Culinary tourism represents a new way of travelling between countries, cities, cultures... and food.
Italy is recognised all over the world for its gastronomic excellence, and more and more Italians and foreign tourists are visiting the country also to taste typical regional dishes and learn about the history and culture behind a culinary product.
There are 319 Italian gastronomic products with PDO, PGI and TSG designations, and an increasing number of companies or agritourisms that are organising activities to let enthusiastic tourists discover their products. Among the most popular gastronomic experiences are lunches and dinners at gourmet restaurants, food trucks, visits to wineries, dairies and farms, tastings and much more.
The last few months have proved this. During the All Saints' Day holiday, more than half a million Italians opted for a culinary holiday with tastings, excursions and guided tours.
Some of the most renowned food and wine districts are the cities of Parma, Naples, Palermo and Bologna. Not to be missed is the Mantua area, characterised by its typical dishes and products, such as Mantuan salami, Vialone Nano rice, Mantuan melon and one of the great peculiarities of the province of Mantua, which is the presence of both Grana Padano, produced to the left of the River Po, and Parmigiano Reggiano, produced in the part of the province located to the right of the River Po. The two cheeses are produced in around seventy cooperative social dairies and a dozen private industrial dairies.
Within these facilities, visits and guided tours are organised, such as at the Latteria Sociale Gonfo in Motteggiana, where around 150 wheels of Parmigiano Reggiano are produced daily.
To accompany a product of excellence such as Parmigiano Reggiano, Mantuan culture offers many products that go well with the king of cheeses. One example is mustards, which can be tasted at the Azienda agricola Filotto Senga, located in Marcaria, where the fruit and vegetables used to make Mustard, Extra Jams and Compotes are grown.
If you are curious to experience good food (or give it as a gift), visit the Grand-Tour page and get inspired by our tips!
