Breakfast and dinners are included in the holiday price. Breakfast is a continental buffet including cereal, jams, bread, cakes, biscuits and a small selection of gluten free and vegan choices.
We dine in the hotel the first and last night of the holidays. We dine local restaurants during the remaining evenings where we can enjoy a range of al la carte, set menus and buffets. Local restaurants allow us to enjoy an authentic experience and sometimes lively atmosphere in a traditional Italian restaurant along with local diners and the Italian hospitality. Italian dishes are usually created using locally sourced fresh ingredients. Usually we can expect a variety of international and local delicacies such as pasta, risotto, meat and fish!
In Italy, traditional meals usually have four courses, antipasto or antipasti, primo, il secondo, and dolce; but this varies depending on restaurants and the regions of Italy.
Antipasto and Antipasti are a traditional course in formal Italian meals and translate as 'before the meal' as they are usually before the primo course. Antipasto refers to one portion and Antipasti refers to more than one portion. This usually includes cured meats such as salami, pepperoni, prosciutto or mortadella. Rich cheeses such as fresh mozzarella, gouda, provolone or Parmigiana-Reggiano are also included. Seafood like shrimp, anchovies and salmon are sometimes included too.
The first course, known as primo, is served as an appetiser and usually consists of rich pasta, soup or risotto. The main course is called il secondo and usually includes meat, fish or vegetarian. The dolce refers to the dessert and ends a traditional Italian meal. Coffee usually follows too.
Lunches are not included. We will have opportunities to purchase a picnic lunch at a local cafe or supermarket or maybe even have time to stop in a restaurant.