It’s simple but yet can be sophisticated, fits any taste and budget and each season brings new flavours and aromas. You guessed right, this time we are going to talk about food, and precisely about food events and food travel for groups. Italian cuisine...
Italy is the land of art and wine bonanza, a paradise for foodies and art lovers. Regions such as Tuscany and Piedmont pop immediately in mind, thanks to the “wine shires” of Chianti and Langhe, and to the cities of classic and contemporary art like Florence and...
We have a little test for you: think of Italian food and close your eyes for a couple of seconds to “see” what pops into your imagination… Chances are that your foodie frenzy had you salivating over pizza, spaghetti or fettuccine with a variety of sauces, lasagna,...
In Italy, fall is the most magical season of the year when fruits and vegetables are still kissed by the sun, providing foodies with a variety of flavors. The warm-colored woods offer fragrant mushrooms, chestnuts and mixed berries; while the fields yield grapes,...
According to preliminary data for the 2016 harvest analyzed by Coldiretti, the Italian farmers’ association, Italy is set to confirm its leadership position as the top wine producer in the world, ahead of France and Spain. The 2016 harvest started in Italy on August...
Here we are with our seasonal appointment regarding cultural and gastronomic events around Italy. The months of September and October are packed with enticing events spanning throughout cinema, painting exhibitions and delicious food festivals. Let’s begin with a...
Foodies are increasingly interested in winery tours that go beyond simple wine tasting: they wish to witness winemaking in a more authentic, deeper way. In other words, travelers are not looking for tours: they are looking for proper wine experiences. At Italian...
When thinking about Italian food, the first things that come up to mind are often pizza and pasta. Although these delicious culinary creations can be enjoyed all year-round, most Italians traditionally eat seasonal meals that do not necessarily involve the usual...
Once upon a time, back in 1861, the census counted 2,322 residents. In 2011, the local population was of 578 inhabitants. It has always been small, yet it is an amazing gem full of big surprises: Fiastra is a tiny medieval village in a verdant valley of the Monti...
There is no better way to explore and enjoy the colors, flavors and aromas of Spring than by following the experts of a territory: the locals! For us at Italian Special Occasions DMC, the locals are a constant source of inspiration in the creation of authentic...
Between riddles, fantasy and reality: artistic Marentino You are traveling through the beautiful countryside in Piedmont, about 20 km away from Turin, and decide to stop in a pretty village on a hilltop. But this is not your typical ancient town: as you walk...
Picture yourself living for some days in a small Italian village, harvesting produce with the locals or buying fresh vegetables from a farmer’s market, enjoying cappuccino in your favorite piazza, and participating in traditional events and activities. This is the...
If you think that “La Dolce Vita” is a thing of the past… you have never had the chance to enjoy a glamorous experience in Italy! After all, the country has been an A-lister favorite since the 1950s. Just to mention a few stars that have chosen Italy for special...
Sicily is the island of citrus fruits. The presence of citrus plants is deeply rooted in the local territory, both in its environment – characterized by evergreen gardens dotted with evocative orange and yellow fruits – and its typical cuisine. Citrus is the perfect...
Spring is the season of the gentle and fragrant flavors, often coming from delicious treats pulled directly from the earth. During this period, Italian cuisine proposes simple yet mouth-watering recipes that allow us to enjoy the gifts of spring. But foodies traveling...
Christmas in Italy? It’s all about family and food! Family gatherings are the most important aspect: no matter where they are scattered around the world, families reunite around the table (a tavola). During this festive period, people have bought their Christmas...
November is the fall month that we at Italian Special Occasions DMC have dedicated to tasting the foodie world across Italy. After visiting Sicily in the south (“Experience Sicily between oranges and unique properties”) and Tuscany in the center...
We recently visited Sicily as part of our Seasonal Travels in off-the-beaten-path destinations and during off-peak seasons. We wanted to experience the authentic activities that autumn has to offer, and ended up in some amazing venues and unique properties that we...
Every month, we at Italian Special Occasions DMC travel to discover new activities and events that allow visitors to explore Italy in an authentic and innovative way. Loyal to our concept of Seasonality, we particularly love those fairs that take place in off-peak...
Many of Italy’s most symbolic food products come from Emilia Romagna: from Parmigiano Reggiano to Bologna’s mortadella, from Prosciutto di Parma to Modena’s balsamic vinegar. This region is formed by two historically separate areas – Emilia to the north...
In Italy, fall is the most magical season of the year when fruits, vegetables and undergrowth produces are still kissed by the sun, providing foodies with a variety of flavors. The warm-colored woods offer fragrant mushrooms, chestnuts and mixed berries; while the...
The term Tuscia was used by the Latins to indicate the land of the Etruscans. This historical region was located between Tuscany, Umbria and Lazio. Nowadays, Tuscia refers mainly to an area of northern Lazio in the province of Viterbo, about 1 hour away from Rome...
Our ears pricked up when we heard about a festival held each September in the town of Diamante, Calabria. One of our favourite things to do when experiencing the delights of Italy is to sample local festivals, cultural events and of course FOOD! Chilli producers from...
On 1 May 2015, Milan became the capital of the world with the official opening of the Universal Exposition – Expo Milano – that will be held until 31 October 2015 under the theme “Feeding the planet, energy for life”. Thus, food and diet of the past, present and...
Visiting Italy during Easter is a truly entertaining and unforgettable occasion: folklore festivals and religious processions invade large towns and tiny villages from North to South. You will be surprised by the amount and variety of traditional events that go well...
A bit of history… The Jewish community in Rome dates as far back as 161 BC, making it one of the oldest Jewish communities in Europe. It is thought that trade links, coupled with the harmonious way in which many communities coexisted in the city at the time,...
Chocolate is a top-gift contender for any special occasion. Italian chocolate, in particular, is a favorite for many – and for obvious reasons: ancient tradition, artisanal creations and selected ingredients distinguish the genuine flavors of Italy’s cocoa products....
At Italian Special Occasions DMC, we are firm supporters of Seasonality, something we believe should be more than a concept – it is an actual movement for a more educated tourism. Why? Seasonal travel means that you take advantage of the best seasonal time to...
Genuine ingredients, ancient traditions, rich flavors: Sardinian cuisine is a reflection of the local territory, an island that has been influenced by a variety of Mediterranean cultures, and yet has remained charmingly simple. Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans,...
Set along the southern banks of the Alps between Lombardy and Piedmont, Lake Maggiore is Italy’s second-largest lake and, according to Travel + Leisure Magazine, “is the busiest and most untamed”. Its beautiful scenery has been a source of inspiration for a number of...