Italy food tours — 3 unique itineraries

When it comes to the culinary world, Italy stands as a gastronomic titan. This country is known for its rich flavours, traditions, and culinary treasures. By booking our customisable Italy food tours, you get the chance to explore Italy's diverse regions and immerse yourself in unforgettable gastronomic experiences.

Why Italy is a perfect destination for foodies?

Italy, without a doubt, stands as a perfect destination for foodies, and the reasons are as rich and diverse as the cuisine itself. In this land of culinary wonders, eating isn't just a necessity; it's an art form, a passion, and a way of life. Italy's unparalleled gastronomic heritage is a result of centuries of culinary innovation, regional diversity, and a deep-rooted love for food.

When looking for a food tour of Italy, you might want to consider having a local travel expert handle the planning and booking. Our Italy itineraries are completely customisable can be adjusted to your preferences.

How to plan a food tour of Italy

Planning your dream culinary trip? Here's your roadmap: Start with budgeting and timing, select dream destinations, and craft a flexible itinerary for spontaneity. 

Consider taking culinary classes and joining food tours. These hands-on experiences allow you to delve deeper into Italy's food culture, from pasta-making in Bologna to wine tastings in Tuscany.

Don't forget to familiarise yourself with tipping customs; it's customary in Italy, though not as extravagant as in some other places. A rounding-up gesture is often appreciated.

Culinary experiences you must try in Italy

Eating is by far one of the best things to do in Italy. From trying fresh-made pasta in Bari to truffle hunting in Piedmont, here’s our pick of the best culinary experiences in Italy.

Tuck into freshly made pasta in Bari

Head south to Bari, a coastal gem in Puglia. Here, pasta isn't just a dish; it's a way of life. Dive into the world of handcrafted orecchiette and cavatelli, and experience flavours that have been passed down through generations. Bari's pasta traditions are a testament to Italy's deep-rooted culinary heritage.

Go Truffle Hunting in Piedmont

In Piedmont, you have the chance to venture into the woods and actively join a truffle hunt, a cherished local tradition. Spend the afternoon following the lead of expert truffle hunters and their trusty dogs as they unearth these culinary gems. Then, indulge in a truffle-infused feast to complete your experience.

Visit the best wineries in Tuscany

The rolling hills of Tuscany beckon wine enthusiasts with open arms. This is where you will find the infamous vineyards of Chianti and Montalcino. Explore world-renowned wineries, sip on exquisite vintages, and dive deep into the age-old winemaking traditions that make Tuscany a wine lover's dream.

Eat authentic pizza in Naples

Make your way to Naples, the birthplace of pizza, and experience the magic of a true Neopolitan pie. While here, don’t miss the chance to sample the simplicity of a classic Margherita. Or, venture into the wild world of creative toppings. Naples' pizzerias are a slice of heaven.

To get the most out of your Naples experience, choose the right place to stay with our guide to the best areas to stay in Naples.

Sample Cicchetti in Venice

In the captivating city of Venice, discover the delightful world of cicchetti. Cicchetti are small, flavorful snacks or appetizers — similar to Spanish tapas or Greek meze. These small, delectable bites served in local bacari (wine bars) capture the essence of Venetian cuisine. It's the perfect way to explore the city's culinary treasures one bite at a time.

Taste olive oil in Liguria

Liguria can be an excellent destination to sample olive oil, especially if you appreciate high-quality, extra virgin olive oils. The region is known for its production of flavorful and aromatic olive oils, and Ligurian olive oil has a unique taste due to the local olive varieties and the region's microclimate.

Ligurian olive oils are often used in regional dishes such as pesto, and visiting local olive oil producers can provide you with insights into the olive oil production process and tastings of different varieties.

Cicchetti are small snacks served in traditional bars in Venice © Shutterstock

Cicchetti are small snacks served in traditional bars in Venice © Shutterstock

Italy food tour #1: A gastronomic journey in Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast

On this 11-day Italy food tour you'll have the chance to truly explore Italy's rich cuisine and food culture. Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast are renowned for their culinary treasures. This includes world-famous wines, exquisite handmade pasta, fresh seafood, aromatic olive oils, and an array of regional specialities like truffles, limoncello, and traditional Italian dishes.

Itinerary overview 

On this Italy food tour, you will experience the best of Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast. Start in Florence, where you'll explore artisan shops and Tuscan countryside hikes. Delight in cooking classes, wine tours, and a Street Food Tour in Naples. Unearth the flavours of Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius, then unwind in Positano with picturesque drives and the Path of the Gods hike. Conclude your culinary adventure with a boat trip to Capri before departing from Naples Airport. Read more about this trip.

Duomo Santa Maria Del Fiore in Florence Italy © Songquan Deng/Shutterstock

Duomo Santa Maria Del Fiore in Florence Italy © Songquan Deng/Shutterstock

Day 1

  • Arrival in Florence
  • Florence Artisans Shops Tour in the Oltrarno district

Day 2

  • Morning hiking excursion in the Tuscan countryside
  • Visit to an olive oil mill
  • Guided tour and wine tasting at a boutique winery
  • Delicious Tuscan lunch

Day 3

  • Hands-on cooking class with a local chef
  • Food tour through Florence's historic bottegas
  • Explore Oltrarno, an authentic district in town
  • Prepare and enjoy a Tuscan meal with wine tasting 

Day 4

  • Brunello Wine Tour in the Montalcino area
  • Visit to medieval village town
  • Wine cellar visits and tasting of Brunello DOGC wine
  • Multi-course Tuscan lunch

Day 5

  • A train journey from Florence to Naples
  • Check-in at your Naples accommodation
  • Naples Street Food Tour

Day 6

  • Explore Naples at your leisure
  • Small group tour to Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius
  • Exclusive lunch and wine tasting in a wine-producing area
  • Hike to Mt. Vesuvius's crater for panoramic views

Day 7

  • Transfer to Positano
  • Free time to explore Positano

Day 8

  • Scenic Amalfi Coast Drive with stops for pictures
  • Walk along scenic path

Day 9

  • Guided hike on the Path of the Gods
  • Leisure time in the afternoon

Day 10

  • Boat trip to Capri
  • Leisure time in the afternoon

Day 11

  • Breakfast & check-out
  • Private transfer to Naples airport

Prefer to leave planning behind? Book this trip today.

Baked tasty margherita pizza in Traditional wood oven in Naples restaurant, Italy © Shutterstock

Taking a food tour of Italy is on the bucket list of many © Shutterstock

Italy food tour #2: Wine and food in Tuscany

This 6-day Tuscany food tour takes you through the best things that Tuscany has to offer. Set your sights on San Gimignano, an enchanting medieval hill town nestled halfway between Florence and Siena

Experience the area's vibrant wine and food scene, renowned for its high-quality wines such as Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vernaccia di San Gimignano. Try for yourself traditional Tuscan dishes like ribollita, pappa al pomodoro, and hearty pasta dishes — often paired with local olive oils and aged cheeses. 

Itinerary overview

Step into the medieval charm of San Gimignano as your culinary journey unfolds. Treat yourself to a mix of delicious adventures, from a romantic vineyard lunch to a captivating Wine Tour in Montepulciano — where you'll try 8 exceptional wines alongside artisanal cold cuts.

Dive into Tuscany's food scene in Chianti and enjoy fresh pasta, truffles, cheese, honey, and more, perfectly complemented by fine Chianti wines. Your journey into Tuscan flavours wraps up at Florence Airport. Read more.

