San Petronio Basilica: Start your walking tour at Piazza Maggiore, the main square of the town, to visit this enormous example of the Gothic style of architecture, the 6th largest cathedral in Europe. It is named after Bologna’s patron saint, and has an interesting history. At one point during the construction process, the original design was changed and a Latin Cross design was suggested, with the aim of building a church which would surpass the grandeur of St Peters in Rome. Legend has it that the Pope of the day, Pious IV, was not about to see the Vatican cathedral eclipsed and promptly put paid to that idea! Nevertheless, San Petronio is still very large – over 132 metres long and 66 metres wide – and it is a great shame that the red marble façade was never completed. Be sure to visit a few of the 22 side chapels, the bell tower, see the two very old organs and have a look at the largest sundial in the world, inlaid into the paving of the left aisle.

Torre degli Asinelli: After your visit to the cathedral, it is an easy walk to the Piazza di Porta Ravegnana, to see the Two Towers, symbol of the city. Many centuries ago there were over one hundred defensive towers of various heights and grandeur piercing the Bologna skyline; sadly, today there are less than 20 remaining. The Asinelli Tower is the tallest, climbing a staggering 97.2 metres into the sky, and leaning slightly as becomes a very old matriarch! You can visit the tower and climb the nearly 500 worn wooden steps to the very top for the best view you will ever get of the city of Bologna. Take your time and rest occasionally, and it is not too difficult!! The smaller of the two towers, the Garisenda was originally about 60 metres high but had to be lowered in the 14th century when it became too unstable due to earth settlement; today it is 48 metres tall and leans significantly; it is not open to the public. Now continue your walk to the University district to visit a rather macabre attraction:

Asinelli and Garisenda towers in Bologna – source

The Anatomy Room at the old University of Bologna

This room is known as the Anatomy Theatre due to its’ amphitheatre-like form, and dates from the sixteen hundreds. It was built almost entirely out of wood (spruce) and was used as a lecture theatre for students of anatomy – you can still see the marble table at the centre where dissections were performed. Some of the most famous Physicians from ancient times, such as Hippocrates, are represented by wooden statues around the walls of the room. Sadly, the original theatre was almost completely destroyed during the Second World War by an air raid in 1944. It was most realistically reconstructed from photos, using as much as possible of the original structure recovered from the rubble. This is a fascinating attraction and should not be missed, even if you have no interest in medical history.

Lying on the many perfect beaches you can be rest assured that it will be quiet and without the spoils of more populated and well known areas of Europe. There are many spectacular sunbathing and swimming spots dotting along the coast, take time to explore the different hiking and coastal paths and you are sure to find the perfect spot of golden sand and crystal clear sea.

Walking and hiking.

Hiring a car can be a great option when holidaying in the Cinque Terre as it allows you to see each and every one of the villages and the coastal beauty that lies between them. But also you should considering taking the train as it is a stress free option, a local tourist train takes you to all villages.

One of the most popular routes for those on a romantic break is the aptly named Lovers’ Walk or Via dell’Amore, but there is more if you are up for exploring. Head into Riomaggiore and look for the start of the Blue Trail, or Sentiero Azzurro. A five hour long hiking route that connects each village, between Riomaggiore and Manarola there is a simple stretch of trial that requires just a leisurely stroll rather than a hard hike. In between the romantic nooks and awe inspiring views you will find some of the best swimming and sunbathing spots, perfect to show off your designer swimwear.

The Guvano beach – only if you dare

naturist beach – Guvano – source

Looking for the ultimate in relaxation and sunbathing heaven? Then head to the secret beach. The beach of Guvano, is host to a little known secret amongst the locals – Guvano is a secluded beach between Corniglia and Vernazza. This one is certainly for the more adventurous couples looking for something a bit different – the beach is described as ‘clothing optional’.

Access to this secluded location is gained through a secretive tunnel – you’ll know you are in the right place when you see a crudely painted naked figure above the entrance.

Almost as if you test your resolve to reach then beach you’ll then have to edge your way through a darkened tunnel for about a kilometre – be careful it can get slippery – while the noise of a train going through a nearby tunnel is enough to think the end might be nigh.

Keep on pressing ahead into the darkness despite the impending feeling you may be about to walk straight into a pole, eventually it will open up and you will realise that it has all been worth it as you are greeted by beams of light and leafy green trees.

