National Geographic is ready to tantalise taste buds and inspire travel dreams this May with its brand-new docuseries, Tucci In Italy. Starring the ever-charismatic Academy Award® nominee and Golden Globe® winner Stanley Tucci, this five-part series takes viewers on an immersive journey through Italy’s rich culinary landscape, premiering on 21 May 2025 at 20:30 (CAT) on National Geographic (DStv 181, StarTimes 220) and streaming soon after on Disney+ South Africa.

Produced by Tucci’s SALT Productions in collaboration with BBC Studios, the series is far more than a travelogue. It’s a cinematic exploration of food, culture, and heritage, spotlighting how the country’s diverse regions shape not only their cuisine but the very soul of Italian identity.

From Pasta To Pine Needle Pesto: A Journey Through Five Regions

Across five visually stunning episodes, Tucci immerses himself in the traditions and flavours of Tuscany, Lombardy, Trentino-Alto Adige, Abruzzo, and Lazio. From grand feasts in Siena to futuristic farm-to-table creations in Milan and centuries-old seafood rituals in Abruzzo, each stop offers something fresh, unexpected, and irresistibly delicious.

Speaking about the project, Tucci shared:

"Italy is a feast for the senses — a story of people, history, and flavours. This series is my invitation to viewers to experience it all, one unforgettable meal at a time."

Episode Highlights Include:

• Tuscany: Tucci reconnects with Florence, samples a surprising breakfast treat, and joins traditional Tuscan cowboys at the legendary Palio.
• Lombardy: Exploring Italy’s innovative food scene, he dines on futuristic dishes, discovers rare ingredients, and meets the region’s culinary pioneers.
• Trentino-Alto Adige: Between mountain slopes and glacial rivers, Tucci uncovers the region’s German-Italian identity, tasting hay soup and slope-side polenta.
• Abruzzo: The wild heart of Italy, where seafood traditions, mutton barbecues, and ancient fishing platforms tell a rich, untamed culinary story.
• Lazio: Beyond Rome’s famous streets, Tucci dives into rustic countryside kitchens, sampling porchetta, traditional Roman pizza, and springtime lamb feasts.

A Production Dream Team

The series is produced by SALT Productions and BBC Studios’ Specialist Factual Productions, with Tucci himself and Lottie Birmingham as executive producers. The project was shepherded for National Geographic by Charlie Parsons and Tom McDonald, ensuring the network’s signature mix of captivating storytelling and stunning visuals.

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