When you think of a romantic, relaxing destination to take a trip, chances are that Italy will pop into your head at some point. Its natural beauty and abundant architecture will ensure that it will feature on most people's 'where shall we go on holiday?' conversations.

But - arguably most importantly - the country boasts some of the world's fastest food and wine. So, when in Rome, right?

Expand both your horizons and your palate by looking outward and exploring the abundant culinary options available. It can be a fun experience to eat your way through Italy while enjoying the spectacular views and sights.

If you're curious about eating in Italy, then we strongly suggest you keep reading. Here are some of the best dishes and locations to find them in…

Neapolitan pizza (source)

We are going to say something very un-controversial here: pizza is a quintessential food in Italy. And while pizza is a staple across the country, we'd suggest heading to the pizza capital of the world - Naples.

Naples is considered the birthplace of the baked dish, so you can't go wrong when you dine here. You have to try the two basic Neapolitan pizzas: the pizza marinara and the pizza Margherita. The former has tomatoes, oregano, garlic, and olive oil, while the latter has tomatoes, basil, mozzarella, and olive oil.

For what's arguably the best pizza in the world, go to Gino e Toto Sorbillo. Make sure to visit early, as queues quickly form as the day goes on. Also, because the pizzeria's so popular, it's not ideal as a place for sitting down and having a leisurely meal.

In between meals, revel in the history of Naples. Tour the Royal Palace of Naples, or walk around the Cathedral Santa Maria Assunta.

While you're in town, stay at B&B Hotel Napoli. Not only is it near Naples Central Train Station, but it also puts you in the middle of everything. You won't have to go far to get mind-blowing pizza, and you'll have ample choices too.

Click here for cheap flights to Naples.

Focaccia bread (source)

Focaccia is a type of Italian flatbread, and the best place you can get it is in Liguria. This oven-baked delight is only half an inch to an inch thick, and it has a light with multiple holes on the top so it can hold the delicious oil better.

In Genoa, you'll find focaccia ligure (genovese) and recco focaccia genovese. The former has just salt and olive oil, but its use of fresh ingredients makes this simple bread heavenly. The latter has soft fresh cheese sandwiched between 2 layers of bread.

For those who are splashing out, stay at the Hotel Continental Genova. It'll put you at the Genoa Waterfront, which is an incredible view. Plus, you'll be in close proximity to pretty much everything else in the city.

If you have enough time to travel to other parts of Italy, then you'll notice that there are several other regional types of focaccia. For example, there's focaccia barese in Puglia, which is made with salt, tomatoes or olives, and rosemary. A focaccia tour of Italy - sounds incredible…

Click here for cheap flights to Genoa.

Pasta con le sarde is a Sicilian dish, but it's usually attributed to Palermo. It contains sardines and anchovies, as well as onions, raisins, fennel, pine nuts, and saffron. All of this is plated on top of bucatini, which is a thick spaghetti-like pasta.

This is definitely an Italian dish to taste if you're a seafood fan, as it finely balances the savoury flavours of the fish with the sweetness of the raisins and kick of fennel (authentic plates will use the island's native wild fennel).

When you've eaten your fill of pasta, rest up at the Eurostars Centrale Palace Hotel. This hotel is located in the heart of Palermo, and is a stone's throw away from the Via Maqueda shopping street. If the weather's nice, you can dine on the premise's terrace, where you'll overlook the beautiful city.

Once you've got a second wind, take a walking tour through Palermo. Learn about the complicated history that Sicily's had with the Mafia and even see the Teatro Massimo, where the most dramatic scene of The Godfather III was filmed…

Click here for cheap flights to Palermo.

Planning on visiting Lombardy? Then a food in Italy you can't miss out on is osso buco.

This specialty dish consists of braised veal shanks with various vegetables, white wine, and broth. It's also garnished with gremolata, which is a sauce made of parsley, lemon zest, and garlic.

Depending on where you are, osso buco is served with either risotto alla milanese or polenta. In Milan, you'll get risotto when you order this dish.

For a spectacular time, book a room at Ramada Plaza Milano. Every room is soundproof, so you can get a solid night of sleep after filling your stomach with tasty osso buco.

During the day, take in all the art and fashion Milan has to offer - the second-largest city in Italy offers plenty to do. From the Milan Cathedral to its own Chinatown, and the shopping district in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, you'll be enthralled with Milan and you'll never want to leave.

Click here for cheap flights to Milan.

Seafood pasta (source)

Seafood enthusiasts need to spend time in Sicily. This Mediterranean island has a long coastline, so you're basically guaranteed to get the freshest seafood around.

You can always be a purist and go for seafood platters at restaurants such as La Cambusa in Syracuse. Alternatively, you can have a hearty seafood pasta dish elsewhere. Either way, you'll notice the freshness immediately, and you'll realise that other seafoods will struggle to compare.

Since the whole island is filled with top-quality restaurants, you can spend your entire holiday visiting all the cities, such as Palermo, Catania, Syracuse, and Marsala. If you're in Catania, then book a stay at the Airone City Hotel. It'll put you at the centre of the main attractions and you can soothe your aching muscles with their free outside hydro-pool.

Click here for cheap flights to Sicily.

Tiramisu (source)

Finishing off your food in Italy with dessert is a must - and the first one you should order is the classic tiramisu.

Tiramisu is made with coffee, mascarpone cheese, and ladyfinger biscuits. Its birthplace is Venice, so if you order it here you'll truly sample its authentic flavours. Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea to end your meal right.

Then, take a slow stroll through Venice to discover its gorgeous history. If you're on a trip with your partner, then hop on a gondola ride for a lovely time. Catch the sunset for a true romantic gesture.

After exploring the city, head back to your cosy room in Hotel Saturnia & International. Not only does the hotel have history (it was built in 1908!), but it's in a convenient location too. It's just 200 metres from St Mark's Square and even has a typical Venetian restaurant. Make sure you sip a cold cocktail or glass of fine wine from the hotel's terrace, as you'll get unique views of the Venetian rooftops.

Click here for cheap flights to Venice.

A gelato stand in Florence (source)

Gelato's another Italian dessert for those who have a sweet tooth. And on those hot summer days, there's nothing more welcoming than a yummy, chilled dessert.

While "gelato" is the Italian word for "ice cream", they're not quite the same. They have the same ingredients of milk, cream, and eggs, but different proportions. Plus, gelato is churned at a slower rate, and is served at a slightly higher temperature. The result is silkier and richer ice cream.

You can get gelato anywhere in Italy, but we suggest starting in Florence. As with many other entries for food in Italy, this city claims to be the birthplace of gelato.

If you want to be at the centre of gelato shops, then stay at Hotel Albani Firenze. You'll sleep in a stunning classical building, then get up to see Florence's Renaissance art, architecture, and monuments.

Click here for cheap flights to Florence.

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