Be warned a gatekeeper will be sitting nearby and may try and charge you but the beach is free to use but you will have to pay to use the tunnel, so you might want to hand him a tip for letting you through.

After all your troubles you will be greeted by the most idyllic spot for sunbathing (swimwear or not…) and taking in the surroundings. The piercing blue seas lap a pebble grey shore and the water is beautifully warm for a late afternoon swim. The trek down is treacherous so be careful, but you will certainly be rewarded for all your efforts.

The best way to navigate this beautifully diverse area is to talk amongst your fellow travellers so don’t be backwards in coming forwards to converse with your fellow travellers and swap tips when you get there – beforehand, TripAdvisor has an excellent section on the Cinque Terre as well as an informative forum which should help you find out everything you need to know before you leave.

But, you only need one tip – Keep your sunglasses and sun cream at the ready for a holiday to the Cinque Terre in Italy, as the sun sea and sand will be beckoning you wherever you stay in this Mediterranean paradise.

By Peter South at http://www.lilylola.com/

Beautiful San Giminiano Tuscany, Italy – Source

Discover the medieval heart of San Gimignano.

Founded by Etruscans in the III century BC, San Gimignano turned into a fortified town during the Middle Ages, when numerous towers (up to 72!) where erected. If you come from the valley, you will notice the skyline of San Gimignano, dotted with the 13 towers left and palaces dating back to the thirteenth century built by important families to celebrate their power.

San Gimignano enjoyed maximum economical and political glory till the fourteenth century, that’s why you can still admire many historical buildings from the Middle Ages but also new monuments built at the end of the nineteenth century during the Gothic Renovation period.

The city centre being situated on a hill, you will have the chance to take scenic views of the Tuscan landscape, in particular if you have a walking tour along the city walls overlooking the unique panorama of Valle d’Elsa. If you enter the city by one of the gates, the main street will lead you directly to the heart of the medieval San Gimignano. As an example you may start the tour from Porta San Giovanni walking through Via San Giovanni and reach Piazza della Cisterna, the wonderful square dominated by a well, red brick palaces and the impressive Devil’s Tower.

You will find other beautiful point of interests at the adjacent Piazza Duomo: Palazzo Comunale (the City Hall), Palazzo Salvucci, Palazzo Chigi Useppi, Palazzo Vecchio and Torre Rognosa.

If you have an appetite for excellent Italian wines, the tour continues in cellars and wine bars…

Vernaccia di San Giminiano, a unique wine of Tuscany.

Gourmet travellers find San Gimignano to be the perfect place to taste DOC wines – Vernaccia, San Gimignano Rosso and Rosato, Vin Santo, Chianti Colli Senesi – whose grapes come directly from the hundred Tuscan vineyards that you may observe along the way from Florence.

Reach San Gimignano to taste wines praised by artists and poets such as Francesco Redi and Michelangelo Buonarroti. In his L’Aione, Michelangelo describes Vernaccia wine as follows: “It kisses, leaks, bites, pricks, and stings”. Actually, this delicate white wine gained DOCG recognition in 1993 and is characterized by a fruity flavour that will catch your senses.

Much of the wine history and production can be learned at the dedicated Vernaccia Wine Museum located in Villa della Rocca di Montestaffoli on a hilly position overlooking the vineyards. At the Vernaccia Wine Museum you can book a wine tasting workshop and a tour that will help to appreciate the essence of this wine which boasts a production of 9 million bottles per year, sold in Italy and abroad.

A travel to San Gimignano represents a joy for curious eyes and fine palates!

If you want to get to San Gimignano from Emilia Romagna, the best way is to catch a train from Bologna or Pisa directed to Siena, stop at Poggibonsi station, then take the bus to San Gimignano.

© Valentina Grassiccia

The Ducati museum in Bologna

The DUCATI Museum Collection

The museum, which opened in 1998 has been arranged to represent an illuminated racetrack, featuring 33 iconic motorcycles from various periods of the company’s history; Adding to the WOW factor, the spectator area is situated inside a massive red helmet! After you have had a look at the cycles on the “track” you will proceed through 7 themed rooms, where you can learn all about the Brand, the dream and the reality that is Ducati today. You will see the history of the company, its’ most important innovations and an overview of the 30 years before the first motorcycle was produced. You will learn about the Ducati motor racing heritage and the people who made it all happen.
The story starts with the Cucciolo, (puppy, in Italian!) the first engine produced by the company in 1946 (designed by Aldo Farinelli) after World War II, when there was a desperate need for a cheap form of transport to boost the economy. The Cucciolo was basically an ordinary bicycle fitted with a very economical 4-stroke engine, which could carry two people up and down the many hills in the area. You will then follow innovations which resulted in Ducati becoming the envy of the motorcycle industry and won them many prizes at Superbike World Championships. The final exhibit is of the Desmosedici cycle, which introduced a new generation of racing engines from the company.

