Parma

When you gave the world Parmesan Cheese, Prosciutto Ham and pastas such as tortellini, and have neighbours nearby who blessed us with balsamic vinegar, you are possibly justified in crowning yourself as the best place in Italy for food. Situated close to the Appenine Mountains, Parma is one of the most anticipated food pilgrimage stops on the Best of the Via Francigena tour.

 

 

Tuscany

Pure, strong flavours from only the freshest of ingredients. The simple Tuscan cooking style has won hearts and palates worldwide. Of course the pastas and local cakes are simply divine but for many food travellers to Tuscany the dream is as simple as kicking back with olive oil over traditional bruschetta and local Chianti. Browse Tuscany trips.

 

 

Sicily

Thanks to the culinary influences of the Greeks, Arabs, French and Spanish, Sicily’s food culture offers some more complicated arrangements of the basics. Arancini balls, for example. Seafood staples of sardines and swordfish feature more heavily on Sicilian menus, as does a bit more spice. Sorbetta, sherbet and gelato’s originated here when the Arabs mixed the unmelted snows of Mt Etna with fruit-flavoured syrups to cool down. Browse Sicily tours.  

 

 

Prosecco & Venice

The Italian government changed the name of the Prosecco grape to Glera to protect the local Prosecco producers north of Venice from exploitation. While others started using the same grape, everyone knew that the best Prosecco only comes from the hills surrounding  Conegliano and Valdobbiadene. And since you’ll likely get to the Prosecco region via Venice you should certainly seek out their best risotto, the Venetians gift to Italian cooking.