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Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy

Stanley Tucci in Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy (2021)

Stanley Tucci travels across Italy to discover the secrets and delights of the country's regional cuisines. Stanley Tucci travels across Italy to discover the secrets and delights of the country's regional cuisines. Stanley Tucci travels across Italy to discover the secrets and delights of the country's regional cuisines.

  • Stanley Tucci
  • Felicity Blunt
  • Tess Masazza
  • 86 User reviews
  • 5 wins & 20 nominations total

Episodes 14

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  • Feb 22, 2021
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  • February 14, 2021 (United States)
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  • 史丹利圖奇:尋味義大利
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Stanley Tucci: Searching For Italy

Stanley tucci: searching for italy episodes, naples and the amalfi coast.

Stanley Tucci feasts on pizza in Naples, searches for the freshest mozzarella and best San Marzano tomatoes and enjoys a spectacular spaghetti and zucchini.

In the Eternal City, Stanley Tucci searches for the famed Four Pastas, sampling rigatoni all'amatriciana, carbonara, cheeses and sausages from the region.

Considered the food capital of Italy, Stanley Tucci explores Bologna. This region is home to Parmigiano-Reggiano, prosciutto di Parma and balsamic vinegar.

Eating and drinking his way around the fashion capital, Stanley Tucci enjoys an aperitivo and is inspired to make the beloved regional pasta pizzoccheri.

Back in his family's homeland, Stanley Tucci embarks on a wine crawl, celebrates the lowly loaf and samples dishes using stale bread as the central ingredient.

Immersing himself in Sicily's rich cultural heritage, Stanley Tucci samples the grapes grown in the island's unique soil and reflects on Sicilian hospitality.

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I Am Tired of Watching People Go to Italy

Major networks, I am pleading: There are other countries

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Share All sharing options for: I Am Tired of Watching People Go to Italy

Bald man wearing sunglasses walks down a street surrounded by old buildings.

Everyone is in Italy this year — including Alison Roman, whose new cooking series will, like half the people my Instagram feed, take us on a tour of the Amalfi Coast. CNN announced yesterday that Roman’s four-episode (More Than) A Cooking Show , which was originally slated for the now-defunct CNN+, will hit CNN this fall. The show will invite audiences into Roman’s New York kitchen and to join her on her travels abroad. Sure, that sounds fun, if a bit familiar.

Between Bobby and Giada in Italy ; Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy ; episodes of Chef’s Table , Somebody Feed Phil , Top Chef , and Salt Fat Acid Heat , I can’t help but feel a little Italy-ed out in recent years, like I’ve hit my capacity for watching clips of cheesemaking or people eating perfectly crisped Neapolitan pizza. (And that doesn’t even include Italy’s dominance over fictional food-adjacent shows like Netflix’s upcoming From Scratch and the second season of HBO’s hospitality-themed The White Lotus .) Now, I’m no stranger to dreaming up my own Eat Pray Love spaghetti scene , and the green-eyed monster and I were in close company this summer as I scrolled past so many friends and influencers’ Lake Como weddings and rented villas.

Yet it’s all starting to feel repetitive, especially when one considers how infrequently this in-depth treatment is given to other countries. Italy and France, for that matter, are countries and cuisines whose regionality is given its due in the food landscape of the United States — while so many places in the world remain simplified in the culinary imagination: a visit in a food series episode here and there, usually relying on the same biggest-name cities and chefs.

It’s as though major networks, wanting a guaranteed hit, see the success of all this Italy-centric TV and think, great, let’s do that again — which is almost certainly what’s happening (streaming overload led Time to claim last year , “Welcome to TV’s era of peak redundancy”). CNN is a perfect example of that: Not only is Roman’s Italy show dropping this fall, featuring the Amalfi Coast, but so is the continuation of Tucci’s, which will explore Italy’s regions further after going to Tuscany, Naples, the Amalfi Coast, Rome, Bologna, Milan, and Sicily last year.

It all feels a little safe: Showing potential travelers from the U.S. food that is already pretty familiar, in a country that feels like a safe bet, thus reinforcing Western expectations about which cuisines are valuable and which countries worth traveling to. I’m happy to imagine Italian beach moments a la The Talented Mr. Ripley , but what other daydreams could we have if food travel shows dared to delve deeper into places less frequently depicted?

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‘Stanley Tucci: Searching For Italy’ Makes For a (Mostly) Charming Tour: TV Review

An otherwise charming, luxurious trip through Italy's best food gets off to a strange start.

By Caroline Framke

Caroline Framke

Chief TV Critic

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Stanley Tucci Searching For Italy

“ Stanley Tucci : Searching For Italy” opens with the actor striding down a bustling Naples street in a perfectly tailored summer suit, dodging Italians on Vespas and scanning the sidewalks for his next delicious meal. It’s exactly the picturesque scenario you might expect and want from a travel series hosted by Tucci, an extraordinarily charming presence who knows and loves Italian food, judging by his demonstrated knowledge on the show and excellent 2012 cookbook, a compendium of beloved Italian classics simply titled “The Tucci Cookbook.” And yet, the first words Tucci speaks on his new CNN travel show are words of reassurance to explain the fact that this episode was filmed during the summer of 2020, mere months after COVID-19 devastated Italy beyond measure.

“It’s hard to believe that just a few months ago the first wave of COVID-19 had emptied the streets of Naples, and Italy was in lockdown,” Tucci’s opening voiceover muses. “Thankfully, I’ve arrived during a brief moment of normality: restaurants are open and masks are not required outside. We’ll be sticking to the local rules.” And with that, Tucci moves right along to sing the city’s praises with only a few masked encounters and occasional elbow bumps to remind the audience of the fraught time period in which he’s visiting.

Launching “Searching For Italy” with this episode is an extremely confusing choice, and not just because we now know that this apparent “moment of normality” didn’t last. Four of the show’s six episodes were filmed in the fall of 2019, months before the pandemic hit. Only two episodes — this premiere in Naples and a future chapter in Bologna — were filmed in 2020. Not every series has to air in the order it was filmed to make sense, but in this exceptional case, treating an enormous event such as a pandemic like an inconvenient asterisk does a disservice to both the show and the country it covers. It also feels like a missed opportunity from a narrative perspective. “Searching For Italy” spends much of its time detailing the country’s rich restaurant culture and how important gathering to eat is for Italian families overall. If Tucci and company were determined to go back to Italy in 2020, months after they wrapped shooting their initial episodes, why not seize the moment to speak more specifically to how the pandemic disrupted those traditions and examine how the country had to adjust? That might have meant finding a different Italy than the show was originally searching for, but it at least could have justified the visit.

Popular on Variety

This bizarre initial decision is made even more frustrating by the fact that the series is otherwise very smart and endearing. The second episode to air, for example, will see Tucci exploring Rome, a city too often dismissed as mere tourist bait. But Tucci makes an effort to seek out its less obvious spots and meals, including four signature Roman pasta dishes and a fascinating detour into the inventive ways Italian chefs have transformed offal, or all the organs and bits of gristly meat that poorer Italians learned to work into delicacies. In one particularly good segment, Tucci visits a Jewish chef who grew up in a ghettoized section of Rome and only narrowly escaped the Nazis as a child. Now, she runs a restaurant specializing in artichoke hearts, an ingredient long left to the city’s poorer Jewish community. When she gives Tucci her own version of a fried artichoke, its leaves miraculously splayed in the shape of a shining sun, his face lights up as he declares it the best artichoke heart he’s ever had.

In a later episode, Tucci returns to Tuscany, the city his family once called home and which quickly changed the trajectory of his own life. Tucci’s comfort in Italy and palpable love for its culture is genuinely infectious — not just for those he meets and charms along the way, but for this viewer, too. And in the all important test of how voraciously a travel show host actually eats the food on offer, Tucci passes with flying colors, happily engulfing every bite with vigor.

Without being able to travel to Italy anytime soon, it’s a sincere pleasure to spend some time there vicariously through a host as game and genial as Tucci. Should he ever decide to expand his tour of the country and actually unravel its thorny new reality instead of glossing over it, it would probably make for even more fascinating, revealing television. But in the meantime, he invites us to join him for some good conversation over thick twirls of pasta, bright panzanellas, lavish cuts of meat and glimmering glasses of wine — an offer that’s ultimately just too good to refuse.

“ Stanley Tucci: Searching For Italy ” premieres Sunday, Feb. 14 at 9 pm on CNN.

  • Production: Executive producers: Adam Hawkins, Eve Kay, Stanley Tucci, Amy Entelis and Lyle Gamm.
  • Cast: Stanley Tucci

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Stanley Tucci Is Going Back to Italy for a New TV Show

By Olivia Morelli

Stanley Tucci Is Going Back to Italy for a New TV Show

Christmas has come early: National Geographic has announced that  Stanley Tucci  will be returning to our screens in 2024. Almost exactly a year ago, CNN decided to cancel the hit show  Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy . The decision resulted in heartbreak around the globe, and came as a shock to many—after all, the show had won two Emmys after just two seasons for its host's impassioned travels throughout Italy . But now, in the spirit of gift-giving and joy, Disney-owned National Geographic has confirmed it will be starting production for a new show based on the same premise.

Italy Sicily Province of Palermo Palermo elevated view over city rooftops at sunset

The show will be produced by both Tucci’s own Salt Productions company and BBC Studios’ Factual Productions, and it is set to begin filming in January 2024. Titled  Tucci – The Heart of Italy , the show will come in the form of a 10-part docuseries taking viewers on a journey through the flavors of the European country.

Stanley Tucci Is Going Back to Italy for a New TV Show

In a released statement, Tom McDonald, executive VP for global factual and unscripted content at National Geographic, said, “National Geographic is the perfect home for Stanley to share his knowledge and passion for Italy’s people, food and culture. Our programming is all about inspiring a deeper connection to the world. With Stanley as their guide, audiences will be transported to places and to flavors they’ve never experienced before.” This suggests that the new show will go further and deeper than its predecessor. Still, many have noted that the series synopsis sounds alarmingly familiar to the last series. Although, knowing Tucci, he’ll have a few charming tricks up his sleeve on how to differentiate the two shows.

Stanley Tucci

Speaking of charming tricks, we talked to  Stanley Tucci about his favorite travel tips and routines, which include finding off-the-beaten-track places to stay, why he always wears a suit to fly, and why his holiday rentals always have to have a high-quality kitchen.

In a statement about the new show, Tucci said, “National Geographic is all about adventure and exploration, and I am honored to take viewers once again to explore Italy through the lens of food. In Italy’s many distinct regions, there is always something new to discover and I’m more than excited to begin the process in partnership with BBC Studios.”

A version of this article originally appeared in Condé Nast Traveller UK .

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The Best Travel Shows to Stream Right Now

Enjoy the thrill of the chase in paris, a stanley tucci tour of italy, and a puppet’s-eye view of global cuisine with these streaming tv shows..

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The Best Travel Shows to Stream Right Now

In “Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy,” the actor lives the dream by exploring the best of Italy’s food and wine.

Courtesy of CNN

While we wait for borders to open , these fuel-your-wanderlust shows will take you off the couch to Italy, England, Norway, France, and Peru (by magic shopping cart). Can you tell we’re excited about Michelle Obama’s fantastical new global food show, Waffles and Mochi ? It debuts next week on Netflix. Until then, explore the world from home by streaming any of these 26 travel shows and TV shows set in foreign countries.

