italian food tours italy

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Food & Culinary Tours in Italy

Head out on a truffle hunting adventure in Tuscany , sip on the freshest limoncello at the Amalfi Coast or indulge in the finest berried blends in Sicily . Ignite your inner epicure with melting Margherita pizzas and spoon-swirling spaghetti on an Italian food tour. Whether you're indulging at a bàcari in Venice or celebrating la dolce vita with an aperitivo in Milan , there's no competition for the best food experiences in Italy.

104 Food & Culinary tour packages in Italy with 675 reviews

• Food & Culinary

Small Group Sicily Food & Wine Tour (Maximum 8 Guests)

I enjoyed my Sicily tour so much! Most of the hotels were comfortable and the food was fantastic! Our guides were very friendly and knowledgeable. The scenery is amazing!

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Taste of Salento-Authentic Culinary Experience

Just got done with Taste of Salento with Emilio and Carla. Fantastic tour. If your looking for a small group experience or solo tour that is relaxed and eating fantastic food then this tour is for you. Family oriented , professional and friendly. They really went above and beyond. taking you to many different places

• Wine tasting

Italy Real Food Adventure

Italy Real Food Adventure tour is amazing! I'm happy to travel around the cities in Italy and eat all of the food there!

Private Sicily Food & Wine Lovers Tour

This private tour of Sicily one of the most fun, relaxing, beautiful, and delicious (!) vacations we've ever had--the perfect way to break out of the Covid "lockdown" blues after not being able to travel for 17 months. If you are considering this vacation, stop looking and book this tour before it sells out--you will not regret it!! I originally thought I would book the small group tour, but because of covid--and more importantly because the private tour price was so reasonable--we booked this as a private tour, and it couldn't have been more perfect. Massimo is the SINGLE BEST travel agent we've ever used. I don't say this lightly--First, I'm extremely picky (I'm a professor and scientist, and I tend to analyze everything; I want only the very best experiences; second, we have traveled all over the world, and we have very high standards and expectations. We have always had wonderful local travel agents, but Massimo went "above and beyond" in every way imaginable. His communication was phenomenal; with Covid restrictions, we weren't sure we were going to be able to make the trip happen at all, and at every stage Massimo would send me the latest information on Italy, and also he basically said we could cancel for a full refund even a week before our trip, which is an extremely generous policy and eased a lot of my stress. I ask a lot of questions, and he answered every question very quickly with detailed answers. He treated me more like a friend or family member than a "client."If he hadn't been so friendly, reassuring, and had such a flexible policy, we probably wouldn't have taken the trip. The trip itself was absolutely perfect in every way. When local travel agents plan trips for us, I meticulously read reviews of all the hotels and activities, and I end up making suggestions for revisions or alterations. In this case, all of the reviews were stellar, so I didn't ask fora single revision. And yet, every single tour, activity, and hotel Massimo planned was FABULOUS. I wouldn't change a thing! The care with which Massimo puts into his tours--and especially his clients--is amazing. He would what's app me every evening to remind me of the pickup time the next morning, and again during the day to check in to see how our day was going, whether we were enjoying an activity, and if he could do anything to make things better. I noticed that every tour we went on, they took pictures of us and sent them to Massimo, which I believe was his way of making sure we were always well cared for, and where we were supposed to be. I truly felt like he deeply cared about us and wanted to make sure we were having the best time possible. His drivers, guides, and tours were also top notch. Every single driver (without exception) was early to pick us up, spoke great English, and was incredibly friendly and informative--it's as if he chose to only work with contractors who have his same wonderful personality. Each and every tour guide was also incredibly knowledgeable, passionate, and engaging, some of the best guides we've had in any city. All of the activities -- from cooking classes to food tours to wine tasting -- were incredible as well. What I loved most of all was that I literally never had to worry about anything, because everything was so perfectly chose and planned and because Massimo was always watching over us to make sure everything went well. I will absolutely recommend this tour of Sicily and especially Massimo to all of my friends and family!

Discover Matera and Taste of Salento Tour

SOLETO TRAVEL: First of all, Omar at Soleto Travel was great, from my first inquiry to the last day of the trip. He returned emails promptly, answered questions clearly, made suggestions and generally made the whole experience very easy. I highly recommend Soleto travel and would not hesitate to book any of their tours. The trip I took was Discover Matera and a Taste of Salento. I was a solo female traveler on this tour and just took a leap of faith - it was well worth it. TASTE OF SALENTO: Pretend that someone told you that you had long lost relatives who owned an olive oil farm in Salento and wanted you to come visit for six days? That is exactly what this felt like. From the moment Antonio (the father) picked me up at the train station to the moment Emilio dropped me off in Matera, I could not have been treated more warmly. This did not feel like a “tour”, it felt like a “stay”. Don’t get caught up in the printed itinerary and stated activities. Emilio adjusts the schedule based on the season, the weather and other circumstances. You might not get every single thing listed, but you will get a lot more that are not. Emilio fixes a light breakfast every morning and explains where we’re going and what we’re doing that day. Because this experience is capped at four people (we had two), Emilio drives you in the family car to all the cool places (many that would be inaccessible by a tour bus). You walk around while he explains the history of the place or his experiences there. You set the pace (the other woman in my tour had hurt her foot and couldn’t walk very fast - no problem. We were still able to see everything). And you get free time to walk around, grab a bite, shop or just sit and appreciate the experience. The highlight of every day was dinner. Emilio is a fabulous chef and prides himself on cooking fresh, organic, local food paired with local wine (all served with his family’s organic olive oil of course). His passion is evident and every meal was excellent. Two of the days we had Carlo as a guide, who was fun and knowledgeable. One day Emilio’s wife Clara took us wine tasting and sightseeing. And of course Antonio, who was a character, popped by to say hi and stir up trouble! I could go on and on but I will stop and just say this: If you want a 4-star hotel with a “farm” theme in a big city, this is not for you. This is an actual farm in a very small town with very comfortable accommodations run by a sweet and generous couple (plus four kids and a dog) who want nothing more than for you to learn about, experience, and hopefully appreciate, the land they love. No tour buses, no guides with hankies tied to poles, no one-size-fits-all restaurants or cookie-cutter tours. Live like a local, with locals, for a one-of-a-kind experience. I highly recommend it. DISCOVER MATERA: I knew nothing about Matera so I was excited to arrive and see this beautiful city. The only thing I would mention is the whole city is practically stairs, including up to the room, so it might be a difficult city for some people with mobility issues so keep that in mind when booking. That said it is such a beautiful and unique city and I loved just wandering around and getting lost in all the little streets and passages. The accommodations were fabulous and so unique (a room built into a cave!) My guide was Cosimo, who took me one day on a city tour and the next on a tour of Murgia Materana, the park across the ravine. He was so knowledgable, friendly and patient with all my questions. Even though I was the only one, our tour went beyond the allotted time and he did not complain or try to rush me. I also got a private food and wine tasting with Lucca who was also wonderful, knowledgeable and generous. The place I stayed had a restaurant, but because I was the only one there, I would have my breakfast on site and then they would book dinner for me at a nice local restaurant. I loved Matera and wish I had a couple more days there. All in all this was the perfect vacation. The people were wonderful, the food and wine delicious, the history fascinating, the scenery breathtaking and the experience unique. I highly recommend this tour and Soleto Travel to anyone!

Charming Sicily Food & Wine Small Group Tour - 8 days

I really enjoyed the tour!

Sicily Food Adventure

Sicily was great, the transportation was very good, fellow passengers were a great bunch who mixed well. Food and wine experiences were good, but for me the highlight of the trip was ancient and modern Sicily. The tour guide was lovely and tried very hard but with limited English understanding, was not able to provide any significant on board commentary or quell the frustrations that accrued as we drove from place to place. Accommodation throughout the tour was average to good and the weather was just perfect.

8-Day Foodie Tour Of Northern Italy

• €50 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Christmas & New Year

5 Days Italian Cookery Getaway in Umbria

Staying at let’s cook Umbria and doing the cooking course with Raffaella was the highlight of our time in Italy. The location was gorgeous and the cooking was lots of fun. We loved it and Raffaella is an excellent host

South Italy Campania Escape

Hotel room was large and comfortable = 5* Hotel location was difficult : NO buses, NO subway close by. We had to walk a LOT , even to reach meeting points for daily tours !! (2*) Staff was VERY friendly and helpful. (5*) TOUR to POMPEI / VESUVIO was excellent, considering the conditions... Excellent LUNCH and wine testing (5*) We did the VESUVIO hike, all the way to the TOP ! (5*) TOUR of NAPOLI was good. / We saw many more places, and took the subway (5*) Note : we had problems with the street food . Difficult to find good, relaxing places to have dinner in NAPOLI. ..Next time we will consult a TOUR GUIDE BOOK.

• In-depth Cultural

A Taste of Tuscany - Hilltop Towns and Vineyards

Gourmet Rome, Sorrento & Capri

5 Luxury days on the Sacred Land of Umbria

Grand Tour of Puglia-Basilicata, from Matera to Lecce

Campania Wine, Food & Heritage Experience

What people love about food & culinary tours in italy.

The food and guides were great! Hotels were very comfortable. Drivers were excellent!

Continued.. Besides both Carla and Emilios own knowlege and history of each place they had Profesional guides to take you around to the other places. Nice to be in a private car. Great food like I said before. Emilio really takes care and you can see the passion in every dish he makes. Very well put together tour. Loved my stay at the farmhouse learning about the olive trees. Overall a Wonderful experience during my week in brindisi. Will visit again! Crystal

Italy Real Food Adventure tour is amazing! I'm happy to travel around the cities in Italy and eat all of the food there!

Food & Culinary Tours

• Wine tasting (12)
• Cooking classes (8)

Regions in Italy

• South Italy (40)
• Central Italy (24)
• Northern Italy (20)
• Tuscany (16)
• Puglia (12)
• Apulia (12)
• Campania (12)
• Amalfi Coast (11)
• Sicily (10)
• Emilia Romagna (9)
• Lazio, Marche & Abruzzo (9)
• Piedmont (6)
• Prosecco (6)

Travel Styles

• 10 Best Food & Culinary Tours 2024/2025
• Italy Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
• Itinerary Ideas for 10 Days in Italy, 2022-2023
• Best 7 Day Italy Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)
• Discover the Best Italy Vacation Packages 2024/2025
• What is the best time to visit Italy in 2024/2025?

Our most popular cooking vacation destination: from the food to the wine to the people, Italy offers it all…

Experience Italy for foodies! We offer private and small group Italy cooking and wine vacations with the best cooking courses in Italy. The International Kitchen’s Italy food & wine tours let you explore this amazing country through hands-on cooking classes taught by charming local chefs, as well as foodie tours to visit artisanal food producers, olive mills, and wineries, and visits to the cultural sites that make Italy one of the world’s most popular travel destinations.

Top 50 Cooking Vacations in Italy 2024

• All Regions
• Amalfi Coast
• Emilia Romagna
• Friuli Venezia Giulia
• Lombardia/Lakes Region
• Multiple Regions
• Rome (Lazio)
• Active Trips
• Best Sellers
• Best Winter Cooking Vacations & Tours 2024
• Family Friendly
• Good for Solos
• Hidden Gems
• Intensive Cooking
• Luxury Line
• Michelin Star Experiences
• Off the Beaten Path
• Romantic Getaways
• Staff Favorites
• Wine Themed

