A Culinary Tour of Italy

About Lecce

Lecce is a historic city of 95,200 inhabitants in southern Italy, the capital of the province of Lecce, it is over 2,000 years old. Because of the rich Baroque architectural monuments found in the city, Lecce is commonly nicknamed "The Florence of the South". The city also has a long traditional affinity with Greek culture going back to its foundation.

Lecce is a historic city of 95,200 inhabitants in southern Italy, the capital of the province of Lecce, it is over 2,000 years old. Because of the rich Baroque architectural monuments found in the city, Lecce is commonly nicknamed "The Florence of the South". The city also has a long traditional affinity with Greek culture going back to its foundation.

About Naples

Naples is the capital of the Campania region and the third largest city in Italy after Rome and Milan. Naples was founded in the 9th century BC by Greek sailors who gave it the name "Neopolis" meaning “New City.” Throughout the centuries, the city grew and became a magnificent cultural center, considered to be one of the most beautiful in the world. However, local mafia, the Camorra, caused corruption of the municipal government and the city deteriorated, becoming poor and dirty.In spite of everything, Naples is fascinating, perhaps precisely because of the blend of poverty and neglect with the splendor of past royalty and the many rulers who left their mark on the city's.

Naples is the capital of the Campania region and the third largest city in Italy after Rome and Milan. Naples was founded in the 9th century BC by Greek sailors who gave it the name "Neopolis" meaning “New City.” Throughout the centuries, the city grew and became a magnificent cultural center, considered to be one of the most beautiful in the world. However, local mafia, the Camorra, caused corruption of the municipal government and the city deteriorated, becoming poor and dirty.In spite of everything, Naples is fascinating, perhaps precisely because of the blend of poverty and neglect with the splendor of past royalty and the many rulers who left their mark on the city's.

There are still 3 impressive fortresses left standing: Castel Del Uno and Castel Nuovo, which stand at the openings to the sea like formidable bodyguards, and Castel Sant'Elmo, which watches over the city from above. There is a gallery named for King Umberto I which was built as a shopping center in the glorious architectural style typical of the 19th century. Today it is quite neglected and is home to several local shops and cafes. On the other side of the street, in front of the gallery, is the San Carlo theater building, the Neapolitan opera house that was a serious challenger of the La Scala opera in Milan. It even won the competition both for its beauty and its era. Following a long period of closure and extensive renovations, the San Carlo theatre has reopened to the general public, and it is definitely worthwhile to visit. The Duomo (Cathedral) of Naples is named after the city's patron saint, Gennaro Patrona. Residents of the city gather there three times a year to witness the miracle of how the coagulated blood of the saint, which is found in a special glass vessel, turns into liquid. This is the sign to the residents of the city that the saint is still with them, watching over them. The Royal Palace of Naples takes up an entire street and ends at Piazza Flavicito, a huge square that was neglected for many years and had even been used as an overnight parking lot for public buses. The square has been renovated, and today you can once again stroll there, enjoying its size and grandeur. At the end of the square is the famous historic café, "Gambrinus," which was host to writers and intellectuals such as Emile Zola, Oscar Wilde, and Ernest Hemingway and still offers its outstanding coffee... You’ll exit the café on Via Toledo, the bustling pedestrian street filled with shops and international brands. One of the alleys branching off Via Toledo is the gateway to the Spanish Quarter. Originally a closed military residence, the area became home to prostitution and crime over the years. Recent renovations in the quarter succeeded in both cleaning it up and maintaining its authenticity, and it has become a pleasant area for both residents and tourists. It is worthwhile visiting the Spanish Quarter if only to see the "temple" that the residents built there in memory of Diego Maradona, the star of the local soccer team who became an idol after the team's successes during this period. Spaccanapoli, the most visited street in the city, traverses the city in two, hence its name which means, literally, “Naples splitter.” Branching off from the Spaccanapoli are alleys that lead to several other sites, such as the National Museum of Archaeology, which is considered one of the most beautiful museums in Italy. It’s recommended to visit Naples in the transition seasons - from March to May and September/October - when the weather is mild and dry and it is off-peak time for tourists. In the summer, you’ll find large crowds as well as hot and humid weather, and the winter months can be rainy.

About Sorrento

Sorrento, a lively coastal town in the Campania region of southern Italy, sits at the entry to the Amalfi coastal road, one of the most stunning routes in the world. Because of its beauty and its convenient location, Sorrento buzzes with tourists from all over the world throughout the year – and it is an excellent base for excursions in the region.

Sorrento, a lively coastal town in the Campania region of southern Italy, sits at the entry to the Amalfi coastal road, one of the most stunning routes in the world. Because of its beauty and its convenient location, Sorrento buzzes with tourists from all over the world throughout the year – and it is an excellent base for excursions in the region.

