Eating is a huge part of experiencing Italy not only for visitors but for the Italians themselves, who take food consumption very seriously. If you manage to survive the meagre breakfasts and get to a restaurant when it's open (remember they don't open until after 7.30pm usually). Once you've made it to the table there's still the courses to determine and what wines to have with the meal. Read on for more tips.

The Lombardy Lakes and Cinque Terre are some of Italy's most popular touring destinations and we now have online guides to these regions.

If you're planning to visit Italy this Winter consider including some of the following festivals in your itinerary.