The Culture of Food in Sardinia with Via Rosa

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For years, Sardinia was known to travelers primarily for its stunning, crystal-clear waters, with most visitors coming to the island for a summer beach holiday. But beyond its postcard-worthy coastline lies an island with a distinctive soul, shaped by centuries of tradition. With its own language, Sardu, unique recipes, rare ingredients, and a deep connection to music, dance, and craftsmanship, Sardinia leaves a lasting impression on those who venture beyond its beaches.

It’s this lesser-known side of Sardinia that we’re especially excited to share with you. Our new week-long journey has been carefully crafted to take you beyond the usual tourist paths and into the heart of Sardinian culture. Together, we’ll explore the central and southern parts of the island, diving into its culinary traditions while discovering its rich history, local customs, and some of the hidden treasures that make Sardinia so special.

Joining you on this journey will be Tour Host Niccolò Barca and Tour Leader Angelo Calianno, two passionate storytellers with a shared love of Italian history, culture, and the people who bring it to life. Rome-born Niccolò is a tour leader, food guide, journalist, and documentary photographer whose curiosity has taken him from kitchens and communities across Italy to stories around the world. Angelo, a native of Apulia with Sardinian roots in his family, is a historian by training, an experienced guide, and a freelance photojournalist. With more than 17 years of guiding experience and a remarkable knowledge of the cultures and traditions of the Mediterranean, he brings both a personal connection to Sardinia and a storyteller’s eye to the journey. Together, Niccolò and Angelo will bring the island’s stories to life through its history, food, traditions, and people—and make sure you have plenty of fun along the way.

We hope you’ll join us for a week filled with authentic flavors, off-the-beaten-path experiences, and a genuine taste of Sardinian life. By the end of our journey, we hope you’ll leave not only with a deeper understanding of this remarkable island, but also with a lasting affection for its people, traditions, and unmistakable spirit. – Niccolò and Angelo

The Culture of Food in Western Sicily with Elizabeth Minchilli

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Although I now split my time between Rome and Umbria, Sicily has had my heart since I was twelve. My first visit was a Christmas adventure, wedged into the back of a Fiat 124 with my sisters, racing along winding coastal roads while my parents navigated by paper map. Even then, I felt it: that unique mix of wild beauty, layered history, and irrepressible spirit that makes Sicily unlike anywhere else in Italy. I’ve been returning ever since.

Over the years, I’ve experienced the island in every season, from almond blossoms in February to blazing summer sunsets over the sea and autumn harvests heavy with olives and grapes. I’ve come for work and for pure pleasure, and along the way I’ve built friendships across the island with winemakers and farmers, chefs and fishermen, shepherds in the hills and hosts by the sea. Sicily, to me, is personal. It is not just a destination, but a community I cannot wait to share with you.

Palermo is not only my favorite city in Sicily, but perhaps in all of Italy. I would love to show you why and share some of my favorite places with you. During this six-day tour, we’ll have time to truly explore this rich corner of the island, from a completely food-centric point of view, of course.

Palermo will be our base, but we’ll also venture into the countryside to discover the culture of food that is so deeply tied to the landscape. From breakfast through dinner, we’ll wander through small towns, the countryside, and the streets of Palermo, tasting, drinking, eating, cooking, learning, and having fun along the way.

And just as importantly, there will be time to linger over a long lunch, browse the shops, or simply wander down a hidden lane.
Come experience the Sicily I know and love. I can’t wait to introduce you. – Elizabeth

The Culture of Food in Puglia & Matera with Sophie Minchilli

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I’ve been coming to Puglia since I was born. My father, Domenico, is from Bari, the capital of this sun-soaked regio, and his family home has always been my base for exploring everything Puglia has to offer. Over the years, I’ve built a life and career around sharing the food, places, and people I love here, through tours, social media, and my book The Sweetness of Doing Nothing.

This six-night journey begins in Bari, where we’ll spend four days discovering the city’s hidden corners and using it as a base to explore the surrounding countryside and coast. You’ll meet many of the producers, cooks, and artisans I’ve come to know over the years, and experience the region the way I have: through meals, stories, and warm hospitality.

Midweek, we’ll head to Matera, a stunning cave-filled city in nearby Basilicata. There, we’ll stay in a luxurious 5-star cave hotel and spend two days exploring one of the most magical towns in Italy.