Waffles and Mochi

Watch it : Netflix

A Sesame Street –style kids’ TV show for the budding chef, Waffles and Mochi follows the eponymous puppets—one a sweet little monster with waffles for ears, the other a sentient pink rice ball—around the world as they seek out fresh global ingredients and learn about healthy eating and cooking.

This show will appeal to adults as much as to toddlers. To start: Michelle Obama costars (this is part of the Obamas’ production deal with Netflix) as a grocery store owner who teaches Waffles and Mochi about the wide world beyond the Land of Frozen Food. Off on fabulous journeys they go—to Japan, Peru, Italy, where they have friendly encounters with famous chefs like Samin Nosrat and José Andrés, as well as special guests Rashida Jones, Queer Eye ’s Tan France, Zach Galifianakis, Sia, Common, and more (technically, Mandy Moore). Start streaming it on Netflix March 16. —Laura Dannen Redman

Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy

Watch it : CNN

Actor Stanley Tucci kept spirits afloat with his cocktail and cooking demos on Instagram during lockdown. When travel restrictions lifted in Europe last year, Tucci traveled to Italy—where he has deep roots—to film this six-episode series exploring food and culture through Italy’s people, cities, and regions: Sicily, Tuscany, Milan, Bologna, Rome, and Naples and the Amalfi Coast.

For those desperately missing Italy, Tucci is the perfect knowledgeable yet curious tour guide, introducing his friends—winemakers, chefs, and authors—who he pokes a little fun at, and taking you on tours, such as around Florence’s Renaissance-era wine windows, aka “little doors of paradise.”

If the show leaves you craving more, buy his two Italian cookbooks— The Tucci Table: Cooking with Family and Friends and The Tucci Cookbook— and preorder his memoir, Taste: My Life Through Food . The series has been renewed for season two. — Annie Fitzsimmons

Who is Lupin? He’s a gentleman thief, a master of disguise, a sort of French superhero at the heart of Maurice Leblanc’s short stories, “Arsène Lupin, Gentleman Burglar.” These early 20th-century Sherlockian tales inspire the new Netflix show, Lupin , starring Omar Sy ( The Intouchables ) as a Senegalese immigrant in today’s Paris who follows Arsène’s escapades as a road map for revenge.

In the pilot episode Sy’s Arsène struts through the Louvre disguised as a janitor, plotting a jewelry heist like a cohort of Danny Ocean. Lupin is also full of lust-worthy shots of the city: a room with a view of Sacré-Cœur; the Eiffel Tower from every angle; the Jardin du Luxembourg in the rain; a bustling café. A heist thriller is only as good as its setting, and Lupin —and Paris—deliver. —L.D.R.

“Outlander” stars Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish take you on a spirited journey through Scotland.

“Outlander” stars Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish take you on a spirited journey through Scotland.

Courtesy of Starz

Men in Kilts: A Roadtrip with Sam and Graham

Watch it : Starz

If the popular period drama Outlander didn’t already have you craving a trip to Scotland, this travel show starring Sam Heughan (Jamie Fraser in Outlander ) and Graham McTavish ( Outlander’s Dougal Mackenzie) will seal the deal. Even if you’re not an Outlander devotee, this Scottish duo, who are constantly making jabs at each other and themselves, are ideal guides for this literal campervan road trip through Scotland. Their banter is on point (you can tell they’re good pals IRL), and they transport viewers into the heart and soul of the country without taking themselves too seriously.

Each episode focuses on a different aspect of Scottish culture and history. For the food and drink episode, Heughan and McTavish visit one of Scotland’s oldest whisky distilleries and introduce viewers to Scottish seafood. For the sports episode, they try their hand at archaic Highland Games (aka throwing a massive hammer) and playing golf on Scotland’s most hallowed turf. And for the song and dance episode, viewers learn more about bagpipes and traditional Scottish dancing—Heughan and McTavish are game guinea pigs while also offering insights and knowledge into the theme at hand.

I’m not always big on traditional “travel shows,” but I absolutely love this one and am ready to book my first trip to Scotland ASAP after watching. — Michelle Baran

Watch it : Apple TV

West London’s Richmond upon Thames, with its distinctly British cobblestone shopping alleys, parks, and lively pubs, is the backdrop to the story of very American Ted Lasso, played by Jason Sudeikis.

Lasso is an American football coach hired to reboot a Premier League British football team, AFC Richmond. An eternal optimist, Ted is someone you wish you knew—warm and funny, with leadership skills that win over nearly everyone he meets in this fish-out-of-water story.

The Apple TV show isn’t really about sports, though there are plenty of soaring, heart-pumping soccer—football!—scenes. There are love triangles and mishaps, a delightful cast of characters, and the realization that you can do the impossible if you just “Believe,” Ted’s motto. The show has already been renewed for two more seasons. —A.F.

The head of government rides her bike to work: two clues this series isn’t set in the United States. In Copenhagen, everyone rides a bike. Maybe “Danish political drama” doesn’t sound compelling but this is, with a standout cast of well-developed characters. It follows the path of politician Birgitte Nyborg and how demands of her rise to power clash with her family life. Concerns about media news coverage are among the issues making this drama universal. The show, with an 8.5 IMDb rating, originally aired 2010–2013; Netflix plans a fourth season for 2022. — Pat Tompkins

If you’re one of the few who haven’t seen Bridgerton yet (apparently, it’s Netflix’s most successful series ever ), and you miss the U.K., it’s time to settle into Shonda Rhimes’s soapy, steamy Regency-era drama that reimagines the time as one when equality reigns: Black and white people coexist as equals, and the Queen is Black.

It centers on the romance between debutante Daphne Bridgerton and Simon Basset, reluctant Duke of Hastings. Scenic British locations include the Bridgerton family home, Ranger’s House in Greenwich, London; promenades in Bath’s green parks and Royal Crescent; and parties at Wilton House in Salisbury as the Duke’s country mansion. — A.F.

“Killing Eve” sets the codependent cop-and-killer chase in glamorous sites around Europe.

“Killing Eve” sets the codependent cop-and-killer chase in glamorous sites around Europe.

Courtesy of BBC

Killing Eve

Watch it : YouTube TV

When Eve, a British intelligence investigator, becomes obsessed by an assassin-for-hire, Villanelle, their cat-and-mouse chase leads the characters through Tuscany, Paris, London, and Romania. The glamorous destinations make this a bingeable spy thriller for travel lovers who crave dark humor, cliffhangers, and dreamy settings. —Ciera Velarde

Four Weddings and a Funeral

Watch it : Hulu

This 10-episode series from Mindy Kaling is nothing like the movie it takes its name from, except that there are four weddings and one funeral. London has never looked more magical as friends in their thirties fall in love, break up, and get married across rooftop parties in Trafalgar Square, conversations at the National Gallery and inside dreamy Notting Hill houses, and walks in Kew Gardens.

Like its cast, but unlike so many romantic comedies, it also showcases the diversity of the city through Indian family culture in Hounslow and the multicultural Southall Market. It’s completely addictive, and you might replay the final 10 minutes of the series (a wedding, of course!) over and over again. — A.F.

Un Village Francais/A French Village

Watch it : Amazon Prime

Over seven seasons, this series captures what German occupation of a fictional village, Villeneuve, meant for its inhabitants from 1940 to 1945. Instead of battles, we get the war’s impact on civilian life, an impact that affects everyone. It could have been a soap opera, but it’s not, thanks to complex characters and intriguing stories.

Among those in the first episode are Spanish refugees, a Jewish family, and the town doctor, all coping with the sudden upheaval of life in Occupied France. Travel to a different place and time in these 80+ episodes. — P.T.

Home for Christmas

The first Norwegian series from Netflix, Home for Christmas was filmed in Oslo and the small mining town of Røros, known for its colorful wooden buildings from the 1700s. We see the town and countryside dressed for the holidays, with snow, twinkle lights, and cider at Christmas markets aplenty.

But the festive season is just a vehicle for showcasing the complicated bonds of family. The show follows the up-and-down love life and quirky characters surrounding Johanne, a nurse in her thirties who feels pressure from her large, boisterous family to settle down. But what relationship can compete with her friendships? — A.F.

Call My Agent

Calling all francophiles. For those missing not just France but the language and people as well, this French-language Netflix show is génial . Call My Agent is a witty comedy about a Paris-based talent agency. The central cast of characters brings viewers along as they manage the many moods and demands of their high-maintenance actor clients. (They do everything from intervene when clients refuse to get intimate on a film set to help a client learn to drive for a movie role, plus attend ridiculous soirées to appease these high-strung celebs.)

As the series continues, deeper emotional themes around family, friendship, and love develop. I found myself tearing up (in a good way) by the end of the first season, something I wasn’t expecting at all at the start. The comic relief serves as a wonderful escape and there’s something oddly satisfying about seeing behind the scenes of France’s acting and filming world even if it is a fictional look. — M.B.

Indian Matchmaking

This is a reality show, with all its tropes and gimmicks, inviting us to be voyeurs of the Indian dating world. But Indian Matchmaking is also a fascinating glimpse into the culture of matchmaking and quasi-arranged marriages, for both the singles and families. It follows Mumbai-based matchmaker Sima Taparia as she tries to pair clients both in the U.S. and India; the scenes in India are most vibrant and really make the show worth a watch even if you’re skeptical about the premise.

You feel like you’re sitting right next to the characters in that Mumbai restaurant or Delhi bar as they chat with friends or go out on that first (slightly awkward) date with their match. — M.B.

Watch it : HBO Now , Hulu , YouTube TV

If your family is driving you up the wall, imagine self-quarantining with Succession ’s Roy family. This addictive dramedy centers on who will take over a global media and hospitality empire as the family patriarch faces health issues. Because this dysfunctional family is crazy rich, the series transports us to the most exclusive corners of New York City, a sprawling ranch in New Mexico, and even a castle in England. The juicy Season 2 finale takes place on a private yacht in Croatia, so pour yourself some prosecco and lose yourself in someone else’s family drama. —C.V.

Olivia Colman dazzles as Queen Elizabeth in the third season of “The Crown.”

Olivia Colman dazzles as Queen Elizabeth in the third season of “The Crown.”

Courtesy of Netflix

Pour yourself a cuppa and don your finest sweatpants, because we’re headed to Buckingham Palace, folks. Well, no filming was actually done in Buckingham Palace, but Lancaster House, Wilton House, and Waddesdon Manor serve as lavish, convincing stand-ins. Get ready to follow the trials and tribulations of the Windsors and get peeks at country-home castles, private train cars, African tree houses, and passels of corgis romping on the moors. —C.V.

Watch it : Hulu , HBO Now

Every time a local musician appears onscreen during this series (and they appear a lot), hearing the soulful jazz they play will transport you to New Orleans. Shot entirely on location in the city, Treme ’s storyline begins three months after Hurricane Katrina and follows its characters—musicians, bartenders, families—as they try to rebuild their lives. —C.V.

Sam Heughan stars in “Outlander,” a drama heavy on time travel and rolling Scottish countryside.

Sam Heughan stars in “Outlander,” a drama heavy on time travel and rolling Scottish countryside.

Watch it : Starz , Netflix , YouTube TV

After just one episode of Outlander, you’ll be eager to traverse the peaks of Scotland’s evergreen Highlands and drink a wee dram of whisky. This time-travel series, shot on location in Scotland, creates a fantasy world that feels rooted in a real place. —C.V.

