When it comes to European cooking, you can never go wrong with Italian cuisine. While Italy is mainly known for its classics such as their pizzas and kinds of pasta, did you know that they also offer a wide range of traditional desserts and pastries to complete your meal? Taking this into consideration, here is an amazing baking and dessert recipe for you to try making next time. Widely considered to be the most popular of Italian desserts, Tiramisu is known for its creamy filling partnered with coffee-soaked savoiardi or sponge finger biscuits for that strong and rich flavor. And while the or ..read more

Covid-19 has sent the world into a tailspin. Lockdowns, quarantine risks and cancelled flights – we’re all being affected in so many unexpected ways. Understandably, the focus thus far has been on world health, prevention and containment. But beyond this, it’s also affected the travel plans of countless people around the globe. Frustratingly, it’s only now, in this turbulent time, that many people are making the unfortunate discovery that their standard travel insurance offers very little, if any, protection. The cold reality is that most travel insurance plans only cover unforeseen events suc ..read more

It has now been almost two weeks since I started being in quarantine. All things considered, it’s not going as bad as I thought it would. I thought I would be dying of boredom and at my family’s throats. Instead, we are practicing “social distancing” (for the most part) and doing so has minimized the amount that we can annoy each other. The internet is also a saving-grace. I have been spending a large chunk of my time talking to my friends online while we play video games together. Sometimes, I simply play video games to listen to and take part in the conversations my friends are having. This ..read more

Panforte is a dense, nearly or completely flourless cake packed with dried fruits. It was originally called pane forte, meaning “strong bread”, or panpepato because of the amount of spice (pepato) it contained. Tradition dates it back to 13th century Tuscany. The earliest documentation about the dessert, found in a Siena hospital in the 19th century, records that inhabitants of a local monastery had given the nuns these cakes as a tax or a gift. Today Italians can enjoy panforte all year, but it most prominently appears at Christmas. Shops in Siena display the sticky, spicy treats in windows t ..read more

In Italy, eating establishments dominate every city block. I say establishments because a restaurant or “ristorante” encapsulates only one specific kind of eatery. They all have different designated names which determine the specific dishes offered, the fare, and the atmosphere. Whether it’s understanding the difference between a bar and a pasticceria or an osteria vs. a ristorante, it is necessary to understand the many, sometimes subtle discrepancies between each to seek out your desired dining experience. Bar: A bar in Italy is not what you might first imagine. Open to people of all ages, t ..read more

When traveling to Naples, you will find red horn-shaped talisman charms called “cornicelli” hanging everywhere in the streets. They make for a great souvenir to remember your trip by, however it would be a shame to overlook the rich historic origins of this iconic charm.  Since ancient times, people have believed in the power of using magic against evil. Amulets, talismans and other objects imbued with magical power have been used to ward off bad luck and to bring good fortune. In the city of Naples, you can find a special talisman called “corno” which in Italian means horn. A cornicello is a ..read more

If you’re looking for a dining experience that is steeped in history read further for a guide to the best, oldest eateries in the Eternal City. One of the greatest joys of visiting Italy is sampling the amazing food Italians have been perfecting for hundreds of years. Even if you don’t know your tagliatelle from your tortellini, you are sure to come away with a new appreciation for the combination of semolina, egg, tomatoes, and cheese. However, it seems great Italian food also needs one more ingredient – history, and the best place to get a good dose of this is in some of Rome’s oldest restau ..read more

The Italian approach to food is often underpinned by the phrase “zero kilometer”, which refers to the usage of local foods that have not traveled far after production. This principle begins with Italian people’s dedication to local and regional specialties. Italy is divided into twenty regions, each with their own distinct recipes and culinary traditions. Italians say “Paese che vai, usanza che trovi” meaning different places you visit, different customs you’ll find. People take pride in the cuisine of their hometowns, and identity is deeply intertwined with food. The lines between people, tra ..read more

If you are thinking of going to Rome on vacation or on a business trip, you will want to check out the bookstores carrying English-speaking books there. Find the perfect guide book for your stay, or a great book to curl up with at night or on the flight home. Close to the Trilussa in Trastevere, you will find Almost Corner Bookshop. The knowledgeable staff will be glad to recommend an excellent book to you, and they also are a good source for Roman travel and dining advice. Check out their upcoming events as they often host food presentations and organize forums where people can interact with ..read more

I spoke with Angelo Carotenuto co-owner and founder of LivItaly Tours about responsible tourism and LivItaly’s dedication to providing quality tour services that adhere to the standards of responsible tourism. Angelo, originally from Rome, shares how his heritage has influenced his commitment to showing travelers his country in a respectful, responsible and eco-conscious manner. To hear an industry leader’s point of view on the differences between mass tourism and responsible tourism, the company’s own sustainable strategies and more, read our conversation below. Why is LivItaly dedicated to r ..read more