Located on a cliff at a height of 50 meters (164 feet) above sea level, Sorrento overlooks the Gulf of Naples, the island of Capri, the city of Naples, and the Vesuvius volcano. The ancient Greeks believed that sea nymphs, mythological figures who were wonderful singers, lived in Sorrento. Their singing drew mesmerized sailors to the shore, causing them to crash their ships on the rocky shore. According to Homer's account, Odysseus blocked his soldiers’ ears to prevent them from listening to the songs of the sea nymphs, and thus they passed through the area uneventfully. Sorrento is the birthplace of the famous 16th century poet, Torquato Tasso, whose statue stands in the main square that is named after him. The main street, Corso Italia, extends from both sides of the square and is lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants as are the small streets that branch off from it. A flight of 200 steps leads from the square to the small marina that serves as a docking place for the speedboats that take tourists and vacationers by sea to the islands, Naples, and to the towns along the Amalfi road. Public buses and trains are available for those who prefer to stay on land, and there are public and private parking lots for those who arrive by car and start their journey on the magical Amalfi road from here.

About Orvieto

Orvieto is a city and commune in Province of Terni, southwestern Umbria, situated on the flat summit of a large butte of volcanic tuff. The site of the city is among the most dramatic in Europe, rising above the almost-vertical faces of tuff cliffs that are completed by defensive walls built of the same stone called Tufa. Main sights in the city include The Duomo, a cathedral with five bells which date back to the renaissance, it's facade is particularly striking; More important sights include The Papal residence, Underground tunneling system, Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo, The Albornoz fortress, and more.

Orvieto is a city and commune in Province of Terni, southwestern Umbria, situated on the flat summit of a large butte of volcanic tuff. The site of the city is among the most dramatic in Europe, rising above the almost-vertical faces of tuff cliffs that are completed by defensive walls built of the same stone called Tufa. Main sights in the city include The Duomo, a cathedral with five bells which date back to the renaissance, it's facade is particularly striking; More important sights include The Papal residence, Underground tunneling system, Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo, The Albornoz fortress, and more.

About Assisi

Assisi is a town and commune of Italy in the province of Perugia in the Umbria region, on the western flank of Monte Subasio. It was the birthplace of St. Francis, who founded the Franciscan religious order in the town in 1208, and St. Clare (Chiara d'Offreducci), the founder of the Poor Sisters, which later became the Order of Poor Clares after her death. The 19th-century Saint Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows was also born in Assisi. UNESCO collectively designated the Franciscan structures of Assisi as a World Heritage Site in 2000. The town is dominated by two medieval castles. Assisi has had a rich tradition of art through the centuries and is now home to a number of well known artistic works.

Assisi is a town and commune of Italy in the province of Perugia in the Umbria region, on the western flank of Monte Subasio. It was the birthplace of St. Francis, who founded the Franciscan religious order in the town in 1208, and St. Clare (Chiara d'Offreducci), the founder of the Poor Sisters, which later became the Order of Poor Clares after her death. The 19th-century Saint Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows was also born in Assisi. UNESCO collectively designated the Franciscan structures of Assisi as a World Heritage Site in 2000. The town is dominated by two medieval castles. Assisi has had a rich tradition of art through the centuries and is now home to a number of well known artistic works.

About Florence

Florence is the capital city of the Italian region of Tuscany. Florence is famous for its history, a center of medieval European trade and finance and one of the wealthiest cities of the time, Florence is considered the birthplace of the Renaissance, and has been called the Athens of the Middle Ages. A turbulent political history includes periods of rule by the powerful Medici family, and numerous religious and republican revolutions. The Historic Center of Florence was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982. The city is noted for its culture, Renaissance art and architecture and monuments. The city also contains numerous museums and art galleries.

Florence is the capital city of the Italian region of Tuscany. Florence is famous for its history, a center of medieval European trade and finance and one of the wealthiest cities of the time, Florence is considered the birthplace of the Renaissance, and has been called the Athens of the Middle Ages. A turbulent political history includes periods of rule by the powerful Medici family, and numerous religious and republican revolutions. The Historic Center of Florence was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982. The city is noted for its culture, Renaissance art and architecture and monuments. The city also contains numerous museums and art galleries.

About Bologna

Bologna is the largest city (and the capital) of Emilia-Romagna Region in Northern Italy. It is the seventh most populated in Italy, heart of a metropolitan area (officially recognized by the Italian government as a città metropolitana) of about one million.

Bologna is the largest city (and the capital) of Emilia-Romagna Region in Northern Italy. It is the seventh most populated in Italy, heart of a metropolitan area (officially recognized by the Italian government as a città metropolitana) of about one million.

About Mestre

A destination in Italy frequented by few tourists.

About Verona

Verona is a city straddling the Adige river in Veneto, northern Italy. It is one of the main tourist destinations in northern Italy, owing to its artistic heritage, several annual fairs, shows, and operas, such as the lyrical season in the Arena, the ancient amphitheater built by the Romans. The city has been awarded World Heritage Site status by UNESCO because of its urban structure and architecture. Three of Shakespeare's plays are set in Verona: Romeo and Juliet, The Two Gentlemen of Verona, and The Taming of the Shrew.

