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How Do I Find a Reliable Travel Agency or Tour Operator?

A nationally recognized reporter, writer, and consumer advocate, Ed Perkins focuses on how travelers can find the best deals and avoid scams.

He is the author of "Online Travel" (2000) and "Business Travel: When It's Your Money" (2004), the first step-by-step guide specifically written for small business and self-employed professional travelers. He was also the co-author of the annual "Best Travel Deals" series from Consumers Union.

Perkins' advice for business travelers is featured on MyBusinessTravel.com , a website devoted to helping small business and self-employed professional travelers find the best value for their travel dollars.

Perkins was founding editor of Consumer Reports Travel Letter, one of the country's most influential travel publications, from which he retired in 1998. He has also written for Business Traveller magazine (London).

Perkins' travel expertise has led to frequent television appearances, including ABC's "Good Morning America" and "This Week with David Brinkley," "The CBS Evening News with Dan Rather," CNN, and numerous local TV and radio stations.

Before editing Consumer Reports Travel Letter, Perkins spent 25 years in travel research and consulting with assignments ranging from national tourism development strategies to the design of computer-based tourism models.

Born in Evanston, Illinois, Perkins lives in Ashland, Oregon with his wife.

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No matter where you look, travel suppliers tout the great wonders of their destinations and “savings” of their prices. Although big airlines and hotel chains are familiar household names, many tour operators and retail travel agencies carry names you’ve never heard before. And you can be understandably concerned about paying a lot of money to one of these unknowns. I frequently get questions about choosing an agency or operator. Here’s an example:

“I found a tour to China that seemed very attractive, but I’m not sure the tour operator is reputable. How can I protect myself against possible loss or disappointment?”

The short answer is, “If it’s an obscure supplier, you’ll have a tough time finding out much about it.” But the question raises several fundamental issues about buying from unfamiliar sources.

Just what is “reputable”?

Some readers pose their question as “reputable,” some as “reliable,” and some use other similar and similarly vague terms. Regardless of the words, people seem to be looking for several factors:

• Financial stability, basic honesty, and efficient handling of payments
• Accuracy of representations and recommendations on price and features
• Delivering the service(s) as promised—before, during, and after the trip—especially if something goes wrong

Common measures

Whether you’re searching for a supplier or checking out one you don’t know, consider two basic sources of information:

Word of mouth

If possible, find someone you know who can recommend a supplier or who has used one you’re considering and can provide a firsthand evaluation. That’s the single-best way to get a feel for any provider. There’s only one caveat: In my experience, consumers who have had a poor experience with a supplier are sometimes reluctant to share that experience—apparently, they’re afraid an admission of dissatisfaction is somehow a personal reflection on their competence.

Many suppliers offer to provide references. By all means, consider contacting those folks, but keep in mind that suppliers will likely cherry-pick their client list for references they believe will give the best reports and studiously avoid any they know are unhappy.

Better Business Bureau

The BBB is of no help in locating a possible supplier, but once you have a name or names, you can easily check on any unfavorable reports. Just log onto the BBB’s website and follow the directions. Also, many qualifying travel sellers with good BBB records post a “BBB Accredited” seal on their websites.

Tour operators

A few decades back, sudden tour operator failure was a real problem. Perhaps you’ve been around long enough to remember stories of travelers stranded in Europe with no return flights or hotel accommodations because their operator failed and hadn’t paid for the hotels or return charter flights. Fortunately, tightened government rules have pretty well solved that problem. Now, the primary questions with a tour operator are (1) whether it represents the tour components—accommodations, sightseeing, activities—accurately and (2) whether it delivers what it promises.

• Start with the BBB and the experiences of your friends, relatives, and coworkers.
• Several online gripe sites post reports of other travelers’ experiences with all sorts of travel suppliers, including tour operators.
• No trade association mediates consumer disagreements with tour operators.
• If you’re concerned about an operator’s financial stability, all members of the USTOA (United States Tour Operators Association) are required to show some form of financial bonding or other guarantee of resources to protect customers’ payments.

If you find a good deal from an operator you don’t know and can’t check, buy travel insurance that includes protection against operator failure.

Travel agents

Presumably, you use a travel agent rather than booking yourself because you value the counsel and assistance a good agent can provide. Customer service therefore becomes the dominant basis for choice.

• Recommendations from friends and relatives are clearly the best option.
• Most travel agents post a laundry list of accreditations and trade memberships. Some, such as CLIA , are strictly marketing and lobbying operations; others, such as IATA and IATAN are part of a network selling air tickets and other travel services.
• ASTA (the American Society of Travel Agents) is the only trade association that has an active consumer office. If you have a problem with an ASTA member agency that you can’t resolve locally, ASTA will help mediate the dispute. That’s a good reason for selecting an ASTA agency.