Broadchurch

Watch it : Amazon

South England’s Jurassic Coast is the real-life setting for this moody crime drama set in a fictional seaside town. Millions of years of coastal erosion have formed striking rock formations along the craggy cliffs and beaches of the region—the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage–recognized area even serves as an important plot device. —C.V.

Ugly Delicious

Watch it: Netflix

In each episode of this docuseries, the James Beard Foundation award–winning chef David Chang focuses on a specific food (one episode is about fried rice, another about barbecue) and then bounces from country to country to taste local iterations of the same dish. After the first episode (which involves pizza: lots and lots of pizza), you’ll learn not to watch on an empty stomach. —C.V.

Top of the Lake

Viewers will be instantly hooked by Elisabeth Moss’s performance as a detective investigating the disappearance of a pregnant 12-year-old girl. The show was filmed on the South Island of New Zealand, and the titular lake provides an eerie and dramatic background for the emotionally heavy show. —C.V.

The action of “The Night Manager” starts in Egypt, but the scenes were actually shot in Marrakesh, Morocco.

The action of “The Night Manager” starts in Egypt, but the scenes were actually shot in Marrakesh, Morocco.

Courtesy of Amazon

The Night Manager

Watch it : Amazon Prime Video

Great writing, fast-paced action, and an all-star cast (Tom Hiddleston, Olivia Colman, Hugh Laurie) make this drama unmissable. The story follows a hotel night manager recruited to infiltrate the inner circle of a corrupt businessman. The show is rumored to be the most expensive miniseries ever made by the BBC, and travel-hungry viewers will enjoy the gorgeous locations, like Majorca, Spain; Zermatt, Switzerland; and Marrakesh, Morocco.

Salt Fat Acid Heat

Chef Samin Nosrat visits culinary colleagues in Italy, Japan, Mexico, and Berkeley, California, to explain how—you guessed it—salt, fat, acid, and heat are the essential elements to master when cooking any meal. Samin’s passion for food radiates through the screen, and you’ll be left hungry and inspired to test out some of her cooking tips—with her cookbook by the same name —yourself. —C.V.

If you want to lean into the current news, Fortitude is one way to go. Set in the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard (but filmed in Eastern Iceland), this drama is about a deadly virus that turns infected people into murderers. Winter-travel lovers: Get ready for sweeping icy landscapes, snow-capped mountains, and frigid, rocky beaches. —C.V.

“My Brilliant Friend” is a realistic portrayal of the gritty yet beautiful city of Naples.

“My Brilliant Friend” is a realistic portrayal of the gritty yet beautiful city of Naples.

Photo by Eduardo Castaldo/HBO

My Brilliant Friend

Although this show follows two childhood friends as they grow into women in postwar Italy, the true star is Naples , with its crowded sidewalks, lively piazzas, and ancient architecture. (In the sixth episode, viewers get to travel to the volcanic island of Ischia, to summer with the characters on beaches lapped by turquoise waters). —C.V.

The makers of Our Planet leave no corner of Earth untouched. This breathtaking nature docuseries allows you to swim with whales, swing from tree to tree with orangutans, and explore the Serengeti, all from your couch. The camerawork is remarkable: You’ll ask yourself “how did they even film that?!” at least four times per episode. —C.V.

Big Little Lies

Oh, what we’d give to be social distancing in one of the spacious seaside mansions on this show. The frothy mix of petty neighborhood squabbles, a mysterious death, and the sweeping shots of the Pacific Ocean makes watching Big Little Lies roughly 10 times better than watching the news. And if you’re inspired to plan a trip to Monterey after watching the show (and, of course, after virus concerns are lifted) , we’ve got you covered . —C.V.

>>Next: Around the World in International Films

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10 TV Shows About Italy To Watch Before Your Trip

Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy - Best TV Shows About Italy

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I don’t know about your home country but in the UK, every minor celebrity seems to have their own travel TV shows about Italy. Inevitably, at least one episode features this B-list personality strolling down cobbled streets in a straw hat slurping pasta and sipping chianti. And who could blame them?!

There aren’t just lots of travel shows about Italy focusing on food or culture either. Some of the best Italian shows on Netflix, for example, are dramas set amongst the crowds of Florence or vineyards outside Venice.

If you’re visiting Italy soon, you will no doubt want to seek out as many awesome films and shows about Italy as you can!

Check out these blog posts for recommendations of movies set in Venice , Rome , Sicily , and the rest of Italy .

But if you are specifically looking for a mix of travel shows and TV shows set in Italy, you’re in the right place! Here are some of the best options. There’s a slight UK bias but you should be able to source most of these recommendations wherever you are.

List of TV Shows About Italy: Travel Shows and More

1. travel man: 48 hours in….

English | 11 Seasons (so far) | 30-60m | Watch on Channel 4

  • Season 2, Episode 6: Venice with Jo Brand
  • Season 3, Episode 4:  Naples with Jack Dee
  • Season 3, Episode 5:  Florence with Rebel Wilson
  • Season 5, Episode 1:  Rome with Matt Lucas
  • Season 7, Episode 4:  Milan with Morgana Robinson

Let’s start with not just one of the best Italy travel shows, but one of my favourite travel shows of all time. Presented by Richard Ayoade since 2015 with Joe Lycett taking over in 2021,  Travel Man  usually focuses on easy weekend city break destinations from the UK.

The presenter goes on a weekend break with a famous guest, usually a comedian/comic actor, and they have a lovely time.

So far, the show has covered many major Italian cities with direct flights from the UK. They still have Palermo, Catania, Turin, Verona, Genoa, Palermo, Bari, and Bologna plus some others yet to cover so we don’t have to rule out more Italian content in the future!

All episodes are free to watch on Channel 4  in the UK and some of the series are on  Netflix  for international audiences.

Travel Man: 48 Hours In... Naples with Jack Dee

2. From Scratch 

English, Italian | 8 Episodes | 60m | Watch on Netflix  

Although it didn’t get the love it deserved when first released at the end of 2022, this limited series is one of the best Italian shows on Netflix . 

From Scratch  is a show based on the memoir by Tembi Locke (also incredible). She’s an American who studies abroad for a year in Florence where she meets her future husband, who is a chef from Sicily . However, once they return to the US to live together, illness and family tensions seek to tear them apart.

I must warn you that the last few episodes are unbelievably sad (you’ll be ugly crying throughout). But it displays incredible scenery from both Tuscany and Sicily as well as lots of Italian cooking!

From Scratch (2022) Best TV Shows About Italy

3. Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy

English, Italian | 2 Seasons (so far) | 60m | Watch on BBC iPlayer

Hands down,  this  is one of the most popular Italian TV shows if not  the  most popular Italy travel show of all time.

Tucci, who speaks Italian and has Italian heritage on both sides of his family, is on a quest to explore all 20 regions in Italy. He’s deep diving into the dishes, flavours, wines, and heart of everywhere from Bolzano to Basilicata.

So far, he’s covered: Campania, Lazio, Emilia-Romagna, Lombardia, Tuscany, Sicily, Veneto, Piedmont, Calabria, Sardinia, Puglia, and Liguria. Unfortunately, CNN cancelled the show after two seasons in 2022 but Tucci has promised to continue without them. Watch this space!

4. The White Lotus

English | 2 Seasons (so far) | 60m | Watch on Amazon Prime

The White Lotus  was a HUGE hit when HBO released season one in 2021. It’s a drama set in a hotel of the same name in Maui where one of the characters ends up dead. Since it’s an anthology show, season two was transplanted to another White Lotus hotel with an almost entirely new cast in Taormina , Sicily . 

It’s absolutely one of the most popular TV shows set in Italy in recent years. And the best part is, you don’t really need to watch the first season to understand this one! Although you really should, they’re both incredible television shows.

Season two will make you want to stay in a five-star hotel, until you look at the room rates, of course. Luckily, there are tons of gorgeous agriturismos and villas in Sicily you can book instead.

The White Lotus One of the Best TV Shows About Italy

5. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown

English | 12 Seasons | 60m | Watch on Amazon Prime

  • Season 2, Episode 6:  Sicily
  • Season 8, Episode 10:  Rome
  • Season 10, Episode 8:  Southern Italy

Anthony Bourdain was the master of food and travel TV shows. I always end up watching at least one episode from one of his shows before travelling anywhere, because he seems to have travelled  everywhere .

You can’t help but learn something you didn’t expect from Anthony Bourdain. In his landmark series Parts Unknown he shows Italy, and all of the places he travels to, in a different light than 99.9% of travel TV series in Italy.

It’s a real shame he didn’t shoot more episodes in Italy but it’s understandable that he didn’t since this country is well-traversed terrain. The show is called Parts Unknown , after all!

Anthony Bourdain has two other travel food shows,  No Reservations  and  The Layover , with episodes set in Italy. These shows and Parts Unknown  often appear on Netflix, so watch out for them the next time you are searching for Netflix Italian TV shows.

Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown

6. Somebody Feed Phil (+ I’ll Have What Phil’s Having)

English | 6 Seasons/Limited Series | 45-60m | Watch on Netflix | Watch on Amazon Prime

  • Season 2, Episode 1:  Venice
  • ( Season 1, Episode 2:  Italy)

The Anti-Bourdain (in a good way!), Phil Rosenthal is an affable presenter who will inspire you to eat all of the things and travel to all of the places. While making lighthearted ‘my wife’ jokes, feeding the crew, and making his loved ones back in the US jealous of his treats, of course.

Somebody Feed Phil is one of the best TV shows in Venice I’ve ever watched. During my trip to Venice in April 2023, I visited almost all the places suggested during his episode! As a Netflix Original, it’s one of the top Italian TV shows on Netflix too.

If you weren’t aware,  Somebody Feed Phil  started out as a PBS show called  I’ll Have What Phil’s Having . You used to be able to watch every episode for free on YouTube but sadly, it’s been taken down.

I’m still mentioning it as the Italy episode was perfect and you can still access it through Amazon Prime in some countries.

Somebody Feed Phil One of the Best TV Shows About Italy

7. Francesco’s Italy: Top to Toe

English, Italian | 4 Episodes | 60m | Watch Free on YouTube

One of the more random entries on this list, I literally searched ‘Italy’ in BBC iPlayer before my trip to Rome in June 2018 and found this travel show from 2006. Francesco da Mosto is a Venetian architect who drives his Alpha Romeo Spider across Italy, from the north to the south. 

This TV show is super helpful if you’re planning a trip but you’re not sure  where to go in Italy . It covers the entire country!

Just some of the things I learned about from watching this Italy TV programme were more about the Fiat car, the British Aristocracy’s history in Tuscany, and the poverty of Sicily. British actress Dame Maggie Smith even makes an appearance!

Even though it’s no longer on BBC iPlayer, you can play all four episodes for free on YouTube.

Francesco's Italy: Top to Toe

8. The Trip to Italy

English | 6 Episodes | 30m | Watch on Amazon Prime

I still don’t understand the  The Trip… format. There have been four seasons so far (2010’s  The Trip  set in the Lake District, 2014’s  The Trip to Italy , 2017’s  The Trip to Spain  and 2020’s  The Trip to Greece ). 

But then these series are re-released as films? Plus, the premise is that comedic British actors Rob Brydon and Steve Coogan visit restaurants in these places to ‘review’ them for a newspaper column, which is fake.

They even play fictionalised versions of themselves featuring kids they don’t have in real life. Is this what  Made in Chelsea  is like?!