TRIP LENGTH

PRICE RANGE

Small Group Culinary Vacations in Sicily

7 Nights Starting At $4,900

Chianti Wine Tour to the Finest of Tuscany's Vineyards

6 Nights Starting At $5,975

Authentic Tuscan Cooking in the Val d’Orcia Valley

5 or 6 Nights Starting At $4,850

Ultimate Italy Culinary Vacation with Dorothy Tague

9 Nights Starting At $5,980

Northern Italy Cooking Vacations: Piedmont and Liguria

6 Nights Starting At $5,580

Best Food & Wine Tours in Rome, Italy

3 or 5 Nights Starting At $1,630

Discover Sanremo Culinary Vacations in Italy

4 Nights Starting At $2,925

Best Genoa and Portofino Culinary Vacations in Italy

4 Nights Starting At $3,150

Best 2024 Cooking Vacations in Molise, Italy

6 Nights Starting At $4,135

Best of Sorrento and Naples Food Tour

6 Nights Starting At $5,890

Splendid Five-Star Sorrento Food Tour on Amalfi Coast

6 Nights Starting At $6,750

Best of the West: Sicily Cooking Vacation

6 Nights Starting At $6,390

Cooking and Walking in Umbria

6 Nights Starting At $4,530

Cooking Under the Tuscan Sun: Best Food & Wine Tours in Cortona 2024

3 or 6 Nights Starting At $2,175

Food & Wine Tasting Tour in Puglia, Italy

6 Nights Starting At $4,600

Amalfi Coast Culinary Vacations: Mediterranean Cooking Experience

4 or 6 Nights Starting At $2,550

A Five-Star Retreat in the Veneto

6 Nights Starting At $3,670

Best Bellagio Cooking Tour on Lake Como

5 Nights Starting At $5,270

Italian Food & Wine Tours and Cooking Courses in Piedmont

5 Nights Starting At $3,600

Emilia Romagna Food & Wine Tasting Tours 2024

4 or 7 Nights Starting At $2,875

Weekend in an Italian Villa

3 Nights Starting At $910

Culinary Tour of the Italian Countryside: Discovering Authentic Flavors

3 Nights Starting At $1,975

Sapori d'Abruzzo: Best Abruzzo Cooking Tour and Vacation in Italy 2024

6 Nights Starting At $2,750

Michelin Star Cooking Tours on the Prosecco Road

2 or 3 Nights Starting At $1,150

Secrets of Spoleto: Food Tour & Wine Tasting in Spoleto

6 Nights Starting At $3,465

Elegant Taormina and The Eastern Coast

4 or 6 Nights Starting At $4,800

Don Alfonso

4 or 6 Nights Starting At $2,760

A Food Lover's Paradise in Norcia Cooking Vacations

4 or 6 Nights Starting At $3,150

Luxury Chianti Cooking Vacations in Tuscan Villa 2024

7 Nights Starting At $5,490

Luxury Lucca Villa Cooking Vacations & Food Tours

7 Nights Starting At $4,500

Tuscan Splendor - Luxury Cooking Vacations in Tuscany

4 or 6 Nights Starting At $2,990

Luxury Italian Lakes Foodie Vacations

6 Nights Starting At $4,950

All-Inclusive Cooking Vacations in Italy - Cooking in the Sabine Hills

6 Nights Starting At $3,900

Friuli Venezia Giulia Food and Wine Tours at Villa Luppis

3 Nights Starting At $1,785

Insider's Venice

3 Nights Starting At $1,025

Authentic Italian Cooking Vacation in Piedmont

3 Nights Starting At $1,100

Tuscany Wine Tasting Tour on The Western Coast: Truly Tuscany

5 Nights Starting At $4,180

Tuscany Cooking Vacations at Torre del Tartufo, Casa Ombuto & Villa Bellorcia

3 or 7 Nights Starting At $2,750

Best Food Tour in Florence, Italy 2024: Florence For The Food Lover

5 Nights Starting At $3,675

Roman Countryside Cooking Vacations in Italy

Sorrento Cooking Adventure

4 or 6 Nights Starting At $2,875

A Culinary Vacation in Vasto

6 or 11 Nights Starting At $1,855

Authentic Amalfi Cuisine in Minori

4 or 6 Nights Starting At $2,200

A Venice Cooking Odyssey

5 Nights Starting At $4,880

Authentic Sicilian Experience for the Food Lover

7 Nights Starting At $6,450

Cooking Vacations In Italy

There’s a reason our culinary tours in Italy are so popular.

Explore Italy for foodies on an Italy food tour with The International Kitchen.  You can delight in the best cooking courses in Italy, in which you learn to make regional specialties and traditional Italian staples such as homemade pastas, flavorful sauces, succulent meat dishes, scrumptious seafood, and out-of-this-world desserts. Your teacher might be a professional Italian chef or a “nonna” (grandmother) who passes along generations of family recipes and a passionate dedication to Italian cuisine.

Italy culinary tourism has grown in the years since we started the niche of cooking and wine tasting holidays in Italy. And it’s easy to see why: who is not tempted by the thought of gourmet holidays in Italy?

We have been organizing the best private, custom, and small group cooking tours in Italy for 25 years, and we have thousands of satisfied culinary travelers that we consider friends. Many of them return year after year to explore new foodie destinations with us on our Italy food tours. We are a small company, dedicated purely to foodie trips, and personal service is one of the hallmarks of our business.

So whether you are a foodie looking for cooking travel tours Italy, an avid home cook searching for cooking school Italy vacations, or simply someone who thinks food is the best part of every trip, we have culinary tours in Italy that will satisfy every culinary traveler. Moreover, if you’re looking for a good wine tour Italy is a perfect choice.

All in all, Italy is well-known for wine tasting, our company is good at vacation packages. Why don’t we combine these?

More about our cooking vacations in Italy

Our cooking vacations in Italy will also include:

• Food and wine tours in Italy including cheese and local products tastings
• Visits to open air fruit and vegetable markets, vineyards, or olive oil mills
• Cultural and culinary tours to local sites of interest
• Our many years of experience and personalized service while planning your foodie trip to Italy

Accommodations for our cooking holidays in Italy are in everything from cozy B&B properties to private villas, farmhouses, and luxurious hotels.

Cooking with the locals during an authentic Italy cooking vacation with The International Kitchen.

FAQ about cooking holidays in Italy

Where can i learn to cook in italy.

Tuscany, Umbria, Campania, Sicily, Emilia-Romagna, Piedmont, Lombardy, Lazio, Puglia, and the Veneto, are only a handful of the places where you can learn to cook in Italy. Italy’s 20 regions all offer amazing opportunities to learn regional and traditional Italian cuisine. Each region has its own pastas, sauces, main dishes and desserts, and you will learn to make them on our cooking courses in Italy.

Which city has the best food in Italy?

Italians might fight to the death over the answer to this question! Many would say that the city of Bologna has the best food in Italy. It is definitely one of the culinary capitals of Italy, and Emilia Romagna, the region in which it is found, is known for its incredible wealth of gastronomic products such as prosciutto di Parma, Parmigiano-Reggiano, aceto balsamico di Modena, and pastas like tortellini, tagliatelle, and lasagne.

We think that each of Italy’s regions, however, has something truly unique and unforgettable to offer on our culinary vacations in Italy.

Which city in Italy has the best pizza?

Most Italians would agree that Naples has the best pizza in Italy. Naples, the capital of the Campania region, is also the birthplace of pizza! The main ingredients of pizza also come from this region: fresh mozzarella cheese and San Marzano tomatoes, grown in the sun-drenched volcanic soil of Mount Vesuvius.

Read more about Italian food and travel tips

Recipes from Sarteano: Pici al Ragù Toscano

February 21, 2024

Meet Chef Chiara, the culinary instructor behind our Authentic Tuscan Cooking in the Val d’Orcia Valley and this recipe for Pici al Ragù Toscano! Chef…

Travel Memories: My First Trip to Italy

March 24, 2021

It's hard not to wax nostalgic about travel these days. As the effects of COVID-19 keep us all at home, with no clear indication of…

Autumn in Italy: Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe

April 4, 2022

We eat soup year round, but there is something about soup in the fall and winter that is particularly appealing. And if you pair that…

Regions We Visit on our Food and Wine Tours in Italy

• Abruzzo : Bask in the beauty of ancient and authentic Abruzzo during an Italy food tour. Enjoy hands-on Italian cooking classes with simple regional cuisine full of flavors, and explore the miles of seaside, mountains, and national parks during our culinary trips to Italy in the Abruzzo region.
• Amalfi Coast : Learn the secrets of Mediterranean cuisine and enjoy the lifestyle of Amalfi, Positano, Sorrento, and Capri on an Italy food tour to the Amalfi Coast. Revel in a mix of spectacular coastlines and famed sites like Pompeii and the Blue Grotto on our unique culinary tours to Italy’s Amalfi Coast.
• Emilia Romagna : Taste the famous aged Parmesan cheese and Prosciutto di Parma on our gastronomic tours of Italy. Visit Bologna, Parma, Modena, and more and explore the local cuisine during hands-on cooking classes on an amazing Italy food tour to Emilia Romagna.
• Friuli Venezia Giulia : Explore the unique geography and equally unique cuisine of a region that borders Austria, Slovenia, and the Veneto during our food and wine tours in Italy in Friuli Venezia Giulia.
• Liguria : Charming port towns such as the famed Cinque Terre and all the pesto and pasta you could dream of make our gourmet holidays in Italy in the Liguria region extra special. Check out Genoa, Portofino, and miles of hiking trails on an Italy food tour to this charming area.
• Lombardia/Lakes Region : Enjoy the gorgeous lakes and rustic foods of the north on our cooking vacations in Italy’s Lombardy region. Savor the risotto, polenta, and famed Franciacorta sparklers on our food and wine tours in Italy and the Lakes region.
• Piedmont : One of our favorite regions is home to some of Italy’s most famous wines, which you will taste on our food and wine tours in Italy and the Piedmont region. From Barolo to Barbaresco, an Italy food tour in Piedmont will satisfy every appetite!
• Puglia : Home to classic Italian breads, olive oils and wines – you’re sure to fall in love with Puglia (Apulia) on our cooking vacations in Italy at the southern part of the peninsula. Some of our best Italy wine tours are in this sunny and beautiful region.
• Rome/Lazio : Authentic villages and delectable regional dishes will capture your heart on our culinary tours in Italy near the capital city. An Italy food tour in Lazio will include hands-on cooking classes, foodie excursions, and more.
• Sicily : The heart of Mediterranean food lives on this exotic island, and you can explore it on an Italy food tour to Palermo, Taormina, Agrigento, and more. Many of our most popular Italy wine tours take place in authentic Sicily.
• Tuscany : Explore breathtaking landscapes and enjoy the renowned food of this region on our Italy wine tours and cooking vacations in Italy in the Tuscany region. Rustic Tuscan food and wine are the staples of some of our best cooking vacations in Italy.
• Umbria : The laid-back locals will welcome you like a family friend on our culinary tours in Italy and its Umbria region. An Italy food tour in Umbria will include hands-on cooking classes featuring delicious regional recipes.
• Veneto : Discover the fine cuisine and legendary wines of this magical region on our Italy wine tours and cooking vacations in Italy and the Veneto region. From the lagoon of Venice to the Dolomites, the Veneto is a perfect destination for our culinary tours in Italy.

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Italy Food Tours & Vacation Packages

• Featured Tours
• Travel Agents

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We match you with top tour companies that specialize in the trip you want,  whether it's a customized private tour or a group tour.

Italian food is famous across the globe for its elegant simplicity and robust flavors. Discover the nuances of Italian cuisine that varies greatly between its twenty regions and uncover unique cultural insights. Through Zicasso’s personalized trip planning process, your culinary adventure to Italy will open the door to the most genuine Italian experience.

Life-Enriching Travel Designed Just for You

Trips curated by the world’s top destination experts

Concierge-level service leading up to and during your trip

Unique, exclusive experiences and insider access

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8  Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from  $2,859

Let the rich tomato sauce simmer as you sip a refreshing glass of local wine, and then unwind in the anticipation of the heavenly flavors to come. Your custom tailored tour combines the pleasures of captivating history and gorgeous landscapes with the delectable tastes of Southern Italian cuisine. The sea laps at your toes on a beach along the Amalfi Coast as you finish an unforgettable meal in an ancient tower on the Mediterranean. With a glass of Limoncello at your side, bite into a pizza you made from scratch. Your culinary tour of Southern Italy and the Amalfi Coast makes you feel at home.

9  Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from  $3,217

Rome will make your mouth water with the ineffable flavors of cuisine emboldened with history and tested with time. Sip the bittersweet flavor of an espresso in view of detailed baroque fountains. Sample the crumbly herbaceous Pecorino cheese directly from the makers' shelf. Wander along vast vineyards blanketing the hillsides leading to medieval walls. Your custom tailored tour immerses you in the culinary delights of Italy, letting you bask in the flavors of fresh pasta and a culture known for its cooking. Traverse the countryside of Tuscany, Umbria, and Lazio to find perfection in the kitchen.

7  Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from  $2,501

The regions of Italy have perfected their flavors, turning cooking into a cultural statement. Experience the celebration of Abruzzo cuisine in learning the traditional craft on your custom-tailored Italy culinary itinerary. The nutty aroma of olive oil encapsulates a family-owned olive mill. Wines offer bouquets of strawberry and raspberry. Dramatic castles adorn soaring cliffs and the velvety, light texture of gelato beckons you back for another bite. Fishermen cast their nets into the Adriatic. Medieval lanes lead to unforgettable panoramas. Lounge on the beach, learn to make pasta from start to finish and bask in the refined flavors of Italy.

Dynamic pricing from  $6,235

On this VIP culinary Italy itinerary, experience life beyond the mainland with a gourmet taste of Sicily’s rich history of cuisines. Sample fine wines on premier estates. Wander the vibrant open-air markets in Palermo, passing colorful produce and fresh seafood. Witness the golden stones of Arab-Norman palaces. Discover the largest ancient temple on the island rising out of the blossoming wildflowers. Discuss ideal wine pairings with an experienced sommelier and enjoy an unparalleled panorama of the beach on a secluded cruise of a gorgeous bay. Bask in the beauty, luxury, and flavor of Sicily on this unforgettable Italy vacation.

14  Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from  $5,007

Through the beauty of the cuisine, you will discover endless passion, embrace unfamiliar flavors, and take pleasure in history and gastronomy while exploring Southern Italy. Olive trees captivate with produce ready for harvest and grapevines absorb vibrant minerals, adding depth to sophisticated wines; lemon trees offer fragrant hints of citrus and the coastline erupts with revitalizing aromas of the sea. Celebrate zesty sauces and inspiring seafood, mouthwatering stews and refreshing salads during your customizable Southern Italy itinerary connecting you to the villages, towns, and cities of the region, from Sicily to Puglia.

