Start your food journey in the heart of Italy, Rome. Visit the Pantheon, an ancient temple, and try the authentic Italian Pizza Bianca from Forno Campo de' Fiori, a nearby bakery. Take a stroll at the Trevi Fountain and taste the classic Italian gelato from Giolitti, known as one of the best gelaterias in Rome.
Travel to Florence and visit the Duomo Cathedral, the symbol of the city. Satisfy your taste buds with truffles, either pure or used as a sauce, especially in dishes like Tagliatelle al tartufo at Trattoria Sostanza. Take a walk to see the Ponte Vecchio, a picturesque medieval bridge lined with historic shops, and try the local wine with some Crostini di Fegato at Enoteca Pitti Gola e Cantina.
Bologna is the food capital of Italy, and a must-visit destination for food lovers. Start your day visiting the Asinelli Tower, an iconic landmark of the city. Indulge in some of the famous local dishes like Tortellini, Lasagna alla Bolognese, and Mortadella, at Ristorante da Nello. Try some premium-quality Italian ham, Prosciutto di Parma, paired with some Lambrusco at Salumeria Simoni.
Travel to the Amalfi Coast, known for its stunning coastlines, beaches, and of course, Italian cuisine. Get a taste of some of the most mouth-watering seafood dishes like Spaghetti alle Vongole, Gamberi alla Busara, and Sarde all Beccafico, at the Ristorante Gennaro Capriglione Positano. Enjoy a scenic view of the coast while sipping on a refreshing Limoncello, a popular Italian liqueur.
End your food journey in Sicily, a stunning island located at the southern end of Italy. Try the iconic Arancini, a deep-fried rice ball stuffed with meat sauce at the Antica Focacceria San Francesco. Explore the world-famous historic attraction of the island, the Valley of the Temples, where you can find many ancient Greek temples.
Italy has a well-developed transportation system. You can travel between destinations by train, which is relatively cheap and easy to navigate. Alternatively, car rentals are available, but they can be expensive and may not be practical in some areas. The estimated total cost for transportation is around €200, and the total travel time is approximately 20 hours.
If you have more time, consider visiting the Italian countryside, such as Tuscany and Umbria, to experience their unique cuisine and visit world-renowned vineyards. You can also add more days to cities like Rome, Florence, and Bologna to explore their cultural and historical sites. If you have less time, you can skip some cities or shorten your stay by a day. Flexibility is key when developing an itinerary that meets your needs and schedule.
The main airports in Italia are: