Eat Like a Citalian: The Ultimate Italy Food Holiday

Italy is famous for its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich history, all of which have influenced the country's infamous cuisine. From bustling cities like Rome to the rolling hills of Tuscany, every region of Italy has something unique to add to the culinary delights it is so famous for. 

Italian cuisine offers much more than the typical pizza and pasta. While these are still must-try dishes while on holiday in Italy, a world of creative cuisine awaits. Italians are passionate about their food, and this shines through in every dish. We hope you’re hungry. It’s time to dig in and eat like a true Citalian!

The history and location of Puglia have made it one of the must-try food areas in Italy. Influenced by Arabic, Spanish, Greek, and French cuisine, Puglia holidays offer a melting pot of cultural cuisine unique to southern Italy. 

Puglia has a complex history, something which shaped some of its many unique dishes. Cucina povera translates to “poor kitchen”, a term used to describe a multitude of dishes using whatever one could grow or make without breaking the bank. This generally meant little meat and making vegetables and carbs the staple of the dish. You’ll find a range of pasta dishes in the area resembling this, including orecchiette con cime di rapa, an ear-shaped pasta served alongside anchovies and turnip greens. 

Another must-try dish while on holiday in Puglia is panzarotto, a savoury pastry similar in appearance to a small calzone. These little treats are fried instead of baked, but equally satisfying. They're typically filled with tomato, mozzarella, spinach, mushrooms, baby corn, and ham.

A great option for foodies on holiday in Puglia is to visit Lecce. Full to the brim with ancient architecture and amazing restaurants, this is a must-visit.

Foodies…welcome to the home of classic Italian pizza. Sorrento is the birthplace of this culinary genius, with references to pizza dating back to the 10th century. Sorrento holidays offer the very best of this classic dish, available at its fantastic range of restaurants. Thin crust, hearty tomato sauce and wood-fired goodness await. You can also learn to make this classic with Citalia’s pizza making class. 

Holidays to Sorrento would be nothing without its famed limoncello, an after-dinner drink made with lemons. It’s zesty and refreshing, with many areas making their own blend of this unique drink. 

If you enjoy seafood, Frittura di Paranza is right up your alley, combining small and medium-sized fish and shrimp, all deep-fried in olive oil. Generally served in a basket alongside local white wine, your coastal Italian holiday in Sorrento is something you won’t soon forget. 

If you’re looking for an all-round Sorrento cuisine extravaganza, consider the Private Street Food Walking Tour of Sorrento, where you can savour the best of the area. Starting in the infamous Piazza Tasso, the private tour takes you through some of Sorrento’s sensational local delicacies.

Bologna is one of the best food destinations in Italy and it’s easy to see why. Freshly made pasta, tasting local burrata while walking the central piazza. It doesn’t get more Italian than that. 

The terracotta roofs, along with the historic piazza, Bologna holidays, offer a step into days gone by, alongside some fantastic feasts. Simply walking the streets, you are in for a treat with many of the best restaurants in Bologna tucked away, where you can eat and drink with the locals, discovering the best of what this Italian region has to offer. 

Bologna is situated within the Emilia-Romagna region, the gastronomic capital of Italy, placing you near some of the best food producers in the world. Parma is just over an hour away by train, inviting you to savour some sensational Parmesan cheese and prosciutto. 

Also, only a little over an hour by train from Bologna, Modena is the place to be for trying classic balsamic vinegar. Here, you’ll also find Osteria Francescana, a three Michelin star restaurant that has been ranked number one on The World's 50 Best Restaurants list twice. 

Tuscany countryside holidays are like a dream. Rolling hills, gorgeous backdrops, and fertile ground that harvests more ingredients than anywhere else in Italy, the Tuscan countryside is truly special.

Make your way through the ancient vineyards to learn about the history of winemaking before enjoying a hearty meal with classics, including pasta, cheese, and bread. The region keeps things simple, but make no mistake, simplicity in this case means you’re getting the best of the best. Simple yet satisfying, the fresh ingredients make the Tuscan countryside an absolute foodie gem. 

Whether you want to sit down to a feast at a local family run restaurant or wander the incredible markets tasting the fresh ingredients first hand, the Tuscan countryside has it all. 

In terms of what to eat in the Tuscany countryside, a few dishes make the must-try list. Pappa al Pomodoro is a thick bread soup made with classic Italian flavours, including tomatoes, bread, and traditional olive oil. There are variations of the soup throughout Tuscany, so sampling a few to find your favourite is part of the fun. 

Autumn in Italy brings a change to most of the menus. Light bites are replaced with hearty meals, including mouth-watering risotto flavoured with precious truffles or porcini mushrooms. Again, the simple ingredients are what make this dish an Italian cuisine delight. 

To truly experience the best Italian food, Citalia’s Bologna and Tuscany Countryside multi centre offers the chance of a lifetime to sample sensational cuisine on an 8 day foodie extravaganza. From wine tasting and history hunting to markets and amazing restaurants, you can experience it all in one fantastic trip. 

Welcome to Rome, the Eternal City, offering everything you could want from a holiday in Italy. From bustling city landscapes and art galleries to romantic restaurants and an abundance of famous foodie spots, Rome holidays have it all and more. 

Simply strolling through the historic streets will take you to some of the best restaurants in Rome. Some are well hidden, adding a sense of adventure around every corner. But there is no doubt that Rome is one of Citalia’s favourite foodie destinations, with many of our personal travel planners raving about the exquisite cuisine after every visit. 

Rome offers something for everyone. Whether you want to sit at a small cafe savouring a delectable cappuccino watching the world go by, sampling sensational gelato while taking in the historic sights, or sitting down to a five hour feast of Italy’s famed favourites, Rome is one of the best food cities in Italy.

One of the must-try dishes while on holiday in Rome is the cacio e pepe. It’s a Citalia favourite and for good reason. This simple dish made with cheese and pepper will give you a taste of the real Italy no matter where you are in the city. 

To get the total Rome cuisine experience, Citalia’s Private Food Walking Tour of Rome's Historical Quarters invites you to savour some of the best Italy has to offer. Starting at Piazza Margana, your guide takes you through Rome’s historic streets to the Jewish Ghetto, a fantastic art hub filled with history. Then it’s off to Campo dei Fiori to explore the grocery market and fantastic restaurants. The tour ends in Trastevere, where you can learn about the traditions of the historical quarters while savouring some local favourites along the way.