Factory and Museum Tours

Tours of the Factory and the Museum are conducted by a Ducati guide 4 times each day, and need to be booked in advance. Plan to visit from Monday to Friday is possible, as the factory tour is not available on Saturdays unless you are a member of the DOC – Ducati Owners Club! Times are 9.15, 11.00, 13.45 and 15.30 and it will cost you €10.00 to visit.
Bookings can be done online at www.ducati.com or by telephone: +39(0)516413343.

Getting There:

Bologna is easily reached from all parts of Italy by train, plane or car. It is just 1 hour from Florence, 2 hours from Milan and Venice and 3.5 hours from Rome. If you are flying into Bologna airport, you can get a taxi which will take you to the factory in 10 minutes.
From the centre of Bologna, the best way is to take a suburban train, which will only cost you about €1 and takes just 10 minutes. Then grab a taxi for the short ride to the factory. You can also take a bus from the centre of Bologna; although this takes quite a bit longer (40min) and requires a change of busses along the way, you can get off at “Borgo Panigale” stop and then walk just 200 metres to the Company. Take a no 36 or 39 to Via Lame and then change to No 13 going towards Borgo Panigale.

Organised Ducati tour in Bologna.

For those not fond of fiddling with reservation and Italian publish transport, Emilia Delizia can organise a chauffeured Ducati museum and factory tours. We will book and reserve spots for you and provide transport, you can also combine the Ducati factory and museum visit with the other super car factory and collection in the area.

Super bike collection at the Ducati Museum.

a lovely view of Taormina – source

Spaghetti ai ricci di mare in Taormina

Taormina, this jewel by the Ionian Sea, is situated on a promontory from where you can enjoy wonderful views of the coast and the tip of Mount Etna dominating the landscape. This place rich in history on the hill, offers pebbled beaches, sparkling waters and the naturalistic site of Isola Bella at its feet. So you can combine an inspiring cultural tour in the city centre – to visit the Roman Greek Theatre, San Nicola Cathedral, the Public Gardens, Palazzo Corvaja – and summer vacations aiming at its beaches.

If you love to have a nice stroll, meet locals, buy souvenirs or have a tasty granita for breakfast, do a tour in Corso Umberto and Piazza del Duomo. Gourmet travellers shouldn’t miss the opportunity to taste authentic Sicilian food in one of the many typical restaurants.

Spaghetti ai ricci di mare is the signature dish of this area that you should definitely taste it before leaving Sicily. This mouthwatering first course is based on sea urchins which give to the dish an incredible flavour. You can taste Spaghetti ai ricci di mare and other great seafood recipes – such as Zuppa di Pesce and Fritto Misto – in the downtown but also in the nice restaurants located along the beach, so to hear the gentle sound of the waves splashing by the Isola Bella’s cliff.

Pasta con le sarde in Catania

If you’re ready to leave the touristy site of Taormina – favourite summer getaway – plunge into the crowded city of Catania for another taste of Sicily.

While it’s not hard to meet locals in Taormina, in Catania it’s unavoidable! The fish market, in particular, is the ideal place to get a glimpse of what happens in the early mornings of this town at the feet of the majestic Etna Volcano. Soon after the first morning lights, people and traders’ shouts flood the lava stone streets and so does the strong fish flavour. The Pescheria – famous Catania daily fish market – is the right place to buy sardines, tuna, anchovies, swordfish and seafood. You can access to the Pescheria from Via Garibaldi or Via Pacini, just off the wonderful Cathedral of Saint Agata.

If you have an appetite for fish, stop by a typical restaurant near Piazza Duomo and order Pasta con le Sarde (“pasta chi sardi” in Sicilian dialect) as first course. The main ingredient are pasta and the European pilchard (sarde in Italian), caught in the Mediterranean Sea from March to September. The pasta is enriched with the unique aroma of Florence fennel.

After lunch, visit the great Baroque monuments of Catania – characterized by details made of lava stone – and the downtown, which are a World Heritage Site.

