Italy has a record number of UNESCO World Heritage sites, 55 to be precise. Of its 55 sites, 50 are cultural and 5 are natural. Italy is also the birthplace of the Roman Empire and the Renaissance. It also possesses some of the most diverse ranging and picturesque scenery. You can find some of Europe’s highest peaks and beautiful turquoise waters, and an infinite amount of tasty cuisines.
With its iconic monuments, timeless landscapes and mouth watering food, Italy is an attractive destination packed with historic cities, alluring architecture, timeless art pieces, majestic mountains and epic coastlines, Italy proves to be a an incredible playground for explorers!
Food & Drink
The ultimate challenge of wining and dining in Italy? Fighting the urge to try everything on the menu! One might need a year to sample all the yummy Italian food Italy has to offer, and that’s before you even start to sample all the types of gelato lol
Caprese salad is a classic Italian salad made with alternating slices of ripe tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella. It’s topped with fresh basil leaves, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and sprinkled with salt and pepper. It’s incredibly refreshing.
Antipasti are traditionally served at the beginning of a meal, and can take various forms and consist of all kinds of different foods, depending on the region of Italy. However, what all these hors d’oevres have in common is that they are meant to engage and stimulate all five senses.
Pizza is among the most iconic foods to eat while in Italy. It’s easy, humble, cheap, and filling, pizza has long been a common snack or meal, especially in Naples where tomato sauce was first added.
Tagliatelle is one of the most delicious and well-known pasta shapes of Italian cuisine. This regional delicacy originating from Bologna is typically made with Ragu sauce. However, I loved the mushroom tagliatelle 🙂
Cannelloni are large tubular shaped pasta that are stuffed with most often spinach and ricotta. It is baked with tomato sauce and more ricotta cheese on top.
Risotto is a starch made from rice. Ironically, Italians aren’t huge rice eaters, what with all the pasta and the polenta, however oddly enough they are largest producers of rice in Europe.
Pasta Pomodoro, or Pasta al Pomodoro as it’s called in Italy, is a simple dish of spaghetti or rigatoni tossed with a rich, basil-infused tomato sauce. Lots of tomatoes are used and the dish is usually topped off with Parmesan cheese for a little extra zing.
Ravioli is poetry for the palate! A Tuscany variation is done with a buttery sauce and the raviolis are filled with meat:) However, in most regions, the pasta is stuffed with either ricotta or spinach and is topped off with delicious ragu sauce!
Lasagna wasn’t traditionally made with tomatoes. It was made with ragu, béchamel sauce, and mozzarella or Parmigiano Reggiano; or a combination of the two. Even today, only a bit of tomato or tomato sauce is used in a traditional ragu sauce.
Carbonara is a classic dish is deceptively simple as it combines spaghetti, eggs, pecorino cheese, cured guanciale, and black pepper. That’s it, that’s all! But despite its simplicity, it’s not all rainbows and butterflies to master. Most restaurants do a pretty bang up job though.
Calzone is a handmade dough that is stuffed with a variety of ingredients like cheese, tomatoes, more cheese, prosciutto, vegetables and topped off with some oil and fresh herbs (or not). The dough rises like a tent and acts like a pocket for the interior. I really enjoyed the mushroom and cheese calzone.
Gnocchi (pronounced NYOW-kee) are an Italian pasta. This is my absolute favorite Italian dish. The most common of which is classic potato gnocchi or as the locals say “Gnocchi di patate”. They are made with cooked mashed potatoes, flour and eggs. “Gnocchi” is the plural for “gnoccho,” which you rarely hear, perhaps because who can eat just one?
Arancini is a popular Italian street food made of bite-sized breaded and lightly fried spheres of risotto mixed with mozzarella cheese. It’s a favorite in Sicily and is a great snack! When you bite into an arancini balls, your mouth is met with layers of flavor and texture as the melted cheese that stretches on for what seems like forever!
Gelato! No trip to Italy is complete without gelato, and my husband is the proof of that! For him, it was totally normal to eat gelato on a regular basis. Sometimes for breakfast. Though gelato and ice cream are similar, they’re not quite the same. To start, gelato has far less butterfat than ice cream: somewhere between 4 to 8% compared to 10% to 14% for ice cream in Canada. The low-fat content allows for the gelato is served a bit warmer and tends to melt in your mouth faster. This in turn produces a more intensive flavor and gives it a more velvety texture.
