Italy is well known to be one of the most sought after foodie destination all over the world; of course, there is plenty to see in terms of art, history and nature but, between churches, archaeological sites and museums, tourists can also enjoy delicious food and wine, part of what is commonly known as the Mediterranean diet, which includes fresh vegetables, lovely cheeses, tasty pasta preparations, yummy ice creams, charcuterie, an intensive and variegated wine production and much more.

Lots of these produces are made from ingredients grown and cultivated within the peninsula, and often legally protected by the EU through a control system called DOP that can guarantee high standards of production and the specific area of origin. Indeed, Italy can count an almost endless number of DOP products spread out along the territory, from North to South.

Let’s take Piedmont for example. This region produces among the best wines of Italy from a local grape variety called Nebbiolo; wines that can age indefinitely and that, of course, are protected by the DOP system. Besides, in the Langhe area around the city of Alba, Barolo Barbaresco, La Morra and Neive, the rolling hills covered with vineyards are now inscribed to the Unesco World Heritage list. If you are interested in learning a bit about the so-called  `king of wines, wine of kings` and want to enjoy the beauty of this region, you may consider joining the  Barolo Winery Tour where you’ll have the chance to visit 3 famous wineries and to taste some of their delicious wines.

Moving to Lombardy and more specifically to the province of Mantua, we will find another jewel of the crown of Italian food: Grana Padano. This hard cheese has an ancient history and its creation dates back to the 10th century in the Cistercian Abbey of Chiaravalle. All cheese fans or those curious about Grana Padano production should check out the Tasting the Flavours of Grana Padano Cheese tour, a visit that will get you to explore the city of Mantua, one of the most well kept secrets of Italy. During the tour you will be able to taste local dishes and to finish the day with a visit to a dairy farm completed by some tasty cheese tastings.
South to the Liguria region, in the strip of land dividing the Mediterranean Sea from the Alps, we can find another essential Italian ingredient: basil. And what better place to taste this distinctive summery herb than the land of pesto? Genovese basil is acclaimed for its great quality and it is particularly suitable for the preparation of many other typical regional dishes. Nature lovers should not miss the chance to explore the coastline of this region with the Eat and Walk in Park of Portofino. The nice 4 hours stroll from the town of Camogli up to San Fruttuoso will be rewarded with some tastings of typical regional dishes.

But a trip to Italy would not be complete without an olive oil experience. This Mediterranean golden ingredient is produced all over the country and different DOPs are designated in several areas of the peninsula. The Lemon Tree Riviera History & Taste Tour will take you through one of these areas, the Garda Lake. After a visit to Desenzano and a promenade along the lake and the beautiful villas that surround it, the day will end with a visit to a wine and olive oil producer where you will get an insight on these 2 local products.

And that’s not all folks! We’ll take you again around Italy in our next blogs to let you discover more delicious DOP products and the beautiful regions where they are produced.

Milan – the cosmopolitan Italian city is the home of fashion and design. Known for its magnificent buildings, haute couture, and exquisite dining experiences, it can be difficult to discover the true Milan on the surface, but with local guides and crafted tours there is a lot to be discovered.

Day one: Getting to know Milan

Start you first day in Milan with a cultural and historic tour of the city, and find out what defines this modern and sophisticated city. The Half-Day Modern Architectural Tour will show you some of the most astonishing modern and historical buildings in Milan under the guidance of a local architect, including the Palace of Art, the House in the Park, the XXI Aprile House, and the Velasca Tower.

For lunch, stay in the Lombardy region, and surrounded by Milan’s resplendent architecture, eat under its gaze. Head to the traditional Trattoria Milanese (Via Santa Marta 11) between 12 and 2.30pm and sample the house special, Risotto alla Milanese or the Cotoletta Milanese, for lunch, although, be warned, this place is not a spot for vegetarians.

For a taste of local life in Milan, check out one of Milan’s bustling Mercato di Viale Papiniano. Jam-packed with fresh, local produce, this vibrant farmer’s market will tickle your tastebuds and allow you to revel in what Italy is most famous for – FOOD!

For an evening of fun head to the up and coming Isola district. Set away from the city, the 19th-Century neighborhood is one of Milan’s best kept secrets. The cool artists and musicians live and work here, and have transformed it into the happening place to be. Check out the famous Blue Note jazz bar (Via Pietro Borsieri, 37) for some live music.