10  Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from  $3,575

Italy is made for indulgence. Your customizable Italy itinerary will treat you to the culture and cuisine of the north and allow you to experience geography’s influence on history.  Your journey will bring enticing food, wine, and art as you explore Piedmont, Emilia-Romagna, and Tuscany. Scour the woodlands in search of white truffle, and then bask in the beauty of the rolling hills while sampling a Brunello di Montalcino. Stroll through vibrant aisles in a local market and taste the decadent pasta made by your own hands. From rich chocolate to vibrant espresso, enchanting villas to medieval walls, your itinerary in Italy will satisfy your gastronomical and cultural desires.

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Benefits of Using Zicasso

The treasures of Italy usually conjure a mixture of delicious cuisine and fabulous art that illustrates the beauty of the peninsula. Step beyond the façade of generalizations for an intimate discovery of regional specialties and captivating histories during your custom-tailored trip to Italy. Whether visiting the northern regions of Italy for the first time or the fifth, the abundance of famous artwork and enchanting artifacts, dishes made with seasonal ingredients and neighborhood specialties reflect true beauty. Byzantine mosaics, Renaissance palaces, historical wines, and Baroque villas embody the majesty and grandeur of your personalized Italy.

Dynamic pricing from  $3,665

This 10-day culinary journey through Italy presents a feast for the senses as you encounter new sights, flavors, and smells in this rich landscape. Your Italian culinary legacy tour begins in Palermo and travels to Rome, both revealing Italy’s diverse character in the open-air markets, kitchens, and regional ingredients. Finally, the rolling hills of Tuscany will beckon as you bask in the vibrant neighborhoods and charming countryside of Florence.

This luxurious 14-day Southern Italy tour has you traveling through revered regions and back-country villages to uncover tales of ancient cultures and modern delicacies. Luxuriate on the beaches in Sicily after sipping homemade wines, marvel at spectacular views from a Norman Castle, admire art and architecture in magnificent cathedrals, witness active volcanoes, and learn how to make cannoli during your majestic experience of Southern Italy.

The true path into the heart of the Italian Peninsula is through the food that is experienced during your 8-day culinary tour of Italy in Emilia Romagna and Tuscany. Discover traditional flavors and embrace prestigious culinary arts. Whether searching for luscious olive oil or enjoying fabled wines, your luxurious gastronomy tour features the heritage of rustic cuisine that is found in the celebrated regions of Emilia Romagna and Tuscany.

History and culture surface through traditional cuisine and celebrated wine during your personalized senior tour of Italy. Indulge in the exceptional flavors and the local specialties of Piedmont and Emilia-Romagna. Savor the distinct taste of white truffles, craft the elegant stuffed shells of tortellini pasta, and experience the excitement of driving a Ferrari on a search for authentic heritage spanning more than two millennia. From forested countryside to magnificent medieval towers and charming city skylines, travel from Turin to Bologna for an immersive tour at your pace indulging in passionate history, flavorful cuisine, and captivating tradition.

Dynamic pricing from  $7,015

Embrace the marvels of Italian flavor and the splendor of Italy's scenery during this 9-day luxury Italy wine tour. You will have an immersive experience of the wine culture and Italy's fabulous history of wine consumption, which will reveal sumptuous vines, elegant tastings, and exclusive excursions. From regal estates to stately panoramas, you will wander through antique cellars, stroll through medieval towns, and sample the spirit of Italy through its illustrious wines.

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THE 10 BEST Italy Food Tours

Italy food tours.

• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Walking Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Skip-the-Line Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
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• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Chianti Safari: Tuscan Villas with vineyards, Cheese, Wine & Lunch from Florence

2. The Roman Food Tour in Trastevere with Free-Flowing Fine Wine

3. Bologna Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

4. Sorrento Farm and Food Experience including Olive Oil, Limoncello, Wine tasting

5. Venice Food Tour - Eat like a Venetian

6. Rome Wine & Food Tour in Trastevere Jewish Ghetto Campo de Fiori

7. Rome Street Food Tour with Local Guide

8. Bologna Food Experience: Factory tours & Family-Style Lunch

9. Bergamo Food Tour

10. Florence Private Food Walking Tour With Locals: 6 or 10 Tastings

11. Palermo Original Street Food Walking Tour by Streaty

12. Venice Street Food Tour with Local Guide with Local Food Market Visit

13. Tour Parmigiano Reggiano dairy and Parma ham

14. Rome Food Tour: Hidden Gems of Trastevere with Dinner & Wine

15. Small Group Florence Food Tour

16. Tour of Turin's Chocolate and Pastry Shops

17. Naples Street Food Tour With Local Expert

18. The Award-Winning Private Food Tour of Rome: 6 or 10 Tastings

19. Venice Private Food Walking Tour With Locals: 6 or 10 Tastings

20. Rome by Night-Ebike tour with Food and Wine Tasting

21. The Award-Winning PRIVATE Food Tour of Bologna: 6 or 10 Tastings

22. Rome Food Tour: Unlimited Tastings with Fine Wine & Barolo

23. Venice at Sunset: Cicchetti, Food & Wine Tour

24. Venice Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

25. The Award-Winning Private Food Tour of Milan: 6 or 10 Tastings

26. Naples Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

27. Taste of Rome: Food Tour with Local Guide

28. Small Group Naples Street Food Tour Guided by a Foodie

29. Private Half Day Parma Food Walking Tour

30. Naples Private Food Walking Tour With Locals: The 10 Tastings

What travelers are saying.

• Amy S 0 contributions 0 5.0 of 5 bubbles A Lemon Trees and Olive Oil Paradise Lovely family farm tour with Italian hospitality and charm. The lemon trees were amazing, the view, stunning, and the family prepared meal, wine, and olive oil was over the moon! Wonderful experience chalked full of interesting tidbits of information! Read more Review of: Sorrento Farm and Food Experience including Olive Oil, Limoncello, Wine tasting Written May 3, 2024 This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

• Josephine S Kitchener, Canada 1 contribution 0 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great way to start the trip! This was a really good tour! Nela (sp?) was a great guide, attentive and informative. We are glad we did this on our first day as it gave us some context in moving around the city. It was also nice that we had some choices on the bites and we all thought it was enough food and we weren't hungry when done. We actually went back to some spots the next day as they were priced well. Great to find true gems in the city We highly recommend this tour. Read more Review of: Venice Street Food Tour with Local Guide with Local Food Market Visit Written May 3, 2024 This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Italy Real Food Adventure

8 days | uncover the secrets of fresh italian cuisine.

Italians are the masters of creating simple dishes that burst with flavour. Inspired by nonnas’ kitchens all over the country, this food is regional, seasonal and as fresh as possible. On this eight-day food-focused adventure through everybody’s favourite culinary hub, you’ll discover that pizza and pasta are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the diverse array of unforgettable street eats, meals and cicchetti from the postcard-perfect Venice to Rome, where medieval meets modern. Delight in local wine, fresh produce, homemade dinners and seasonal favourites in San Gimignano, Tuscany and Bologna.

Trip overview

• Stay in a traditional Tuscan farmhouse near San Gimignano, surrounded by vineyards and olive trees, and tour the grounds, indulging in tastings of their local wines and rich organic olive oil.
• Take a cooking class and watch a demonstration of how Bologna pasta is made right in the heart of this culinary namesake before sitting down to enjoy the fruits (or pasta sheets) of your labour for dinner with your host.
• Swap stories with a Roman local as you feast on seasonal dishes, homecooked for your group for dinner right in their home.
• See Italy’s iconic sights, like the canals of Venice, the romantic streets of Rome and the UNESCO World Heritage Site in San Gimignano.
• Find foodie bliss with a food tour that lets you taste all the regional highlights, like gelato, cicchetti, pasta, vinegar, cheese, seasonal fruit and veg and organic meats.
• By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Cooperativa Coraggio. Donations help them regenerate 22 hectares of unused public land to create local jobs and produce organic food in Italy.
• The cuisine of Italy includes a lot of meat and seafood. For vegetarians and vegans, we recommend reviewing the itinerary and inclusions to ensure that you will be able to fully participate and enjoy this trip. We also have many other trips to Italy which can accommodate a range of dietary requirements.
• The primary means of transportation on this trip is by train. Trains are comfortable and all have toilets but can be quite busy. You'll have to carry your own luggage on and off the train, so make sure it doesn’t exceed our weight and size recommendations. You can find this information in the 'Packing' section of the Essential Trip Information.
• Don’t let the heat keep you from exploring the world! Summer temperatures can be extreme in many of the regions visited (over 40°C), which can be uncomfortable. It’s essential to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat and drink plenty of water. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.

Buongiorno! Welcome to Italy. Your adventure starts in the iconic city of Venice. If you arrive early, take some time to get lost in the narrow cobblestone streets and spacious piazzas, crossing the tiny bridges to find shops, markets, galleries and churches. Stroll past St Mark’s Square, the Campanile and the Doges Palace. Cross the Rialto and admire the Bridge of Sighs. You’ll have a welcome meeting tonight at 6 pm. After, head out for a welcome aperitivo – the spritz and the bellini are local favourites. Venice's distinctive culinary heritage goes back to ancient times and features rich risottos, saline baccala (salted cod) and creamy polenta. If you're hungry, follow your leader to an atmospheric restaurant for your first introduction to Venetian flavours.

• Hotel (1 night)

There are no meals included on this day.

• Venice - Welcome Aperitivo

It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

It's an early start today. Walk down to the canals and watch farmers unload their produce from canal boats, ready to be sold at Venice's famous Rialto markets. This tradition is more than 1000 years old. Next, you’ll swing past the fish market, where the day’s catch might come directly from the Venetian lagoon – the enclosed bay of the Adriatic Sea. Finish with an Italian cafe alongside the market. You'll also be treated to a specialty dessert of the region – tiramisu. The afternoon is free for your own exploration. In the evening, discover the Venetian answer to tapas on a cicchetti crawl through the city's fabulous bacari (wine bars). Snacking is an important pastime in Venice, with many people stopping for cicchetti both before and after meals.

• Venice - Cicchetti tour
• Venice - Venetian Breakfast and Market Tour
• Venice - Traghetto Ride
• Venice - Doge's Palace & Bridge of Sighs - EUR30
• Peggy Guggenheim Collection - EUR17
• Venice - St Mark's Campanile - EUR12
• Venice - Accademia Gallery - EUR16
• Venice - San Giorgio Bell Tower - EUR6

If you are interested in visiting the Doge Palace, Venice, we strongly suggest planning your visit in the afternoon and pre-booking your tickets at muve.vivaticket.it/en/tour/palazzo-ducale/2478

Travel to Bologna by train this morning – this city's culinary claim to fame is significant, thanks to the ragu alla bolognese. Home of tagliatelle, mortadella and a range of other cured meats and salamis, Bologna, along with the surrounding Emilia Romagna region, is a foodie’s paradise. When you arrive, maybe wander past the beautiful old terracotta buildings and lively streets and acquaint yourself with the area. Later, you'll discover the real food of Bologna with a hands-on cooking class in the fine art of pasta-making. Feast on your handiwork over dinner with your host and your group, celebrating your new skill.

• Bologna - Pasta class
• Bologna - Eataly World - Free
• Bologna - Torre degli Asinelli Tower - EUR5

Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.

Today you’ll discover the flavours of the renowned Emilia Romagna region. Visit a factory dedicated to producing one of Italy's most coveted culinary exports – Parmigiano Reggiano. Learn how this cheese is made, and then try it for yourself. Continue to the town of Modena and visit an acetaia – a house where the family produce fine-aged Modena balsamic vinegar in the attic. You'll see how the vinegar is aged in barrels made from different woods, learn why it’s never less than 12 years old and then see the difference between the factory-made vinegar and the real stuff with a tasting. Head to a trattoria for a delicious lunch of the best local produce and farm-fresh seasonal dishes. Wash it down with a glass of Lambrusco – the town's famed sparkling red. Stroll around the town and admire the Palazzo Ducale before returning to Bologna in the late afternoon.

• Modena - Acetaia Visit
• Modena - Trattoria Lunch
• Modena - Parmigiano Reggiano cheese factory visit

Your travel time today will be approximately 1 hour.

This morning, travel to the village of Pancole in the heart of Tuscany. The region is renowned for a cuisine that celebrates simplicity and the bounty of locally grown produce in hearty, rustic dishes. Pecorino cheese, farro (an ancient grain) and artisanal cured meats like lardo di colonnata are just some of the many local ingredients you can expect to indulge in during your stay. Your accommodation is a traditional Tuscan farmhouse near the enchanting village of San Gimignano. The farmhouse is surrounded by vineyards and olive trees that the family has been producing excellent wine and olive oil from by organic methods for over fifty years. Enjoy a guided walk through the vineyards and cellars of the estate, followed by a tasting of some signature Tuscan wines and olive oils. Dinner tonight will be seasonal favourites, made with ingredients freshly harvested from the farmhouse garden beds. This could include homemade pasta, salads, finocchiona salami, crostini toscani (chicken liver pate on lightly toasted bread) and seasonal vegetables.

