4-Day Foodie Itinerary in Italy - July 2023

  1. Day 1: Rome
    Leonardo da Vinci International Airport to Centro Storico
    45 minutes (19.7 miles)

    Rome, the gastronomic capital of Italy, is a must for every foodie. Start your food adventure with a traditional carbonara pasta dish, made with eggs, guanciale, and pecorino cheese. Head to Trastevere, a charming neighborhood, for some suppli, a deep-fried rice ball with a gooey cheese center. Finish your day with a glass of wine and some gelato at one of Rome's many gelaterias.

  2. Day 2: Florence
    Rome Termini to Firenze Santa Maria Novella
    1 hour 30 minutes (162 miles)

    Known for its art, history, and of course, food, Florence is a must-visit city for foodies. Start your day with some cappuccino and a brioche at a local cafe. Visit the Mercato Centrale, a historic market that offers a wide range of local and authentic food. Try the bistecca alla fiorentina, a grilled T-bone steak, or ribollita, a hearty Tuscan soup made with bread and vegetables. Finish your day with some panna cotta, a creamy custard dessert.

  3. Day 3: Bologna
    Florence Santa Maria Novella to Bologna Centrale
    35 minutes (58 miles)

    Considered Italy's culinary capital, Bologna is famous for its tortellini, bolognese sauce, and lasagna. Start your day with a traditional Italian breakfast of cappuccino and cornetto. Head to Trattoria Tony for some delicious homemade pasta. Walk around the city and explore the many food markets, such as Mercato di Mezzo, where you can find local cheeses, cured meats, and fresh pasta. In the evening, visit Osteria del Sole, a historic wine bar that serves tasty local wines.

  4. Day 4: Naples
    Bologna Centrale to Napoli Centrale
    3 hours 30 minutes (444 miles)

    End your foodie adventure in Naples, the birthplace of pizza. Start your day with a visit to the historic Antica Pizzeria Port'Alba, the oldest pizzeria in the world. Try the classic Margherita pizza or the Marinara pizza, a simple dish made with tomato sauce, garlic, and basil. Walk around the city and explore the Spaccanapoli district, known for its narrow streets and authentic Italian shops. End your day with some delicious baba, a sweet rum-soaked cake, and a cup of espresso.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Carbonara pasta at a local restaurant in Rome (1 hour, €15-€20)
  • Suppli at I Suppli in Trastevere, Rome (30 minutes, €3-€5)
  • Gelato at Giolitti in Rome (30 minutes, €3-€5)
  • Bistecca alla fiorentina at Trattoria Mario in Florence (1 hour, €25-€30)
  • Ribollita at Trattoria da Rocco in Florence (1 hour, €10-€15)
  • Panna cotta at La Bottega del Buon Caffè in Florence (30 minutes, €5-€10)
  • Tortellini at Trattoria Tony in Bologna (1 hour, €15-€20)
  • Wine tasting at Osteria del Sole in Bologna (1 hour, €10-€15)
  • Margherita pizza at Antica Pizzeria Port'Alba in Naples (1 hour, €10-€15)
  • Marinara pizza at L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele in Naples (1 hour, €5-€10)
  • Baba at Pasticceria Attanasio in Naples (30 minutes, €3-€5)
  • Espresso at Caffè Gambrinus in Naples (30 minutes, €3-€5)

  • Total Estimated Costs: €130-€165
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