Italy’s La Dolce Vita
Savoring a meal, indulging in local wines, and falling under the spell of Roman ruins, masterpieces, lakes, and stunning coastal villages—Italy elevates pleasure to an art form. Get inspired by one of our Authentic Itineraries or request a Custom Italy vacation.
Food, Wine, and Delicious Specialties
Only slighter larger than the state of Arizona, Italy’s vibrant regions vary in climate from the Alps to the sun-soaked south. Each town is partly defined by their local cuisine. Traditional meals include hearty food from the alps, influenced by Austria. In Venice, Sardinia, and Sicily, look for seafood. While in Florence, rich bean soups, pâté, and exceptional beef are on the menu. Head down to Naples, and you’ll delight in a classic Mediterranean diet. In Northwest Italy, the truffles and polenta are divine.
Each region also has a surprising array of sweets, including every flavor of gelato imaginable and heavenly pastries. Of course, wine and Italy are a natural pair. (Vineyards even roll up rocky cliffs.) The Tuscany, Piedmont, and Veneto regions are the most well-known, but hidden-gem towns often have specialty wines. For example, Sorrento’s Limoncello, made from nearby lemon orchards, is often served, no charge, even with pizza. When in Italy, say YES to every taste sensation!