• Agriturismo (1 night)
• Agriturismo - Tour with wine and olive oil tasting

Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.

This morning, walk along a portion of the Via Francigena – the major pilgrimage route to Rome during the Middle Ages. Explore the medieval walled town of San Gimignano – a UNESCO World Heritage Site often called the Town of Fine Towers due to the preservation of several impressive torre (tower houses) within its walls. Stop past an award-winning gelateria, where intriguing flavours like gorgonzola cheese and walnuts await your tastebuds. Spend the rest of your time exploring the walking paths around the farm or, weather permitting, relaxing by the pool, enjoying beautiful views of the Tuscan countryside.

• San Gimignano - Leader-led orientation walk
• San Gimignano - Gelateria visit
• San Gimignano - Walk a section of the Via Francigena

The walk along the Via Francigena is about 7 km (4.5 miles) and takes approximately 1.5 hours. The terrain is nice and easy, although you can elect to take a taxi to San Gimignano if preferred (at own cost).

Today, jump on a train to Rome – Italy’s capital famed for its deliciously fresh food and scattered ancient ruins. When you arrive, take a leader-led orientation walk through the historical city centre, past the Spanish Steps, Trevi fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Venezia, Roman Forum, and Colosseum. After taking in all the big (and small) highlights of this magical city, you’ll head to a local’s home for a special homecooked, plant-based dinner experience. Swap stories with your host and sit down for a feast of seasonal dishes, which could include local favourites like cacio e pepe, saltimbocca, artichokes or porchetta. After, maybe head to a local bar and cheers to a trip well-travelled over a glass of local wine.

• Rome - Leader-led orientation walk
• Rome - Home-cooked dinner

With no activities planned after breakfast, your food adventure comes to an end today. If you’d like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent.

If you are interested in visiting the Colosseum, we strongly suggest planning your visit today as there is very limited time on Day 7 and pre-booking your tickets at coopculture.it/en/products/ticket-colosseum-roman-forum-palatine_24h/

If you are interested in visiting the Vatican Museums, we strongly suggest planning your visit today as there is very limited time on Day 7 and pre-booking your tickets at museivaticani.va/content/museivaticani/en.html

7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners

Train, Metro, Private Vehicle, Bus

Hotel (5 nights), Farmstay (2 nights)

Dates and availability

Important notes.

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement exclude Days 5 and 6 (Agriturismo) where you will be in shared accommodation, and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. 2. While we endeavor to cater for specific dietary requirements, some meals and food activities are set in advance and may be difficult to adjust. Please advise us of any dietary requirements at the time of booking so that we can ensure you’ll enjoy this trip. 3. As of April 2024, Venice will implement a visitor’s fee for all travellers visiting the city between 25 April and 15 July 2024. This fee is not payable by Intrepid customers, however you will need to apply for an exemption before arrival at https://cda.comune.venezia.it/en/richiestaEsenzione . For further information, please see the “Passports, visas and entry requirements,” section of your Essential Trip Information.

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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Italy Food Tours

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Italy should be devoured! Find all five of your senses being captivated as you indulge on your next vacation to Italy. Please your palate with tastes from impressive vintners, with wines that range from full-bodied and fruity to smooth and delicate and food that sings and melts in your mouth. Enjoy Italy wine tours and culinary experiences all the while soaking in the scenery of Italy and its diverse regions; the rolling hills of  Tuscany , or Piedmont and its mountains, each destination enticing you to absorb every element around you. Italy is attractive not only for its quaint countryside villages or its diversity of destinations but for its encouraged slow pace allowing you to smell the grape soaked barrels, see the vintage land where vineyards produce the wine, and to taste the final product. Foodie tours of Italy will be an experience that you’ll never forget.

Food Tours in Italy

Tuscany E-Bike Adventure: Montalcino & Brunello Wine 🚴‍♂️🍇

🍝 Sorrento Cooking Class: Traditional Recipes Experience 🍷

Tuscany cooking class and Winery Visit

🍇 Tuscany Winery Visit with Organic Lunch 🍷

Sorrento Lemon Grove Tour and Tasting 🍋

8-Day Sicilian Delights: Culture & Cuisine Group Tour

8-Day Small Group Sicily Foodie Tour

Eating Your Way Across the City of Milan

Cooking Class in a Florentine Home

Fantastic Cooking Classes in Rome: Fresh Market Experience

Bologna’s History, Food and Wine Walking Tour

8-Day Sicily Wines & Foods Tour

8-Day Foodie Tour of Rome, Amalfi Coast, Sorrento & The Region of Apulia

8-Day Foodie Tour of Northern Italy

7-Day Wine Food Tour of Tuscany from Rome

7-Day Emilia Romagna Foodie Tour

7-Day Cooking In The Abruzzo Mountains Tour

Testimonials

“Perfetto!”

We had such a wonderful trip. We had knowledgeable tours, transportation was flawless, hotels wonderful, cooking class, wine tasting, shopping, all were perfetto! Traveling abroad can be stressful, but Rem and Italy4Real made it easy. I highly recommend using this travel agency for an Italian food tour.

“Our trip to Italy couldn’t have been any better.”

Dear Rem (Owner of Italy4Real), Our trip in Italy couldn’t have been any better. Every detail you arranged was perfect. The hotels you chose were great, I so appreciated having people to get me from point A to B, the Opera in Venice was simply outstanding. The Tuscany tour was priceless, the tour in Florence was exceptional, the tour guide for the Vatican was excellent and also I appreciated the extra guide for Siena. I love that Village! Rem, you helped us do exactly what we wanted and needed. I can’t tell you how deeply my heart holds gratitude for what you did for us! Thank you!!

- Peg & Hilary

“You all have been great to work with!”

We had a fantastic trip and everything came off without a hitch thanks to you. You were so helpful in adjusting arrangements mid-trip, making suggestions, keeping us informed, etc. and you have all been great to work with!

Thank you again for helping make this a truly memorable trip!

- Pat & Pasquale

Get in Touch

If you can't find what you want here, or just have some specific questions about your vacation in Italy, our team of travel specialists are ready to help.

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Italy Food Highlights

Get ready for an Italian food adventure like no other! Imagine strolling through Rome’s lively markets, soaking up the smells of fresh herbs and bubbling sauces. It’s all about diving into the real deal of Italian cooking – we’re talking handmade pasta, super fresh seafood, and dishes that are like stories of old traditions and serious passion.

Then picture yourself in the heart of Tuscany, where food’s pretty much an art form. You’ll get to dig into some seriously good eats, like rich wild boar with pappardelle, all jazzed up with world-famous local olive oil and herbs. And while you’re eating, just look around – the Tuscan hills at sunset are a sight to behold, all golden and gorgeous.

With Italy4Real, every single Italian food tour is a journey through amazing flavors, stunning views, and the heart of Italian culture. Whether you’re chilling with a gelato in a cute café in Florence or sipping some top-notch Barolo wine in a Piedmont vineyard, our tours are all about giving you a taste of the good life, Italian style. We’re talking about experiences that’ll wow your taste buds and feed your soul. Want to check out our Florence food tours ? Look no further.

Emilia-Romagna

Emilia-Romagna, often hailed as the heartland of Italian gastronomy, is a region where culinary tradition and innovation converge to create an unparalleled epicurean paradise. Nestled in northern Italy, stretching from the rugged Apennine Mountains to the serene waters of the Po River, Emilia-Romagna is a treasure trove of culinary delights, making it a must-visit destination for any food enthusiast.

The region’s gastronomic richness is rooted in its diverse landscapes, from fertile plains to lush mountains, each contributing unique ingredients to its food tapestry. Emilia-Romagna is renowned for its exquisite array of local products and dishes, many of which have attained global acclaim. Parmigiano-Reggiano, the king of cheeses, hails from this region, its nutty and savory flavors a testament to the art of cheese-making perfected over centuries. Similarly, Prosciutto di Parma, a delicately cured ham, embodies the region’s mastery in charcuterie.

Bologna, the vibrant capital of the region, is affectionately known as “La Grassa” (The Fat One) for its rich cuisine. Here, the legendary Bolognese sauce, a meat-based pasta sauce, was born. It is best savored with the region’s fresh, handmade tagliatelle or in the classic lasagna al forno, layered with béchamel and Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Modena, another culinary gem, is the birthplace of traditional balsamic vinegar, an elixir aged for years, sometimes decades, acquiring a complex sweetness and depth that enhances any dish it graces. The region is also home to the succulent Mortadella, a finely ground pork sausage scented with spices.

The cuisine of Emilia-Romagna is a celebration of simplicity and flavor, where the quality of ingredients speaks for itself. From the hearty piadina flatbreads to the sumptuous tortellini, each dish tells a story of the land and the people who have cultivated its culinary heritage.

Explore a culinary trip to Italy and visit Emilia-Romagna, it’s not just a destination; it’s an experience, a journey through the flavors and traditions that form the soul of Italian cuisine.

Tuscany’s food? It’s like getting a big, comforting hug from your Italian grandma. The magic lies in whipping up something utterly delicious from the simplest things. Take Ribollita – it’s this amazing soup that takes stale bread, beans, and a bunch of veggies, and turns them into a bowl of heartwarming goodness. And let’s talk about the Bistecca alla Fiorentina. If you’re a steak fan, you’re in for a real treat. This isn’t just any steak; it’s a giant, perfectly grilled T-bone that’s all about the flavor and the perfect sear. And the olive oil here is something else – a little splash of this peppery gold, and even the plainest bread tastes like heaven. Eating in Tuscany is more than just good food; it’s those long, relaxed meals where you chat, laugh, and just enjoy the moment – it’s what makes you fall in love with this place.

Sicily’s food is like a big, vibrant party on a plate. It’s all about bold flavors and hearty laughs around the table. Picture waking up to a sweet, icy granita and a fluffy brioche – it’s like a morning high-five from the island itself. The seafood here? It’s a big deal. Take pasta con le sarde – it’s a dish where fresh sardines and wild fennel come together like old friends. And you’ve got to try arancini – these little fried rice balls stuffed with cheese and ragù are basically bites of happiness. Then there’s caponata – this sweet and sour eggplant dish is like a zesty little party in your mouth. And desserts here are a whole other level of awesome, especially cannoli. Crunchy on the outside, creamy on the inside, they’re basically happiness rolled into a pastry. Eating in Sicily is more than just great food; it’s like joining a big, loud, loving family feast.

Rome is like the Italian food tour that you envision in your dreams, but here at Italy4Real we can make it reality. When in Rome, you’re in for a real treat with the food. Carbonara? It’s the bomb – creamy, cheesy, with a nice kick of pepper and some amazing pancetta. Then there’s Cacio e Pepe – it’s just pasta, cheese, and pepper, but oh man, it’s good. And Amatriciana? It’s pasta in a kicky tomato sauce with guanciale, which is basically the best kind of bacon. For a quick bite, you’ve gotta try Supplì. These are like little fried balls of heaven, stuffed with tomato sauce and melty mozzarella. And don’t even get me started on Pizza al Taglio. It’s this awesome, thick, slice-as-you-like pizza with all kinds of toppings. Eating in Rome is like a non-stop flavor party – simple stuff, but so, so tasty.

In Venice, the seafood is just out of this world. Walking around, you’re gonna bump into some amazing fishy dishes. Definitely give Sarde in Saor a try – it’s this funky sardine dish with a sweet and tangy twist, plus onions, pine nuts, and raisins. Really hits the spot with its unique Venetian flavor. And oh man, you can’t skip spaghetti al nero di seppia – it’s spaghetti in this awesome squid ink sauce that’s full of flavor and looks pretty cool too. For a quick bite, fritto misto is where it’s at. It’s like a mixed seafood fry-up, all crunchy and delicious, perfect for snacking on the go. Seafood in Venice isn’t just eating; it’s like diving into the city’s culture. Each dish has its own flair and the flavors are as lively and fun as Venice itself. Explore food travel in Italy with our Venice food tours .

Amalfi Coast

If you’re heading to the Amalfi Coast, do yourself a favor and try the limoncello and Buffalo mozzarella – they’re absolute musts. The limoncello is this zingy, sweet lemon liqueur that’s like a mini vacation in a glass, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring. And the Buffalo mozzarella? It’s insanely good. This cheese is all about the creaminess, coming right from the local Mediterranean buffaloes. Just grab a chunk, maybe pair it with some fresh tomatoes and olive oil, and you’re in for a real treat. Seriously, these are the flavors that make the Amalfi Coast an experience unforgettable.

Let Us Design Your Dream Trip

Italy Food Tours. Since July 2nd, 2011

Visiting italy book a food tour.

Much more than a food tour

Intimate groups of 8-12, led by English-speaking insiders.

Cuisine from vendors feeding locals for generations.

Hidden neighbourhoods far from tourist crowds.

