Food & Wine Tours

What Makes a Food & Wine Tour Different?

Most tours include meals. Food and wine tours are designed around them.

Across our collection you’ll discover regional markets, family-run vineyards, artisan producers, cooking classes and restaurants chosen because they’re genuinely representative of the region—not simply convenient stops along the route. One day might begin learning to make fresh pasta before exploring a Renaissance town, while another could pair a winery visit with an afternoon discovering medieval villages or UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Rather than treating food as an extra, these tours use Italy’s extraordinary culinary traditions to tell the story of each destination.

What’s Typically Included?

While every itinerary is different, most food & wine tours include quality accommodation, breakfasts and many additional meals, guided culinary experiences, cooking classes, winery visits, tastings and expert local guides who understand both the cuisine and the region’s history.

Many itineraries also include wine with meals and dedicated wine tastings, although inclusions vary between operators. We recommend reviewing each tour’s itinerary and inclusions carefully to understand exactly what’s provided.

Italy’s Regional Food Traditions

One of the great joys of travelling through Italy is discovering how dramatically the cuisine changes from one region to the next. Emilia-Romagna is revered as Italy’s culinary heartland, home to Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma, handmade pasta and traditional balsamic vinegar. Tuscany pairs iconic wines including Chianti Classico and Brunello di Montalcino with rustic dishes such as bistecca alla Fiorentina and fresh pappardelle. Umbria is known for earthy black truffles, lentils and powerful Sagrantino wines, while Piedmont is synonymous with Barolo, Barbaresco and prized white truffles. In the south, Sicily blends Arab, Greek and Norman influences into one of Italy’s most distinctive regional cuisines, while Puglia celebrates exceptional olive oil, fresh seafood, burrata and handmade orecchiette.

Rather than treating Italy as a single culinary destination, our carefully selected food & wine tours immerse you in the flavours, traditions and local specialities that make every region unique.

When Is the Best Time to Visit?

There is no wrong season to experience Italy through food, but every time of year offers something different.

Spring brings fresh asparagus, artichokes, peas, blossoms and vineyard landscapes coming back to life, making it an ideal time for walking, sightseeing and outdoor dining.

Autumn is widely regarded as the ultimate food and wine season. Harvest celebrations, grape picking, new wine releases and the famous truffle seasons in Piedmont and Umbria combine with cooler temperatures and vibrant local festivals to create an unforgettable culinary experience.

Most tours begin in well-connected regional centres such as Bologna, Florence or Palermo, making them easy to combine with independent travel before or after your tour.