Creative Commons Photo by Thomas Hawk

Regional Cuisine

Although we tend to think of all Italian food as being from Italy, Italians will quickly remind you that different recipes have their origin in the different regions of Italy.  The very healthy Italian diet that utilises grains, olive oil, fruit, vegetables, cheese and fish is widely adapted throughout the regions, each with their own special, way of producing their own regions speciality.  Much of the joy of a culinary trip around Italy is the unique blend of food and creating the perfect way to see the country.  Take these regions as an example to ‘whet” your appetite.

Tuscany

Visiting Tuscany won’t leave you disappointed.  Can there be anything more exciting than to savour cannelloni whilst enjoying a vista of lush vineyards, hilly vistas and medieval villages or a romantic farm tour complete with wine and cheese?  In Chianti, you can even have lessons from the locals and create your own edible cuisine.

Florence the capital city in Tuscany has its own special appeal and if you choose to visit Florence and enjoy the hundreds of sights it has to offer the millions of tourists who flock there ever year, don’t forget to take time to explore the culinary delights in this part of the country.  Do take time to devour a particularly delicious Florentine steak and if you like to indulge a little, try the delectable wines for which the region is infamous.

Southern Italy

Anyone who is serious about finding the best places to eat in Italy, won’t want to bypass Ceglie Messapica in the province of Puglia, where surrounded by vineyards and gardens, you can experience all that is the dining experience at Al Fornello da Ricci.  The menu offered here is a combination of family and tradition and is credited as making the town’s cuisine famous, not only in the province but in all of the country.

Whilst in the South, travel by car and ferry to the island of Sardinia, where not only can you enjoy the scenery on an island of unparalleled beauty, but also try a delicious tuna bottarga..  a prized dish that is simple but traditional and often described as the Sicilian caviar for good reason.

Naples

Naples is the third largest city in Italy and is the capital city of the Campania Province. Heavily influenced by its proximity to France, the pastries and pizzas that hail from this part perfectly complement the city that is famous for its culture and romance.

There are few travel destinations, which can compare with a road trip around Italy, enjoying its scenery and its cuisine.  Indulge your appetite and your senses and enjoy Italy as someone once said “a bite at a time.”

If you fancy taking a culinary road trip in this amazing country, make sure you compare car hire prices before you travel.  You can compare car rental prices globally with erentals.co.uk.

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Throughout the Pollino National Park flow more than 10 rivers. The highest mountain of the park is the mountain Serra Dolcedorme, which reaches an altitude of 2267m. Other peaks are Monte Pollino (2248 m), Serra del Prete (2181 m), Serra delle Ciavole (2127 m) or Serra di Crispo (2053 m).

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The park include also four nature reserves and rocky complexes, such as Pietra Campauara and Tavola dei Briganti.

Pollino National Park as a whole is one of the most beautiful sceneries in southern Italy. There is a rich plant and animal diversity.

For hiking and cycling you can use lots of marked trails.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Alessio Milan

Long after the World War II, people still lived in these “cave homes” and often lived in one room with the pet. Until the late 1980s this was considered an area of poverty, as these houses were, mostly unlivable. Local administration has become more tourism-oriented, and has promoted the re-generation of the Sassi with the aid of the European Union, the government, UNESCO, and Hollywood. Today there are many thriving businesses, pubs, and hotels.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by giuseppe portale

You can park the car near the center of the city completely free of charge. Throughout the city you can see several hiking trails, together with several maps with marked trails. However, it is not difficult at all to get lost in the winding streets.

Do not miss Matera Cathedral at the Piazza dei Duomo, from where you can enjoy a beautiful view. Similar views of the city are also at several other places in the city.

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