If you’ll be joining us on our Milan to Rome Culinary Adventure, we can’t wait to welcome you to Italy. As we explore the country from north to south, we’ll enjoy after-hours tours of iconic museums and meals at Michelin-starred restaurants.
Below, we’ve curated some tips and inspiration to get you (and your tastebuds) ready for our Italian deep dive.
What to watch
Italy’s incredible cuisine is the stuff of legend, and it’ll be the star of the show throughout our weeklong journey. To get a little preview of the food in which we’ll be indulging, watch the very first episode of Netflix’s Chef’s Table Season 1. You’ll meet Massimo Bottura, owner of Osteria Francescana, where we’ll dine in Modena. Stanley Tucci’s new 2022 Searching for Italy series offers episodes on Milan and Rome, too—it’s available on Max and Discovery+. Throw one on while you pack.
What to listen to
We’ve curated this playlist on Spotify to set the mood for our adventure, full of crooner classics from Dean Martin and Sinatra as well as scores from classic Italian films like Cinema Paradiso. We’d recommend tuning in and zoning out on your flight to Milan.
What to pack
October is the perfect time to visit Italy, avoiding the summer crowds and enjoying temperatures that sit comfortably in the low 70s to mid-60s during the day, dipping down into the 50s in the evening. You’ll want comfy shoes, a bag, and sun hat for exploring, as well as plenty of layers. In the evenings, smart casual will be key, from cocktail hours to after-hours museum tours. (And don’t forget a Type C power adaptor!)
What to expect
On our journey through four of Italy’s most stunning cities, we’ll partake in private tours and behind-the-scenes experiences—take a look at some activities and regional favorites that are waiting.
Milan
Italy’s stylish northern capital, Milan is rich in incredible architecture. Here, you’ll see the Last Supper in person and sample signature Northern dishes like saffron risotto.
Fun fact: The Duomo di Milano is the fifth-largest cathedral in the world, taking over 500 years to completed. There are 3,400 statues, 135 gargoyles, and 700 figures throughout. (You can even “adopt” a gargoyle—the proceeds go toward upkeep renovations!)
Modena
Modena is known for its balsamic vinegar, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and sumptuous prosciutto. It’s also home to the Emilia-Romagna region’s signature drink: Lambrusco, a sparkling red wine.
Fun fact: Modena is considered the world’s Supercar Capital; it’s home to Ferrari headquarters is the nearest large town to the homes of Maserati, Lamborghini, and Pagani. (You’ll even get to test drive one yourself.)
Florence
Florence is home to some of the most iconic works of art in the world. You’ll see paintings like Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus in an after-hours Uffizi Gallery tour before tucking into a meal at three-Michelin-starred Enoteca. Tuscan classics like Bistecca alla Fiorentina and Negronis await.
Fun fact: Florence was the first city in Europe to have paved streets in 1339, thanks to donations from its wealthy merchants and banks.
Rome
With quintessentially Italian comfort foods like carbonara and refreshing Aperol or Campari spritzes on almost every menu, Rome will be well worth the wait as our last stop. We’ll tour the catacombs and enjoy a festive farewell send-off in the historic Trajan’s Market.
Fun fact: In Rome, milk-based coffees, such as caffe lattes and cappuccinos, should never be ordered after 11 a.m.—be prepared for some odd looks from the locals if you choose to order it anyway. (Also, never order just a latter—you’ll get a glass of milk!)