I hope you’ll join me for a week of unforgettable meals, meaningful connections, and a deep dive into the food culture of southern Italy. – Sophie Minchilli

The Culture of Food in Piedmont with Sophie & Elizabeth Minchilli

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Sophie and I have been traveling to Piedmont together for the last 25 years. I first brought her here as a child while researching my food guides and attending the Slow Food Salone del Gusto, held in Torino every two years. Over time, we both fell in love not only with the elegant city of Turin, but also with the surrounding countryside and its extraordinary food and wine traditions.

We are so excited to share this region, which somehow still remains off the radar for many travelers. The rolling hills of the Langhe produce some of the world’s most revered wines, including Barolo, while the forests nearby are home to the legendary white truffle, one of Italy’s most prized culinary treasures. From tiny meat-filled plin to delicate tajarin dressed simply with butter and truffles, the pasta here is among the finest in Italy. And the region’s beautiful produce — including its famous hazelnuts — is transformed into some of the country’s most beloved confections and chocolates.

Over six days, we’ll experience Piedmont the way we love it most: through what we eat and drink. We’ll move between small towns and countryside, stopping often—whether for a taste of freshly made cheese, a long lunch, or time spent cooking together. It’s not about rushing from place to place, but about savoring each moment.

We’ll be based in La Morra, in the Langhe and Torino, staying in two different hotels. Our days will be full, but never overwhelming, with time built in to wander on your own in the evenings—whether that means an aperitivo in a quiet piazza or getting a little lost in the streets.

Most of all, we can’t wait to introduce you to the people who bring this region to life: winemakers, cheesemakers, chocolatiers, truffle hunters, and cooks who continue to preserve Piedmont’s rich culinary traditions with passion and pride. I hope you can join us! – Elizabeth & Sophie

The Culture of Food in Eastern Sicily with Via Rosa

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Sicily is unlike any other part of Italy. Its size alone sets it apart, but it is the island’s many layers of history, culture and tradition that give it such a distinct character. There is far too much to experience in a single week, so on this journey we focus on Eastern Sicily, taking the time to get to know this part of the island properly.

This is not a journey about seeing as much as possible and moving quickly from one place to the next. We prefer to slow things down and spend time with the people who live here. Over the years, we have built friendships with winemakers, farmers, chefs, artisans and local hosts who welcome us into their homes, kitchens, vineyards and everyday lives.

These relationships are at the heart of how we experience Sicily. During our time together, you’ll meet some of the people we have come to know and discover Eastern Sicily through its food and wine, its landscapes and history, and, above all, through the people who call it home.

We’ll be based in Ortigia, the historic heart of Syracuse, where Baroque balconies overlook sun-washed streets and the sea is never far away. From here, we’ll head into the countryside, explore vibrant markets and ancient towns, discover local food and wine traditions, and experience the remarkable landscapes of Eastern Sicily. 

There will also be time to slow down—to linger over a long lunch, browse a local shop, wander down a quiet lane or simply enjoy where we are.

Sicily is generous, surprising and full of character, and we look forward to sharing some of the places, people and experiences that make it so special to us. – The Via Rosa Team

The Culture of Food in Sardinia with Sophie Minchilli

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If you’ve been to Italy, you might have noticed that each region feels like a completely different country: each has its own unique history, cultural traditions, language, and (of course) recipes. Even after a lifetime here, I’m still amazed by how distinct they all feel. I could be in Rome one morning, take a 30-minute flight to Sardinia, and feel as if I’ve traveled to a completely different country. Because Sardinia, or Sardegna in Italian, is the second-largest island in Italy, it has managed to maintain a strong cultural identity and a sense of separation from mainland Italy.

For years, tourists mainly knew Sardinia for its stunning crystal-clear waters, and most visitors came to the island simply for a summer beach holiday. But beyond its postcard-worthy coastline lies an island with a distinctive soul, shaped by centuries of tradition. With its own language (Sardu), unique recipes, rare ingredients, and a deep connection to music, dance, and craftsmanship, Sardinia leaves a lasting impression on anyone who visits.

Over the years, my love for Sardinia has grown as I’ve explored more of its hidden treasures, venturing beyond the usual tourist paths. Now, I’m excited to share these off-the-beaten-track discoveries with you through a carefully crafted week-long journey designed to showcase the heart of Sardinian culture. We’ll explore both the central and southern parts of the island, diving deep into its culinary traditions while uncovering its rich history and local customs.