Verona is a city straddling the Adige river in Veneto, northern Italy. It is one of the main tourist destinations in northern Italy, owing to its artistic heritage, several annual fairs, shows, and operas, such as the lyrical season in the Arena, the ancient amphitheater built by the Romans. The city has been awarded World Heritage Site status by UNESCO because of its urban structure and architecture. Three of Shakespeare's plays are set in Verona: Romeo and Juliet, The Two Gentlemen of Verona, and The Taming of the Shrew.

About Bergamo

Bergamo is a city and commune in Lombardy, Italy. The commune is home to over 120,000 inhabitants. The foothills of the Alps begin immediately north of the town. The town has two centers: "Citta alta" (upper city), a hilltop medieval town, surrounded by 16th-century cyclonic defensive walls, and the "Citta bassa" (lower city).

Bergamo is a city and commune in Lombardy, Italy. The commune is home to over 120,000 inhabitants. The foothills of the Alps begin immediately north of the town. The town has two centers: "Citta alta" (upper city), a hilltop medieval town, surrounded by 16th-century cyclonic defensive walls, and the "Citta bassa" (lower city).

About Milan

Milan, Italy, is often synonymous with fashion, luxury, and business. But beyond the glitz and glamour, Milan offers a unique blend of history, culture, and art. From its iconic Duomo to world-class shopping and vibrant atmosphere, Milan is a must-visit destination for any traveler.

Milan, Italy, is often synonymous with fashion, luxury, and business. But beyond the glitz and glamour, Milan offers a unique blend of history, culture, and art. From its iconic Duomo to world-class shopping and vibrant atmosphere, Milan is a must-visit destination for any traveler.

The Duomo di Milano, Milan's stunning Gothic cathedral, is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Its intricate facade, adorned with countless statues and spires, reflects the city's rich history. Climbing to the rooftop of the Duomo offers breathtaking panoramic views of Milan. Inside, the cathedral's awe-inspiring interior is adorned with beautiful stained glass windows and intricate details, and it is home to thousands of statues and hundreds of gargoyles and church figures. While entry to the main area of the Milan Cathedral is free for prayer and worship, a ticket is required to explore areas such as the rooftop terraces, the museum, or the archaeological area. No visit to Milan is complete without indulging in a bit of retail therapy. The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is Italy’s oldest active shopping gallery and another iconic Milan landmark. A shopper’s paradise, it is housed in a four-story double arcade that dates back to the mid 19th century. The structure’s central dome has a beautiful mosaic that represents the continents of Asia, Africa, Europe, and the U.S. This elegant glass-roofed structure houses a variety of luxury brands, historic restaurants, and charming cafes such as the historic Café Biffi, with even fast-food restaurants decorated in high style to blend in with the sophisticated ambiance. Beyond shopping, Milan offers countless cultural gems. In the vibrant Brera District, you’ll find art galleries, boutiques, and charming cafes. Explore the museums and art collections housed in the Sforza Castle, the city’s medieval fortress. For a taste of local life, stroll along the bustling Navigli Canals lined with hip bars and restaurants, eclectic art galleries, and vintage shops. Visit on the last Sunday of the month for the popular flea-meets-antiques bazaar that runs along the Naviglio Grande for over a mile. The neighborhood is just a 30-minute walk from the Duomo or a 20-minute ride by subway, tram, or bus.  Don’t miss the grandeur of La Scala, one of the world's most famous opera houses. A visit to Santa Maria delle Grazie is a must, where you can admire both the Renaissance architecture and Leonardo da Vinci's iconic masterpiece, The Last Supper. To make the most of your Milan adventure, consider these tips: Book tickets in advance for popular attractions like the Duomo and The Last Supper, as they often sell out. Embrace the local cuisine by sampling Italian dishes like risotto, pasta, and pizza. Learning a few basic Italian phrases can make your trip more enjoyable, and lastly, don’t rush—Milan is a city meant to be savored. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and world-class shopping, Milan offers an unforgettable experience for travelers of all ages and interests.

About Turin

Turin is a city and second major business (after Milan) and cultural center in northern Italy, capital of the Piedmont region, located mainly on the left bank of the Po River, in front of Susa Valley and surrounded by the western Alpine arch. In 1997 a part of the historical center of Turim was inscribed in the World Heritage List under the name Residences of the Royal House of Savoy. The city has a rich culture and history, and is known for its numerous art galleries, restaurants, churches, palaces, opera houses, piazzas, parks, gardens, theatres, libraries, museums and other venues. Turin is well known for its renaissance, baroque, rococo, neo-classical, and art nouveau architecture.

Turin is a city and second major business (after Milan) and cultural center in northern Italy, capital of the Piedmont region, located mainly on the left bank of the Po River, in front of Susa Valley and surrounded by the western Alpine arch. In 1997 a part of the historical center of Turim was inscribed in the World Heritage List under the name Residences of the Royal House of Savoy. The city has a rich culture and history, and is known for its numerous art galleries, restaurants, churches, palaces, opera houses, piazzas, parks, gardens, theatres, libraries, museums and other venues. Turin is well known for its renaissance, baroque, rococo, neo-classical, and art nouveau architecture.