Sicilian Cassata cake packs some of the island’s quintessential flavors in one delectable treat. Beneath the pale green, candied fruit-topped marzipan exterior is a liqueur-soaked sponge cake with sweet chocolate-chip-studded ricotta. You cannot go to Sicily without tasting this gem!
Cannoli is the plural of “cannolo and roughly translates to “little tube.” This tube-shaped dessert consists of fried pastry dough stuffed with a sweet, creamy cheese filling. The creamy filling (often spiked with lemon or orange zest for subtle brightness) is made with sugar and ricotta cheese, but mascarpone is sometimes used. Finished cannolis are often dusted with powdered sugar. Simply divine!
Tiramisu is a no-bake parfait features layers of soft, sweetened mascarpone cheese and coffee-soaked ladyfingers. So so so good! It may be simple to make but not all tiramisu is created equal. A good tiramisu features only the highest quality coffee and mascarpone. Cream and egg whites are sometimes added to the mascarpone to give it a lighter texture, and a variety of cookies and cakes can be substituted for the traditional lady fingers.
Aperol Spritz is a refreshing drink consumed before dinner or after work. In fact, walking through an Italian town during the late-afternoon, particularly in Northern cities like Milan and Venice, and you’ll find groups of people enjoying Aperol Spritzes in cafes everywhere. It is a long-established Italian tradition made from Prosecco, Aperol, club soda and garnished with orange slices!
Finally, Limoncello is a classic alcoholic beverage synonymous with the Amalfi coast, where citrus is famously abundant. This refreshing, brightly colored drink is perfect for enjoying as an aperitif, or in place of dessert if you fancy.
Rome
A walk through the streets of Rome is like walking through Time with a capital T. Because Italy is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, it offers a plethora of sites to indulge your senses in. It is after all home to 2 capitals in one city: Rome and the Vatican, home of the Pope and a place of universal pilgrimage to St Peter’s Square.
Given that Rome is the epicenter of the Roman Empire and the spiritual HQ of the Christian world, it can be difficult trying to find a starting point. Luckily, getting around Rome is made easy by an efficient bus and underground metro system. This city breathes must see sites with every inhalation!
The Coliseum is probably the most iconic places to see in Rome. It’s an imposing 2000 years of history and construction is like looking back in time and seeing the Roman Empire come alive. Gladiators used to fight each other, prisoners and dissidents, animals (like lions and bears) and people were even fed to the wild animals…..all in the name of entertainment! In fact it was a halftime show called “damnatio ad bestias”. The Romans were known for indulging in violence and enjoying the cruelty of watching another person or animal suffer.
The construction of the Colosseum began in the year 72 under the empire of Vespasian. It was finished in the year 80 during the rule of Emperor Titus. After completion, the Colosseum became the greatest Roman amphitheater, measuring 188 meters in length, 156 meters in width, and 57 meters in height!
The Roman Forum was where religious and public life in ancient Rome took place. After the fall of the Empire, the Roman Forum was forgotten and little by little it was buried under the earth. Although in the 16th century, the existence and location of the Forum were already known, it was not until the 20th century that excavations were carried out.
Interestingly, the place where the Forum was built was originally a marshy area. In the 6th century B.C., the area was drained by means of the Cloaca Maxima, one of the first sewer systems in the world.
Palatine Hill is considered to be the birthplace of the Italian capital and is believed to have been inhabited since the year 1000 B.C. During the Republican Period, Roman citizens belonging to the upper class settled in Palatine Hill and built sumptuous palaces, of which important traces are still preserved.
Roman mythology talks of the cave that was inhabited by Luperca, the she-wolf that took care of Romulus and Remus, which is located on Palatine Hill. According to the legend, when the brothers grew up they decided to form a city on the banks of the river, but when they could not come to an agreement on some points of the decision, Romulus killed Remus and founded the city of Rome.
Baths of Caracalla were a favorite pastime of the Romans. They visited them regularly both to maintain their hygiene and to improve their social relations. Today, orchestras and classical music are played during the summer months amongst these stupendous ruins.
The baths make up an architectural wonderwhen you keep in mind the date of their construction, since they included effective water supply systems, as well as heating and drainage systems. The wood-fired ovens that were fed by the slaves served to heat the floors and walls of the baths, in addition to the water.
The Circus Maximus is the largest building for public entertainment in antiquity and one of the largest of all time (600 metres long by 140 metres wide). The races held in the Circus were the most popular competitive activities for the Roman people, as well as the gladiatorial games. The chariot drivers were idolized by the Roman people, and the chariots belonged to different racing teams that were distinguished by different colours (green, blue, red, white). The spectators too were divided up on the circus steps according to the colour of their beloved riders.
