Eat, Cook and Drink In Italy

The release of the film ‘Eat, Pray, Love’, which is based on Elizabeth Gilbert’s memoirs with the same name is based on her travels across 3 countries. Her first stop over is Italy.

While she is at Italy, Gilbert ends up reconnecting with the most imaginable pleasures of life – food, language and people.

If you’re planning a trip to Italy anytime soon (which you so must!), then you might want to do these culinary based activities.

Rome

Where:
On this sort of an independent trip you HAVE TO do one thing. You must try each and every flavor that there is to try when it comes to Gelatos. Think fresh fig, pear and sesame.

Stay:
Five night stay at Hotel Milani would be apt. This is located close to the Rome Termini train station.

Cost-wise:
It will cost you almost around $699 if you choose to travel off-season. If you choose to go during the peak tourist season, you might want to add around $400 to that price.

Tuscany

You could tuck back into food, wine and some uber-relaxation when you’re here in Tuscany.

Where:
Attend a one-hour class that will teach you to whip up a cantuccini, which is a type of biscotti. You’ll also get to visit the Capezzana winery, and indulge in some wine tasting.

Stay:
You could spend a good four nights at the Hotel Villa Cappugi.

Cost-wise:
From around $899, this trip would include car rental.

Florence

Believe it or not, there is a packaged deal called ‘Eat Your Gelato in Italy’. This would include flights from New York City as well as six nights in a four-star hotel.

Where:
At Vivoli, you’ll get to indulge in absolutely fresh world-famous gelato.

Stay:
Hotel Roma which is on Piazza Santa Maria Novella would make for a good option. While in Cortona, you could choose the Villa Aurea, which has a history that dates back to the 1700s.  It is surrounded by gardens and trees on all sides, which adds to the aesthetic appeal of the place.

Cost-wise:
Along with airfare, this trip should cost you around $1,179.

Rome

Yes, we’re back to Rome. But this time, with a slightly different plan. This time, you could indulge in the ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ special trip. Make stopovers at the places that Elizabeth had stopped over at herself during her trip here.

This one doesn’t include airfare; but it does put you in Rome for a good four nights and five days.

Where:
Half a day of cooking class will be part of the deal; and you’ll learn how to put together a four-course Italian meal. Another full day is spent at the Frascati wine region. Learn about the process of winemaking and get to sample the results.

Stay:
You’ll live at a Roman Guesthouse, just like Gilbert did.

Cost-wise:
From $777, this is just the basic price. Like mentioned earlier, this doesn’t include airfare.