[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][minti_image img=”4590″ align=”center”][minti_image img=”4631″ align=”center”][minti_image img=”4591″ align=”center”][minti_image img=”4623″ align=”center”][/vc_column][vc_column bg_image=”465″ width=”1/2″][minti_headline size=”fontsize-xxl” weight=”fontweight-600″ lineheight=”lh-12″ transform=”transform-uppercase” align=”align-left”]DIVE INTO THE CULTURE[/minti_headline][vc_column_text]Buon Appetito
Italian cuisine is famous around the world for its richness and diversity. Typically prepared with fresh ingredients from recipes spanning generations, Italian food is an integral part of Italian heritage and one of the country’s main cultural exports. Restaurants serve Italian food in just about every international city, and Italian cookbooks can be found in almost any bookstore. Although many people associate Italian food with a few standard dishes like pizza and spaghetti Bolognese, there is actually tremendous diversity among the various regional cuisines of Italy.
The origins of Italian food can be traced as far back as the 4th century BC. The typical cuisine in Ancient Rome included boiled cereals, lentils, chickpeas, legumes, sweet wine, fish, fruits and bread. The spice trade following the Crusades had a tremendous influence on Italian cuisine and brought improvements in flavor and food preservation. During the age of exploration, a number of important foods were added to the Italian diet, including tomatoes from the New World and coffee of Turkish origin. Italian cuisine continued to diversify and expand during the Renaissance. During the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, aristocrats would consume sumptuous feasts during most social events. Café culture developed shortly after. In the 20th century, Italian cuisine witnessed many changes in food preparation and storage.
Though Italian cuisine does vary greatly among different regions, there are a number of ingredients that are considered essential in Italian food. Olive oil, garlic, basil, oregano, mozzarella, ricotta, parmigiana, capers, tomatoes, sausage and different kinds of pasta are all common ingredients in traditional Italian meals.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][minti_headline size=”fontsize-l” weight=”fontweight-500″ lineheight=”lh-12″ transform=”transform-uppercase” align=”align-left”]Pick A Trip[/minti_headline][minti_imagebox img=”285″ url=”/experience-1-taste-of-tuscany-6-days”]
EXPERIENCE 1 – TASTE OF TUSCANY – 6 days
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EXPERIENCE 2 – CULTURAL IMMERSION – 6 days
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EXPERIENCE 3 – ITALY – YOUR WAY – 6-10days
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