Everyone’s reasons for coming to Italy are different. Some come for the culture and the rich and tempestuous history; some come for the relaxation and the laid back lifestyle; and some come for the sheer beauty and diversity of Italy’s stunning landscape. But for those choosing the verdant region of Tuscany for their Italian adventure, chances are you’re coming for two things – the food and the walking. In Italy you’d have to be pretty unlucky to get a bad case of either but, in Tuscany in particular, a walking holiday through the breathtaking landscape and the unbelievably delicious cuisine, combine to form what could arguably be – the world’s best holiday.
A Walk after Breakfast
If you want to get the most out of a holiday walking in Italy you’ll do well to set off early in the morning. Especially if you’re travelling in the hotter months, the Tuscan sun can be fierce and it’s best to take advantage of the cool of the morning. But if you’re going to be full of energy and ready to tackle those sometimes not so undulating hills, you’ll need to be fuelled up with a good breakfast. The traditional Tuscan breakfast has not changed much over hundreds of years, so what you sit down to today, is, by and large, the same as the peasants would have enjoyed before a day at work in the fields. The Italians do not really have an equivalent of the ‘full English’ fry up or a bowl full of sugary cereal. Instead, their breakfasts consist of an assortment of fresh, sweet pastries, some hearty Tuscan bread with home made conserves or farm fresh honey, and several different varieties of cheese. Of course, you will have several cups of the ubiquitous Italian coffee, and perhaps an accompaniment of fresh fruit as well. One thing you will never feel in Tuscany is hunger – and while walking in Italy you’ll burn off plenty of calories, but there’s plenty more to be had at your next meal!
Relax Over Lunch
Let’s set the scene, you’ve been walking through rolling Tuscan hills since early morning, skipping through sunflower fields and exploring tumble down stone barns; but what’s that in the distance? Ah, now it becomes clear; it’s the wonderfully verdant local vineyard where you’re scheduled to stop for lunch. This is no fantasy, but in fact very commonplace when you’re on holiday walking in Italy. You will arrive at the vineyard to be greeted by the famous Tuscan hospitality in the form of your host, the proprietor, and immediately your taste buds will be assailed. Delicious anti pasti of pecorino, prosciutto, carciofi and other delightfully Italian sounding treats will appear in a continuous stream of gastronomic offerings. Accompanied by the house vintage, these dishes will make you wonder why you never thought to try cheese dipped in cloudy honey before; or how a clump of solidified pigs fat can take on the name ‘lardo’ and become such an irresistible delicacy! Then, just when you know for sure that you can eat no more, the main course arrives...
Work Up an Appetite for Dinner
Often, Italian lunches and dinners blend into one long social occasion, so in a lot of instances, the food is the same for either. In Italy, pasta is actually a starter course and you will be expected to eat a hearty dish of home made fettucine or spaghetti, and then follow it with the main attraction. On a holiday walking in Italy, you may be surprised at the size of your appetite from all that exercise and, after a few evenings, you will be eating like a local! So, what to expect for your ‘secondi’? Traditional Tuscan dishes are heavily meat based using rabbit, pork, beef and the ultimate meat lovers taste treat – wild boar. Delicious, seasonal vegetable dishes accompany the meats and exotic wild treats like fennel, chestnuts, sage and thyme are basic staples of the Tuscan cuisine. Leave room for some fabulous Tiramisu like you’ve never tasted before or, if you’re feeling a trifle heavy, opt for some authentic Italian gelato – just don’t forget to leave room for breakfast tomorrow....
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