Aerial view of famous medieval San Gimignano hill town with its skyline of medieval towers © Shutterstock

Aerial view of famous medieval San Gimignano hill town with its skyline of medieval towers © Shutterstock

Day 1

  • Arrival in Florence
  • Transfer to San Gimignano
  • Free time to explore

Day 2

  • Full day at leisure
  • Explore the surrounding area at your own pace

Day 3

  • Visit the winery and vineyards
  • Lesson on winemaking techniques
  • Winetasting
  • Lunch of local dishes in the vineyards 

Day 4

  • Overview of winery history and philosophy
  • Vineyard tour, varietals, and terroir explanation
  • Fermentation and ageing process insights
  • Tasting of 8 wines and EVO oil with cold cuts

Day 5

  • Taste Tuscan traditional food and Chianti wine
  • Cellar visit and tasting of wines and organic products
  • Sample dishes like fresh pasta, truffles, appetizers, and more
  • Balsamic Vinegar tasting

Day 6

  • Transfer to Florence Airport
  • Farewell to Tuscany and departure for your next destination

Need a break from planning? Book this trip today.

Chianti with antipasti © Shutterstock

Try Chianti and Tuscan antipasti on your Italian food tour © Shutterstock

Italy food tour #3: Dive into Apulia - cuisine & culture

Embark on a 10-day Apulia gastronomic journey and discover Italy's hidden gem with the freedom of a rental car. Apulia is a food lover's paradise, offering an abundance of fresh, locally sourced ingredients, a rich culinary heritage, and a wide range of dishes that showcase the flavours of the Mediterranean.

Itinerary overview

Your Apulia gastronomic adventure kicks off in Bari, a city brimming with art and flavours. Dive into the heart of Apulian street food during a guided tour through Bari's Old Town, where you'll relish Mediterranean delights like focaccia, sgagliozze, panzerotti, pickles, mozzarella, burrata, and exquisite local wines. 

As you journey through this food-lovers paradise, you'll explore historic towns, uncovering their culinary secrets, and even learn the art of crafting orecchiette pasta from the skilled hands of Nonna Maria. 

This delectable expedition concludes with a return to Bari Airport, leaving you with a taste of Apulia's rich culture and cuisine. Read more.

View of Trulli houses in Alberobello, Italy © Svitlana Belinska/Shutterstock

View of Trulli houses in Alberobello, Italy © Svitlana Belinska/Shutterstock

Day 1

  • Arrival at Bari Airport
  • Pick up rental car
  • Free time in Bari 

Day 2

  • Drive to Castel del Monte
  • Explore the area's UNESCO World Heritage Sites
  • Return to Bari
  • Evening street food tour 

Day 3

  • Drive to Ostuni and Alberobello
  • Walking tour in Ostuni
  • Walking tour in Alberobello
  • Return to Bari 

Day 4

  • Relax on the beaches between Polignano a Mare and Monopoli
  • Explore the nearby towns of Polignano and Monopoli

Day 5

  • Guided Trekking in Torre Guaceto Natural Reserve
  • Explore the reserve's natural beauty
  • Optional swim in Shells Caletta

Day 6

  • Drive from Bari to Taranto
  • Explore Taranto's historic centre and bridges
  • Check-in at Taranto

Day 7

  • Boat tour in Taranto
  • Explore Taranto Marina, the land of dolphins and whales
  • 2-hour boat tour with aperitif

Day 8

  • Drive from Taranto to Lecce
  • Check-in at hotel
  • Evening street food tour in Lecce 

Day 9

  • Orecchiette cooking class with Nonna Maria
  • Learn to make traditional orecchiette pasta
  • Enjoy a tasting of local products and drinks

Day 10

  • Return the rental car at Bari Airport

Longing to skip the planning hassle? Book this trip now.

Fresh handmade typical Orecchiette pasta from south of Italy, Bari - Puglia region © Shutterstock

Fresh handmade typical Orecchiette pasta from south of Italy, Bari © Shutterstock

Take a food tour of Italy without planning and booking

Reach out to our Italy travel experts whenever you're ready, and we'll craft a delightful tailor-made trip just for you. You can collaborate to fine-tune your itinerary, ensuring every aspect of your journey meets your expectations. Feel free to explore our pre-designed Italy itineraries for ideas, knowing that each one can be customised to match your unique preferences.

Dre Roelandt

written by
Dre Roelandt

updated 14.02.2024

Dre Roelandt is originally from the United States but lives and works in Berlin, Germany. Dre is a freelance writer and artist with a passion for travelling. They are an in-house Senior Content Editor at Rough Guides.

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