During your trip to Sicily enjoy nightlife both in Catania and in Taormina. For example, you can join exclusive night clubs in Catania or take part to the important theatrical season in the Theatre of Taormina.

At the end of your holiday in Sicily, you won’t forget the lemon scent surrounding the countryside and the warmth of people saying “Buongiorno” with a smile!

The Peschiera – fishmarket in catania – source

making mozzarella – source

For many Italians fresh Mozzarella di Bufala is a most evocative food, associated with Summer, Coastal holidays and lovely summery Caprese salad!  Often local people stop to buy fresh Mozzarella on their way home from a trip to the coast and many people make the trip from Naples just to get their hands on the really fresh product.  Locals believe that by the time the cheese has been delivered to their area is has already lost the characteristics that make it special.

Today, visitors to the Paestum area, near Salerno in Southern Italy, have the opportunity of visiting several water buffalo farms and dairies, most of which are conveniently situated along a stretch of the SS18, locally known as “Mozzarella Road”.  Not only can you taste and buy the fresh product at source, but you can also take a tour to see the entire production process from raw milk to delectable cheese;  (And you get to see some of the best preserved examples of Greek temples in the world…).

What is PDO Mozzarella di Bufala?

In 2008 the cheese was awarded PDO status, meaning Protected Designation of Origin.  To qualify for PDO status a product must have qualities particular to a certain region (in this case the milk can only be sourced from local herds of buffalo)  and in addition, the product must be entirely produced, processed and prepared only in that region. Several other Italian cheeses also have PDO status, including Parmesano Reggiano, Gorgonzola and Asiago.

 Some of the best dairies near Paestum

You have a wide variety of dairies to visit near Paestum, so to help you choose here are a few of the best ones where you can not only taste and buy the cheese, but also see the production process.  (However, you need to be there early – it is all over by 11am!)

Farm Barlow – Barlotti cheese

Azienda Caseiria Salati

Caseificio e Yogurteria Il Granato and

Tenuta Vannulo – possibly the best-known – offering tours in several languages and one of the few organic farms.

What you can expect to see on the Mozzarella Tour

You can expect to first visit some of the buffalo!  The animals are very well looked-after;  you will see their sleeping quarters complete with mattresses, and perhaps witness them being milked.  You then watch the production process:  the raw milk is heated and poured into a cream separator.  It is then curdled by the adding of natural whey after which the curds are matured in large tubs.  This is followed by the adding of hot water to soften the curds, (a process called Spinning).  Now the curds are shaped and cooled by immersing in cold water. At most of the dairies the process is highly automated, but there are still a few where the cheese is shaped by hand. Finally the finished products are packed into pickling tubs containing some of the original whey. Then comes the best part – the tasting!  Mozzarella di Bufala is best eaten immediately, and you will often see queues of people waiting for the fresh product which is usually sold out by midday.

Most important – if you want an English tour phone ahead and book at whichever dairy you would like to visit. It is also possible to take an organized tour which includes a visit to one of the dairies as well as a visit to the Temples and archaeological musuem at Paestum.  Several of the dairies also sell fantastic fresh yoghurts and ice cream and this experience is something you definitely should not miss.

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Bertani wine producer in the Veneto Region

The History of the Bertani winery.

The winery was founded in 1857 at Quinto di Valpantena by the brothers Giovanbattista and Gaetano Bertani. Bertani’s philosophy went on drawing the image of the whole Veronese production. For example, in 1888 the local Chamber of Commerce, Handicrafts and Agriculture studied the wine production in Valpolicella Valpantena. According to the committee members the winery promptly reacted to the economic crisis due to Risorgimento riots (1866) introducing logical improvements both in the vineyards and in the wine production system. The result of such a managerial approach was Secco Bertani, a revolutionary wine for that epoch. In 1900, during Verona International Exhibition, the Agricultural, Science and Literature Academy conferred an honour upon Bertani brothers referring to the introduction of new varieties of vine, the training system methods and new wines.

Bertani’s top wines: Soave, and Amarone.

During the years Bertani brothers were deeply involved in reaching the maximum quality and the presence of Bertani wines in prestigious events and menus both in Italy and in Europe proved that. In fact Soave Bertani was chosen in 1937 to be the only white wine at the coronation of George VI of England. Secco Bertani then, became very quickly an icon of Italian quality wine in the world, being aboard the most luxurious cruise ship and the best restaurants and being supplied even to the Savoia’s royal catering. Because of this in the early ‘20s the winery was appointed firstly by the queen mother and then officially by the king as official supplier and allowed the use of the royal crest as one of the Italian particularly distinctive products.

