A local cook’s guide to Italy’s hidden flavours

BY India Gustin

Last updated . 26 April 2024

Imagine being guided through Italy’s cobblestone streets to indulge in authentic dishes and standout delights in a luxurious five-star all-inclusive foodie-inspired tour. Enter Tranquillo Tours.

Travellers from all walks of life fly to Italy to marvel at its cultural sights, historic architecture and above all, delicious food. However, Simone Agostino is here to tell you that Italy has even more to offer than the main streets, you just have to follow your nose and know where to look. Her new project, Tranquillo Tours is scheduled to set sail in July to allow everyone taking part to savour the authentic aromas this captivating country provides.

“We all know Italy is famous for pizza and pasta, but it’s about breaking down each part of the country to truly understand that each town really comes with its own backstory,” she explains. “Certain regions will specialise in certain dishes, and this is where I come into it.”

“It’s about creating experiences and evoking emotions around food. I want people to walk away from this tour with both a full heart and a full belly.”

We spoke to Simone to get an inside scoop on her favourite parts of Italy’s culinary offerings.

Who are Tranquillo Tours?

The concept of ‘tranquillo’ is an Italian way of living which encapsulates slowing down and indulging in life’s delicacies. This is what Simone hopes to accomplish with Tranquillo Tours, taking the participants on a journey through the authentic culinary world of Italy.

Simone is a Perth mother of three, self-taught home cook and author of two cookbooks. Together with her fellow foodie friend, Daniele Foticuzzola – another cook and writer from Perth – they created Tranquillo Tours.

Both Simone and Daniele are of Italian heritage and want to spread their love of Italian food in the right way. “Daniele and I have very different lifestyles but a very similar dream in how we want to showcase the country,” Simone explains.

“There is an idyllic version of Italy that everyone wants to experience, we are merely there to help people achieve this. We live and breathe Italian food and culture and we just want people to feel what we feel.” The two have partnered with Club Med to make this a reality.

1. Cacio e pepe in Rome

The beauty, fascinating history and incredible food of Rome is no secret. But for Tranquillo Tours, the aim is not only to eat the tastiest dishes, but to do so in a way which comes from true, authentic places.

In Rome, this means going to a family-run trattoria and indulging in what this particular region is most known for; carbonara and cacio e pepe.

“Go to Rome and experience something that Rome is famous for,” recommends Simone. “This is the place you want to order a pasta carbonara, or better yet, a cacio e pepe. Rome is where these dishes were born and I promise it will be the best you’ve had yet.”

“We take guests to places [where they can] experience the food that is true to Roman cuisine,” says Simone. “We will go to Campo di Fiori markets for a stroll and a cappuccino, then continue down the back steets to find a famous Pasticceria known for its Maritozzi – Rome’s iconic pastry”.

2. Street vendors in Naples

“There is a myth that tells us that Naples isn’t filled with beauty because of its chaos, but if you can look past the city’s mayhem then I believe it has a lot of beauty to offer. If you can adapt to the Italian madness that has become Naples, then this will be one of your favourite spots,” Simone shares.

Naples is known to be a chaotic city. It is also known to be one of Italy’s most humble when it comes to cuisine. For all intents and purposes, it is where much of Italy’s culinary journey originated.

“Of course, we’ll take them to try the Neapolitan pizza,” Simone says. But she also feels that part of this experience is to completely immerse in the Italian way of life. “We really want people to eat how the locals eat.”

That means finding the best street vendors for arancini, fried seafood and pasta frittata. Then, finishing it off with a traditional sfogliatelle – a delicate pastry filled with local, sweetened ricotta. All before rushing back to the Club Med yacht to set sail back into a relaxing pace.

“Naples will be crazy so we are there to help you navigate that. A ‘whatever goes’ approach is vital to effortlessly blend into the crowds,” Simone explains.

3. Digesting in Ponza

As any good Italian knows, taking time to digest a rigorous meal is just as important as the eating. For Simone, that’s where a stop in Ponza comes in.

From the crystal-clear waters, awe-inducing rock formations and captivating historical sights, this island oozes tranquillity. Water sport fanatics will find a haven waiting for them, while those who prefer to explore on land will be mesmerized by the sheer beauty of the landscapes. Here, Tranquillo Tours guests are left to relax and make room for what’s to come.

“It is one of the best spots which encapsulates what tranquillo means,” she says.

4. Making cannoli’s in Sicily

Sicily is not only known for its beautiful sights but also for hearty dishes.“Sicily has a history of having subtly strong flavors,” Simone explains, nodding to the region’s proximity to Africa. This means agrodolce sweet and sour twists, seafood like swordfish and sardines, as well as dishes that some might be hesitant to order off the menu.

One example is the infamous bucatini con le sarde, a pasta dish traditionally made with sardines, pine nuts, wild fennel and raisins. “People are probably too afraid to try it due to its unusual blend of flavours,” she admits. However, it is never too late to enrich your tastebuds.

Of course, Sicily’s famous gourmet sweet treats are a nice end to every meal. In fact, guests will be able to take part in a cannoli workshop because, as Simone put it, “everyone loves a cannoli and Sicilian’s make the best.”

Like many of the tour’s workshops and tastings, this experience will use locally sourced ingredients (in this case, ricotta) and be hosted in an unforgettable location.

“We’ve planned it during sunset so we can incorporate an aperitivo experience to enjoy an Aperol Spritz and a few local bites,” she explains. Not a bad way to conclude a lavish culinary tour around Italy.

5. Wine tasting in Catania

It would be a crime to be in Sicily and not taste the famous wines of Catania. This is why guests will be taken on a journey to a renowned family-run winery for a full-day tour of food and wine experiences.

“We visit a local winery to enjoy a tasting before we sit down to a long table-style lunch. This type of shared dining is very European, again evoking emotions and creating memories through the simple pleasures of food. After lunch, we will 4WD as far up Mt Etna as we safely can to witness the sunset.” Simone says.

The details

At $14,999 per head, guests are looking at an all-inclusive 14-day itinerary curated specifically for the foodies around the gorgeous backdrop of Italy.

Besides the incredible food, guests can experience part of the Club Med Exclusive Collection on their boutique cruise, Club Med 2, for seven nights. From the comfortable yet opulent rooms to the 2700 square metres of Burmese teakwood decks, people on board can admire 360-degree views of Italy’s coastline as they cruise to the next stop.

For the last five nights, guests will stay at one of Club Med’s newest additions; its luxurious resort in Sicily’s city of Cefalù.

“It’s almost like you’re living in an isolated little pod but five-star luxuries and amenities surround you,” Simone says. “So you have this ‘where the sea meets the mountains’ kind of vibe, showing you the best parts of Sicily.”

For more details, or to book, visit tranquillotours.com.