Entertaining stories about local culture.

“ ” A moving feast on the streets of Rome.

“ ” Florence is arguably one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It is basically one giant gallery-museum, stuffed to the rafters with art, history, culture and architecture. The magnificent Italian city is a feast for the eyes... and the tummy if you get off the beaten track

“ ” A food tour that’s off the beaten path.

“ ” It seemed right to follow a foodie around on a ten-stops-in-four-hours, movable lunch feast.

See what people are saying on TripAdvisor

One of the best things to do in Rome. Our guide Toni, was knowledgeable, friendly, accommodating and fun. History accompanied by delicious Roman food that is complemented with wine and craft beer. Final stop holds an amazing surprise followed by dessert and moscato. Jill (Tripadvisor Review)

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Home / Destinations / Italy

Tours in Italy

Italy is a bucket list destination for millions of visitors, and for good reason. It offers incredible regional diversity, a vibrant and colorful culture, and most importantly, lots of great food and wine.   

The beautiful thing about Italian cuisine is that it’s very regional. Rustic Roman fare, the original Neapolitan pizza, creamy risotto from the north, and everything in between—there’s no one singular definition of Italian food, and we’re okay with that.  

Cities to Explore

Most popular tours in italy, what we have to say about italy, 12 best restaurants in naples for every budget.

In Naples there’s a certain saying: A Napoli, si mangia bene, which simply means: in Naples, you eat well. While Naples is world famous for its pizza (after all, it’s the birthplace), the culinary culture of the city offers much, much more. You can find restaurants in Naples that are great for every budget that […]

The Best Coffee in Bologna: 10 Must-Try Places

Bologna has a well-deserved reputation for academic excellence. It’s also a haven for excellent cafes, with many places vying for the title of the best coffee in Bologna. If you’re looking for the best coffee in Bologna, there’s a wide range of places to find it: traditional coffee shops, cafes tucked away in gardens, cafes […]

5 Cooking Classes in Naples, Italy You Won’t Want to Miss

Naples, Italy, often hailed as the birthplace of pizza, is undeniably one of the world’s most iconic cities, renowned for its rich history and gastronomic treasures like Neapolitan pizza, incredible seafood, pasta perfection, and mouthwatering Neapolitan pastries. Considering all of this, it makes perfect sense to include cooking classes in Naples, Italy as a necessary […]

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Italy's Treasures

About this tour.

Vineyards, olive groves, and cities that float. Incredible history, indelible culture, and unforgettable cuisine. This is l’Italia at its most iconic. Enjoy the natural beauty and calm of the Alpine Lakes region. Snake along the edge of the sea to the medieval villages of Cinque Terre. Aboard off-road vehicles, explore the marble quarries of Carrara, where Michelangelo obtained the marble for his statue of David. Relax during a leisurely 4-night stay at a Tuscan villa. At a family-owned villa, learn the fine art of creating Tuscan cuisine during a hands-on cooking class. Explore Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. Discover Venice, a city of winding canals and bridges. From medieval masterpieces to bustling piazzas, be swept away by the legendary treasures of northern Italy.

Your Tour Includes

• 4 Handpicked Accommodations

Included Highlights

• Italian Lakes Region
• Wine Tasting
• Italian Riviera

Your Tour at a Glance

10 Breakfasts

Travel Style

Explorations

Food & Wine

Best Time for travel

Customize your tour.

Optional Excursions

Starting at $75.00

Activity Level

• Level This Tour

For specific details about this tour's activity level and other info to know before you book your trip, click here.

Extension Style

Best time for travel italy's treasures art, food & wine of italy.

While just about any month is great to visit Italy, there are a few prime times of the year for the Italy’s Treasures tour. Here are some recommendations from our destination experts.

Throughout Italy, the most popular times to visit are April, May, June, September, and October. Along the coast, July and August are busy with locals and Europeans on summer holiday, while cities are usually less crowded.

Spring: In March, enjoy the calm before the summer season, especially Cinque Terre, which becomes quite crowded from April through October. While some seasonal attractions might not be open in early spring, countless opportunities to soak in the area’s beauty remain.

Fall: November is a fantastic time to visit Italy. The popular Cinque Terre becomes less crowded and even more enjoyable to explore.

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Highlights and inclusions.

Must-See Inclusions:

Spend two nights in romantic Venice.

Immerse yourself in Florence’s countless treasures on a guided tour of the city.

Uncover the prismatic landscape of the Tuscan countryside.

Cultural Experiences:

Explore Lake Orta, one of Italy’s hidden treasures.

Discover colorful Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Explore the marble quarries of Carrara aboard off-road vehicles.

Culinary Inclusions:

Journey by boat to Isola dei Pescatori for a lovely welcome dinner.

Taste authentic Italian gelato from an award-winning ice cream parlor in San Gimignano.

Learn the art behind Tuscan cuisine during a hands-on cooking lesson.

• Cinque Terre
• Carrara Marble Quarries Off-Road Excursion
• Tuscan Countryside
• Italian Cooking Class
• San Gimignano

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Hotel-Regina Palace Hotel

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Hotel-Ca dei Conti Hotel

Surround yourself in the beauty and grandeur found on the lakes of Northern Italy. Cruise along scenic Lago Maggiore passing the Borromean Islands sprinkled throughout this stunning lake. These petite but incredible islands are brimming with grand villas and exquisite, world-renowned gardens. Glide past Isola del Pescatore viewing the gulf of Baveno before making a stop at Isola Bella. Then we make our way along the cobblestone streets of the quaint town to the impressive, Baroque Borromean Palace and gardens. This famed palace is steeped in immeasurable wealth and regal pageantry. On your guided tour, surroundings will bring you back to the 17th century. Get a glimpse inside life as a royal as you stroll through the opulent halls superbly decorated with rare artwork and tapestries. Then, you’ll head outside to the perfectly manicured, tiered gardens that abut the lakeshore. Behold stunning views and the splendor of the gardens as we make our way through with an expert. Return to the boat for a cruise back to Stresa.

Experience the romance that can only be found in Venice – La Serenìssima – while traveling on its famous waterways. Partake in one of Venice’s most famous pastimes – a gondola cruise. Take a pleasant stroll toward the Grand Canal to board your gondola. As you relax in your elegant watercraft, your gondolier navigates the Grand Canal as well as smaller side canals. Admire the scenery as you listen to the melodic voice serenading you in true Italian style – just like in those romantic Italian movies!

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Grand hotel dei castelli, hotel villa lecchi, ca' dei conti hotel.

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Food Tours in Rome Italy: 11 Top-Rated Options for Authentic Italian

What are the best food tours in Rome Italy? Is it worth doing a food tour in Rome?

Now, if you don’t have the luxury of being related to an off-the-boat set of Italian grandparents who hand-crank pasta as the perfect pairing to the wine they made in their basement every time they see you like I do, then an authentic food tour in Rome is the next best thing!

On your next trip to Italy, chances are you’ll be stopping in Rome whether it be just for a quick stopover or for a few days to check out the Colosseum and the Vatican. Either way, it wouldn’t be complete without enjoying the delicious cuisine that Rome has to offer.

When it comes to food tours in Rome, there are plenty of options available. Actually, some would even say that there are too many options available to travelers. There are literally dozens of local companies to choose from making it overwhelming for people to find the tour that’s right for their group!

Don’t have enough time to read the whole post? Not a problem!

The Rome Twilight Trastevere Food Tour with Eating Europe is unquestionably the #1 tour on this list!

⭐ 1,700+ 5-Star Reviews ⭐ 13 Food Tastings Across 7 Locations ⭐ Exclusive Access to the Oldest Wine Cellar in Rome!

From luxury food tours to private food tours with wine tastings, there are hundreds of options visitors can choose from. Fortunately, I know exactly how frustrating it can be to spend hours behind a computer screen scouring for the right tour, which is precisely why I created this list of only the top-rated Rome food tours… and there are only 11 of them!

In this post, in addition to the 11 best food tour options, I’ve also provided ample information on whether or not booking a food tour in Rome is worthwhile, how much you can expect to spend on a food tour, if you should bring cash for tipping, and more. Let’s get started!

11 Best Food Tours in Rome Italy

1. rome twilight trastevere food tour with eating europe.

Arguably the #1 food tour in the city, the Rome Twilight Trastevere Food Tour with Eating Europe offers a guided gastronomic journey that takes you through the historic Trastevere district, a neighborhood known for its bustling eateries and traditional Roman fare!

Savor hand-picked regional specialties, from mouth-watering supplì (fried rice balls) to organic, artisan gelato. You’ll also make your way to the oldest wine cellar in Rome, which just so happens to be over 2,000 years old .

This 4-hour food tour is perfect for those looking to explore traditional Roman cuisine in a fun and intimate setting. With a maximum group size of only 12 people, you’ll get plenty of personalized attention from your guide as they take you through hidden streets and alleyways that are often overlooked by tourists.

2. The Roman Food Tour in Trastevere with Free-Flowing Fine Wine

With over 1,200 5-star reviews, it’s easy to see why The Roman Food Tour in Trastevere is a popular choice for many travelers! This tour offers a unique blend of history and gastronomy, guiding you through one of Rome’s most picturesque neighborhoods while indulging in an array of traditional Roman dishes.

Enjoy a relaxed evening strolling the charming streets as you stop at select local haunts to sample a variety of authentic foods – from the finest charcuterie, cheeses, and pasta to sweet gelato and of course… plenty of local wine!

On this 4-hour tour, your knowledgeable guide will provide inside knowledge on the history and culture of each dish while also sharing insights into the local food scene. Perfect for food enthusiasts and wine lovers, this tour promises a delightful experience for the senses and a deeper appreciation for Italian cuisine.

3. Rome Food Tour – Unlimited Food & Free-Flowing Fine Wine (Barolo)

Those seeking a top-rated food and wine tour in Rome should look no further than this Rome Food Tour – Unlimited Food & Free-Flowing Fine Wine (Barolo) , where you can feast to your heart’s content!

Venturing through the elegant Prati district, this tour is a foodie’s dream come to life, featuring an array of amazing tastings across 5 different locations.

You’ll be treated to fine Italian wines, including the prestigious Barolo, known for its depth and complexity, to complement a carefully selected range of Italian dishes including pasta, pizza, charcuterie, and even 30-year-age balsamic vinegar!

Definitely one of the most unique food tours in Rome Italy, this tour is easily one of the best.

4. The Award-Winning PRIVATE Food Tour of Rome: 6 or 10 Tastings

When it comes to the best private food tours in Rome, this Award-Winning PRIVATE Food Tour of Rome is hard to beat! Suitable for smaller groups who prefer an intimate atmosphere, the tour gives you the option to indulge in either 6 or 10 tastings of authentic Roman delicacies.

Crafted for connoisseurs of fine food, guests will be led by a local epicurean guide through some of the top food regions in Rome including the Jewish Quarter and Campo de’ Fiori.

With either 6 or 10 tastings included, guests will be treated to the famed buffalo mozzarella, freshly churned gelato, and everything in between. In just 3 hours, this phenomenal food tour provides visitors to Rome the chance to experience Italy’s iconic food scene!

5. Rome Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

For those a little short on time, the Rome Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tour is the perfect choice! In just 2.5 hours, you’ll get to experience some of Rome’s most iconic dishes, from pizza and pasta to supplì (fried rice balls) and creamy gelato.

Led by a local guide with a passion for food and knowledge of the city’s best culinary spots, this tour offers a great balance between sightseeing and sampling delicious Roman fare.

Not only will you enjoy tasty bites along the way, but your guide will also surprise you with a special dish, that will only be revealed on the day of your tour! Possibly the best food tour in Rome for those who don’t have 4+ hours to spare, be sure to keep this option in the back of your mind.

6. Rome Testaccio Food Tour with Eating Europe

Discover the authentic flavors of Rome in the Testaccio neighborhood with the Rome Testaccio Food Tour !

Testaccio, known as the birthplace of Roman cuisine, is easily one of the best parts of the city to indulge in a food tour. This tour is extra special because it also includes a visit to the bustling Testaccio Market, which no other tour has yet to include on this list, and even offers 15 tastings across 8 different locations!

For those seeking 4 hours of pure culinary bliss, this tour is not to be missed. You’ll enjoy everything from fresh pasta and pizza to authentic Roman street food, all while learning about the rich history of the Testaccio neighborhood and its food culture!

7. Rome Trastevere Food Tour By Night with Wine Tasting and Guided Sightseeing

Explore the historic heart of Roman nightlife with the Rome Trastevere Food Tour By Night ! This enchanting, 4-hour evening tour takes you through the cobbled alleys of Trastevere, one of Rome’s most vibrant and picturesque neighborhoods.

Kicking off at 5:30PM, you’ll get to see the streets come alive with locals and tourists alike, while indulging in exclusive wine tastings, paired expertly with a selection of regional dishes. Your guide will lead you through a sensory journey that includes not only delectable food and wine but also fascinating stories illuminating the area’s rich history and culture.

This unbeatable tour promises a memorable night of gastronomic delight and finishes off with something sweet!

