Italian cuisine is an important part of Italy's culture. On this trip you will have many opportunities to eat Italian food, cook Italian dishes, and experience Italian culture. Here are a few things of what to expect on the exquisite foods you will experience on your trip!

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4 Course Meals

Proper Italian dinner is set up into 4 course meals. You first have antipasti, which is similar to an appetizer. Foods in this course usually include a smaller dish like bruschetta, which is bread with olive oil and tomatoes. Your second meal is your primi course, or your first main dish. This dish usually includes some sort of pasta with a variety of vegetables. Your next dish is the secondi course or your second main dish. This usually includes meats and cheeses. Your final dish in the 4 course dinner is dolce which is dessert. This seems like a good amount of food but dinners usually take longer in order for you have time in between each course to digest your food. Dinners usually are about two hours long.

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Cooking Italian Cuisine

On your trip, you will have many opportunities to learn about proper techniques and how to make specific Italian recipes. You will be able to learn how to make your own pizza and become certified in pizza making, along with many other special recipes specific to the chef. Every trip varies, but you do have roughly three different cooking classes throughout the trip that will provide you hands on learning of Italian culture.

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Italian Foods to Expect 

There are many Italian dishes that you will expect and many that you probably have not heard of. Of course, you have you main dishes that we all know and love: pizza, pasta and gelato. We also know some of the specific spices that Italians love to use: olive oil, garlic and basil. These foods are very popular in the United States, but there is no comparison to the amazing taste of these foods from Italy itself.

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On every street you will see small fruit stands where you can buy fresh organic fruit. Fresh fruit is very popular in Italy and I definitely recommend stopping at a stand when you see one. Espresso is the major drink in the country as well. Lucky for you, your school will have vending machines for all espresso drinks so you always have the opportunity to start your morning off right.

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Suppli is a dish that you most likely haven't heard of, but will get the chance to try during your travels. Suppli is essentially a fried ball with mozzarella, rice and marinara sauce. You will have the opportunity to try many exotic foods like this that are worth trying! So don't be afraid to be adventurous with what you eat on this trip- you won't be disappointed!

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Dietary Issues

If you have any allergy or dietary issues you should notify your facility advisor before they trip so they can accommodate as necessary. Another important task to do before traveling to Italy is to do your research. If you have any allergies, there are many ways to eat Italian dishes with modifications especially if specified from the beginning.

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If you are vegan or vegetarian, you do not have to worry because there is a variety of foods for you to chose from. Italy is very much a vegan-friendly country including food items like pizza marinara, pasta with vegetables and even some gelato! Be sure to do your research before your trip on what you expect to eat when you are there. Also be sure to bring any vitamins you will need (like B12 and Iron) to make sure you are staying as healthy as you are at home.

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For any group dinners that you have on this trip, your faculty advisor will tell the restaurant in advance so they know what to serve you. Overall, you shouldn't have any problems with dietary issues on this trip but you should still take precaution like you would anywhere else!