Regardless, it’s still a fun TV series set in Italy. They follow in the footsteps of the British romantic poets and visit lots of places from Capri to Piedmont .

Although you can watch it through Amazon Prime , this is another show that often hits Netflix .

Read next: 27 Best Movies About Greece (& Ancient Greece): A Big Fat List

The Trip to Italy

9. Everybody Loves Raymond

English | 9 Seasons | 30m | Watch on Channel 4

  • Season 5, Episodes 1&2: Italy

Yes, I’m including the two episodes of the US sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond  that were set in Italy on this list! It’s my list, I can do what I like.

Coincidentally, Phil Rosenthal of  Somebody Feeds Phil  was the creator of  Everybody Loves Raymond  so it all ties together. Ray Romano plays Ray Barone, a family man with three kids living in Long Island, NY with his parents living across the street.

I remember watching  Everybody Loves Raymond  on Channel 4 every morning before school. I used to look forward to the Italy episodes in Rome at the start of season five as they would always make me dream of visiting Italy one day.

In the UK, you can watch every episode for free on Channel 4 but I’m sure you can stream them in other places worldwide.

Everybody Loves Raymond

10. Master of None

English, Italian | 3 Seasons | 30m | Watch on Netflix

  • Season 2, Episode 1: The Thief
  • Season 2, Episode 2:  Le Nozze

Raise your hand, who wants to take a break from your life to be a pasta-making apprentice for three months? Oh, and you also get to live in the gorgeous city of Modena, Italy ? Me too, my friend. Me too…

Master of None  is mostly set in New York but the first two episodes of season two are in Italy. There are homages to Italian neorealist film  The Bicycle Thief  and it’s so wanderlust-inducing that it has to be one of the top Italian Netflix shows.

Master of None

Other TV Shows About Italy: A Taste of Italy  (2021),  Alex Polizzi’s Secret Italy (2014),  Alex Polizzi’s Italian Islands  (2016),  We Are Who We Are  (2020),  Luna Nera  (2020),  My Brilliant Friend ,  Hotel Portofino  (2022)

TV Shows About Italy: That’s a Wrap!

Have you watched any of these TV shows set in Italy? Do you have any more recommendations for TV shows about Italy? Let me know in the comments below! 

22 Amazing Films set in Italy to Inspire you to Visit

italy travel food show

Hey! I wrote this. And I'm the human (and hair) behind Almost Ginger. I live for visiting filming locations, attending top film festivals and binge-watching travel inspiring films. I'm here to inspire you to do the same! Get in touch by leaving a comment or contacting me directly: [email protected] .

3 thoughts on “ 10 TV Shows About Italy To Watch Before Your Trip ”

Pingback: Best Travel Shows Italy — I Live Italy

italy travel food show

“Somebody Feed Phil” on Netflix is an amazing show if food is also important during the trip. The show contains 22 cities on different continents, and Venice and Modena (Italy) was also beautifully represented. Apparently a new season is also coming. Philip Rosenthal is the creator of “Everybody Loves Raymond”.

italy travel food show

Hey Coenraad! Yes, I LOVE Somebody Feed Phil!! I wrote this guide back in the spring of 2018 so I hadn’t heard of him then…

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I Live Italy

Italy Travel Food Show

Are you ready to embark on a culinary journey through Italy? The Italy Travel Food Show is the perfect opportunity for food enthusiasts to explore the rich and diverse flavors of Italian cuisine. From delectable dishes to exquisite wines, this show offers a vibrant celebration of all things food-related in Italy. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or simply have a passion for authentic Italian cuisine, this event is not to be missed.

The Italy Travel Food Show provides an immersive experience that delves into the history and culture of Italian cuisine. Guests can expect to learn about the origins of iconic dishes, regional specialties, and the age-old traditions that have shaped Italy’s culinary identity. Additionally, visitors will have the chance to meet renowned chefs and producers who are masters of their craft, as well as gain insight into behind-the-scenes processes that bring Italian food and wine to life.

In this article, we will take you on a virtual tour of the Italy Travel Food Show, highlighting top destinations for foodies in Italy, must-try experiences at the event, tips for planning your visit, and much more. Whether you’re dreaming of indulging in homemade pasta in Tuscany or savoring fresh seafood on the Amalfi Coast, get ready to immerse yourself in the flavors and aromas of la dolce vita.

Table of Contents

The History and Culture of Italian Cuisine

When it comes to Italian cuisine, there is so much more than just pizza and pasta. The history and culture of Italian cuisine is rich and diverse, reflecting the country’s regional differences and traditions. From the northern regions to the southern coast, each area has its own unique dishes and cooking techniques that have been passed down through generations.

To truly understand the history of Italian cuisine, one must delve into the ancient roots of Roman food and the influence of neighboring countries such as Greece and Spain. Over time, these influences blended with local ingredients to create what is now known as traditional Italian dishes. From risotto in the north to seafood along the coast and hearty pasta dishes in the south, each region tells its own culinary story.

The culture of Italian cuisine is deeply rooted in family, tradition, and simplicity. Meals are a time for gathering with loved ones over a table laden with fresh ingredients, homemade bread, olive oil, and wine. This emphasis on using fresh, seasonal ingredients has become a hallmark of Italian cooking. Whether it’s Nonna’s secret pasta recipe or a local trattoria’s specialty dish, every bite tells a story of tradition and love for food.

Top Destinations for Foodies in Italy

  • Tuscany: Known for its rolling hills dotted with vineyards and olive groves, Tuscany offers a plethora of culinary delights including Chianti wine, ribollita soup, and bistecca alla Fiorentina.
  • Emilia-Romagna: Home to Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, Prosciutto di Parma ham, balsamic vinegar from Modena, and classic handmade pastas like tortellini.
  • Sicily: With a mix of Arab, Greek, Spanish and French influences due to its strategic location in the Mediterranean Sea – expect flavors like caponata (eggplant stew), cannoli (crispy pastry filled with sweet ricotta), arancini (stuffed rice balls)

These destinations are just a taste of what Italy has to offer for food lovers. Each region has its own unique flavors that promise to tantalize your taste buds during your visit to an Italy travel food show or any other culinary adventure in this beautiful country.

Italy is a dream destination for food lovers, offering a wide variety of delicious dishes and regional specialties. When visiting Italy for the Italy Travel Food Show, there are several top destinations that foodies should not miss. Here are some must-visit places for culinary enthusiasts:

  • Rome: As the capital city of Italy, Rome offers a plethora of dining options, from authentic trattorias to upscale restaurants. Visitors can indulge in classic Roman dishes such as cacio e pepe, carbonara, and supplì.
  • Bologna: Known as the culinary capital of Italy, Bologna is famous for its rich and hearty cuisine. Tourists can savor local specialties like tortellini, ragù alla bolognese (bolognese sauce), and mortadella.
  • Florence: Tuscany’s regional cuisine takes center stage in Florence, where foodies can enjoy dishes like bistecca alla fiorentina (Florentine steak), ribollita (Tuscan soup), and cantuccini (almond biscuits) paired with Vin Santo.

In addition to these well-known destinations, smaller towns and regions in Italy also offer unique and delightful gastronomic experiences. From the seafood delights of Sicily to the authentic flavors of Naples’ pizza, there is no shortage of delectable treats awaiting travelers throughout Italy.

When planning a visit to these top destinations for foodies in Italy during the Italy Travel Food Show, it’s important to take into account the local culinary traditions and customs. Each region has its own distinct flavors and recipes that contribute to the rich tapestry of Italian cuisine. Whether you’re exploring bustling urban centers or charming countryside villages, be sure to immerse yourself in the diverse culinary landscape that Italy has to offer.

Highlighting the Best Italian Dishes and Regional Specialties

Italy is known for its delicious cuisine and the Italy Travel Food Show is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the best Italian dishes and regional specialties. From pasta to pizza, gelato to espresso, Italian cuisine has made its mark around the world. At the Italy Travel Food Show, you can expect to sample a wide variety of these iconic dishes and learn about the unique regional specialties that make Italian food so diverse and exciting.

One of the highlights of the Italy Travel Food Show is the opportunity to taste dishes from all over the country, each with their own distinct flavors and ingredients. From the seafood-focused dishes of Sicily to the rich, creamy risottos of Lombardy, there is something for every palate at this culinary event. Visitors can also expect to learn about traditional cooking methods and food preparation techniques from expert chefs and local producers.

In addition to classic Italian dishes, the Italy Travel Food Show also shines a spotlight on lesser-known regional specialties that are beloved by locals but may be less familiar to international visitors. This is a fantastic opportunity for foodies to expand their knowledge of Italian cuisine and discover hidden gems that they may not encounter elsewhere.

Whether it’s a unique cheese from Piedmont or a special type of bread from Puglia, visitors are sure to be pleasantly surprised by what they find at this one-of-a-kind event.

Tips for Planning Your Visit to the Italy Travel Food Show

Planning your visit to the Italy Travel Food Show requires some preparation to ensure you make the most of this culinary adventure. Whether you are a food enthusiast, a professional in the industry, or simply someone who appreciates good food and wine, the Italy Travel Food Show offers a unique experience that shouldn’t be missed. Here are some tips to help you plan your visit and get the most out of it.

Book Your Tickets in Advance

The Italy Travel Food Show is a popular event that attracts visitors from around the world. To avoid disappointment, it’s advisable to book your tickets in advance. This will not only guarantee your entry but also give you access to any exclusive tastings, workshops, or events that may have limited availability. Keep an eye on the official website for updates on ticket sales and special packages.

Research the Exhibitors and Schedule

Before attending the Italy Travel Food Show, take some time to research the exhibitors and schedule of events. Familiarize yourself with the layout of the show and identify any specific vendors or activities you don’t want to miss. Having a plan in place will ensure that you make efficient use of your time at the event and don’t overlook any highlights.

Plan Your Accommodation and Transportation

If you’re traveling from out of town to attend the Italy Travel Food Show , it’s important to plan your accommodation and transportation in advance. Consider staying close to the event venue to minimize travel time and allow for easy access to local restaurants, attractions, and amenities. Additionally, familiarize yourself with public transportation options or consider renting a car if you plan on exploring other areas during your visit.

By following these tips for planning your visit to the Italy Travel Food Show, you’ll be better prepared to fully immerse yourself in all that this culinary extravaganza has to offer. From sampling regional specialties to attending cooking demonstrations and meeting top chefs and producers, this event promises an unforgettable experience for anyone passionate about Italian cuisine and culture.

The Ultimate Italian Food and Wine Pairing Guide

When it comes to Italian cuisine, one cannot overlook the importance of pairing food with the perfect wine. Italy is home to some of the finest wines in the world, and knowing how to pair them with different dishes can greatly enhance your dining experience. Whether you are attending the Italy Travel Food Show or planning a trip to Italy, understanding the art of food and wine pairing is essential.

One of the fundamental principles of Italian food and wine pairing is that the wine should complement the flavors of the dish without overpowering it. For example, light and delicate dishes like fresh seafood or salads are best paired with crisp white wines such as Pinot Grigio or Vermentino. On the other hand, rich and hearty pasta dishes call for medium-bodied red wines like Chianti or Barolo.

Italy boasts 20 wine regions, each producing a wide variety of wines that perfectly match its regional cuisine. From Prosecco in Veneto to Chianti in Tuscany, exploring these regional specialties can be an enriching experience for any food and wine enthusiast. At the Italy Travel Food Show, visitors have the opportunity to discover these unique pairings firsthand through tastings and workshops conducted by sommeliers and culinary experts.