Trevi Fountain is one of the oldest water sources in Rome and the actual fountain dates back to ancient Roman times. It provided water to the Roman baths and the fountains of central Rome. The legend is that the Aqua Virgo, or Virgin Waters, is named in honor of a young Roman girl who led thirsty soldiers to the source of the spring to drink.
The fountain was built at the end point of the aqueduct, at the junction of three roads. These three streets give the Trevi Fountain its name, the Three Street Fountain. It stands at 85 feet tall and is almost 65 feet wide. With water pumping out of multiple sources, the fountain spills about 2,824,800 cubic feet of water every day!
What many don’t know is that the coins are collected every night and given to “Caritas”, an Italian charity that uses the money for a supermarket program giving rechargeable cards to Rome’s needy to help them get groceries. How cool is that? Around 3000$ is collected every evening! Last year 1.2 Million USD was collected and donated to this cause.
The Pantheon is not only the best-preserved ancient Roman monument in the world, but it’s also the most replicated. It was originally built as a temple in ancient Rome, and has served various purposes over the centuries, including as a temple dedicated to all Roman gods.
Its recognizable dome, and oculus, is a marvel of engineering and architectural design. Despite many modifications made to the structure over time, today it serves as a Roman Catholic Church.
The Spanish steps are steps that lead from the Piazza di Spagna square to the French monastery church. There are 135 steps and 3 different terraces, referring to the Holy Trinity (the Trinità). The top of the stairs near the Egyptian obelisk offers a beautiful view! In late April, when the city of Rome celebrates its anniversary, these steps transformed into a sea of azalea flowers.
The Vatican spans over just 100 acres, making Vatican City, the smallest country in the world. This region was a part of Rome for the longest time….200 years to be precise. It gained independence in 1929 and since then been governed as an absolute monarchy with the pope being the head of State. It takes a few hours to explore this country and you don’t even need a visa!with a population of just 1,000 people, Vatican City is an absolute monarchy.
St. Peter’s Basilica is a cultural and historical treasure located inside Vatican City. Recognized as one of the world’s largest churches, famous Sistine Chapel and the Vatican museum are a few wonders that attract millions of tourists to this tiny paradise.
Sistine Chapel is adorned with gorgeous frescoes by Michelangelo. His beautifully crafted murals decorate the ceiling and the back wall above the altar. Official ceremonies held by the Pope happen inside this chapel.
The Castel Sant’Angelo is split into 5 floors which can be reached by a spiral ramp that first reaches the chamber of ashes and subsequently the cells in which a number of historical figures were incarcerated.
In the upper part of the castle, there different rooms that functioned as a Papal residence. It is decorated with perfectly preserved frescoes from the Renaissance period, and there is an extensive collection of weapons.
The Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II is a remarkably large building made of white marble. This monument was built in honor of Victor Emanuel II. Although it doesn’t include towers in its general design, the medieval structure still attracts attention from almost every part of Rome because its white marble stands out in an array of earth-colored buildings.
Naples
Few cities in this country have come close to the turbulent past as Naples has. Despite its stormy past, Naples has reinvented itself into a thriving community. For centuries, it was passed from empire to empire and civilization to civilization. Greek, Roman, Norman, Bourbon, French, and Spanish cultures have all occupied the region at one point in history. In previous eras, Naples enjoyed a certain degree of economic and political prosperity, but since the 18th century, Naples has experienced many events with adverse consequences.
Multiple cholera epidemics, the rise and fall of fascism, the Great Depression, Nazi occupation, a volcanic eruption, an uptick in unemployment, and organized crime have certainly challenged this city. The garbage everywhere certainly doesn’t add to it’s charm either 🙁
Catacombs of San Gennaro cover approximately 60,278 sq ft within tuff excavations on the Capodimonte Hill. They are also home to 2,000 burial recesses. These catacombs are amongst the most extensive in southern Italy. Located beneath one of the most populated and characteristic neighborhoods in Naples, they represent the body of Saint Gennaro who was laid to rest in these catacombs. Since then, the catacombs were a pilgrimage destination up until the end of the 9th Century. What sets these catacombs apart from others in the world is that they were built on one level (or horizontally) whereas every other catacomb is built vertically with multiple levels (like a lasagna).