The winery

As it was for the first bottle of Soave, the new Amarone wine, one of the earliest Amarones produced from the Fifties became a landmark for the whole local wineries. Amarone Classico Bertani has always been keeping its character intact and its power in a perfect balance. A style that goes behind the time and grant long-lasting wines.

Amarone wine produced by Bertani

 Bertani  wine making today

Bertani today owns about 200 hectares (494 acres) of vineyards in the most important DOC regions that are in Verona district, namely Valpolicella Classica, Valpolicella Valpantena, Soave and Lake Garda. The winery headquarters is the cellar situated at Grezzana, built in 1860 in Valpolicella Valpantena valley, North-East side of Verona.

 Amarone Cellar tours

The cellar, a beautiful example of industrial heritage, is open for tours. During a guided tour visitors can hear the history and the learning that made Bertani’s wines an unique expression of the Veronese land and they can even see tools used in the past that are exposed in the cellar wine museum. In this historical atmosphere, it is possible to taste the winery’s most famous wines.

The three villages are part of the Natural Marine Reserve of Portofino and the Regional Natural Park of Portofino, an area protected by the region to preserve the extraordinary Promontory and seabed wildlife. Gourmet travellers will enjoy typical products – such as Pesto alla Genovese and Focaccia di Recco – and great Italian wines.

Camogli, in the Paradise Gulf

Camogli is a quaint village by the seaside that you will keep in mind for the first impression you’ll have at your arrival from the sea is about an infinite line of colourful houses built along the port. At a closer look you will find out the meticulous work of trompe-l’oeil and the drawings formed by countless shells on the houses façades.

The holiday resort is known for its old fishing tradition dating back to many centuries ago. If you love seafood, better travel to Camogli on May on the occasion of the Sagra del Pesce (Fish Festival), but you can always dinner at one of the typical restaurants surrounding the harbour to taste local specialities.

If you’re eager for thrilling itineraries, reach the Abbey of San Fruttuoso through the hiking path. Not only you will be rewarded by enchanting views of the sea, but you will also experience a great adventure, walking the trail perched in the mountain.

From Camogli, the village of Recco – where the PGI Focaccia di Recco col formaggio has been producing for years – is not far. You can visit the village or just order this typical Ligurian product in a few shops in Camogli where it is served. Among the basic ingredients there is extra virgin olive oil – the key element of the healthy Mediterranean gastronomy – and no yeast. The result is of a crunchy dough with a mouthwatering filling of cheese.

Beautiful Camogli – source

Pescaturimo – fishing tourism in Italy.

Pescaturismo might be a novel concept for many, but it can be a fun and a very interesting experience for everyone. The activity entails in going out on boats with the local fishermen in Camogli. Sailing at 8 am you will witness how the nets are lifted and help the fishermen to collect their catch. It is an interesting experience to learn where our food comes from. The experience includes a fish meal cooked directly on the boat wit the freshest fish you can ever taste.

Pesca turismo in Camogli Italy – Enjoy a fantastic lunch with the fish you just caught from the nets

Portofino, la Dolce Vita ideal setting

The view of the creek which hosts the fishing village of Portofino and its picturesque harbour is familiar to many for it has become the ideal holiday resort framed in postcards.

Take a stroll in Portofino waterfront to feel its relaxing lifestyle which attracts tourists and celebrities each year, since this is the right place to enjoy “la Dolce Vita”. In Portofino you may have the chance to meet international Jet Set, spot luxury villas and million dollar yachts as this is the destination preferred by VIPs from the fifties to nowadays.

To capture great views of the Tigullio Gulf and the Promontory, have a trip to the Castle Brown – a 16th century fort – and to the St Giorgio church, both situated on the hill.

Santa Margherita Ligure, in the Tigullio Gulf.

Santa Margherita Ligure is the first destination that you can visit if you travel through the highway A12 coming from La Spezia or the last one if you start your journey from Genova.

Anyway, if you wish to get the most out of your holidays in the Italian Riviera, reach Santa Margherita Ligure through a walking path from Portofino. You will have the chance to take scenic photos of the crystalline Ligurian Sea, coves, luxury villas.

