to make the trip to this historic place. Like many of Europe’s largest cities, Rome’s cuisine has been influenced by its diverse population. It’s this fusion of culture in flavor that can’t be missed. Rome’s trattorias (casual dining restaurants) are famous for their spaghetti carbonara, bucatini all’amatriciana (straw-shaped noodles with tomato and bacon sauce) and l’abbacchio (roast lamb). Tuscan and Sicilian restaurants in Rome offer a more upscale dining experience where five courses is the norm. In Rome, dining is a leisurely activity that doesn’t often begin until 8 or 9 p.m. so plan to make a night out your dining experience.

Tuscany: A Countryside Toast

After a visit to Rome, a countryside escape to Tuscany provides a refreshing change of pace. The region of Tuscany boasts breathtaking landscapes, an extensive collection of artwork and incredible wine and cuisine. Make tasting a priority in Tuscany by visiting Castello Vicchiomaggio, one of Italy’s most famous vineyards, which has been producing wine since the 5th century. It is here where you can sip Chianti wine and sample olive oils in the same place that Leonardo da Vinci created the Mona Lisa. Elsewhere in Tuscany, enjoy regional dishes like homemade gnocchi (light potato-based dumplings) with fresh tomato and pecorino sauce, local pork, zucchini, eggplant and more, followed by a delightful tiramisu. If stumped while ordering, ask for a recommendation. Italians are known to be welcoming and passionate hosts, and local chefs and wait staff often love to share their expertise with guests.

Florence: Artistic Flavors

As the capital of the region of Tuscany, Florence adds a distinct new flavor to a culinary tour in Italy. Meat lovers come hungry. Florence is famous for its specially prepared meat, from sliced salami and prosciutto as an antipasto (or appetizer) to a high-quality, grilled T-bone steak. For a meal with an unforgettable view, we recommend The Loggia Restaurant at the legendary Villa San Michele in Fiesole, which overlooks the beautiful city of Florence. Well-fed travelers will have the energy to explore the rest of Florence, from the ornate Duomo cathedral complex to Michelangelo’s recently restored Renaissance sculpture of David. As the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence’s vast collection of art provides stunning visuals to complement its flavorful cuisine.

Venice: Local Seafood, Exotic Spices

Venice is best known for its water-filled streets, romantic art galleries and modern celebrations like the annual Venice Film Festival and Carnival. Venetian cuisine offers a contrast from neighboring regions, where the focus is on seafood, spices and unique side dishes. Discover the many styles of risotto, a creamy rice which acts as a primo (first course) for many Venetian meals, or polenta, made from boiled cornmeal. Both dishes are staples in a Venetian diet, along with fresh fish and exotic spices. To truly understand the culture of daily life in Venice, visit the Rialto market, where you can watch chefs, local residents and vendors bargain over prices, choose the freshest fish or buy colorful fruits and vegetables. Join in the action and grab a morning snack before taking a ferry to Murano where you’ll enjoy watching the creation of Venetian glass by a classically trained glass-blower. After a fresh seafood dinner and a bottle of wine, relax on a romantic gondola ride that has come to define this famous floating city.

Food Experts and a Hands-On Experience

No one understands the role food plays in travel better than Food Network, whose famous chefs and popular show hosts travel the world to bring you fresh ingredients, unique restaurants and ancient recipes. Because Food Network recognizes the significant role food plays in any trip to Italy, they’ve created a tour that celebrates the best Italian food in some of the country’s most well-known regions. The trip pairs famous sights like Rome’s historic Colosseum, Vatican City’s iconic Sistine Chapel or Florence’s colorful marble Duomo with celebrated foods like homemade gnocchi, Parmigiano cheese and tiramisu. Wine tastings at historic vineyards and a hands-on cooking class with a local Italian chef provide guests with inspiration that will influence long after the journey’s end. Led by a Food Network travel host, the 10-day trip visits Rome, Tuscany, Florence, Venice and other famous culinary sites throughout this magnificent destination.

For More Information

To learn more about this comprehensive tour of Italian cuisine with Food Network, contact us.