Cuisine

One of the most enjoyable aspects of traveling is the variety of local cuisine. This tour takes you through the Campania region, known for its fish and seafood dishes, such as spaghetti vongole (spaghetti with clam sauce), alici marinate (marinated anchovies) or insalata di mare (a seafood salad). Campania yields some of the best produce in Italy, including San Marzano tomatoes, used in slow-simmering ragú. The Amalfi Coast is renowned for its lemons (sfusati), used in everything from linguine with lemon to lemon soufflés. Campania is also famous for its cheeses, such as mozzarella di bufala. However, Campania’s most famous dish comes from Naples—the city that invented the pizza. The standard tomato, basil and cheese variety is called a margherita, but with so many choices, you may want to try a few.

Desserts include pastiera napoletana, a cake filled with ricotta and candied peel, and ricotta-filled pastries known as sfogliatelle. The area produces famous wines harking back to Roman times. Try the white Greco di Tufo and Fiano di Avellino, or the red Taurasi (excellent when aged) and Lacrima Cristi from Vesuvius. Stop by an enoteca (wine shop and bar) and you’ll find wine from all over Italy and knowledgeable clerks to help you.