8. Jewish Ghetto and Campo Dè Fiori By Night Food, Wine and Sightseeing Tour

There’s something special about when the sun sets in Rome, offering a beautiful golden hue over the city. What better way to enjoy it than with a Jewish Ghetto and Campo Dè Fiori By Night Food, Wine, and Sightseeing Tour ?

Starting off just a bit later around 5:45PM, this tour navigates you to the best family-run eateries in Rome! Enjoy 10 different samplings of pizza, pasta, and sweet pastries and gelato before strolling through Piazza Navona among other popular spots.

An ideal choice for those wanting to spend a full evening out on the town with a local foodie, this tour deserves its place on this list of the best food tours in Rome, Italy!

9. Rome Trastevere Food Tour with Dinner and Wine

Limited to just 10 people, the Rome Trastevere Food Tour is one of the best small group tours on this list. This 4-hour excursion takes you on a journey through the charming Trastevere neighborhood, sampling nearly two dozen different street foods and wines along the way!

A great option for foodies looking to indulge in the most samples they can (with a surprise main course at the end!), this is a fantastic option.

10. Hidden Rome Food Tour in Trastevere with Dinner and Wine

Anyone looking to be treated to a full-on sit-down meal at a Roman restaurant in addition to numerous other food and wine tastings, the Hidden Rome Food Tour in Trastevere with Dinner and Wine should be your #1 choice!

This 3-hour tour combines all the best aspects of a Trastevere food tour with an authentic Italian dinner, making for an unforgettable evening. Along with your local guide, you’ll get to explore hidden corners and alleyways of Trastevere while sampling traditional Italian dishes and wines along the way, earning its spot on this list!

11. Rome Street Food Tour with Local Guide

Possibly one of the top 3 most popular tours in the city, the Rome Street Food Tour with a Local Guide invites you to sink your teeth into a variety of mouth-watering specialties like crisp pizza al taglio and dreamy gelato.

In a short 2.5 hours, you’ll cover a lot of ground in Rome stopping at popular and under-the-radar food spots, while learning about its history and the evolution of Italian cuisine. Your knowledgeable guide will also make sure to bring you to the best spots for unmissable street food delights!

FAQ: Food Tours in Rome Italy

In this last section, I’ve answered some popular questions regarding food tours in Rome and provided additional information on my number tour choice, what you should bring with you on a tour, how long Rome food tours typically last, and more!

If after reading through all of the tour options and nothing seems like a good fit, don’t forget that you also have the option of cooking your own food with one of these 11 Premier Cooking Classes in Rome Italy for Foodies too!

Is It Worth Doing a Food Tour in Rome?

A food tour in Rome is absolutely worth doing ! Not only does it allow you to try authentic Italian food with a local if you’re short on time, but it also gives you a better understanding of the culture and history behind each dish.

Plus, it’s an excellent way to explore different areas of the city that you may not have otherwise visited! These tours are curated to introduce you to a variety of flavors, from classic dishes to local secrets, and are well worth the time and cost investment!

What is Famous in Rome as Far as Food?

Perhaps the most celebrated is pasta carbonara, a simple yet indulgent dish featuring eggs, Pecorino Romano cheese, cured pork, and black pepper. Equally renowned are Roman pizzas, particularly Pizza Bianca—a focaccia-style pizza that’s crispy on the outside and soft in the center.

Not to be missed are the succulent Saltimbocca alla Romana, veal cutlets wrapped in prosciutto and sage, and the delectable supplì, fried rice balls oozing with mozzarella. These dishes, along with artichokes alla Romana and cacio e pepe, among others, comprise the essence of Rome’s storied gastronomy.

What are the Best Foods to Eat in Rome?

When dining in Rome, it’s essential to indulge in the city’s signature dishes to truly experience its culinary culture. Some must-eat foods include:

• Cacio e Pepe: A minimalist yet mouthwatering pasta dish that perfectly balances the sharpness of Pecorino Romano with the bite of freshly cracked black pepper.
• Roman Artichokes (Carciofi alla Romana): These artichokes are braised with herbs and olive oil until they are tender and packed with flavor.
• Maritozzi: Delicately sweet buns filled with whipped cream, a classic Roman breakfast treat.
• Gelato: No visit to Rome is complete without sampling the rich, creamy goodness of authentic Italian gelato in a myriad of flavors.
• Tiramisu: This iconic Italian dessert, made with layer upon layer of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cheese, is a sweet ending to any meal.

These foods represent a small fraction of Rome’s amazing cuisine, which is exactly why a food tour that provides you the opportunity to sample a lot of dishes instead of having to pay for full plates everywhere you go is such a great deal!

What is the Best Rome Food Tour?

The best food tour in Rome is undoubtedly the Rome Twilight Trastevere Food Tour with Eating Europe tour. This comprehensive 4-hour tour takes you through the charming Trastevere neighborhood where you’ll get to sample local foods like pizza, pasta, cured meats, and cheese while learning about the history of each dish and the city itself.

Rated as one of the top food tours in Rome by multiple travel websites, this tour offers an intimate experience with a small group size and provides 13 food samples across 7 local destinations!

Do You Tip on Meals in Rome?

Tipping is not mandatory in Rome, nor is it expected since the waitstaff do not rely on tips as a source of their wages . However, if you receive great service, you will notice that many people will round the bill up or leave a couple of euros on the table. It’s the polite thing to do, and we always do it.

Contrary to the United States where 15-20% gratuity is often expected since waitstaff are constantly waiting on you, Italians don’t typically leave a tip since their job is complete once they’ve delivered your beverage and meal.

It’s normal to have to wave down someone to pay your bill, so keep this in mind when dining in Rome.

What Should I Bring on a Roman Food Tour?

When attending a food tour, it’s a good idea to come prepared with the following items:

• Comfortable shoes: You’ll be walking a lot and Rome’s streets are less-than-ideal for heels, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes.
• Sun protection: Rome can get very hot and is often sunny in the summer months, so bring along sunscreen and a hat or sunglasses.
• Water bottle: Staying hydrated is crucial when exploring a new city, and many food tours will offer water, but it’s always best to bring your own refillable bottle (this LifeStraw Bottle is my favorite and always comes with me!)
• Cash for tipping: It’s not required to tip on food tours in Rome, but if your guide provides you with a great time then having some cash on hand to show your appreciation can be a kind gesture.
• An empty stomach: Make sure not to eat too much before the tour since you’ll want to leave room to try all the delicious dishes!

Do Rome Food Tours Include Wine Tastings?

Many food tours in Rome, Italy understand the importance of how a fine wine complements the culinary experience of Italian cuisine, and thus quite a few include tastings of select local wines.

However, not all tours include a wine tour as well, so if this is something you’re interested in then be sure to check out The Roman Food Tour in Trastevere with Free-Flowing Fine Wine !

How Long Are Food Tours in Rome Italy?

Most food tours in Rome last between 3-4 hours, depending on the tour you choose . Some may be longer or shorter, but this is generally enough time to experience a variety of dishes and explore different neighborhoods in the city.

Be prepared for plenty of walking and stopping at multiple restaurants, markets, and shops along the way! Overall, it’s a fun and delicious way to spend an afternoon or evening.

How Much Do Rome Food Tours Cost?

On average, Roman food tours can range from $50-$140 per person , although this varies depending on the type of tour, the number of tastings included, and any additional experiences or extras offered.

While it may seem expensive at first glance, keep in mind that a food tour typically includes multiple meals spread out over a few hours, so it’s actually a great value since you’ll get to taste between 5 to 10 different dishes that would otherwise cost between 15-30 euros each!

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Other Helpful Italy Resources

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A food tour in Rome is an excellent way to experience the city’s rich culinary culture, sample delicious traditional dishes, and learn about the history of each dish and neighborhood.

With a variety of options available, from street food tours to wine tastings, these are the top-rated food tours in Rome Italy for every type of traveler!

Hey there! I'm Emily Concannon, a seasoned globetrotter who has backpacked her way across over a dozen European countries, immersing myself in the diverse cultures, languages, and cuisines of the region.

My passion for travel transcends personal experiences; I've spent years learning how to transform my globetrotting knowledge into personalized itineraries for fellow travelers worldwide.

With a tally of 26 countries (and counting!) under my belt, my day job involves extensive research on different countries which often leads me to booking a new adventure every chance I get!

Cooking Vacations & Culinary Tours in Italy, Portugal & Croatia

Culinary Vacations with the best hands-on cooking classes & cultural tours in Italy, Portugal & Croatia. Culinary Tours in Tuscany , The Amalfi Coast , Sicily Portugal and more. Learn to cook traditional Italian recipes with local Nonnas, famous chefs, pastry artisans & pizza masters. Our Italian culinary holidays are all inclusive, authentic, and include market, vineyard & cultural tours and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Make wine in Tuscany’s vineyards, go truffle hunting in Umbria, make limoncello on the Amalfi Coast, Cannoli in Sicily, Tortellini in Bologna, experience "local" Croatia, and exclusive Portuguese dishes in Portugal. You are Family in our Italian, Portuguese and Croatian Kitchens, and share our love for cooking and family on our culinary vacations in Italy , as well as our culinary vacations in Portugal and our experiential vacations in Croatia .

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Pure Adventure on the Western Islands of Sicily. Cooking Classes, Salt Harvesting, Private Night Fishing & More.

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Our Culinary Vacations in Italy, Portugal & Croatia

We promise you will fall in love with each of our all-inclusive italy cooking vacations , as well as our culinary vacations in Portugal and our immersive vacations in Croatia . They about much more than just sightseeing, food, and cooking. We create an experience of a lifetime, immersing you into the culture while giving you the sense of having found your home away from home. You will truly feel like family with us. We don’t do the traditional tour thing. When we cook, we are a group of friends doing hands on cooking classes based on traditional Italian family recipes. When we are on excursions, we are a group of friends exploring the beautiful hamlets and countryside together. It is a unique experience like none other, and time again our guests tell us it was the best vacation they had ever taken , and we had completely changed the way they will travel forever. Have a look at our hundreds of Italy Cooking Vacations reviews , and learn more about our:

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A Truly Authentic Family Experience

It starts with location. There is nothing quite like small town hospitality when you get away from the areas infected with mass tourism. The people are warm and welcoming, and the more you eat their food and drink their wine, the more they fill with joy. That sense of Italian hospitality is our number one priority with every guest on our culinary holidays. Our goal with each guest is not to simply show you the sights and offer culinary experiences. It is to bring you into our family . Everything we do revolves around that premise. It is all so relaxed and fun. Our guests quickly find that we don’t treat them like customers. We treat them like visiting relatives (The kind we enjoy having, that is!). Of course, this sounds like marketing mumbo jumbo, but it simply isn’t. It is one of the reasons our guests so regularly tell us we far exceeded their expectations .

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   The food , wine , cooking lessons and tours were all spectacular but it was the people that made it the best!   

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You’ll come face-to-face with the people that love and live in our territory.  Every local expert from the talented chefs to farmers and winemakers are locals you’ll meet with when you travel with us.  Plus, you’re helping many of these passionate locals return home (like Giovanni) and revive Italy’s hidden regions. 

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By skipping the overcrowded sites for a slice of authentic Italy you’ll help ease the pressure on the effects of over tourism on Italy’s big cities and major tourist sites. Did we mention you can visit Italy’s Largest Medieval fortress, sip your morning espresso at Ernst Hemingway’s favourite cafe and forage for truffles with Jamie Oliver’s truffle hunter? 

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The 7 Best Food Tours in Rome Italy

W hen you think about the food you might eat on a visit to Italy, most people think about gelato and pizza . I wasn’t any different.

What I learned from a food tour in Rome is that Italy has so much more than just pasta, pizza, and strong espresso. There is so much history behind the food, with long-standing traditions that go back for centuries.

Food isn’t just a necessity in Italy, it’s a way of life, and feeds into the culture in such a big way.

If you’re looking to take one of the top Rome food tours , then this guide is for you. Each food tour offers something different and unique, so keep reading to find one that’s right for you.

What to Expect from Rome Food Tours

Before visiting Italy, I essentially planned a two-week trip around the country to search for the best pizza north of Rome . (I did end up finding it — in Rome — but I’m still open to another round of explorations!)

On my own sort of food tour around Italy, I decided I’d go to the experts to find out a bit more about the nation’s culinary history.

When in Rome, do as the Romans do, and gorge yourself!

You can expect food tours to take you to not only the best places to find local, freshly-made food to sample dishes and snacks, but you can also expect to be taken to some historic sites and neighborhoods.

As you walk from place to place, you will learn about Rome’s history, both food related and not, and hear from passionate local guides about the local way of life, traditions and culture.

It’s not all about delicious food – although that is the focus.

The Best Rome Food Tours

Below you will find a list of food tours in Rome and what you can expect from each.

1. Rome Street Food Tour

This Rome Street Food Tour is a great experience for first time visitors to Rome who are looking to discover the city’s culinary secrets while exploring its vibrant streets.

