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From One Cesarina to Another, Countless Possible Itineraries Off the Beaten Path: A Slow Travel Experience to Discover Italy and Its Infinite Food and Wine Treasures
Since last summer, the term “overtourism” has been increasingly discussed—a term often overused to describe the excessive influx of tourists in iconic cities like Venice, Florence, and Rome.
This phenomenon is putting a strain on the balance between tourism flows and the quality of life of residents, as well as compromising the experience of visitors. With over 1,500 Cesarine hosts across more than 500 towns and cities—many located in lesser-known areas of the country—Cesarine promotes an experiential tourism model that enhances lesser-known and more authentic destinations, serving as a real alternative to overtourism. Through a unique selection of culinary experiences, the platform allows travelers to create itineraries off the beaten path, immerse themselves in local gastronomic traditions, and enjoy convivial and authentic moments far from overcrowded tourist hotspots.
Suggested Itineraries and Experiences
- Traditional Cooking Classes: Learn how to prepare regional dishes directly in the homes of Cesarine hosts, discovering recipes passed down through generations. Examples include cooking classes in Baveno on the Piedmontese side of Lake Maggiore, Riccò del Golfo in the province of La Spezia, and Fasano near Brindisi.
- Food and Wine Tours: Explore local markets and artisanal shops with local experts, tasting typical products and regional wines in locations such as Langhirano near Parma, Barberino Tavernelle near Florence, and Spoleto in the province of Perugia.
- Family Lunches and Dinners: Enjoy seasonal menus prepared with fresh, local ingredients in unique and convivial settings, in charming towns like Varignana on the hills of Bologna, Buti in the province of Pisa, and Marsala in the province of Trapani.
The interactive map on the Cesarine website introduces a new way of exploring, enabling users to visualize all Cesarine experiences available in a given area and discover it like true locals. This new approach to travel allows visitors to craft customized itineraries by linking various Cesarine hosts and experiences, crossing Italy while continuously uncovering hidden gems and lesser-known villages. This model helps distribute tourism more evenly, preventing congestion in overvisited cities while ensuring a more immersive and sustainable travel experience.
By embracing the principles of the sharing economy, Cesarine experiences also support local communities, particularly in areas less frequented by tourists. Thanks to cesarine.com, travelers can book exclusive experiences with local home cooks who open their doors to offer traditional regional meals, guide guests through markets and local producers, and teach traditional recipes in private, in-home cooking classes. These experiences not only enrich the journey with authentic flavors but also help disperse tourism to less crowded regions, directly benefiting the local economy.
Participating in Cesarine.com experiences means not only living unforgettable moments but also actively contributing to a more sustainable form of tourism. Encouraging the discovery of lesser-known destinations helps preserve Italy’s cultural and environmental heritage, preventing overcrowding in already overburdened cities and supporting local communities.
About Cesarine
Cesarine is a food experience platform connecting travelers with Italian home cooks who organize authentic culinary experiences in their homes. Founded in Bologna in 2004, Cesarine connects travelers with passionate hosts who share their knowledge, traditions, and home-cooked meals. Offering hands-on cooking classes, traditional meals, and immersive food and wine tours, Cesarine has become Italy’s most widespread network of home cooks. For the platform, which originated under the shadow of Bologna’s Two Towers and now spans the entire country, the United States remains the main market, with over 30,000 guests in 2024. Following are Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Northern Europe (particularly Germany, France, and Switzerland). As a Slow Food Community and advocate of sustainable tourism, Cesarine preserves Italy’s culinary heritage while empowering local communities. Cesarine’s advisory board includes: Niccolò Branca, CEO of Fratelli Branca; Daniele Ferrero, CEO of Venchi, the Finalca Group of the Cazzola family, and CDP Venture Capital, Davide Maggi, executive director of the Digital Marketing & Communication Executive Program of the Bologna Business School, CEO of Home Food Srl, a Società Benefit, which owns the Cesarine.com platform, and the related Community of amateur cooks and chefs.
