Authorities said that the Amerigo Vespucci - which Italians consider to be the most beautiful ship in the world - is touring around with a temporary exhibition at each stop showcasing Italian heritage and products.

The tall ship Vespucci was named after the explorer that gave America its name. It entered service in 1931. Its three masts have sails covering 2,700 square meters (29,000 square feet). The crew consists of more than 260 sailors and trainees.

The ship's first world tour since 20 years began in July last year, when it set out from Genoa (northern Italy) for its first stop in over 30 ports on five continents. It is there to provide training to those aboard.

The defence ministry announced on Monday that the national expos - dubbed Italy Villages - will be held in eight ports, with the first to take place in Los Angeles, next week.

"We were able to connect the history of Vespucci with Italy and turn it into something that could be a driving force in the present," Guido Crosetto said at a press conference.

Other events will take place in cities such as Tokyo, Singapore and Darwin in Australia.

Visitors will also be able board the Vespucci and watch cooking shows.

The Italian Air Force's aerobatic team, Frecce Tricolori will perform at the Los Angeles Expo, according to the Ministry.

Vespucci is due to return to Italian waters by March 2025, after completing about half the tour. It was the first time ever that the Vespucci passed through Cape Horn at the southernmost tip of South America.

Giuseppe Lai said that people with Italian ancestry living in other countries were paying special attention to the Vespucci.

He said, "We have the ability to represent Italy." (Reporting and editing by Angelo Amante)