It’s the biggest town among the three and offers many opportunities to enjoy its landscape and the seaside. Here you can either do water sports such as diving and windsurf or cruise in the Mediterrnean Sea to do dolphin and whale watching. Apart from excursions in the beautiful surroundings, nature enthusiasts should visit botanical gardens in Santa Margherita Ligure to explore the lush vegetation of hydrangea, camellia and other flower varieties.

Explore the stunning Riviera di Levante characterized by wonderful marina dotted with boats moored to their nice harbour and coloured by the houses reflecting in the water surface. This is the nicest place on heart tucked in between the green mountains and the Mediterranean Sea.

 Piacenza and Parma’s Castles, a unique experience in Emilia Romagna.

Planning a holiday in Italy is always a delight with such a lot to look forward to! The Emilia Romagna region in North-Eastern Italy is home to the town of Parma, and we all know that Parma is the birthplace of some of Italy’s favourite exports, Parmesano Reggiano (Parmesan Cheese) and Proscuitto di Parma (Parma Ham), but did you know that the province, (or duchy), of Parma and Piacenza is also home to more than 20 castles? Castles and fortresses are symbolic of the region; they are a constant reminder of the hundreds of years the region has been under siege by successive waves of marauding invaders intent upon destruction and mayhem; they are magical places to visit for adults and children alike and you should not miss the opportunity to include a few in your itinerary.

This area is acknowledged to be the best place to view some wonderful examples of the best-preserved castles in all of Italy, and they are relatively close together, making exploring easy. I will tell you a little about 3 of the castles:

Castello di Bardi. The fortress of Bardi is an excellent example of Military architecture and has stood for more than one thousand years. It was built for defence, but later (16th century) partially converted to an aristocratic residence. There is plenty to see, including the ancient patrol paths, the parade ground, the fortified towers and all you would expect to find in a structure dedicated to defence. The view from the towers is worth the climb, and you can also visit a Museum dedicated to the story of the ancient Valley-Dwelling Civilisation. The Castle is open from March to Nov and entrance is around €5.50 per adult.

Castello di Arquato is found in the little medieval town with the same name (Castell’Arquato) in the province of Piacenza. The Castle was built from 1342-1349, and was a strategic structure, designed for the defence of the area. The rectangular courtyard enclosure is dominated by the Tower (keep) composed of a series of small rooms built one on top of the other, and linked by a series of staircases leading to the very top. Once again, your climbing efforts will be rewarded by the views of the surrounding countryside. You can visit the castle all year round for €3.50 (If you plan to visit several castles, you can buy a discount ticket for €2.00 at the castle that will save you money at all the other castles in the region.)

Make sure to visit the Multimedia Museum of Medieval Life, then explore the pretty little town than spills down the hill and visit the 12th century church of Santa Maria to see some sculptures and frescoes dating from the 12th and 15th centuries.

Castello di Bobbio. Bobbio is a small town near Piacenza, mainly famous for its Abbey and its Christmas Eve Snail Festival! The castle, properly known as Malaspina Dal Verme Castle now lies within the city walls of the town. It was begun in 1304 on the hill overlooking the town and although it is no longer intact, it is still worth a visit. You will find ruins of the Bishops Tower, and another circular tower built on two levels; you can still see the ancient arrow slits on the battlements, now converted to windows. The interior has undergone several modifications but the original large barrel-vaulted main hall is still intact, as are some very old frescoes in the stairwell. The Castle is open all year round and it costs €2.00 to visit. The little town of Bobbio is a lovely place to spend a few hours and you should try to visit the Abbey while you are there.

Ponte Gobbo – Bobbio Emilia Romagna – source

Food and wine in the Piacenza province.

When all the sightseeing has made you hungry and thirsty, you will be delighted to find yourself in Emilia Romagna, the culinary capital of the country where good food and wine are the order of the day! You are certain to have tasted Parma Ham and Parmesan cheese, but here in Piacenza there are other specialities to try, namely the Coppa Piacentina, Salame Piacentino and Pancetta Piacentina; all of these are wonderful examples of cured meat from the region and have been awarded PDO status (Protected Designation of Origin).

Coppa – wikipedia

Your meat platter is beautifully accompanied by a glass or two of Gutturnio wine from the hills of Piacenza; this mellow blend of red Barbera and Croatina grapes has recently been awarded DOC status – do not miss it! Salute!