Abruzzo is bordered by mountains and sea, and the menu is varied depending on your proximity to each. Abruzzo looks wild & delicious- I love that it's home to many national parks & protected spaces.

Aosta Valley, or Valle d'Aosta is Italy's smallest region. It sits north of Piedmont, nestled up against the Swiss Alps. We enjoyed day trips to the Aosta Valley when we lived in Milan, but I would love to return to really spend some time and explore.

Basilicata (also known by its ancient name Lucania) is in southern Italy- between Puglia and Calabria. Best known for the city of Matera- and the Sassi district, (a Unesco World Heritage site) Basilicata still remains barely touched by tourism but begs to be explored.

Say Calabria and I immediately think of 2 things. Onions from Tropea, and spicy condiments. Yum. I've not explored Calabria yet but I can't wait to! 

Campania, the home of Pizza, Pompeii, the magical Mozzarella di Bufala, and more. Do yourself a favor and spend a few days eating your way through Naples if you are near there- my pals at Casa Mia know all the best spots & give fabulous tours.

Emilia-Romagna is one of the top spots to explore in Italy if you are a food & wine lover. I recommend getting a car so you can drive around visiting the farms and delicious towns in the area. My faves? Bologna, Piacenza & Castell'Arquato.

Fruili-Venezia Giulia is a stunning region that borders the Adriatic Sea, Austria, & Slovenia. It is home of the towering Dolomite mountains, alpine lakes and quiet villages. The local food varies widely due to the close proximity to Austria & Slovenia, as well as the Adriatic to the south.

Lazio is the home of Rome, but so much more. The history, art & food of this area would take a lifetime to explore. Rome is the first place I fell in love with regional cuisine- and I always look forward to returning. You won't be sorry if you spend a week eating your way through Rome & the surrounding countryside.

Liguria, a delicious region sitting on the edge of the Mediterranean Sea. Visit the ever popular Cinque Terre but make sure to spend some time exploring other parts of the coast. (my favorite is Camogli)

Lombardy: This region is well known for Milan & the Lake Region. Before I moved there I knew little about the food of the area, but soon became enamored with not only unlimited variations of Risotto, but the cheeses, polenta and more that are prevalent near the mountains.

Marche is spellbinding. My advice? Rent a car, drive to La Tavola Marche as your home base. Visit medieval villages during the day and cook and dine back at the cooking school with Jason and Ashley- your fab. hosts.

Molise is the 2nd smallest region, was once a part of Abruzzo and seems to be totally off the radar of tourists. I haven't been- but find the thought of a roadtrip through the mountains and valleys searching for new cheeses to try sounds heavenly.

Piedmont- home of Barolo, the Slow food movement & truffle, to name just a few. I first fell in low with Piedmont cruising through the wine country hills- but really fell for it hard the first time I visited Turin. (Torino) You can't go wrong with splitting your time between the wine country and this gorgeous city.

Puglia is high on my radar for an upcoming culinary vacation. Follow Sophie Minchilli for great food & lovely locals in Puglia. Someday soon I'm coming for you Puglia! 

Sardinia

Sicily is the most delicious place I've ever eaten- and that is saying a lot. I dream of returning and I highly recommend this region for an epic food lovers adventure.

Trentino-Alto Adige is charming with its German & Austrian taste influences and Christmas markets. I love the German/Italian street and town names. 

Tuscany is popular with tourists & for good reason. Take time to explore Florence & Siena- but rent a car and explore the surrounding villages and get away from the crowds. Arianna & Alessio from KM Zero Tours are my favorite locals that are in the know with everything good in Tuscany.

I'm extremely partial to Umbria and think it is the perfect place to have a great food & wine themed getaway. The food is simple and delicious and there's no better place to learn more about the local cuisine than at my friend Letizia's cooking school, Alla Madonna del Piatto.

Veneto is filled with culinary adventures from Venice to the Prosecco hills. Explore Venice with a local to get the best insider knowledge and tastes- Monica from Cook in Venice is passionate about sharing everything delicious with visitors.