Italy has long been lauded as a culinary paradise. It’s plain to see why, even at a glance; countless iconic dishes trace their roots to the region, and a passion for food is intrinsic to its culture. Needless to say, Italy is an essential destination for travelling foodies. What’s more, there’s no shortage of tours to help immerse you in the flavours of the Mediterranean. For your consideration, here are seven such Italian food tours to kickstart your culinary journey.
Naples Street Food Tour: Raphael Tours in Pompeii
For many North Americans, “street food” translates to hot dog carts, or maybe the occasional food truck. In Naples, there’s a huge assortment of street eats to savour: arancini, frittata di pasta, zucchini flowers, and so much more. A trip with Raphael Tours in Pompeii is the perfect opportunity to dig into delicious Neapolitan treats, as well as discover the history of the city. The affordable price puts the cherry on top of this tasty food tour.
Sorrento Farm Experience: Gialpi Tour Operator
View this post on Instagram
Sorrento Farm Experience is equal parts sightseeing and tasting tour. The journey begins at a family-run farm, where you’ll take in the Italian countryside and sample extra virgin olive oil made on-site. Spend the following hours exploring a local cheese factory, then learning to prepare Neapolitan-style pizza, before concluding by dining on the fruits of your labor and topping things off with a glass of limoncello. From beginning to end, this trip is pure bliss.
Rome Food Tour by Sunset: The Roman Food Tour
When in Rome, head to the Prati district for an extraordinary evening. This intimate walking tour takes you through a traditional neighborhood, stopping for local favorites along the way. Sample fresh buffalo mozzarella and fine wine as the sun dips below the horizon. From there, you’ll dine at Pizzarium—one of Rome’s most celebrated pizzerias—and try bites from a family-owned gourmet food shop. By the time you’ve finished an authentic pasta dinner, you’ll barely have room for artisan gelato.
RELATED: Russian Food You Have to Try Before You Die >>>
Genoa Walking Tour: Karl Ziegler Journeys
Genoa is more than the birthplace of pesto and a distinct sort of salami; it’s a storied city, rife with striking architecture and phenomenal eateries. But don’t take our word for it. Instead, let Karl Ziegler Journeys reveal all the city has to offer, from the breathtaking view at Spianata Castelletto to Genoese cuisine like focaccia and Prosecco. For the local flavours, and a glimpse into the area’s heritage, this food tour is well worth the price of admission.
Taste of Chianti: Walkabout Florence Tours
Over the course of this ten-hour round trip, you’ll be acquainted with the finer points of Tuscan cuisine. As your transport departs from Florence, watch as the cityscape gives way to sprawling vineyards and olive groves. Stops along the journey include two high-profile wineries, a top-quality Tuscan restaurant, and a butcher nestled in a picturesque Chianti town. Educational and delectable, this one is a must.
The 10 Tastings of Venice: Withlocals
If you’ve ever dreamt of eating your way through Venice, this is the venture for you. Forego the tourist traps for a private guide, and let them lead you to the hole-in-the-wall eateries locals love. Imagine: enjoying chichetti, apéritifs, and bite-sized lessons on Venetian history in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. If that doesn’t sound like a dream come true, what does?
Private Michelin Star Food Tour: Withlocals
You read that right. Withlocals provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to dine at the finest restaurants in Rome. Embark on an adventure through the Eternal City, marvelling at monuments and tasting dishes from no less than four Michelin-starred establishments. Better still, tours are personalized for your palate to guarantee a truly unforgettable experience. While a little on the pricey side, this tour is a little slice of Heaven for fine dining fanatics.
