Ep 1. Italy

Paul Hollywood's Big Continental Road Trip is a television show that follows the adventures of the celebrated British baker and television personality, Paul Hollywood, as he embarks on a journey across Europe in search of some of the continent's best-loved baked goods and iconic cars.

In season 1 episode 1, entitled "Italy", Paul sets out on his first road trip across the picturesque country of Italy, home to some of the world's best food, stunning scenery and some of the finest luxury automobiles.

Paul begins his journey in Rome, where he quickly becomes enamored with the city's bustling streets, beautiful architecture, and vibrant food scene. He visits a traditional pizza restaurant in the heart of the city, where he watches in awe as the pizzaiolo expertly tosses the dough and carefully places the toppings, before cooking it in a traditional wood-fired oven.

From Rome, Paul travels to the beautiful region of Tuscany, where he visits a local bakery that has been making traditional Italian bread for generations. He learns about the various types of bread that are made in the region, including the famous Tuscan bread, which is made without salt and has a unique texture and flavor.

Next, Paul heads north to the region of Emilia-Romagna, famous for its delicious cured meats and creamy cheeses. Here, he visits a small factory where they make traditional parmigiano-reggiano cheese, one of Italy's most famous exports. He watches as the cheese is carefully crafted and matured over several months, before enjoying a taste of the finished product.

As he continues his journey, Paul visits a number of iconic Italian cities, including Parma, Verona, and Venice, each offering a unique glimpse of Italian culture and cuisine. Along the way, he has the opportunity to sample a range of traditional Italian dishes such as pasta, risotto, polenta, and gelato, each lovingly crafted by skilled local chefs.

Throughout the episode, Paul also satisfies his love for cars by exploring some of Italy's most iconic vehicles, including the legendary Alfa Romeo Spider and the beautiful Ferrari California. He meets with local car enthusiasts, learns about the history and design of each car and takes them for a spin on the country's winding roads.

"Italy" is a delightful episode that showcases the best of Italian culture, cuisine, and automobiles. As always, Paul Hollywood brings his infectious enthusiasm for all things food and cars to the screen, providing an entertaining and insightful look at this beautiful country, its people, and its traditions.