Underground Naples showcases how Naples has been continuously occupied for over 2,000 years. There are a great many network of streets and squares that partly was built by the Romans and Greeks and carved out of the tuff.
Pompeii has re-emerged from the darkness of centuries and from the ashes like a phoenix. It was once buried in the thick layer of ash and lava which cane down from the eruption of Vesuvius in year 79 A.D. The scale of the tragedy was devastating and destroyed one of the most active and splendid Roman epicenters.
Pompeii is now a large archaeological site that has been preserved and features excavated ruins of streets and houses that explorers are free to visit. Pompeii is one of the most significant historical sites demonstrating what Roman civilization looked like from day to day. This site provides catergorical proof on the art, customs, trades and everyday life of the past.
The Lupanare is probably the most visited place within Pompeii. It was the main brothel of within shouting distance of the main square. The walls tell a heartbreaking tale equipped with stone beds and no windows where the majority of sex workers were slaves who lived a harsh life until they were of no further use to the brothels. They were given only the basic essentials, with all the payments from their clients going to the brothel owners.
Mount Vesuvius is the only active volcano in mainland Europe. It has produced some of the continent’s largest volcanic eruptions. Its location overlooking the Bay and City of Naples and sits in the crater of the ancient Somma volcano.
Mount Vesuvius is infamous for the 79 AD eruption which destroyed the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Though the volcano’s last eruption was in 1944, it still represents a great danger to the cities that surround it, especially the busy metropolis of Naples. The view of Naples from the rim of the volcano is spectacular. The hike to get up it was challenging due to the gravel and steep incline. Once atop, you feel accomplished!
Capri is a jewel of southern Italy. The island is famous for many reasons: It has jaw-dropping natural beauty, impressive limestone rocks, delicious cuisine and world-class shopping. It’s also a place to see and be seen….there is no shortage of celebrities that come here. Sophia Loren was a regular. Capri feels sexy and opulent. In the summer months (April to October) beaches in Capri are packed, so the best way to experience the refreshing water without the hordes of people is on a boat!
The Blue Grotto, once named Grotta di Gradola, was Emperor Tiberius’ private swimming pool. He decorated the cave dedicated to sea nymphs. The blue hue and glow of the water comes from the sunlight in the sky. However, instead of the light coming from above, it shines through a hole at the bottom of the cave.
The hole is around 9 metres wide and is located directly below the entrance to the Grotto. The hole actually filters the sunlight and as it travels through the water, colour wavelengths are absorbed by the water with red being the first to go and blue being the last. So, as the light travels through the water to the underwater entrance, it has already lost most of its colour spectrum and only blue remains hence the name “Blue Grotto”.
Milan
Shopping and Fashion is the first thing which comes my mind when somebody mentions Milan, so if you’re anything like me, it’s the same. Milan has the highest number of fashionable boutiques per 1 square meter, which is the highest in Europe. Fashion weeks, bring in lots of looky loos from all over but what Milan does best, is combines history, architecture, art, cuisine, and of course, its impeccable style.
The Last Supper of Leonardo da Vinci (Cenacolo Vinciano) is one of the most famous paintings in the world. This artwork was painted between 1494 and 1498 and depicts the last “dinner” between Jesus and his disciples.
In order to create this unique work, Leonardo carried out a ton of exhaustive research and created an endless amount of sketches. The painting contains traces of gold and silver foils. After completion, his technique and environmental factors had largely contributed to the eventual deterioration of the fresco. To date, it has undergone multiple restorations. The most recent was completed in 1999.
The Duomo di Milan is the most iconic and impressive structure in Milan. It stands tall and proud in Piazza del Duomo, this cathedral is 600 years old. And it’s one big church covering a surface of 109,641 square feet. That’s an entire city block!
There are apparently more statues on this gothic-style cathedral than any other building in the world. There are 3,400 statues, 135 gargoyles and 700 figures to be exact!
To fully appreciate its architecture, standing on the cathedral’s terrace or the terrezza, is a breathtaking views across Milan and, on clear days, the snow-capped peaks of the Alps. It is also a prime viewing location to observe the Madonnia, the gold-colored statue of Mary that stands on the cathedral’s highest spire.
Teatro alla Scala Milan was left without an opera theatre on the night of 25th February 1776, when a fire took it out. A new theatre was built in its place however the new site was located on the decrepit ruins of the Santa Maria della Scala.