Behind the Scenes

Are you a fan of Italian cuisine? Then you won’t want to miss the opportunity to meet the talented chefs and passionate producers at the Italy Travel Food Show. This section will give you an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at some of the individuals who make Italy’s culinary scene so vibrant and diverse.

Meet the Chefs

At the Italy Travel Food Show, you’ll have the chance to meet some of Italy’s most renowned chefs. These culinary artists are masters at creating exquisite dishes that celebrate the flavors and traditions of Italian cuisine.

Whether it’s a Michelin-starred chef or a local cook with generations of family recipes, each one brings their own unique perspective to the table. You may even have the opportunity to attend live cooking demonstrations and learn some insider tips for recreating authentic Italian dishes at home.

Connect With Producers

In addition to meeting top chefs, visitors to the Italy Travel Food Show can also connect with the passionate producers behind some of Italy’s finest ingredients. From artisanal cheese makers to olive oil producers and winemakers, these individuals take great pride in their craftsmanship and are eager to share their knowledge and products with attendees.

This is a fantastic opportunity to gain a deeper appreciation for the dedication and skill that goes into creating Italy’s world-class food and beverages.

Exclusive Interviews

Get ready for exclusive interviews with these culinary experts. At the Italy Travel Food Show , you’ll have access to behind-the-scenes conversations with chefs and producers, where they will share insights into their inspirations, influences, and what makes Italian cuisine so special. It’s a unique chance to gain a personal understanding of the soul of Italian food straight from those who are shaping its future. Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind opportunity.

Must-Try Experiences at the Italy Travel Food Show

The Italy Travel Food Show offers a myriad of must-try experiences for food enthusiasts and travelers alike. From indulging in delectable Italian cuisine to learning about the country’s rich culinary history, there’s something for everyone at this event. One of the highlights is the opportunity to partake in cooking demonstrations and workshops conducted by renowned Italian chefs. These hands-on experiences provide valuable insights into traditional cooking techniques, authentic ingredients, and the art of creating mouthwatering dishes.

Furthermore, visitors can also engage in interactive tastings of Italian wines, cheeses, olive oils, and other gourmet products. This allows for a sensory journey through Italy’s diverse flavors and aromas, showcasing the country’s unparalleled gastronomic offerings. Additionally, attendees have the chance to attend insightful seminars and panel discussions led by industry experts, providing a deeper understanding of Italian culinary traditions and innovations in the food world.

Another must-try experience at the Italy Travel Food Show is the opportunity to meet local food producers and artisans. This offers a unique insight into the dedication and craftsmanship behind Italy’s esteemed food products.

The event provides a platform for these passionate individuals to showcase their creations and share their stories with attendees. This interaction not only fosters a greater appreciation for Italian culinary heritage but also allows for meaningful connections between visitors and the people behind Italy’s iconic flavors.

Overall, attending the Italy Travel Food Show provides an unforgettable experience filled with immersive activities that celebrate Italy’s rich food culture. Whether it’s savoring authentic dishes, discovering new tastes, or engaging with culinary experts and artisans, this event promises to be a memorable journey through the heart of Italian gastronomy.

Exploring the Local Food Markets and Culinary Tours in Italy

When it comes to experiencing the authentic flavors of Italy, there’s no better way than exploring the local food markets and taking culinary tours. In Italy, food is not just a meal; it’s a way of life.

The bustling food markets offer a sensory overload with their colorful displays of fresh produce, aromatic spices, and local specialties. From the famous Mercato di San Lorenzo in Florence to the vibrant Ballarò Market in Palermo, each market has its own character and unique offerings that showcase the best of Italian cuisine.

Culinary tours are also a must for food enthusiasts visiting Italy. These tours provide an opportunity to learn directly from local chefs, visit artisanal food producers, and participate in hands-on cooking classes. Whether it’s mastering the art of making fresh pasta in Bologna or sipping wine in the vineyards of Tuscany, culinary tours offer an immersive experience that captures the essence of Italian gastronomy.

For those seeking a more in-depth exploration of Italian cuisine, guided culinary tours are available throughout the country. These specialized tours take travelers off the beaten path to discover hidden gems and culinary secrets. From truffle hunting in Piedmont to olive oil tastings in Puglia, these tours offer a deeper understanding of regional ingredients and cooking techniques.

In conclusion, experiencing the Italy Travel Food Show is a wonderful opportunity for food enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the rich history and culture of Italian cuisine. This event not only showcases the best dishes and regional specialties that Italy has to offer, but it also provides a platform to meet the talented chefs and producers behind these culinary delights.

Whether you are a seasoned foodie or someone looking to explore Italian cuisine for the first time, the Italy Travel Food Show offers a unique and unforgettable experience.

Visitors to the Italy Travel Food Show can expect to indulge in a wide array of Italian dishes and wine pairings, as well as gain valuable insight into the diverse culinary traditions found across different regions of Italy. From exploring local food markets to participating in culinary tours, there are ample opportunities for attendees to expand their knowledge and palate during their visit.

Additionally, with careful planning, visitors can make the most of their time at the event by attending must-try experiences and taking advantage of tips provided for navigating the show.

Overall, attending the Italy Travel Food Show promises an enriching and satisfying experience for anyone passionate about Italian cuisine. The combination of delicious food, world-class wines, and engaging conversations with industry professionals makes this event a must-visit for those seeking an authentic taste of Italy’s culinary heritage. Whether you’re planning your first trip or already have extensive knowledge of Italian cuisine, this show offers something for everyone who appreciates good food and wine.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the tv show food italy.

The TV show “Food Italy” is a culinary travel documentary series that explores the rich and diverse food culture of Italy. It delves into the traditional recipes, local ingredients, and regional dishes that make Italian cuisine so remarkable.

What Is the Show About Traveling Around Italy?

The show about traveling around Italy follows a host as they journey through different regions of Italy, uncovering the authentic flavors and culinary traditions unique to each area. Viewers are taken on a gastronomic adventure, discovering the hidden gems of Italian cuisine and the stories behind them.

Why Was Searching for Italy Cancelled?

As of now, there is no information indicating that “Searching for Italy” has been cancelled. In fact, the show has garnered positive reviews and has been well-received by audiences, which suggests it is unlikely to be cancelled in the near future unless stated otherwise by the network or producers.

Elizabeth Dube

I’m a passionate traveler, writer, and Italophile. My fascination with Italy’s history, art, and culture has led me on countless adventures across the Italian landscape. Through “I Live Italy,” I share my love for this extraordinary country and aims to inspire others to explore its boundless beauty.

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Dream of Italy: The TV Series

Kathy McCabe is back with Season 3 Dream of Italy coming to PBS stations this winter! She takes you to Andrea Bocelli’s Tuscany, meets Americans moving to Abruzzo (and what’s the deal with those one-euro houses), explores the palace and famous pizza of the Caserta , visits Modena with 3-Michelin star chef Massimo Bottura and his wife Lara Gilmore (2 episodes) and explores the mystery of the Black Madonna in southern Italy with actress Marisa Tomei. Look for it in January 2024!

Want to enjoy a more interactive experience? Get the Dream of Italy Season 3 Tavola Box or Tavola/Vino Box to taste Italy while you watch!

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(Keep in mind this only covers the next few weeks – the first date Season 3 could possibly appear on your local station is December 15, 2023.)

Contact your local PBS station by phone or email if it is not airing Dream of Italy or if it doesn’t have it scheduled . They listen to viewers! Then check back again in a few weeks.

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Dream of Italy: Travel, Transform and Thrive

Premiering on PBS stations across the US, the pledge special/event Dream of Italy: Travel, Transform and Thrive explores how Italy can change your life – whether adapting to the Italian lifestyle at home, traveling to Italy in a more meaningful way or deciding to move there. Dream of Italy host Kathy McCabe explores the 11 essential elements of the Italian lifestyle – the land, food, family, art & culture, beauty, pace of life, passion, movement, community, celebrations and sense of home– through the stories of full- and part-time expats Sting & Trudie Styler, Francis Ford Coppola, Under the Tuscan Sun author Frances Mayes, best-selling financial author David Bach, retiree Sally Carrocino and interior designer Arlene Antoinette Gibbs.

Dream of Italy: Travel, Transform and Thrive will air as both a regular special but more importantly as a pledge special which means you can donate to your local public television station and receive incredible gifts like the companion book, exclusive extended DVD, Rosetta Stone Italian lessons and a sunflower charm from Delbrenna Jewelry in Cortona. Italian-American actor Joe Mantegna joins Kathy for the pledge breaks during the special. Distributed by American Public Television.

The 90-minute pledge event of  Dream of Italy: Travel, Transform and Thrive begins airing on PBS stations in early June. Check the search box below.

The 60-minute special premieres on public television’s Create TV Saturday, June 26th at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

(Keep in mind this search covers the next few weeks – your local station may be airing the special in the future.)

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Dream of Italy: Tuscan Sun Special

In the first two seasons of Dream of Italy , Italy travel expert Kathy McCabe brought you to some of the most enchanting corners of Italy from Abruzzo to Rome and Basilicata to Venice. Now she visits the hill town of Cortona in Tuscany, meeting a woman who might be just as passionate about Italy as she is – Under the Tuscan Sun author Frances Mayes.

Frances invites Kathy into Bramasole, the villa she and her husband transformed from a little fixer upper into a worldwide phenomenon, including a hit movie! Few people have been behind the gate of Bramasole, but Kathy takes you inside to visit the gardens and the beautiful rooms in the house and for a conversation with Frances about just what it is about Italy that keeps us coming back again and again.

Frances shows Kathy her Cortona starting with the tradition of coffee in the piazza . It’s a day filled with artisan, artistic treasures, food, wine and plenty of local friends. Kathy enjoys a cooking lesson with Michelin star chef Silvia Baracchi and Frances’ husband Ed Mayes invites Kathy to harvest olives on the grounds of Bramasole. The special culminates in an incredible cocktail party as the Tuscan sun sets and a lesson from Frances on why it is so very important to surprise your life! Join us as we dream of Italy, under the Tuscan sun in the Dream of Italy: Tuscan Sun Special .  The special is still airing on PBS stations, CreateTV, online and on Amazon Prime !

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(Keep in mind this only covers the next few weeks – your local station may be airing/re-airing Dream of Italy in the future.)

More information about The Tuscan Sun Special

With its mesmerizing landscapes, rich artistic treasures, deep ties to the past and warm people, it is no wonder that Americans dream of Italy more than any other destination in the world. Join Italian travel expert Kathy McCabe , editor of the award-winning travel newsletter, Dream of Italy as she explores Italy.  Meet Italy’s colorful locals — chefs, artisans, historians — who are deeply connected to their land, carrying on and preserving the traditions of their ancestors. Both season one, season two and the Dream of Italy: Tuscan Sun Special are currently airing on PBS stations and Create TV . Dream of Italy enjoys 96% U.S. TV household carriage, making it available to nearly every American via broadcast TV.

If you don’t see your PBS station listed in the search, contact them directly and request Dream of Italy! Keep in mind the search above is just for the next few weeks.

You can also watch Season 1 and Season 2 on Amazon Prime Video

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“ What are you looking for? ”

5 Italian Cooking TV Shows to Binge-Watch Right Now

Carole Hallac

The wide variety of Italian TV cooking specials on streaming services will inspire people to get busy in the kitchen, even on quarantine.

