Decoding Italian Food Culture: A Region-by-Region Guide to Eating Like a Local
Discover the heart of Italy on a 6-day journey that perfectly blends iconic Renaissance art, breathtaking coastal landscapes, and the tranquil beauty of the Tuscan countryside. This itinerary is designed to immerse you in the culture, history, and flavors of the region, from Florence's legendary masterpieces to the charming medieval streets of Siena and the colorful cliffside villages of Cinque Terre.
Please note, some parts of this itinerary are best experienced by car, but it can be easily modified with options for train travel and private transfers to suit non-drivers.
Address: Via Nazionale, 12, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
Address: Via Roma, 139, 19122 La Spezia SP, Italy
The traditional choice for many is a hotel and Italy has choices in all shapes and sizes - but consider that most Italian hotels are small, family-owned enterprises and relatively few belong to hotel chains like Hyatt, Hilton and Starwood.
We typically recommend professionally managed B&Bs for an authentic local experience as owners are usually very hands-on and generally live on-site. But, thats changing fast where locals have moved out with the Tourist rush and would rather not live in the city e.g. Venice.
Renting a villa or apartment is probably the best way to truly “live like an Italian” and is a great choice for travelers who are a bit more independent and / or happy being supported by Catterfly local experts as they are exploring the country in their personal unique style. It can also be a very affordable option, especially if you are traveling with a larger group.
In recent times, Agriturismo concept has truly picked up in Italy and is being managed very professionally as well. It is typically a working farm that rents rooms or apartments and/or serves meals made from local and fresh products. These are typically not rustic places (while of course you can choose from those options as well) and generally nicely furnished, and often include many amenities available at hotels.