Travelers to Italy will never forsake the country’s legendary heavy hitters like Rome, Venice, and Florence; a growing number of discerning tourists are partaking in the delights of Bologna. And budget travel in Italy is doable, even in one of its wealthiest cities. 

The capital of the Emilia-Romagna region, Bologna is nicknamed la rossa (the red one) for its omnipresent red-tiled roofs. Bologna’s attractions include its two towers, miles of porticos (covered walkways), and a pasta sauce you just might have heard of, the classic bolognese.

Parma is home to two of Italy’s most renowned culinary exports — Parmigiano Reggiano and prosciutto di Parma. Nestled in an area known as food valley, Parma has been producing key ingredients for Italian cuisine for centuries; today they are exported all over the world.

What makes this Italian cheese and prosciutto ham some of the best in the world?  Part of the reason is both foods have DOP status (Protected Denomination of Origin). This means they’re certified as authentic only if they’re produced in a certain way in this part of the world. 

Tuscany. The name alone conjures up sumptuous visions of world-renowned treasures: Michelangelo’s David, the remarkable Renaissance heritage of Florence, the timeless beauty of the Tuscan landscapes, and the epicurean delights of its cuisine. It’s no wonder that the Tuscany region of Italy remains one of the most sought-out destinations for tourists from across the globe.

Summertime in Italy is a treat: beautiful beaches, wonderful food, and stunning architecture. But it is also really, really hot. How do you keep yourself refreshed and alert while taking in all that Italy has to offer? Why, delving into Italian coffee culture of course! Iced coffee in Italy has more choices than you may be used to at home. To get the best of Italian iced coffee, a little knowledge can go a long way.

Just over an hour from Rome by train, Naples sits under the rumbling watch of Mount Vesuvius, a city steeped in history. A rich agricultural zone due to its volcanic soil, Naples food is famous the world over. Most well-known for pizza, the city also has a reputation for amazing Italian desserts, including the famous Neapolitan pastries.

It’s fair to say that going to the beach is a national obsession for Italians. And in Italy, beaches are not in short supply (Wikipedia’s partial tally numbers in the hundreds). 

While many local families might spend a month or two in a rented seaside flat, tourists seeking a beach holiday in Italy rarely have the luxury of so much time. Here’s a selection of some of the best beaches in Italy that are accessible by train.

Tuscan cuisine is renowned for its simplicity, seasonality, and reliance on the best fresh foods. Cooking in Tuscany derives largely from its famous terroir, the wonderful landscape that produces such fresh and delicious ingredients. 

Tuscan dishes often contain olive oil rather than butter (which is more commonly used in the north). Tuscan extra virgin olive oil ranks among the best in Italy. Tuscany is also known for its fine wine as well as some of the world’s best steaks. 

Italy has evolved a tremendously rich and diverse food and culture that spans dozens of diverse regions and thousands of years. Locavores before the word existed, Italians are committed to the best products from the regions best suited for their production. Over the years this has given rise to a variety of Italian traditions that have become pillars of Italy food culture.

We’ll take a quick look at regional & seasonal eating, and then introduce you to Italian food festivals, which combine the best of both worlds. 

The Queen of Pizza

With millions of tourists every year and a local population of only 55,000, Venice can get a little cozy — particularly during high season. All it takes is a little research and know-how to easily dodge the crowds by visiting some hidden treasures and escaping to wondrous nearby places.

Venice’s tourist season peaks between May and September. If you can plan your visit outside the busiest season, you’ll already be off to a head start. And if you truly want to avoid the crowds, do not schedule your trip to Venice during Carnival, Mardi Gras or Redentore.

Whether you're starting in Rome and taking the train to Siena or heading to Florence from Milain, the Tuscan region of Italy is a must-see!  Florence is beautiful, no doubt, but one thing which can decrease the beauty of the Florentine experience is sharing it with countless other tourists, most of whom are apparently ahead of you in the line-up for the Uffizi.