If TV binge-watching is your favorite sport during quarantine, we've got your back. Foodies might miss their favorite Italian restaurant meals, but they can always count on an infinite choice of food-related TV series and documentaries to immerse themselves in. Chef’s profiles, culinary travels, and cooking competitions might also give some recipe ideas to whip up in the kitchen.

Here are some shows to explore. After all, you eat with your eyes first.

Chef’s Table - Netflix The visually stunning tv series follows some of the best chefs in the world, including some prominent Italian masters sharing their personal lives, passions, and culinary skills. Follow Massimo Bottura ’s rise to fame in Modena (Season 1 Episode 1), or Dario Cecchini, the aspiring veterinarian that became the world’s most famous butcher (Season 6 Episode 2). Don’t miss pastry chef Corrado Assenza ’s episode, transporting you to the beauty of his native Sicily and tempting you with his delectable desserts, from almond granita to marzipan fruits (Season 4 Episode 2).

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The Wine Show – Hulu and Amazon Prime Do you want to learn everything about wine? British Actors have you covered! In the Wine Show’s first season, Matthew Goode and Matthew Rhys, based in a stunning Tuscan Villa , take the road to explore some of the finest wineries in Italy and reveal their fascinating stories. The show also follows wine experts Joe Fattorini and Amelia Singer visiting some of the best wineries in the world. Goode is joined by James Purefoy on a more France-centric second season, while Dominic West is a new host for the upcoming season 3 to explore Portuguese wines (launching in 2020).

Top Chef – Bravo tv and Hulu The celebrated reality television show is in its 17 th season, with Padma Lakshmi hosting an All-Stars L.A. special with the help of judges Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons. The cast is composed of returning contestants, and the season finale took place in Italy, marking the first time the show has traveled to Europe. Who will win the $250.000 cash prize? Tune in to find out.

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Somebody Feed Phil - Netflix Philip Rosenthal, better known as the producer of the hit show Everybody’s Love Raymond, travels the world in search of culinary gems. In his Venice episode he discovers traditional cicchetti , assorted tapas like slices of bread served with a variety of toppings, fried seafood served in paper cones ad street food, and a famous fried poke chop. In his Italian adventure, Phil passes by Modena to try the gnocco fritto , a doughnut-like pastry made with pig fat, and get a backstage sneak look Bottura’s Osteria Francescana. (Season 2 Episode 1).

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F*ck That’s Delicious – Hulu Rapper and former chef Action Bronson tours the world and enjoys the best food while diving into different cultures. The series started online as part of Vice Munchies series, and includes an Italy centric episode following the larger-than-life Bronson and his crew at in the kitchen of Osteria Francescana, trying shellfish in Naples while sharing a blunt with the local restaurant’s staff, and enjoying street food in Rome. (Season 2 Episode 6)

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7 Best New Travel Shows You Can Stream Right Now

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Most avid travelers experienced a decline in their favorite hobby last year. But exciting adventures, new cuisine, and beautiful landscapes are still accessible to us all via our favorite travel shows. Explore the world from the comfort of your couch with these travel shows you can stream right now.

1. Stanley Tucci: Searching For Italy

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Take a guided tour of Italy with host Stanley Tucci as he travels from Naples to Rome, sampling cuisine and learning about Italian history and culture along the way. The Devil Wears Prada and Hunger Games actor takes on a new role as host, telling personal stories as he is joined by his wife and friends. Inspired by his own Italian heritage, Tucci is so passionate about his journey through the country and the food that he’s tasting, viewers will feel like they’re on the Amalfi Coast themselves. Season one is currently airing on CNN and available on Hulu . A second season has already been planned for 2022.

2. Down To Earth With Zac Efron

While Zac Efron’s adventure show may not be the ultimate in high-brow entertainment, the High School Musical star’s charisma and enthusiasm make Down to Earth an incredibly fun watch. The actor, joined by wellness guru Darin Olien, travels the globe, attempting to learn about sustainability and the environment. He also samples local cuisines and shamelessly indulges in the local tourist activities. All of season one is available now on Netflix, and filming for a second season has already begun.

3. Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted

Watch Gordon Ramsay travel the world, learning old-world methods of cooking from locals, in his new food-based travel show on Disney + . In Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted , viewers experience the chef abandoning his reputation as a loud, hyper-critical judge. Instead, he spends his time learning new techniques and trying new food, incredibly excited to be there and impressed by every meal he tries. Each episode features a new location and new group of welcoming locals excited to share the history of their food. There are two seasons available already, with season three set to air in mid-2021.

4. Our Planet

Narrated by David Attenborough, Netflix’s Our Planet offers an in-depth exploration of the world’s habitats, focusing on the effects of climate change and global warming. While the thesis of the documentary is science-based, the creators’ clear passion for nature shines through. The visuals are absolutely breathtaking, and the show itself is self-reflective and inspirational. With footage from 50 countries, episodes cover jungles, deserts, forests, and virtually every landscape imaginable, virtually guaranteeing a deep dive into any viewer’s favorite destination.

5. Taste The Nation With Padma Lakshmi

Explore the United States with Food Network personality Padma Lakshmi as she seeks to understand the connection between U.S. food and U.S. culture. Every episode features a different American city, where Lakshmi meets with immigrants from around the world, seeking to understand how the diversity of the country’s chefs has shaped what we define as American cuisine. This one-season series is a moving, emotional exploration of culture, heritage, and identity, available for streaming on Hulu .

6. Long Way Up

Reunited for their third joint travel adventure show, Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman go on an ambitious motorcycle ride in Apple TV’s Long Way Up . Starting in Ushuaia, a city at the tip of South America, the two friends ride for more than 100 days and 13,000 miles, crossing borders and country lines, making their way into Argentina, Chile, and Peru, all the way up to Central America and Mexico. Fans of Long Way Round and Long Way Down will love this third installment, all of which is available for streaming.

7. Street Food

For another food-based travel show, try Netflix’s Street Food , and its two available seasons, Street Food: Asia and Street Food: Latin America . Each episode takes place in a different city, with interviews of three to four street food chefs and their featured dishes. This show takes a deep dive not only into the cuisine, but primarily into the people who make it, emphasizing the journey of the individual cooks. The featured dishes are often region-specific and emblematic of the conditions and circumstances of both the city and the chef. The show focuses on the vendors’ backstories, teaching viewers about local poverty, history, culture, and identity.

These are just a starting point; there are a lot more shows out there worth a look. All you have to do is go on a surf vacation from the comfort of your couch.

Editor’s Note: Can’t get enough virtual travel? Jordan Palmer has more on Beeyonder , the new travel company created so anyone can travel the world.

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Greg Robertson has worked as an editor and writer for some of the top newspapers and websites in the country, leading him to live all across the country. He now calls Las Vegas home, but has journeyed from the sunshine of California and the rain in Seattle, to the humidity of Arkansas and the snow of Minnesota. His travels have taken him to Puerto Vallarta, Costa Rica, Spain, and the Dominican Republic, but he's happiest at home with his wife, two daughters, and dog.

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Best cooking shows to watch

Travel through food: 9 shows every foodie should watch

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If you’ve been using this time at home to work on your cooking skills, or if you’re simply looking for something new to binge and you’re a foodie at heart, then shows that allow you to immerse yourself in new cultures and cuisines will be an absolute treat for you.

To help you pick which one to watch, we’ve rounded up our favourite foodie shows available to stream – all of which, let you indulge in a bit of armchair travel while you watch them. So, whether you’re after some cooking inspiration or ideas of where to plan your next vacation , here are the shows that cover both:

Gino’s Italian Escape

TV chef Gino D’acampo returns to his home country of Italy and embarks on a culinary odyssey, from major cities like Rome and Naples to coastal villages, to discover the secrets of its cuisine in this cooking travelogue adventure. Gino’s Italian Escape airs on SBS FOOD on Monday evenings. Or you can catch up on season three here .

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Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Chef David Chang takes his insatiable curiosity about food, culture and identity on the road, in the convivial company of fun-loving celebrity guests including Chrissy Teigan, Seth Rogan, Lena Waithe and Kate McKinnon.

Luke Nguyen’s Railway Vietnam

Celebrated chef Luke Nguyen takes us on a culinary journey in Vietnam, travelling by train from Ho Chi Minh in the south to Sa Pa in the north. The series combines his love of food, travel, trains and the Vietnamese people. Watch Luke Nguyen’s Railway Vietnam on SBS OnDemand here.

Luke Nguyen's Railway Vietnam

Salt Fat Acid Heat

Chef and food writer Samin Nosrat travels the world to explore four basic keys to wonderful cooking across four episodes. Along the way, she serves mouth-watering feasts and provides helpful tips for viewers at home. Check out the trailer below or watch the full series on Netflix Australia.

Ainsley’s Caribbean Kitchen

TV chef Ainsley Harriott takes a trip across the Caribbean visiting the islands that have inspired his cooking from an early age. Stopping at Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada, Barbados, St Lucia, Dominica and Antigua, Ainsley will take viewers on a journey through the tropical climates, exotic food and charming characters that make each island in the Caribbean unique. You can catch Ainsley’s Caribbean Kitchen at SBS OnDemand here .

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Street Food Asia

After the outbreak begun in Wuhan China, feelings towards street food became more uncertain than ever. However before you make up your mind about it, this Netflix series is a great way to truly educate yourself on the ins and outs of Asian street food and discover the stories of the people who run such market stalls. Available to watch on Netflix Australia.

Somebody Feed Phil

“Everybody Loves Raymond” creator Phil Rosenthal travels the globe to take in the local cuisine and culture of Bangkok, Lisbon, Mexico City and more. Check out the trailer below or stream seasons one and two on Netflix Australia.

Destination Flavour Japan

Celebrated cook Adam Liaw takes food lovers on a journey of culinary discovery throughout Japan. In the debut episode, Adam heads to Hokkaido, a gourmet paradise known for extraordinary cold-water seafood and dairy farming. Adam meets a dairy farmer who, with only 35 cows and his wife’s cheesecake recipe, turned their tiny farm into a multi-million-dollar business. Check out  Destination Flavour Japan   here .

Nigel Slater’s Middle East

Food writer Nigel Slater explores the Middle East; cooking and eating with the people of Lebanon, Turkey and Iran as he discovers the secrets of the world’s oldest cuisines. Series one is available to watch on ABC iview here .

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When is the best time to visit Italy? This is when you should go

Want to visit italy this is when you should go.

Mark Reif

On a visit to Italy, there’s almost too much to see and do. If you’re a car enthusiast, a guided trip through the Ferrari museums in Maranello or Modena offers a singular experience. For a mix of historic charm and coastal refreshment, the Amalfi Coast delivers in spades. Then there’s the cuisine, from pizza Napoletana in Naples to sweet Tiramisu in Venice. 

Travel to Italy: timing is everything

Time to start planning your italian getaway.

So when you pack your bags and make the trip, you’ll want to arrive at the best possible time. That can vary depending on the purpose of your visit, but do not worry; we’ve done the research for you. Here’s the best time to visit Italy. 

If you’re a skier or snowboarder, you want to hit the mountain when the snow falls. Or, if you’re a golfer, a morning tee time on a sunny day makes for a pleasant round. The same holds true for traveling to Italy, where various windows suit specific interests. Additionally, it’s best to avoid the summer, where dense crowds and high prices detract from the magic. 

