cooking and walking in Tuscany

Italy is not only seen. It is tasted.

At Walk About Italy, food is not simply included in the trip: it is one of the main ways you understand a place. Every region speaks through its ingredients, recipes, wines, and hospitality, and that is why our tours are built around meals and tastings that feel rooted, local, and true.

In Tuscany, eating like a local means long farmhouse lunches among vineyards and olive groves, wines poured by the producers themselves, pecorino and saffron experiences in the countryside of Pienza, and Tuscan classics such as pici with truffles, bruschetta with new olive oil, and handmade pasta prepared before your eyes.

good lunch in Amalfi

In Umbria and southern Tuscany, it means truffle dinners in Orvieto, rustic tortelli-making in a family-run restaurant, olive oil tastings in Sovana, and wines shaped by volcanic soils and ancient agricultural traditions.

On the Amalfi Coast, local food tells the story of sea, volcano, lemons, and family traditions: pizza in Pompeii, mozzarella still warm from the cheesemaker, anchovies in Cetara, limoncello at a family farm, and meals served in trattorie and farm settings that feel unmistakably Campanian.

In Cinque Terre and Portofino, local flavor is Ligurian flavor: pesto made the traditional way, focaccia and farinata fresh from the oven, seafood lunches by the water, and wines grown on steep terraces overlooking the sea.

lunch in the Dolomites

In Sicily, eating like a local means embracing contrast and abundance: arancine, pane cunzato, seafood, granita with brioche, cannoli, and island wines enjoyed in places where Greek, Arab, Spanish, and coastal influences still meet on the same table.

In the Alps and Dolomites, the local table changes again: speck, canederli, mountain cheeses, strudel, and fresh white wines shaped by altitude, cool nights, and Alpine traditions that blend Italian and Austrian worlds.

Orecchiette pasta hand-made on the street

In Puglia, food is direct, generous, and full of identity: the street ritual of the orecchiette ladies in Bari, spaghetti all’assassina, olive oil tastings, local wines, and cooking experiences that connect guests with the everyday soul of southern Italy.

For us, “eat like a local” does not mean chasing fashionable restaurants. It means sitting at the right table, in the right place, with the right people — and tasting a region in a way that could never be replicated anywhere else.

Explore iconic destinations with expert insights

Walking difficulty guide

Terrain: Mostly flat or gently rolling terrain, with well-maintained paths and only occasional short uneven sections.
Distance: Usually shorter walks, around 4.5 to 5.5 km / 3 to 4 miles per day, depending on the itinerary.
Elevation gain: Very limited. There may be a few gentle slopes, but no significant climbs or descents.
Who it is for: Ideal for beginners, casual walkers, families, and anyone looking for a relaxed walking holiday with little physical effort.

Terrain: A mix of flat sections and more uneven ground, with some inclines, steps, or minor obstacles that remain manageable for most reasonably active travellers.
Distance: Generally around 5 to 8 km / 3 to 5 miles per day, depending on the tour and terrain.
Elevation gain: Noticeable but not demanding. Some uphill and downhill stretches may be present, though never steep or prolonged.
Who it is for: Suitable for beginners who want a slightly more active experience, as well as for regular walkers looking for a relaxed but rewarding pace.

Terrain: Varied terrain that may include uneven paths, longer walking sections, and regular uphill or downhill stretches.
Distance: Moderate daily walking time and distance, suitable for travellers who enjoy being active outdoors for a good part of the day.
Elevation gain: More consistent and clearly noticeable, though still within the reach of anyone with a basic to good level of fitness.
Who it is for: Best for active travellers who are comfortable walking for several hours a day and can handle some uneven terrain and sustained inclines.