Cuisine

This tour is specifically designed to highlight the celebrated cuisine of the Italian countryside. Nevertheless, the itinerary also allows for plenty of free time for you to explore the Italian fare on your own. Be sure to try those less familiar pasta sauces and the vast range of cured hams, cheeses, rustic breads and desserts. Italian cuisine varies by region. Many cities and towns have their own specialities. Tuscany is known for its wine, oil, sauces and pasta, favoring subtle, lighter pastas and desserts (mostly cookies and breads) made with nuts, fruit and honey. For authentic meals, try local trattorias, small restaurants often with only a couple of open tables and hand-printed menus. Italians tend to indulge in long, often boisterous meals featuring wines and the occasional beer, followed by the requisite after-dinner drinks grappa or limoncello.