The tour is led by a friendly local guide, who will take you on a journey through the city’s neighborhoods, where you’ll visit traditional food markets and sample some of the best street food in Rome.

You’ll learn about the history behind each dish and the cultural influences that have shaped Roman cuisine over the years.

The tour includes stops at family-owned restaurants, bakeries, and gelaterias, where you’ll taste a variety of authentic Italian treats, such as pizza bianca, suppli, and artisanal gelato.

This engaging and delicious tour is a must-do for anyone looking to experience the true essence of Rome. You can read all about our experience on the Street food and history walking tour of Rome . Of course it made the list of the best things to do with teens in Rome .

Check prices and availability for the Rome Street Food Tour here. There are plenty of food tastings, includes a beer and wine stop, and a small group experience..

2. Taste of Testaccio Food Tour

I arranged for a walking food tour in Rome’s Testaccio neighborhood . It’s not the most touristy area of Rome but, as I soon learned, there were plenty of reasons why it’s the best area for culinary freaks like myself.

The tour started in the morning so we’d first have time to explore the local farmer’s market. In the market, we met with some of the locals who’ve had stands there for years and years.

My favorite was Carmelo, the “Tomato Poet” who sells his tomatoes each for the same price—no matter the type. We sampled several different varieties just as Carmelo would offer for other visitors.

After the tour of the food market, we had the chance to try a local Roman-style breakfast pastry—the cornetto.

It’s something most of us on the tour had never heard of before. And it was amazing! There was also tiramisu in a chocolate cup. Can’t go wrong with that.

My favourite part of the walking tour was when we stopped at the gourmet foodie shop  E. Volpetti . The shop serves gourmet cheeses (over 140) and meats, but what I most enjoyed was the balsamic tasting.

I enjoyed it so much I even brought home a balsamic vinegar .

After all those treats we spent some time getting a better history of the Testaccio area of Rome.

Rather than just stuffing our faces all afternoon, we visited one of Rome’s most famous cemeteries—it’s for non-Catholics only and is where the famous poet John Keats is buried.

Our tour guide explained some of the history of the area, which inevitably included details about the neighbourhood’s football (soccer) obsession, the mafia history and any number of your typical Italian stereotypes.

After exploring the more historical sites, it was back to the food tour.

Lunch included typical Roman pasta dishes and — of course— fine wine. By this time I was more than adequately full. But when the final stop of the tour was announced—Rome’s most popular gelato cafe—my appetite grew yet again!

In the gelateria, our tour guide explained the most important tips for knowing the difference between real and fake gelato, as unfortunately some gelato stores are tourist traps:

• Pay attention to the color. Banana gelato should be off-white not yellow (you don’t eat the banana peel!)
• Pay attention to the shape. Real gelato shouldn’t have large, billowy mounds flowing out of the metal tubs. More rich and tasty gelatos while be full of less air!
• Keep an eye out for the ingredients. If you see big brown boxes behind the counter, or empty tubs, then you’re probably not eating the real thing. Italian food shops will often prominently display their ingredients so just have a quick look around before you buy!

By the end of the tour I pretty much felt like a food expert, but thankfully the good food in Rome didn’t stop there.

My guide offered up all her favorite Rome restaurants so that the rest of my stay would be as tasty as the tour!

• We recommend this Tastes & Traditions of Rome: Testaccio Food and Market Tour with Devour Tours (one of our favorite companies) It includes 8+ food tastings and a small group of maximum 12 people. We did three of their food tours in Italy and loved everyone. Including the next tour…

3. Hidden Rome Trastevere Food Tour

The Hidden Rome food tour of the Trastevere district is an evening food tour that allows you to experience the city’s vibrant nightlife and indulge in its delicious cuisine.

The tour takes you through the charming streets of Trastevere, one of Rome’s most picturesque neighborhoods , where visitors can explore its hidden alleys and corners.

You’ll be led by a local guide who will introduce you to the area’s best food spots and traditional dishes, as well as sampling some of the freshest ingredients such as fresh mozzarella di bufala and truffle cheese.

Along the way, you’ll learn about the history and culture of Trastevere and Rome, making this an immersive and enriching experience.

This food tour is perfect for anyone looking to taste some of Rome’s best food in a lively and authentic setting.

• Here is Trastevere at Sunset: Rome Food & Wine Tou r from our favored Devour Tours, this Includes 10+ food tastes and 6 drinks across 5 local eateries (enough food for a full dinner)

4. Flavors of Rome Campo Marzo Street Food Tour

This food tour allows you to explore the city’s food culture while seeing its famous landmarks.

The tour combines a walking tour of Rome back streets and hidden alleys, taking you past some of the most iconic sights to some hidden gems in the historic district.

You will make stops at local food markets and street food vendors, where you’ll taste traditional Roman dishes.

A knowledgeable guide will provide insight into the city’s rich history and architecture, as well as its culinary traditions.

This tour is perfect for those who want to experience the highlights of both worlds: delicious food and unforgettable sightseeing.

• Check prices and availability for the Flavors of Rome Food Tour here.
• You may also love this Semi-Private Food Tour of Rome Italy , which  allows you to explore Rome through its food – from pasta to gelato, this tour hits all the food highlights.

5. Vegan Food Tour Experience

If you have dietary restrictions, such as being gluten-free, vegetarian or have allergies, then the vegan food tour is for you.

This one-of-a-kind tour lets you indulge in the city’s delicious vegan Italian cuisine, taking you to some of the best vegan restaurants and food spots in Rome.

This tour offers a chance to taste traditional Italian vegan dishes made from fresh and locally sourced ingredients.

You’ll visit markets and eateries that specialize in vegan cuisine, exploring a wide range of flavors and textures.

Along the way, you’ll learn about the history and culture of veganism in Rome, making it an immersive and educational experience.

Check prices and availability for the Vegan Food Tour here.

6. Jewish Ghetto And Navona Food And Wine Tour

If you’re looking to sample some of the classic Italian fine wines, then this is the tour for you.

The Jewish Ghetto and Navona Food and Wine tour is a fantastic way to experience the city’s culinary delights and sample some of Italy’s finest wines.

The tour takes you through the charming streets of Rome’s historic center, where you’ll visit traditional food markets, artisanal bakeries, and famous wine bars.

Your guide will introduce you to authentic cuisine from the Jewish area, such as artichokes, as well as local wines, such as Frascati and Chianti.

Along the way, you’ll learn about the history and culture of Rome, making for an immersive and enriching experience.

Check prices and availability for the Jewish Ghetto and Navona Food Tour here.

7. Small-Group Walking Tour of Trastevere, Campo de’ Fiori & Jewish Ghetto

Last but not least, is the small group walking tour of Trastevere, Campo de’ Fiori and the Jewish Quarter. This is where you’ll taste some of Rome’s most delicious dishes.

Your expert guide will take you to traditional markets, family-owned restaurants, and popular eateries, where you’ll sample local specialties such as supplì, pizza, and gelato.

The tour also includes visits to historic landmarks and cultural sites, providing a deeper understanding of Rome’s rich history and culture.

This small group tour ensures an intimate and personalized experience, making it perfect for foodies and history buffs alike.

Check prices and availability for the Small-Group Walking Tour here.

Final Thoughts on the Best Food Tours in Rome

Taking a food tour in Rome is an excellent way to uncover the Eternal City’s culinary delights while immersing yourself in its rich history and culture.

Rome’s culinary history and traditions are some of the oldest in the world, and food tours allow visitors to access a wide range of delicious dishes, from traditional pasta dishes to artisanal gelato in one day trip.

A food tour is not only a great way to satisfy your taste buds but also a great way to gain a deeper understanding of the city’s culture and traditions.

Bio:  In 2009, Adam Groffman quit his job as a graphic designer in Boston and went on a 15+ month trip around the world. The life-changing journey took him to places like North Africa, the Middle East, India and Southeast Asia. Since 2011 Adam has been living in Berlin – Europe’s most hipster city. His blog, Travels of Adam , focuses on finding the coolest cultural things to do around the world.

More Italy Travel Tips

Need more inspiration for your trip to Italy? Then these other resources may be useful to you…

• ITALIAN LAKES : To help you with your trip to Italy’s largest lake, read our suggestions for  things to do in Lake Garda  and for Italy’s most famous lake, a  guide to things to do in Lake Como.
• TUSCANY:  Don’t miss these stunning  places to visit in Tuscany  and a  guide to Chianti towns  and  how to spend a day in Siena .
• VENICE:  Is it a trip to Italy without exploring these  best things to do in Venice ?
• FLORENCE:  For one of Italy’s most beautiful cities, here are  16 amazing things to do in Florence  and enjoy this  food and wine tour of Florence.
• CINQUE TERRE:  Here’s our  top things to do in Cinque Terre  including our favorite  Cinque Terre boat tour , and here’s a little insight into the personalities of the  Five Towns of Cinque Terre.
• ROME:  Here is our list of  memorable things to do in Rome , a  food walking tour in Rome,  and  what to do with kids in Rome in 72 hours , and our  guides to the Vatican , and the  Colosseum and Roman Forum and 36 Essential Things to know before Visiting Rome
• OTHER: 10 Italy Honeymoon Destinations For Unforgettable Romance and 10 reasons to visit Puglia, Southern Italy

Do you have any great food recommendations for Rome? Let us know in the comments!

More From Forbes

Travel to italy like an insider with the best local experts.

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A trip to Italy is too special to get wrong. Here's how to do it right. (San Gimignano, Tuscany)

I absolutely love Italy, for many different reasons. But I hate the way in which many Americans go about planning trips there. Survey after survey shows it is the number one dream destination for U.S. leisure travelers, but the way those travelers get their information and advice gives me nightmares.

Throughout the years I’ve heard people say over and over that “I was told to do this in Italy,” or “I was told not to do this in Italy.” By who? “A friend.” I have close friends who recently planned their entire 12-day trip on the basis of another couple they knew who gave them advice—after their first visit. I’ve heard of many people who skipped Rome because “we heard it was too busy, just another big city.” Or passed on Venice, one of the world’s most magical destinations, because, “I heard it was touristy.”

There are American tourists who say you should skip Venice. They are wrong.

It goes on and on, but suffice to say, I have been to Italy in the neighborhood of two dozen times, summer and winter, for food, wine, skiing, golf, hiking, cycling and more food, from north to south and east to west and islands too, and I know a lot about Italian cuisine, but I still ask real experts for advice every time I go. I specifically ask for advice on where to eat, what to see, and who to choose as guides. And by experts, I mean people how live in Italy, specialize in particular areas of travel, and know their subject matter.

“We get multiple guests a year who want to wing it,” says Cherrye Moore, owner of My Bella Vita travel. Moore moved to Calabria two decades ago after falling in love with the region on a visit, and opened a bed and breakfast, learning about what her visitors were looking for. Her company now specializes in planning trips—especially foodie and ancestry trips—to the area in Southern Italy where many Italian Americans trace their heritage. “They say, ‘My neighbor just showed up in their family’s hometown and it went great for them,’ or, ‘Our friends went to Italy last year and said we don't need a driver.’ It’s true that you can rent a car and drive to your family’s hometown, but that experience is vastly different from having a dedicated driver and a heritage specialist who has done research on your family’s history, who has already identified the home your grandfather was born in, and who has arranged meetings with locals upon your arrival.”

Hundreds of Russian Troops Gathered Out In The Open. They Didn’t Know The Ukrainians Had Aimed Four ATACMS Rockets At Them.

Your best look yet at the new iphone 16, the richest person in every state 2024.

Anyone can tour the Vatican, but only the right guides can get you a private visit.

I just got back from an exploration of Turin followed by a weeklong hiking trip in surrounding Piemonte, Italy’s most prestigious wine region, which included multiple winery visits. For restaurants and guides and sightseeing in Turin I used an Italian-based travel specialist that is the choice of many of the best luxury travel agents/advisors in this country (the best travel agents are savvy enough to know what they do not know and regularly rely on local experts). For the hiking trip, I used an Italy-based active travel specialist that does nothing else, and does it with a food-centric spin. It was another fantastic Italy trip, one amazing day after another, featuring many meals, wineries and experiences I never would have found by myself, especially by asking random friends or watching You Tube influencer videos by people with far less Italy experience than myself.

“We don’t focus on stars or diamonds, we focus on really special one-of-a-kind experiences and lodging that lets you discover our Italy,” said Heather Dowd, who lives in Turin and along with her Italian husband Beppe Salerno. They run Tourissimo , the active travel company we used. We had several friends hiking with us who were on either their very first or second trip to Italy, and when we reviewed our experiences at the end for the trip, one place we stayed, an 18 th century castle turned boutique hotel, was the overwhelming favorite. It did not have whirlpool tubs or Frette linens, it did not have a concierge or room service, but it had excellent food and beautiful gardens in which we had an epic dinner. It had cooking classes, a great location, a fun aperitivo evening cocktail session, and most of all, incredible charm..

Everyone wants the perfect meal in Italy, but not everyone knows where the locals go to find it.