On the night between 15th and 16th August 1943, the Theatre suffered another considerable blow when it was damaged during air raids carried out by the RAF as the locals yelled in horror “The British are coming”, jk; Italians back then didn’t speak English much.
The Teatro alla Scala was rapidly rebuilt and on the 11th of May 1946, it reopened in all its original splendor. We decided to see an opera here while we were in Milan. Both Jonathan and I really enjoyed “La Rondine”.
Sicily: Catania & Taormina
Sicily is a largely mountainous island but draws tourists from around the world to its spectacular views, picturesque sea sides and appealing cities rich with history. Any visit will be colored by the rich legacy of its inhabitants and their unique art and culture.
Catania
Mount Etna is an iconic site encompassing 19,237 uninhabited hectares. Mount Etna is the highest Mediterranean island mountain and the most active stratovolcano in the world!
Evidence of eruptions going back 500,000 years and it’s almost continuous activity today, and it continues to influence the field of volcanology, geophysics and other Earth science disciplines.
The volcano also supports important terrestrial ecosystems. These systems include endemic fauna and flora flora and fauna. Mount Etna’s continuous activity provides a valuable natural laboratory for the study of the ecological and biological processes. The volcanic features such as summit craters, cinder cones, lava flows and the Valle de Bove depression have made this volcano and its surroundings, ideal for research and education.
Taormina
The Ancient Theatre of Taormina is an almost perfect horseshoe-shaped theatre, suspended between sea and sky. Mount Etna looms in the distance and provides a breathtaking backdrop. Many consider this to be it’s the most dramatically situated Greek theatre in the world.
In summer, this theatre is used to stage international arts and film festivals. For the most part, the original seats have vanished, but the wall which surrounded the whole cavea has been impressively preserved. The architecture and remains fragments of decoration reveal it be of Corinthian origin and hint at its rich ornamentation.
The Valley of the Temples is located on a plateau not far from the sea, and close to the historic centre of Agrigento. It boasts Doric temples, one of the most significant proof of life of Greek culture and art.
The entire site covers 1,300 hectares. Not all of the huge urban layout has been unearthed, there are still hidden treasures under the olive groves that surround this incredible area.
The Syracuse Archaeological Site (Siracusa) in Sicily contains the impressive remains of the ancient city of Syracuse dating as far back as the 8th century BC. This site was part of the Roman Empire, and the city remained unchanged for hundreds of years until the fall of the Western Empire. Then, over the following centuries Syracuse was invaded, conquered, and occupied several times.
Today, the Syracuse Archaeological Site is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is home to some of the spectacular remnants of its past, the most famous of which is its Ancient Greek theatre. There is also a Roman amphitheatre , a sanctuary to Apollo, an altar to Sicilian King Hieron II (265-215 BC), a set of ancient quarries and a fort!
Lake Como
Lake Como is locally known as Lago di Como or Lario. It is the 3rd largest Italian lake and located at the foot of the Alps. The lake is shaped like an inverted Y which was created from the melting of glaciers. The area borders with Switzerland and the views of the Alps left us speechless.
The entire area is speckled with small lake and hillside towns that make this area very picturesque, even on a cloudy day. The drive around and through the area is peaceful and there are a ton of viewing points from higher up to lake level along the way.
La Spezia
La Spezia’s location on the border between Liguria and Tuscany and its proximity to Cinque Terre, Pisa and Florence make it a perfect starting point for visits to the area. Convenient trains run frequently from La Spezia to Cinque Terre and excursion boats leave the harbor allowing you to visit the famous five villages.
The castle of San Giorgio is one of the highlights in La Spezia. Originally part of the city’s defensive fortification network, the castle was constructed in the 13th century. Inside the castle there is an archaeological museum that contains interesting objects from this part of Italy dating as far back as the Bronze Age.
Cinque Terre
It is quite an experience to travel along Cinque Terre by boat, as it is easily one of the most picturesque coastlines of Italy. However, our boat excursion was cancelled due to high waves. The marine protected area also belongs to the Cinque Terre National Park and they make the call for when and how boats can sight see. We decided to do a train excursion instead.
The 5 fishing villages that make up this area, look quite different and distinct from one another. The towns and their hiking trails are all part of the UNESCO World Heritage site. In order to visit the area, you have to purchase a park pass or a combination of park and train pass. In my humble opinion, taking the short train ride to each town is enjoyable and very scenic….as is walking the trails between locations!