Day two: The art of Milan

Start your next Milanese day with the informative and exciting Leonardo da Vinci Experience, marking the 25 years the artist spent living and working in the city, which is also home to his famous work The Last Supper. The tour takes you to the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana museum, which is located in a 17th Century building and displays work from da Vinci alongside other famous Renaissance masters, as well as a trip to the recently renovated Leonardo’s Vineyards, tucked away in a secret courtyard.

For your afternoon adventure join the Street Art Tour – a walking tour of the street art and culture of Milan, with an expert local guide revealing the other side of Milan’s design culture. This two-hour tour will take in parts of Milan that would be difficult to discover without a guide. Alternatively, if you prefer to discover more about the art and design history of Milan, then sign up for the Design and Style Tour. Offered in either the afternoon or morning, you will learn about the roots of art and design in the city on this tour.

After your tour head for a traditional Italian aperitivo – or a pre-dinner drink (sometimes described as the Italian Happy Hour). Try Jamaica (Via Brera 32), a Milanese institution full of art and soul, Jamaica has a charming terrace and is a great spot for an evening aperitivo.

Day Three: The lifestyle secrets of Milan

To really get below the surface of Milan, you have to literally head below the surface of Milan. The Subterranean Milan Tour does just that. Offering an incredibly unique view of the city through Milan’s secret web of underground caves, passages, wells, crypts and trenches hidden beneath the city. Discover the mysteries and treasures of Milan right under your feet. This is a truly exceptional tour unlike any other.

Enjoy lunch in the charming Navigli District, the area your afternoon will take place in, and head for a deliciously fresh lunch at Taglio (Via Vigevano, 10). The cafe/shop/kitchen feels very Italian, with its local, delicious food, perfect Italian coffee, and relaxed and inviting environment – it’s a must.

After  a pleasant walk along the canals Naviglio Grande and the Naviglio Pavese, both surrounded by different types of cafés, restaurants, bars, design shops, and art galleries , join the Navigli District History and Lifestyle Tour starting at the oldest church in Milan, the Basilica of Sant’ Eustorgio. The tour will lead you along the historic canals of Milan, discovering long forgotten churches and buildings. What’s great about this tour is  that you not only get to sample gin at Gin012 at the first gin corner in Milan, but you also learn about gin production and try some early Milanese gins.

Finish your adventure with a romantic meal on the canal at El Brellin (Alzaia Navilglio Grande, 14) offering classic Milanese dishes alongside modern Lombardian cuisine, all served in a gorgeous old restaurant that overlooks Milan’s canals. A beautiful setting to end your Milanese experience.

Milan is without any doubt Italy’s trendiest city; and, by saying that, we are not just thinking about fashion. In fact, there is much more than cool designers and luxurious shops to this city.

Indeed, besides being a fascinating destination from an artistic and historical point of view, Milan also has a long agricultural tradition deeply rooted in its soul and should be a must stop for all foodies. And if the city has now become a fast metropolis, it is still possible to find, in the surrounding areas as well as hidden in some corners of the city centre, a taste of this ancient rural culture.

Organic food markets have become integrated part of the city life and there is more and more attention to food origins and 0 Km produces. Not to say that the gastronomic scene shines every months of new restaurant openings concentrating especially in the area of the Navigli (Milan Waterways), the centre of the nightlife.

To confirmation of this trend, within the urban area some city farms have appeared such as the Cascina Cuccagna, which dates back to 1695 and has been recently restored and brought back to operation by local associations. If you are interested in visiting this farm and discovering the green beating heart of Milan or if you just want to have a break from the city hustle and bustle, you may consider taking the Storytelling Bike Tour of Milan and experience the local farming traditions and productions in an unusual and funny way.

If you are looking for a more alternative type of visit, you should join the Taste the Rural Heart of Milan Tour that will allow you to explore the traditions, the local cuisine and wines, and discover the identity of the rural area surroundings the city. During the tour you will make a stop at the Cascina Guzzafame, a family business including also a dairy factory and local product shops. This tour is perfect for those looking for genuine, organic seasonal products and some quiet.

