Heart of Italian Cuisine: 10-Day Gastronomy and Culture Tour

A short journey from your conveniently located hotel will lead you to the marina, where you will be met by a knowledgeable guide and experienced sailor, who will guide you out beyond the breakers and provide you with a unique perspective of Palermo often missed by the hasty traveler. As you bask in the sun-soaked coastline, your guide will provide you with snacks and suggestions of the best places to look to see signs of sea life. Finally, with the smell of the sea and salt fresh in your memory, you will conclude your first full day in Italy with a renewed sense of appreciation for the steaming scallops and squid that you see being served in the many gourmet restaurants in your neighborhood.

Whereas the day before the theme was the bounty of the sea, today’s tour of Sicilian open-air markets and the colorful produce of Sicily’s fertile farmland will amaze your eyes and tempt your taste buds. As you will see, it is not uncommon for the daily vendors to attract attention by belting out the day’s specials at the top of their lungs, along with an attractively organized fruit stand. Some of the best produce to enjoy includes chard, cauliflower, broccoli, beets, and cabbage. With the help of your guide, you will select the choicest ingredients before returning to a nearby kitchen, where you will learn the intricacies of Sicilian cooking.

When you are ready, you will be transferred to Palermo’s main international airport for your departure, after which a short flight and transfer will be all that separates you from relaxing in Roman comfort. Once you land, you will be met by a driver and transferred to your accommodation, where you have a chance to settle in to your new surroundings before celebrating your arrival in style by indulging in your first Italian meal in Rome. A nearby restaurant, which will be hand-picked based on your preferences, will provide a rustic setting for a feast fit for an emperor. 

You will need your energy today because you will be embarking on a flavorful investigation of the Italian love affair with gelato. Later in the day, you will be met by a Roman expert, whose knowledge of the city is surpassed only by their love for the chilled dessert. After visiting one of the famous gelato dispensaries in the heart of the city, you will be led on a tour of some of the famous architectural and noteworthy sites within walking distance. You will also be able to visit the Trevi Fountain, whose picturesque sculptures and stunning facade has been the backdrop for many international blockbusters.

The Italian capital is best enjoyed at your own pace. Today, you will have ample time to do just that on your final full day in the city. A few steps from your hotel, you can find the most iconic structure in the city. The Colosseum has attracted visitors for centuries and is an excellent destination to appreciate ancient Roman feats of engineering and the precarious, and often short, life of a gladiator. No matter where you decide to venture, the city is filled to the brim with an assortment of art galleries, museums, and historical attractions that can stimulate your mind.

When you are ready, a car will transfer you to the nearby Termini train station, where you will have a short trip to your final destination. Waiting for you at the central station, your private car will transfer you into the red-roofed interior of the city center. After you have had a chance to settle in to your opulent accommodation, you can venture out and explore the many cafes and restaurants with a tasting walk. Your guide will take you through the city to indulge in the flavors of the markets and street vendors embodying the essential taste of Florence.

A trip to Florence would not be complete without visiting the numerous artistic masterpieces of the city. You will have the day to spend at your leisure, so you can indulge in whatever suits your fancy. The art of the city also embraces classic butchers and farmers, who once hawked their wares in this novel setting. You can enjoy a half-day Tuscan Cooking Course to discover the region's essential ingredients, dishes, and wines. Your private chef will introduce you to the marvel of the local vendors before you shape a delicious meal with dishes like ribolita or potato tortelli.

Your final full day in Italy will include a trip to the heart of Italian winemaking. You will immerse yourself into this seductive world of viticulture as you venture beyond the city limits of Florence. After you arrive in Montepulciano, you will have the opportunity to explore the town and enjoy some of the stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Afterward, you will be guided into the dimly lit depths of a wine cave that has been operating for centuries. At the end of your tour, you will have a chance to evaluate the product contained by the towering wine of some of the best Tuscan wine.

A few shots of the Florentine espresso will relinquish any remnants of your previous afternoon’s wine tasting this morning. From Palermo in the South to the Northern latitudes of Florence, you have received a relaxing and refreshing immersion into the unique flavors of Italy. As your private driver conveys you to Florence’s primary airport for your departure, you can rest assured knowing that you dodged some of Italy’s most crowded months and that, even though you are leaving this delicious land behind you, you can enjoy the benefits of this visit through the countless recipes and dishes that you intend to try upon your return home.