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Winter is best for bargain pricing and mountain adventures

Italy has some of the finest peaks in the world, with the Dolomites and Northern Alps jutting into the sky. That means world-class skiing and snowboarding, quaint mountain villages, and stunning views. Not only that, but winter also has its fair share of travel deals.

We’d visit Cortina d’Ampezzo Ski Resort for its mix of challenge and fun, delightful cuisine, and vibrant village. As part of the Dolomiti Superski, the ski area connects to 15 resorts, 450 lifts, and 740 miles of trails. With the money you save on accommodations, you can splurge on meals and shopping or afford an extra day at the resort. 

Springtime is best for pleasant weather and low crowds

Spring is an ideal time for an Italian vacation, with a mellowing climate and manageable crowds. Especially later in the season, you can find bargains on lodging, uncrowded beaches, and nature’s majesty as the surroundings blossom. 

Even though it’s a shoulder season, spring still has its share of worthwhile events. During the Giornate FAI di Primavera (FAI Spring Days), the National Trust for Italy (FAI) offers free access to hundreds of historic spaces typically not available to the public. It’s a chance to see and feel the country’s rich culture and history. 

On May 1, Labor Day, dual events showcase Italy’s vibrant arts and entertainment. La Biennale di Venezia highlights art and architecture in alternating years, and Concerto del Primo Maggio is a free music festival in Rome. All the while, displays of dance, music, and theater round out the experience. 

Summer brings crowds and higher costs

On your vacation, you want to explore and enjoy. But that can be a challenge during peak travel periods. From June through August, Italy experiences elevated crowds and higher pricing, putting a dent in what could be an epic getaway. Many Italians vacation during that time, migrating to the coast and causing prices to skyrocket. Not only that, but it can be difficult to rent a car during this hectic time.

Fall is best for wine and food aficionados

Autumn is harvest season, and an ideal time to be in country known for its food and wine. Wineries begin the grape harvest and food festivals (sagre) showcase local delicacies. Examples include truffles, porcini mushrooms, and pumpkins, offering a rare taste of Italy’s nuanced cuisine. 

Taking that even further, from October through December, the town of Alba holds the country’s largest truffle festival, Fiera Internazionale del Tartufo Bianco di Alba . You’re sure to experience tastes and aromas like never before. 

Now that you know the best time to go to Italy, it’s important to take care of several details. You’ll need a passport. Packing efficiently and effectively helps you get the most out of your trip. Finding deals on airfare and lodging allows you to stick to a budget. With all that taken care of, you’re ready to explore Italy’s vibrant art, nature, culture, and cuisine. Buon viaggio!

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Mark Reif

When speaking of national parks, two often dominate the conversation: Yellowstone and Yosemite. While both are crown jewels of the National Park System, each offers a distinctly unique experience. These parks attract millions of visitors annually, but which one reigns supreme for the summer traveler? Let's compare these iconic destinations. Yellowstone National Park

Established in 1872 as the first national park in the world, Yellowstone National Park sprawls across three states: Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. Covering over 2.2 million acres, it’s a vast land of natural wonders. Here's what it's famous for: Geothermal geysers Yellowstone is home to over 10,000 hydrothermal features, including more than 500 geysers. The star of the show is Old Faithful, a geyser famous for its predictable eruptions. Besides geysers, the park boasts multicolored hot springs, fumaroles, and mud pots. An abundance of wildlife Yellowstone’s ecosystem is a sanctuary for a diverse array of wildlife. Visitors marvel at herds of bison roaming the valleys, spot elusive wolves in the Lamar Valley, and observe grizzly bears in their natural habitat. Just make sure that you're following the rules when it comes to interacting with animals. The park is a living showcase of wildlife management and natural balance. Unparalleled views The park's landscape varies from rolling grasslands to dense forests and high-altitude lakes. Yellowstone Lake is the largest high-altitude lake in North America, offering stunning views and fishing opportunities. Hiking trails range from easy walks to challenging backcountry adventures, catering to all levels of outdoor enthusiasts. Yosemite National Park

  • Food & Drink

If you're known as The City That Never Sleeps, you probably have a few good bars to your name. New York is the ultimate beehive, going strong regardless of the borough or time of day. That makes for a pretty rich NYC bar culture.

Sure, there are trending establishments that draw huge lines—look at you, Double Chicken Please. But there are also excellent dives, tremendous wine bars, and watering holes that make you reexamine the definition of a great cocktail.

Air travel opens the door to global exploration. On a sleek, fast airplane, you can reach faraway destinations in hours, not days, paving the way to new experiences. Have you always wanted to ski the Swiss Alps? Just book a flight, and you’ll be there in no time. Not to mention, you’ll enjoy the stunning views from above.

On the other hand, when returning home, getting through security can be a chore. Long lines and lengthy processes put a dent in your memorable trip. It’s a real hassle.

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This Italian City Wants to Ban Late-night Eating — What to Know

Midnight gelato may be a thing of the past in Milan.

italy travel food show

Alessandra Amodio/Travel + Leisure

The time for late night gelato may be coming to an end as the Italian city of Milan looks to ban all take-away food after midnight.

The new rule is aimed at “protecting the tranquility” of the northern Italian city and “guaranteeing the use, by everyone, of the public space in some areas affected by nightlife,” according to the Municipality of Milan . Under the regulation, all take-away food would be banned after 12 a.m., and outdoor dining would stop after 12:30 a.m. in residential neighborhoods and stop after 1:30 a.m. on weekends and public holidays.

“[The] objective is to find a balance between socialism and entertainment, tranquility and health of residents,” Marco Granelli, the city’s deputy mayor for security, wrote in a Facebook post , adding, “We believe in a lively city, where young and less young people have spaces to stay together.”

Granelli said if the new rules receive final approval, they would go into effect in mid-May. The rule would apply to 12 districts in the city, including popular neighborhoods like Brera, Darsena-Navigli, Isola, and more.

The new rules, however, are not popular with everyone in the city. 

“If an Italian family goes out for a pizza and wants to go for a walk after and have a gelato, they will be fined under this ordinance,” Marco Barbieri, the secretary general for the Milan branch of the Italian retailers’ association, Confcommercio, told CNN , adding it goes “against common sense.”

Barbieri added the midnight cut-off is too early since many young people don’t even think about going out for dinner before 10 p.m., especially in the summer. 

This is not the first time the city has tried to implement a law like this, CNN reported. In 2013, a similar measure was discarded following significant public backlash and a protest movement (appropriately) called “Occupy Gelato.”

Phil Rosenthal of 'Somebody Feed Phil' is headed to Ann Arbor to perform and, yes, to eat

Wednesday's show at the michigan theater is part of the "everybody loves raymond" creator's north american tour..

italy travel food show

"Somebody Feed Phil" host Phil Rosenthal is headed to Ann Arbor on Wednesday, and before you ask, yes, he already knows where he's going to eat.

"I've gotta hit Zingerman's, right?" he asks, on the phone from Philadelphia during a day off from his tour earlier this week. "I've ordered from there before, so it's like going to Mecca for me." 

Food is never far from the top of Rosenthal's mind. The "Everybody Loves Raymond" creator has reinvented himself as a traveling food personality on his Netflix series "Somebody Feed Phil," on which he's traveled the globe sampling local cuisines with friends and food personalities over seven seasons, the most recent of which debuted on the streamer in March.

He performs at Ann Arbor's Michigan Theater on Wednesday, part of a two-month, 25-city tour across the U.S. and Canada. Billed as "An Evening with Phil Rosenthal," he'll tell stories from his life and the road before opening things up for a Q&A with the audience. (He plays at GLC Live at 20 Monroe in Grand Rapids on Thursday.)

Here's what the New York City native, 64, had to say about food, travel and bringing people together.

Are you as adventurous an eater when you're not in "Somebody Feed Phil" mode, or are you always, more or less, in "Somebody Feed Phil" mode? 

I think I'm always in that mode. I think because like, especially on a tour like this, I'm in new places, and I want to try what that place has to offer.

When you're in a new city, how do you decide where you want to eat? Do you already have a couple of places circled in each town?

I do a little research before I land and I see if there's any musts. And people recommend things to me, which is great. Everyone's always welcome to DM me on Instagram and tell me where they think I should eat. And these are one-nighters, so I'm probably only going to have one meal there. But if I'm going to Grand Rapids and Ann Arbor, I need places!

Do you find that you're like an ambassador of food, or at least like an ambassador in reverse, where everybody's telling you where to go to eat when you're in their town?   

Well now because of the show, I do feel a little bit like a goodwill ambassador, and that's so nice. People tell me that the show has an impact on them or businesses, their business has gone up because the show has been there, and nothing makes me happier. That's great.

When you eat, or when you eat on the show at least, you make this joyous face, with this big smile with these wide eyes. It's such a great face to be associated with. Do people make that face to you when they see you? 

They do, and sometimes people send me pictures of their kids imitating me. It's it's quite insulting. (Laughs.) No, it's it's the sweetest, sweetest thing. It's great.

What is the key to the show for you? Is it the travel, the food, the people, or is it the combination of all three and the way they come together as one? 

Very good question. I'm only using food and my stupid sense of humor to get you to watch, because the real message of the show is to travel and meet people. I think the world would be better if we all could experience a little bit of other people's experiences, but the show says that without saying it. It should be evident. It should be that while you're laughing and ogling that food, the message is getting in. 

Do you hear from people who have gone to places because of you?

All the time, all the time. It's so gratifying that people send me photos of them. They DM me photos of them eating at the same place that I ate in, or walking on the same street that I walked on in a city I was in. And I know for people, because I've now done it a lot, that it's life changing to go to a place and be completely wowed, by Lisbon or Paris or Spain or Italy or Kyoto. I know what it's like, I know how magical it is, and I know that what you get is invaluable. You get a new perspective on your life that you carry with you home. So that's the reason for the show.  

What has this been like for you, having had a a very successful career in a different avenue, and then becoming this whole other entity at this point in your life?  

It's a little like Larry David, right? He was behind the scenes on "Seinfeld," and now he's on camera. But except I would call my show "Why Curb Your Enthusiasm?"  

Your enthusiasm is the whole point!

Exactly right.

How did "Somebody Feed Phil" come to be? What was the spark that lit the fuse to create the show?

It actually was a conversation with Ray Romano in between Season 1 and 2 of "Raymond," about where he was going on his hiatus, and he said he was going to the Jersey Shore. And I said, "what about Europe?" And he said he wasn't really interested in going somewhere different. And I thought right then and there, we've got to do that episode where we go to Italy. And we did that episode. It took a few years to convince him to go, but we did it. And the best part was that he — he the person, not just the character — got it, and how great it was to be in Italy and to travel. And now he goes all the time, and I thought, what if I could do this for other people? And that was it. But it was 10 years trying to get it done. And after "Raymond" was over, it took me 10 years to get the show, first on PBS, and then Netflix.  

When did you get bit by the travel bug? How much traveling did you do when you were younger, and what got you into traveling, and then becoming kind of person that would encourage others to travel?

I didn't go anywhere as a kid. We couldn't afford it, and we never went anywhere. But I dreamed about it. I saw pictures and TV shows and movies, obviously. And I always dreamed of going. And when I was 23, I got a courier flight to Europe, meaning I could go as long as I took, you know, DHL packages as my excess baggage. And I got to go, and my whole life changed, because I realized this is what you do with your extra money, right? It should be for these experiences, not buying things you don't need. This is life changing, this is what's important. And so ever since I was 23, that was the thing. I wish I'd started even earlier than I started. I know a guy on the internet, he's 30, and he's already been to every country in the world. I don't think I'm going to make it, but good for him.