Those visiting the city should also know that two the of the most peculiar Italian traditions originate here: the Panettone, the classical Italian Christmas cake, and the “aperitivo alla Milanese” a much more complex habit than a simple Happy Hour which involves rich buffets of local specialties ranging from pasta, meat dishes and cheeses, to more elaborate preparations. The best area for aperitif is the Navigli District; if you want to explore the little architectural gems hidden within the area, have a look at the Navigli District History and Lifestyle tour, which will also give you the chance to end the day with an extensive gin tasting session at Officina 12, pleasantly relaxed restaurant which is home to Gino12, the first gin bar in Milan.

At least, for those looking to experience Milan as a local and to enjoy its genuine flavours off the beaten path, check out the Milan Tour made by Locals that will take you around artisanal shops and street food markets giving you the chance to taste some fantastic local food.

Day One: Venice

Start your Venetian adventure in the wonderful city. Famous for its architecture, history, beautiful canals and backstreets, get lost in a crowd with the unique poetry and watercolor class walking tour of Venice. Get to know inside the beautiful city, by learning how to paint and write. Follow an expert through the crooked calli (lanes) and hidden campi (squares) with day for all the senses. The local artist Claudio provides the materials, you just need to listen, write and paint!

Claudio offers the option to dine together, but we also recommend the divine Corta Sconta (Calle del Pestrin Castello, 3886, 30122). Because when in Venice, it is all about local, fresh seafood. Dining al fresco, the restaurant has an inner courtyard that is shielded only by vines. Located on the residential lanes of Castello, you won’t need to go far for a delicious and authentic seafood meal.

If you haven’t already booked a place to stay in the city of culture and romance, then try the  Locanda Orseolo (Corte Zorzi, San Marco, 1083). It’s quaint Venetian décor, and central, yet tucked away, location is perfect for sneaking back to after a full day in Venice. Rooms start at around 200 Euros per night for two people, book online and in advance.

Day two: Venice lagoon

Venice is all about water. And after getting lost in Venice’s urban landscape of houses, churches, and narrow lanes, spend your next day on a historic and beautiful four-hour Venice lagoon tour. The often overlooked lagoon, where Venice’s rivers and canals merge with the Adriatic Sea, is one of the most ecologically rich waters in the Mediterranean. The tour meets in Venice so there is no need to organise transport, take a taxi or boat to the meeting point at Teatro Fondamenta Nuove (Sestiere Cannaregio, 5013).

The boat ride takes you to the northernmost sector of Venice Laguna, Burano – the island of a thousand colors. The island, which historically trades in fishing and craft lace, is just five minutes away from Torcello, the oldest religious center of the lagoon.

It’s vital when you are travelling in the lagoon area that you eat fresh seafood for dinner. And it doesn’t come fresher than the local fishermen and their makeshift huts. Located close to Burano and Torcello, there is an old fishing shack, or a bilancia, and this hut serves a seven-course seafood meal fresh from the lagoon. Run by local fisherman Toni Zottarel, In Laguna da Toni’s unique dining experience must be booked at least two weeks in advance by calling Toni on 00393388211229.

Day three: Venetian hills

After two days of Venetian indulgence, it’s time breathe in the fresh and untouched air of the Venetian hills. Playing host to Lord Byron’s villa and plenty of natural wildlife, the hills are a great escape from urban Venice. Hire a car or take the train, and then a short taxi ride, to the edge of the hills to meet these exquisite tours of the Venetian countryside (which is about an hour away from Venice).

Discover the “Garden of Venice” of Venice on the Palladian Villas Tour of the Venetian hills, and explore the majestic Venetian villas, beautiful fresco art, and the wine and food made and produced here.

If you still want more, spend your afternoon on a Prosecco hiking tour. Hike among the grapes of the Veneto Piedmont for this glorious three-hour tour of the mountains, with food and Prosecco tasting at two different wineries.

Both of these tours can be day trips from Venice, but if you are keen to stay your final night in the Venetian hills and experience the life and times of Lord Byron, then try the four-star Hotel Villa Cipriani (Via Canova, 298, 31011, Asolo – close to the meeting point for the Palladian Villas Tour), with its grand exterior and infinity pool, it’s luxurious yet surprisingly affordable.

Close to the villa, the village of Asolo is a fine place to wind down your Venice adventure. Family-run restaurant Bistrot (Via Pietro Bembo, 85, Asolo) serves delicious courses of Italian fare and an extensive wine list for every palette.

Charlotte H.