Home > News > Dream of Italy Newsletters > Newsletter Archive > June 2013 Newsletter > Slow Food, Slow Travel: Italy

Slow Food, Slow Travel: Italy

Halfway from Florence to Arezzo, the train came to an unexpected halt. It was late August and steamy outside and the train was not air conditioned. We sat there for at least half an hour, but no one uttered a word of complaint.

Italian Train Instead, folks took the opportunity to eat lunch. Passengers chatted, mostly about the food. The unexpected setback turned into a pleasant afternoon reprieve. Here was Italy in a nutshell: enjoying the moment and not worrying about the destination. And of course, "Mangia!"

The best way to get the real deal Italy is to do it slow and local. By planting yourself in a location for at least one week (instead of trying to "do" Italy in 10 days), you will experience more culture and 'dolce vita' than by running from one monument (or city) to the next.

Follow these five tips on traveling and eating slow all over Italy and you will do it Italian style: nice and easy, piano, piano, slowly:

1. Understand Italy's Diverse Regions

Keep in mind that the boot has 20 regions, each with its own indigenous culture, food traditions and climate. Each region is like a mini-country, with much to explore.

2. Stay in a Vacation Rental

To truly experience Italy, you need more than a few days at a hotel or hostel. Forget the must-sees and long day trips. You'll experience more culture by staying in one region, exploring your environs in concentric circles and settling in a home like a local.

Try an 'Agriturismo' an apartment or villa.

3. Do it like a Local!

It is no coincidence that the Slow Food movement originated in Italy. What other country is so devoted to the art of eating?

To help support the local economy and agriculture, buy fresh fare at local open air markets.

When it is time to eat out, look for simple tavernas where you will most likely find local specialties and a relaxing atmosphere.

4. Take the Train

Although it has occasional hiccups (like breaking down unexpectedly), taking the train across Italy is an experience worth writing home about. Traveling from point to point in Italy is inexpensive and you can purchase a rail pass for longer trips such as Rome to Palermo (which takes 10 - 13 hours!).

5. Explore Backwoods Destinations

Don't forget the less traveled but all the more interesting regions of Italy. You might see fewer museums here, but fewer tourists too!
Regions that are worth considering are:

Abruzzo - Abruzzo National Park, wild mushrooms, wild boar ham, and plenty of Montepulciano d'Abruzzo!
Pulgia - sparkling sea, rugged landscape and passionate local food traditions abound in the heel of Italy's boot. Each month a different food is celebrated, based on whatever is in season.
Sicily - with miles of vineyards, Italy's largest island is unspoiled by modern life. The Mediterranean diet is king here with plenty of local fish, lemons and oranges. Add eye-popping blue seas and olive groves to the food feast, not to mention Sicilian gelato and local wines.

Adapted from a Matador Network page