Have you always been a very adventurous eater, or did that come with time?

At home I was very picky eater. We didn't have a lot of money, we didn't have great food, and both my parents worked. And so, you know, gourmet meals were not the top of the agenda, right? But the first time I left the house and had food with what they call flavor , the top of my head came off. I just loved it. And then when I traveled and had food in other countries, it was exponentially even better.

You've got the show coming up here in Ann Arbor, and part of it is a live Q&A. What kind of questions do you get asked from the audience? What is that portion of the show like, and how do you enjoy it?  

It's my favorite part of every show. It's so much fun. I never know what I'm going to get asked. Some of the questions are hilarious. Some of them are wedding invitations, some of them are questions about the shirt I wear. So it's hysterical. Some of them are little kids that get up, they're my favorites. I love them, and they're not shy. They're great, and it's just adorable. It's the most fun, and we have the best time. 

What's up with Season 8 of the show? Is it sketched out, and do you have a wish list that you're kind of always knocking off for cities to go to?

I do have a wish list. I don't know if there will be a Season 8, formally. I never know. But I always hope. 

Even if there's not a show, are you still going to be going everywhere?

Of course I will, yeah. The truth is I would want to live my life this way, whether they film me or not.

What is the key to traveling? What's the best way to enjoy your time in any given spot?  

Walk a lot, and plan certain things. Make sure you do a little research. Make sure you don't miss what's great about the place that they're famous for, it's famous for a reason. And you want to leave room in your schedule for stuff to just to happen to you.

And leave room in your stomach.

That's exactly right. 

[email protected]

An Evening with Phil Rosenthal

7:30 p.m. Wednesday

Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor

Tickets $39.50-$55

Ticketmaster.com

Disneyland's Pixar Fest is here: A high-energy show for kids, relaxing for parents

italy travel food show

ANAHEIM, Calif. − M ad onna has got nothing on Edna Mode .

"The Incredible s " character slides side-to-side onstage, hitting Vogue-y poses that could rival the queen of pop herself. Watching with rapt attention are several small children, all of whom appear no more than 10-years-old. They jump up and down with her, hitting their own poses and sliding left to right.

At several points, non-character cast members give energetic dance instructions to the kids over music, telling them to flex, rock back and forth, clap, run, freeze, and more. The kid-friendly moves look like they could have come straight from an 80s workout video, but instead of Jane Fonda, the instructors are Edna Mode, Mr. and Mrs. Incredible, Frozone and other beloved characters from "Toy Story" and "Inside Out."

It's all part of "Pixar Pals Playtime Party" (try saying that three times fast) − a new show coming to Fantasyland Theatre at Southern California's Disneyland for Pixar Fest, which starts Friday and lasts through Aug. 4. USA TODAY caught a media preview of the show on Thursday, as well as a glimpse at the wide array of creative food offerings. Here's what to expect.

What's the Pixar Palace Playtime Party like?

Really tiring if you're a kid, but really relaxing if you're a parent. (Isn't that how theme parks ought to be?)

For about an hour, cast members get participants up on their feet and encourage them to dance, taking them through moves that include walking in an impromptu fashion show and forming a conga line. It's an energetic hour, but there's plenty of bleacher seating in the back for parents and kids who just want to sit, watch and catch their breath.

It's also a great opportunity to see some beloved Pixar characters up close. Woody, Jessie and Bo Peep from "Toy Story" join the non-costumed cast members onstage, as do Happiness and Sadness from "Inside Out." The characters also come down from the stage to dance with the kids on the floor, creating a more lively − and likely more memorable − experience of interacting with a character than waiting several minutes for a quick photo.

The show itself is pretty adorable and serves as more of an activity than a viewing. The kids at the preview event were constantly moving. At one point, a little girl dressed as Jessie jumped with glee at seeing the cowgirl herself onstage. Sadness from "Inside Out" also elicited plenty of laughs as Joy did her best to get her to move to the cheerful music.

For kids who aren't interested in dancing, there's also a "Luca"-themed area where they can color and chill out.

More: Disneyland revamps Mickey's Toontown to improve accessibility, relaxation: An inside look

What's the food like?

Decadent. Chances are, whatever you're in the mood for, they have for Pixar Fest − so long as that mood doesn't include anything healthy. (But aren't Disneyland days automatic cheat days anyway?)

On display for media were cookies and cupcakes galore, "Finding Nemo" cake pops, churros covered in gummy candy and chocolate sauce and mini-chocolate cakes decorated like tires from "Cars." And those sweets don't even scratch the surface.

For more savory options, there are also chicken and potato waffles in bite-sized pieces, pesto pasta, a pizza topped with burger patties, and even a "Ratatouille Pizzetta," a mini-pizza topped with eggplant, squash, zucchini, tomato sauce, and a wedge of French camembert cheese.

More: Here's an inside look at Disneyland's new Runaway Railway ride and Disney100 celebration

What else is at Pixar Fest?

So much. There's decor where you can pose for photos at the fronts of both Disneyland and California Adventure. There's "Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!," which is a California Adventure parade with the most Pixar characters of any parade in a Disney park. There's Club Pixar , which is an interactive DJ dance party that also features games like cornhole and tic-tac-toe. And there's "Together Forever − A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular," an evening projection show that includes beloved Pixar characters old and new, as well as new emotions from the upcoming "Inside Out 2" film.

IMAGES

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COMMENTS

  1. Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy (TV Series 2021-2022)

    Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy: With Stanley Tucci, Felicity Blunt, Tess Masazza, Massimo Bottura. Stanley Tucci travels across Italy to discover the secrets and delights of the country's regional cuisines.

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    Rome. In the Eternal City, Stanley Tucci searches for the famed Four Pastas, sampling rigatoni all'amatriciana, carbonara, cheeses and sausages from the region. Season 1, Episode 3.

  5. Stanley Tucci Searching Italy Again for New Nat Geo Series

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  6. Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy

    Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy is an American travel and food show that premiered on February 14, 2021, on CNN.The series follows American actor Stanley Tucci, who travels around Italy visiting each region and exploring their cultures, cuisine, and history.. The series has received seven Primetime Emmy Award nominations, winning Emmys for Outstanding Hosted Nonfiction Series in 2021, 2022 ...

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    Why Stanley Tucci's 'Searching for Italy' Was the "Right Show" to Bring the Travel-Food Genre Back to CNN. The series is the first original travel-food show on the network since Anthony ...

  12. Stanley Tucci Is Back In Italy With An All-New Travel Food TV Show

    Getty Images. Deliciously appealing, Stanley Tucci has returned to Italy this month to film an all-new, 10-episode TV series for National Geographic network that celebrates food and travel in the ...

  13. Searching For Italy: New Food Travel Series With Stanley Tucci

    They pine to travel as soon as more people are vaccinated and borders reopen. Many want to explore or revisit Italy. Tucci's new six-part CNN series, Searching for Italy, will premiere on ...

  14. Stanley Tucci Is Going Back to Italy for a New TV Show

    In a statement about the new show, Tucci said, "National Geographic is all about adventure and exploration, and I am honored to take viewers once again to explore Italy through the lens of food ...

  15. 26 of the Best Travel Shows to Stream Right Now

    The Best Travel Shows to Stream Right Now. Enjoy the thrill of the chase in Paris, a Stanley Tucci tour of Italy, and a puppet's-eye view of global cuisine with these streaming TV shows. In "Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy," the actor lives the dream by exploring the best of Italy's food and wine. Courtesy of CNN.

  16. 10 TV Shows About Italy To Watch Before Your Trip

    List of TV Shows About Italy: Travel Shows and More. 1. Travel Man: 48 Hours In…. English | 11 Seasons (so far) | 30-60m | Watch on Channel 4. Season 2, Episode 6: Venice with Jo Brand. Season 3, Episode 4: Naples with Jack Dee. Season 3, Episode 5: Florence with Rebel Wilson. Season 5, Episode 1: Rome with Matt Lucas.

  17. Stanley Tucci Is Returning to Italy With a New Food Series

    Jan 9, 2024. Stanley Tucci isn't done exploring Italy! The Emmy and Golden-Globe winning actor will once again be taking viewers on a culinary tour of the country in a new docuseries. A year after ...

  18. Italy Travel Food Show

    Italy is known for its delicious cuisine and the Italy Travel Food Show is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the best Italian dishes and regional specialties. From pasta to pizza, gelato to espresso, Italian cuisine has made its mark around the world. At the Italy Travel Food Show, you can expect to sample a wide variety of these iconic ...

  19. TV Show

    Dream of Italy: Travel, Transform and Thrive. Premiering on PBS stations across the US, the pledge special/event Dream of Italy: Travel, Transform and Thrive explores how Italy can change your life - whether adapting to the Italian lifestyle at home, traveling to Italy in a more meaningful way or deciding to move there.Dream of Italy host Kathy McCabe explores the 11 essential elements of ...

  20. An Italian culinary tour, with Stanley Tucci

    01:48. When a race is also Dubai's most iconic fashion event. 02:02. In his new CNN series, "Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy," the actor tours Italy to experience its food and culture up ...

  21. 5 Italian Cooking TV Shows to Binge-Watch Right Now

    Somebody Feed Phil - Netflix. Philip Rosenthal, better known as the producer of the hit show Everybody's Love Raymond, travels the world in search of culinary gems. In his Venice episode he discovers traditional cicchetti, assorted tapas like slices of bread served with a variety of toppings, fried seafood served in paper cones ad street food ...

  22. 7 Best New Travel Shows You Can Stream Right Now

    3. Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted Disney + Watch Gordon Ramsay travel the world, learning old-world methods of cooking from locals, in his new food-based travel show on Disney +.In Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted, viewers experience the chef abandoning his reputation as a loud, hyper-critical judge.Instead, he spends his time learning new techniques and trying new food, incredibly excited to be there and ...

  23. Travel through food: 9 shows every foodie should watch

    Gino's Italian Escape. TV chef Gino D'acampo returns to his home country of Italy and embarks on a culinary odyssey, from major cities like Rome and Naples to coastal villages, to discover the secrets of its cuisine in this cooking travelogue adventure. Gino's Italian Escape airs on SBS FOOD on Monday evenings.

  24. When is the best time to visit Italy? This is when you should go

    On a visit to Italy, there's almost too much to see and do. If you're a car enthusiast, a guided trip through the Ferrari museums in Maranello or Modena offers a singular experience. For a mix ...

  25. This Italian City Wants to Ban Late-night Eating

    Under the regulation, all take-away food would be banned after 12 a.m., and outdoor dining would stop after 12:30 a.m. in residential neighborhoods and stop after 1:30 a.m. on weekends and public ...

  26. Phil Rosenthal of 'Somebody Feed Phil' talks food, travel and life

    He performs at Ann Arbor's Michigan Theater on Wednesday, part of a two-month, 25-city tour across the U.S. and Canada. Billed as "An Evening with Phil Rosenthal," he'll tell stories from his life ...

  27. Italy: Milan wants to ban gelato and pizza sales after midnight

    The ban, which officials say is necessary to tackle excessive noise in residential areas, would also prevent establishments from serving food and drink in outside areas between the hours of 12:30 ...

  28. Disneyland's Pixar Fest is here: What to expect from the new show

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  29. Book at these times to save money on summer flights for 2024

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