Fererra
This was the first modern city in Italy and one of the most culturally important Italian Renaissance city states. Ferrara was also one of the European capitals of culture, arts, politics, gastronomy. Well ahead of its time, Ferrera was an important city for artists, poets and minstrels.
The Estense Castle is impressive show of 14th century pageantry and grandeur symbolising the balanced power of one of the most important European families. The Castle represents the city of Ferrara but also the history of the Este family. The long sordid history can be viewed through its splendid rooms and an interesting court palace.
Venice
Once a powerful and commanding Republic, Venice is one of the most celebrated cities in Italy. Built on 118 small islands linked by canals and bridges, it remains largely as it would have looked in medieval times. Now protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s an attractive destination for historians, art lovers, chefs and romantics of all ages. From its ostentatious churches and palaces housing medieval masterpieces to tiny backstreet chapels that are home to priceless artworks. This was our second trip to Venice and it was just as enchanting as the first time, especially exploring the canals by boat.
Murano
Murano is the second largest island in the Venetian Lagoon, after Venice. With just over 7,000 inhabitants packed into the small space, it is world-renowned for its glassware creations and its artisans alike. Murano actually consists of several islands connected to each other by bridges and canals.
Although glass-making has taken place in Murano for centuries, it’s still to this day the island’s principal industry. Many century-old techniques are still used, so watching the artisans work is a pretty unique experience. The island has been the epicenter of Venetian glass since the Middle Ages and watching how local artists blow their pieces of art into stunning masterpieces is quite something.
Burano
Winding lanes of brightly painted houses line the canals in the fishing village of Burano set on an outlying island just a 15-minute boat ride beyond Murano. This particular island is known for the art of lace making. Artisans here have created their own intricate style, which produces highly detailed and elaborate pieces that are almost always framed rather than worn.
Rimini
From overflowing beaches and hedonistic night clubs, and home to native film director Federico Fellini, Rimini is home to a frenetic array of sights and sounds. Interestingly, Rimini’s coast used to be exclusively sand dunes until 1843. The first bathing establishments took root shortly after and this sea side became what it is now: a plethora of mega resorts.
San Marino
Geographically, San Marino is the 3rd smallest state in Europe and the world’s oldest republic. This country sits proud on top of a mountain and provides some of the most impressive views.
Although San Marino’s foreign policy is aligned with that of the EU, it is not a member. Most social and political trends align themselves with those of its larger neighbor, Italy as does its National language…Italian. San Marino’s constitution provides for a parliamentary style of government and it is It headed by 2 Captains, who are elected by the council every six months and act as heads of state and heads of government for that period. This is a practice derives from the customs of the Roman Republic.
The 3 Towers of San Marino are a group of towers located on the 3 peaks of Monte Titano and are depicted on both the national flag and coat of arms.
The Guaita is oldest of the 3 towers, and it was constructed in the 11th century and served briefly as a prison. The Cesta is located on the highest of Monte Titano’s summits.
Worth the visit or not: WORTH
With its natural beauty, incredible food, art, and style, Italy is a destination where one visit is not enough. This was my 5th visit and I might come back for more:) The country has a rich legacy of art and impressive collection of architecture making it inviting and seductive. Italy’s history goes back to before Roman times so it’s filled with many architectural and artistic treasures. Every era has its gems but this country is well known for its wonderful artists, architects, engineers, and inventors, who have literally changed and continue to change the world.
As far as cuisine goes, Italian food needs no introduction. It’s a party favorite for many people and there is no shortage of Italian restaurants around the world either. What I can guarantee is authentic cuisine while in Italy that is more than the comfort foods of pizza and pasta.
While different regions of Italy have their own specialties, no matter where you go, you will not be disappointed. Strolling the fresh markets checking out ingredients like cheese, bread, sauces and all kinds of pasta (there are well over 350+ different kinds of pasta!) is a fun way to spend an afternoon. And wherever you go, you will find gelato. My husband never passes up an opportunity to eat gelato 🙂
Things that you will discover: enjoying a cappuccino after 11:00 AM is not acceptable anywhere in Italy. Lol. It’s not that it’s considered rude, just strange as Italians put an emphasis on the digestibility of their food, and drinking milk any time other than at breakfast isn’t very digestible. And, you will not find salt and pepper on the table at a restaurant because the expectation is that the cook has prepared it perfectly. Trying to change food after someone has prepared it, by adding salt or putting ketchup, hot sauce or anything else on it, is unacceptable and is considered bad form.
And, operas are 100% worth the hype!
Happy Travels 🙂