I hope you can join me for a week filled with authentic flavors, off-the-beaten-path experiences, and a genuine taste of Sardinian life. By the end of our journey, you’ll not only gain a deeper understanding of this remarkable island, but also a love for its people and their traditions. – Sophie Minchilli

The Culture of Food in Piedmont with Elizabeth & Sophie Minchilli

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Sophie and I have been traveling to Piedmont together for the last 25 years. I first brought her here as a child while researching my food guides and attending the Slow Food Salone del Gusto, held in Torino every two years. Over time, we both fell in love not only with the elegant city of Turin, but also with the surrounding countryside and its extraordinary food and wine traditions.

We are so excited to share this region, which somehow still remains off the radar for many travelers. The rolling hills of the Langhe produce some of the world’s most revered wines, including Barolo, while the forests nearby are home to the legendary white truffle, one of Italy’s most prized culinary treasures. From tiny meat-filled plin to delicate tajarin dressed simply with butter and truffles, the pasta here is among the finest in Italy. And the region’s beautiful produce — including its famous hazelnuts — is transformed into some of the country’s most beloved confections and chocolates.

Over six days, we’ll experience Piedmont the way we love it most: through what we eat and drink. We’ll move between small towns and countryside, stopping often—whether for a taste of freshly made cheese, a long lunch, or time spent cooking together. It’s not about rushing from place to place, but about savoring each moment.

We’ll be based in La Morra, in the Langhe and Torino, staying in two different hotels. Our days will be full, but never overwhelming, with time built in to wander on your own in the evenings—whether that means an aperitivo in a quiet piazza or getting a little lost in the streets.

Most of all, we can’t wait to introduce you to the people who bring this region to life: winemakers, cheesemakers, chocolatiers, truffle hunters, and cooks who continue to preserve Piedmont’s rich culinary traditions with passion and pride. I hope you can join us! – Elizabeth & Sophie

Autentico Florence with Elizabeth Minchilli & Rolando Beramendi

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Rolando Beramendi has built a career around introducing people to the food of Italy. Since he was 22, he has been foraging for one of the most beloved Italian food importers in the USA. If you’ve ever purchased high-end olive oil, pasta, or other specialty pantry items, there’s a good chance many of them were lovingly imported by Rolando’s company, Manicaretti. For much of the past three decades, Rolando has called Florence home, and now he’s opening his doors—and those of his friends—to a select group of lucky guests, offering an opportunity to discover the culture of food in this delicious corner of the world.

Elizabeth Minchilli, food writer and co-founder of Via Rosa, is fortunate to count Rolando as one of her closest friends. Together, they are hosting a week-long event in Florence. Elizabeth, who lived in Florence during the 1980s while working on her Ph.D. on 16th-century gardens, returns as often as possible, documenting one of her favorite cities in her books, on her website, and through social media.

Rolando and Elizabeth invite you to join them for a completely unique, food-focused, exclusive, behind-the-scenes experience of the Florence they love most.


The Culture of Food in Salento & Central Puglia with Sophie Minchilli

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I’ve been going to Puglia for as long as I can remember—long before it became the destination it is today. My father, Domenico, is from Bari, and his family home there has always been our base, a place that naturally opened the door to exploring the entire region. Over the years, what began as something deeply personal has become central to my work, as I’ve shared Puglia through my tours, social media, and my book.

This trip is also shaped by my friend Angelo Calianno, a photographer and journalist who was born and raised here. His connection to Puglia runs deep, and becoming a tour guide felt like a natural extension of his desire to tell the stories of this place—through its people, its landscapes, and of course, its food.

Over six days, we’ll experience Puglia the way I love it most: through what we eat and drink. We’ll move between small towns and countryside, stopping often—whether for a taste of freshly made cheese, a long lunch, or time spent cooking together. It’s not about rushing from place to place, but about savoring each moment.

We’ll be based in Lecce and Monopoli, staying in two very different but equally special hotels that reflect the character of each area. Our days will be full, but never overwhelming, with time built in to wander on your own in the evenings—whether that means an aperitivo in a quiet piazza or getting a little lost in the streets.

I’d love for you to join me, and to share with you not just the highlights of Puglia, but the people and places that make it feel like home to me. – Sophie Minchilli