making pasta
Move over honeymooners because Tuscany is not just for those in pairs. As one of Italy’s most thriving agricultural regions, Tuscany is the perfect place to fall in love…with food. The scenic landscape, dotted with cypress trees and olive tree groves, doesn’t hurt and the fact that it’s home to some of the most incredible (fresh) ingredients eaten around the world.
Tuscan food is known for its simplicity. Many dishes still loved today were once created during times of poverty, meaning the people of Tuscany (and other Italian regions) did a lot with a little. Some of your favorite flavors are likely to be found in Tuscan food—basil, oregano, garlic. An adventure in this beautiful rustic region means inhaling the scent of wild sage and rosemary just outside your villa, and that may end up in your dinner later that evening.
Sure, you’ll also enjoy the history, museums, and charming wondrous cities like Florence, Siena, and Lucca that make up this fairytale area; but it’s the food that brings people together. Tuscany offers many food-centric activities that bring the phrase “farm-to-table” to life, and there’s no better way to learn about the culture than by eating your way through it. Tuscans are proud of their culture, sustainability efforts, and agriculture, and they genuinely love to share their passion for food with you, many of which make for unique and unexpectedly fun family activities.
Truffle Hunting
Not the chocolate kind, but equally as delicious. Plus, who wouldn’t love an activity involving a cute dog? If you want a fun way to get everyone involved, you must add truffle hunting to the list. Because of its rarity and high value, truffle hunters keep the locations of their truffles a guarded secret. And it’s no wonder why, as this highly sought-after delicacy requires a bit of detective work from a trained canine.
While truffle hunting typically occurs during the night because the dogs have a stronger ability to pick up the scent, guided truffle hunting tours are most certainly available during the day. Despite the time of year, it’s almost always truffle season, meaning there’s no wrong time to hunt for truffle treasure, and that prized truffle just might be the perfect ingredient for your homemade pasta dish.
Pasta Making Class
While Tuscan cuisine is not heavily focused on pasta, you won’t have much trouble finding it. Pappardelle, a popular Tuscan-born pasta, used to be for special occasions because it included egg, which was once considered a luxury. These tasty carbs are made from simple and locally-sourced ingredients. They can come in fun shapes and are filled with a number of mouth-watering options, including a variety of meats, cheeses, or spinach, and are topped with a fresh sauce, basil, or other herbs.
Just as eating pasta is an enjoyable and satisfying experience, making it can be every bit as fun! A virtual pasta making class is the perfect way to roll up your sleeves and soak up the culture. It’s a great way to learn a new skill and spend time making a delicious meal to enjoy with your loved ones!
A cheesy day at the farm
There’s a reason why people tell you to say “cheese” when taking a photo. It’s because cheese can literally bring a
smile to your face. Italian cheese is no exception!
If you’ve ever walked into a grocery store and wondered where all of that savory, gooey, delicious cheese comes from, then a cheese tour is exactly what you need. Not only will you sample fresh cheeses, like the infamous Pecorino, but you’ll also learn from local experts about the animals from which the cheese comes—namely goats and cows. They’ll take you through the whole cheese-making process and, if you’re lucky, you might even get to milk an animal or spend time canoodling a baby goat. Talk about a farm-to-table experience!
If your senses have perked up at the thought of this foodie adventure, then Tuscany should be at the top of your travel bucket list. There are so many reasons to visit Tuscany—truffles, pasta, and cheese are just a few. With its rich history, endless views, and a wide range of fresh, mouth-watering foods, there won’t be a shortage of activity or satisfied taste buds on this trip.
And just as every great meal must come to an end, we can’t forget about Gelato. Tuscany’s Florence is said to be the birthplace of this beloved treat, giving you just one more reason to visit!
making pasta
