Slightly OT here but I often find those beautiful small towns and indeed medieval hamlets to be the truly authentic food & wine capitals of Italy instead Having been to many of the big cities (currently fairly often in Rome because of work and not really getting accustomed to the chaos!), we now prefer to avoid the hustle & bustle [of the big cities] and enjoy the real dolce vita in places such as the countryside in Abruzzo (driving from Rome towards the Adriatic coast is, by itself, a cracking experience), Umbria, Tuscany or even up in Trentino Alto Adige for some altitude running – the astounding landscapes, superb atmosphere and the friendly locals are all truly unique

G