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A river cruise is a unique way to explore the essence of a place, and discover hidden treasures along the waterways. Offering a serene yet dynamic experience, cruises around Italy are the perfect way to get to truly understand what makes this vibrant country so revered. Cruises around Italy also present the perfect opportunity to make your acquaintance with the gastronomic delights for which the country is famed, and a journey along the winding rivers will allow you to sample the culinary delights, including the renowned range of delectable cheeses. Mozzarella di Bufala More colloquially known as ‘buffalo mozzarella’, Mozzarella di Bufala is crafted from the milk of the domestic water buffalo, and as such can boast its impressive nutrient qualifications. These include being higher in calcium and protein, and lower in cholesterol than its cow’s milk cheese cousins. Mozzarella di Bufala presents mild tones with a slightly sour note, and offers a texture that is slightly granular, but characteristically supple and moist. Mozzarella di Bufala can be enjoyed as one relaxes and cruises around Italy, and is a versatile delicacy, to be appreciated in salads, pastas, antipasti dishes, vegetables, calzones and side dishes. Pecorino Cruises around Italy provide the opportunity to sample a range of cheeses, and those made from sheep’s milk, generally known as Pecorino, are sure to delight. More specifically, the four main varieties of Pecorino cheeses have been bestowed with PDO protection – meaning protected designation of origin – thus authenticating the unique processes by which these cheeses are made. Hailing from central Italy and the island of Sardinia, the period in which the Pecorino is aged will determine its character. For example, well-aged ‘Stagionato’ Pecorinos are buttery and nutty, with a crumbly, hard texture. On the other hand, the younger ‘Semi-Stagionato’ and ‘Fresco’ varieties are softer, and taste mild and creamy. Grana Padano Rich in history, claiming origin with the Cistercian monks of the Chiaravalle Abbey, Grana Padano is flaky and dense in texture, but savoury and nutty in taste. A creamy and mild cheese, with a lasting aftertaste, it can be enjoyed on its own or as an accompaniment to the delicious meals presented aboard cruises around Italy. Produced from the milk of free-range cows, who are fed a diet of carefully curated silage and fresh forage, the diet of the animals involved in the production of Grana Padano is just the first example of the care and detail woven into the steps of its creation. Painstakingly poured, treated, separated and settled, the cheese is left to mature for a minimum of nine months in order to acquire the unique colour, aroma and texture of a Grana Padano. Free from anything artificial, many dishes are complemented by this delightfully artisan treat. Cruises around Italy are the perfect way to familiarise yourself with the delicious range of cheeses the country has to offer, whilst appreciating the history and culture that made the nation’s culinary specialties a reality. You can walk the floors of the breathtaking buildings that played host to the cheese-making legends, then settle back to enjoy your luxury cruise alongside your taste adventure. Author Plate Paul Newman is the Marketing and E-Systems Executive for European Waterways, the UK's most respected provider of all-inclusive luxury barge holidays. If you're looking for fantastic cruises around Italy or other great destinations, they are the go-to experts. Part of a team of experienced barging aficionados, Paul is first in line to endorse the perks of a slow-paced barge cruise to anyone looking for a unique holiday experience.
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