It was exactly what my first timers dreamed Italy would be like, and it was a place we never would have found online. It was perfect, and even in Italy not every place is, but the reality is that Heather and Beppe and their guides spend a lot of time behind the scenes visiting small hotels and vetting them, way more time than the people who rate their stays on booking websites. One of my friends was so impressed he is already planning an extended family hiking trip to Sicily with Tourissimo next year.

If you want to have an insider experience in Italy, and see the places locals go, you need a local insider to help you out.

“Our goal is for guests to experience Calabria like we do, so we’ve built experiences that aren’t available online,” said My Bella Vita’s Moore. “Nowhere else can you find a multi-course lunch hosted at Zia Pina’s or a picnic prepared and delivered by Signora Francesca. Lunch in the home of our friend, Chef Massimo, isn’t available on Google. When creating or reviewing experiences I always think of my sister in Texas. If she were visiting, would I take her here? If that answer is yes, I know we have a winner.” That is exactly the standard by which I’d like my Italy travels to be judged.

A trip to Italy is a beautiful, special, and almost sacred experience, so don’t screw it up by taking bad advice. I do not know every local specialist—and I hope to keep finding more—but I know several experts I would recommend for different kinds of travel. Or use a good travel advisor, something I recommend for all travel (Read my article Why You Need A Travel Agent More Than Ever here at Forbes ), and communicate with them to ensure they are on the same page in terms of sourcing these kinds of local experts. If they are good, they will already be familiar with several of these companies.

Active Travel

All of Tourissimo's cycling and hiking trips in Italy emphasize food and wine, which is how it ... [+] should be.

Italy has long been the dream destination of cyclists, with Tuscany atop the Bucket List for global road riding destinations. But for the past few years the fastest growing sector of cycling has been “gravel grinding,” and with hundreds of miles of its stunning unpaved “white roads,” Tuscany has also emerged as the world’s top travel spot for gravel lovers. There are also plenty of other amazing places to ride in Italy, including Piemonte, Sardinia, Puglia, the Lakes region, and many other areas. World class hiking abounds, especially the stunning Dolomites—a UNESCO World Heritage Site of beauty unmatched by most other mountain regions on earth. Beyond this there are the Alps in the east, the Cinque Terre, Sardinia, and many other great options.

Italy is so well known for cycling and hiking that every major active travel company in the world runs trips there. But for my last two active trips, one hiking and one biking, I chose a tour operator that is actually based there, founded by an Italian with a passion for cycling and food. Tourissimo may be Italian, but they cater to the American market, and founder Beppe Salerno worked for am American cycling company as a guide before realizing he could do the real Italy better himself—to me, the perfect startup rationale. Over the years since, Tourissimo has grown its library of offerings, with both with an array of scheduled group trips and private custom options. While they do mostly road riding, they are notably one of the only tour operators scheduling gravel trips, and can also arrange custom mountain biking itineraries, with years of expertise in cycling and hiking.

Superstar Chef Mary Sue Milliken has led about galf a dozen Chef's Cycling Tours in Italy for ... [+] Tourissimo.

In addition, Tourissimo has also been a pioneer in “Active Culinary Travel,” a hot new category I have written about here at Forbes (and for other magazines and newspapers). They offer an annual series of six group rides (and a hike) each hosted by an acclaimed chef like Mary Sue Milliken, an award-winning chef, restaurateur, cookbook author (five!) and co-host of the popular PBS cooking show Two Hot Tamales . She is also an avid cyclist and has led the Tourissimo Chef Bike Tours for several years, along with other big names. These trips are a unique option for serious foodies who also ride, while the other trips cater to just about anyone. Otherwise they offer several styles of trips, from Bici Basics for new riders to Ambitious Tours for the more hard core.

Tourissimo puts a focus on local, choosing small and often historic hotels that they have curated and vetted (like the castle I just stayed at in Piemonte), places that you would never be able to distinguish from hundreds of other non-chain options online. Same for restaurants, wineries, and all the other ways they take you behind the scenes and into their real Italy. Their Mission Statement? “We don't want to be the biggest adventure travel company. We want to design and run the best tours in Italy. We strive to be the most authentic and the most beneficial to local communities.” Fantastico!

Bellagio on Lake Como is one of the most famous destinations in Italy — and the perfect place for a ... [+] food-centric bike tour!

Bike It! Bellagio offers another insider biking experience on a much different scale, providing a great one-day experience for visitors to Italy’s most famous lake town. This bike shop on Lake Como is run by a former pro racer and his wife. They rent bikes (road, mountain and e-bikes) out, but also offer one-day guided tours with multiple food and drink stops. Given that the owner grew up here and knows everyone, it’s not surprising that the food and drink spots are insider picks. The shop sits near the iconic Madonna del Ghisallo climb, the most famous in the Giro di Lombardia, a race more than a century old, and several days a week the shop offers guided group rides with a climb of the pass, on road or e-bikes—Bianchi bikes of course!

There are scheduled tours Monday through Saturday, as well as wide range of customizable private tours. These are often taken by families with mixed ages, but for more aggressive riders they offer longer road tours, mountain biking and gravel riding, along with a wide range of less demanding e-bike tours, including some even more focused on food and wine. They also offer a handful of multi-day tours and can put these together as custom on demand, usually for groups, including an iconic coast to coast traverse of Italy. If you are a guest of one of the many stunning (and pricey) ultra-luxury hotels around Bellagio, and ask the concierge to arrange a bike tour, they are likely going to call this shop anyway (and mark it up) so just do it yourself.

Luxury Travel in Italy

From planning your entire itinerary with flights, hotels, and transfers to just booking the best tours, guides and VIP access (often to non-public highlights), it pays to use a top local specialist.

Last year I attended the annual Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas, which has been called “the Oscars of the travel industry.” Virtuoso is the leading global luxury travel consortium, and many of the best travel advisors on earth belong, So does just about every top hotel, resort, safari lodge, cruise line, and luxury tour operator. Virtuoso CEO Matthew Upchurch was explaining the many advantages of using a travel advisor (I wholeheartedly agree) and something he said really stuck with me. He explained that with all of the new online tour booking companies, it was easier than ever to book a tour or guide in just about any destination on earth, but harder than ever to judge the quality. The caveat was that, “you can book a guide, but you can’t book my guide.”

One of Italy's greatest hidden gems, Turin was the nation's first capital and a Winter Olympic host. ... [+] It's worth getting a good guide if you visit.

The Vatican is the Vatican and the Colosseum is the Colosseum, so when you opt for a guided tour, what really matters and makes it a good, bad or great experience is the guide—and their special access, like a tour of the Vatican when no one else is there.

For my recent trip to Turin, I called Imago Artis Travel , an Italy-based luxury travel specialist. They are what is known in the travel industry as a destination management company or DMC, the same companies luxury travel agents call to arrange local details for their clients. There are great DMCs all over the world, and local knowledge is valuable everywhere, but many of them do not deal directly with travelers, while in Italy the best ones do.

I wanted a private day tour of Turin and its surrounding attractions for my wife and I, most importantly the Reggia di Venaria Reale, aka the “Italian Versailles” (one of two places in Italy with this lofty but accurate nickname). The guide they got for me was a licensed guide, and lifelong resident of Turin, and spoke excellent English, which was all good, but she was also an architect, which was great in a city where so much is driven by architecture. That’s not so easy to find on global tour aggregator website. Imago Artis also gave me a list of their favorite restaurant recommendations, which were spot on, then made my reservations for me. At a minimum this eliminates the language barrier of calling or the technology barrier of booking through often tricky (or non-functional) Italian restaurant reservation websites, but in many cases it also gets you a better table and instant VIP treatment—which definitely does not happen when I book myself.

Italy is rich in world-class crafts, and companies like Imago Artis can take you behind the scenes ... [+] to meet the makers.

Imago Artis Travel is a Virtuoso member, which means when you book through them, if you book your luxury hotel, you get extras like room upgrades, late checkout, spa credits etc., one of the big advantages of working with Virtuoso travel advisors. If you have a bigger budget than I do, they can handle all sorts of luxury transport, private jets, helicopters, boat charters, and also offer VIP Meet and Greet services at just about every airport in Italy. They can even arrange private security details. On a more accessible luxury level, they specialize in exclusive experiences, unlocking historic buildings and art collections not open to the public, and taking you behind the scenes with many artisans of Italy, from custom shoemakers to sculptors to jewelry designers. They know food, they know the guides, and I especially like their mission statement, “Our mission is simple: Getting You to the Heart of Italy.” That’s what it is all about.

Another top luxury DMC that is also a member of Virtuoso that I have used in the past with great success is IC Bellagio . They offer a similar array of luxury services and are very well connected, but they also specialize in Villa rentals as well as 5-Star hotels. Differentiating villas in Italy may be the single biggest challenge, more so than restaurants, with so many options and so few valid reviews. IC Bellagio has also boldly acknowledged the overtourism problems some of the most popular parts of Italy face, and are pushing “Slow Season Travel,” which varies in each of the country’s 20 regions but is something they are expert in. Last winter I went to Venice in the off-season, and it was spectacular, and I just traveled in a slow season to Piemonte. It was much, much better than fighting the crowds.

Skiing in Italy is awesome, and it's the best place in the world to stay in mountain rifugios — but ... [+] you need help for the perfect trip.

Skiing in Italy remains a bit under the radar for Europe, especially compared to France and Switzerland. Well, let the crowds go to other countries, because Italy has two different major ski regions, both of which have hosted the Winter Olympics, and the Games are returning to Milan and Cortina in 2026. The interconnected Dolomiti SuperSki lift and trail network in the Dolomites is arguably the largest “ski resort” in the world, and inarguably one of the most beautiful mountain landscapes on the planet. The towns are charming, the food is great, there are spectacular hotels from non-chain independent hidden gems to world-class luxury (Aman, Mandarin Oriental, Relais & Chateaux, etc.) and it’s cheaper than much of the rest of Europe. Did I mention the food?

I first went to the Dolomites to go hiking, and was so wowed I thought, “I have to come back and ski here.” I came back the next winter and skied, and the following year I got a group of friends together and went back. I have skied all over the U.S., and all over the world and never had the same compulsion to return to the same place immediately. That’s how good skiing in Italy is ( read much more in my Italy skiing piece here at Forbes ).

I’ve only used one company for ski travel in Italy and see no reason to switch gears, especially since the local logistics (a great guide/instructor, transfers, the best on-mountain meals and staying a couple of nights in the region’s unique on-mountain rifugios) is very hard to organize on your own. The company is Dolomite Mountains , a specialist in both resort ski vacations and backcountry touring trips (using skins and alpine touring or AT gear). They too are a U.S. facing company with mainly American clientele.

Like many active travel companies, they offer both group trip scheduled departure options and private custom trips to fit whatever you want. The group option is called the Dolomites Ski Safari and is a 7-day trip mixing stays in amazing rifugios with in-town hotels (4 and 5-stars on the Italian system) and includes all breakfasts and dinners, a full-time guide, ski pass, luggage transfers and more. Custom options include the same kind of trip for your own group, or anything you want, and while its name suggests local expertise—quite true—Dolomite Mountains also handles ski trips in the rest of Italy, like Courmayeur, and connected border regions of France, Switzerland and Austria, as many lift systems here know no national boundaries (ski with your passport!). They are also a Virtuoso member.

Calabria & Southern Italy

Many Italian Americans trace their ancestry to Southern Italy's Calabria, and if you want to visit, ... [+] make sure you do it right.

My Bella Vita travel focuses on this area, including both small group trips and custom privates. Their specialties include “Heritage Tours” for those interested in their ancestry, and a food focus for the rest of us. For instance, Taste of the South is a 12-day gastronomic journey through Calabria, Basilicata and Naples—the birthplace of pizza! Food & Wine of Calabria is an 11-daty trip and just what it sounds like.

These are some of the scheduled small group tours offered, but the rest of their business is private trip planning and custom options.

“Italy is deceivingly large, and travelers think two weeks is enough time to see everything. It isn’t,” insists Moore. “You can’t even experience all of Calabria in two weeks. Our team collectively spends about six months a year scouting new hotels, restaurants, and experiences in Calabria and we are constantly re-evaluating and tweaking our recommendations.”

There are some other Italy specialists I have not personally experienced, but that come highly recommended by some of my other experts:

My Bella Vita’s Cherrye Moore says, “ In Sicily, I recommend Lucia Davies of Sicily Tour , one of a trio of British expats who have lived in Siracusa, Sicily for decades.” A family-owned tour-guiding company based in Siracusa, they have nearly 40 years of experience on the island and create trips fostering cultural exchange between Italy and English-speaking visitors, specializing in small group and custom tours.

Food & Wine

Life is too short to go to Italy and not eat well.

Beppe and Heather Dowd of Tourissimo recommend Lazy Italian Culinary Adventures , a company that has also earned kudos from other travel industry folks I know. Owner Francesca Montillo grew up in Southern Italy where her father was greengrocer. An Italian-American cookbook author, she launched the company a decade ago, and she personally leads the tours. She does numerous scheduled tours to different regions each year, and also offers custom private itineraries.

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