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Cruising Around Italy and our best Spaghetti recipe! Cruising around Italy is a great way to experience the country's diverse landscapes, rich history, and exquisite cuisine. Popular Destinations when sailing in Italy First of all, Italy has so many popular destinations that we are not surprised people choose to book a cruise around the Mediterranean to visit them. With this in mind, we will mention the most famous cities and islands. Venice: Begin your journey in the romantic city of Venice, known for its canals, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture. Explore iconic landmarks such as St. Mark's Square, the Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge. Take a gondola ride through the narrow canals and savour Venetian cuisine at local trattorias. Florence: Cruise to the heart of Tuscany and explore the Renaissance beauty of Florence. Visit the Uffizi Gallery to admire masterpieces created by Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Leonardo da Vinci. Climb to the top of the Duomo for panoramic views of the city and stroll across the Ponte Vecchio bridge lined with shops selling jewellery and souvenirs. Rome: Dock in the eternal city of Rome and immerse yourself in its ancient history and grandeur. Explore iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Pantheon. Marvel at the art and architecture of Vatican City, including St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. Indulge in authentic Roman cuisine, from pasta carbonara to gelato. See Cruises to Rome here. Naples: Cruise to the vibrant city of Naples, located near the ruins of Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius. Explore the historic centre of Naples, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and sample traditional Neapolitan pizza. Take a day trip to the Amalfi Coast to admire its stunning cliffs, colourful villages, and azure waters. See Cruises to Naples here. View of the City of Naples Sicily: Sail to the island of Sicily and discover its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. Explore the ancient Greek ruins of Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples. Visit the charming town of Taormina, perched on a hillside overlooking the Ionian Sea. Don't miss trying Sicilian specialities such as arancini (rice balls) and cannoli. See Cruises to Palermo here. Greek ruins of Agrigento in Sicily Sardinia: Cruise to the island of Sardinia and relax on its pristine beaches with crystal-clear waters. Explore the rugged coastline and stunning landscapes of the Costa Smeralda. Visit the historic town of Alghero with its Catalan influence and sample fresh seafood at local restaurants. See Cruises to Sardinia here. Cinque Terre: Discover the picturesque villages of the Cinque Terre, nestled along the rugged coastline of the Italian Riviera. Cruise along the coast and admire the colourful houses perched on cliffs overlooking the sea. Hike the scenic trails that connect the villages or take a boat tour to explore the coastline from the water. Obviously, these are just a few highlights of cruising around Italy. With its wealth of cultural treasures, delicious cuisine, and stunning landscapes, Italy offers endless opportunities for exploration and discovery. Spaghetti alla Bolognese Who doesn't love a good Bolognese sauce? This sauce, also known as ragù alla Bolognese, is a classic Italian meat sauce that's hearty, flavourful, and perfect for topping pasta. Here you have a great recipe for a nice Spaghetti sauce. Spaghetti Bolognese Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 onion, finely chopped 2 carrots, finely chopped 2 celery stalks, finely chopped 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 pound (500g) ground beef 1/2 pound (250g) ground pork 1/2 cup (125ml) dry white or red wine 1 can (14 oz / 400g) crushed tomatoes 1/4 cup (60ml) tomato paste 1 cup (250ml) beef or chicken broth 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried basil 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme Salt and pepper to taste Pinch of nutmeg (optional) 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream (optional) Cooked pasta, such as tagliatelle or spaghetti, for serving Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving Instructions: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, and cook until softened about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef and ground pork to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Once the meat is browned, pour in the wine, and cook for a few minutes until most of the liquid has evaporated. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef or chicken broth. Add the dried oregano, basil, thyme, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if using. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently, uncovered, for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavours will become. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a little more broth or water. If using heavy cream, stir it into the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking. Once the sauce is ready, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve the Bolognese sauce over cooked pasta, such as tagliatelle or spaghetti, and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your delicious homemade Bolognese with a glass of wine and some crusty bread on the side! This recipe makes a generous amount of sauce, so you can freeze any leftovers for later use. Buon appetito! Read more about cruising in Italy here.

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