As in other markets, dealing with the local office of a nationwide chain provides a measure of consistency and reliability you might not find with an independent agency. The largest chains, including AAA , Carlson-Wagonlit , and American Express , have branches or affiliates throughout the country.

One important caveat: You don’t want an agency that sells only the travel products carried by one of the GDS (Global Distribution System, one of the industry’s computer-based selling systems) networks it uses. These days, too many good deals are available only directly or through the Internet; a GDS-only agency can’t get at them.

Neither SmarterTravel.com nor I can go out on a limb and recommend any individual agencies or operators as “reliable” or “reputable.” I’ve been following this business for more than 40 years, and some of the biggest failures I’ve seen have been of companies that were widely regarded as “reliable” right up to the day they folded. And we obviously don’t want to be on the hook because a site we recommended failed to deliver a promised ticket.

So “caveat emptor” remains your key strategy. Do whatever checking you can, but be careful. Pay with a credit card; insist on a timetable for delivery of tickets and documents; ask for a physical location if you can’t find one on a website. Buy travel insurance to cover big up-front payments. Try to avoid buying from agencies outside the U.S., from which getting relief through small claims court is virtually impossible. Be willing to pay a bit more for the assurance of dealing with a supplier you trust.

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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We know you want to explore and also dive in. We’re curious travelers, just like you, so rest assured, you’ll experience must-sees and connect with the people and culture that define the destination. You’ll eat in locals’ homes, take cooking classes, travel by trains and tuk tuks, explore cities with food tours, and stay in igloos, castles, and chateaus.

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Your time is one of your most precious commodities, so you should spend more of it in the destination, not driving between places. We design tours that spend the fewest hours on the coach. One-night stays are a rarity. This is your trip, and you shouldn’t feel rushed. With choice, flexibility, and free time, take it all in – this is your tour.

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Collette travelers choose from 160 tours across all 7 continents, as well as 5 travel styles including small group touring and destination spotlights. Check out some trending tours for inspiration on your next adventure.

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Alaska's Northern Lights

African Safari: Kenya and Tanzania

Tuscan & Umbrian Countryside featuring Italy's Charming Hill Towns

Winter in Croatia featuring Plitvice Lakes and the Adriatic Coast

Costa Rica: A World of Nature featuring Tortuguero National Park, Arenal Volcano & Manuel Antonio National Park

Icelandic Adventure

Mediterranean Coastal Journey Spain, France & Italy

Exploring South Africa, Victoria Falls & Botswana

$4,049 pp* $4,399 pp.

The Best of Ireland featuring the Wild Atlantic Way

$2,199 pp* $2,499 pp, spotlight on northern italy featuring venice, verona & the dolomites, $3,549 pp* $3,699 pp.

Historical Greenbrier featuring Washington D.C. & Williamsburg

Spain's Costa del Sol & Madrid

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With Trustworthy Tours, a Moroccan adventure awaits.

Why we're trustworthy., service  & professionalism .

Trustworthy is more than our name, it is a core value we strive to achieve every day. Our team has over 40 years of combined experience providing luxury transportation, guided tours, and excursions to travelers across Morocco.

Smooth Ride & Safe Vehicles

We take the safety and comfort of our guests seriously. Our vehicles are all purpose-built models for the tourism industry, all less than 3 model years old. We include amenities like hand sanitizer, bottled water, and a wifi-hotspot for connectivity on the go . 

Excursions & Experiences

We understand that visiting Morocco is about much for than just getting from point A to point B. Working with our network of guides and experience providers, we can design you a custom itinerary full of unique experiences. 

Private Car & Driver

Book a private SUV, minivan, or minibus with a private driver to transport you anywhere in Morocco on-demand and in style.  Our drivers speak English, French, Spanish, and Arabic, so if you let us know your preferred language, we'll connect you with the right driver. This service can be booked on a daily basis to take you to select activities or provide airport transfers with ease, but you can also select to have a car and driver for your whole stay in Morocco (in which case you’ll have the same car & driver throughout your trip). 

Guided Tours

Get the most out of your visits to Morocco's cities by booking a private guided tour. Our certified local guides guarantee a deep cultural immersion and will take you back in time to unveil the hidden stories of each monument, famous building, ancient medina, and colorful souk. 

Experiences

We offer day-trips to all of Morocco’s highlight destinations complete with one-of-a kind activities. You can try hiking in the Atlas, an early morning in a hot air balloon over Marrakech, a day exploring coastal Essaouira, an ATV ride through Ouarzazate, workshops with local artisans, and so much more! Below are a few of the options, but the excursion opportunities are endless. Get in touch to find out more .

Atlas Mountain Hiking Excursion

A hike in the Atlas Mountains offers a look into the Berber way of life. With a private mountain guide by your side, you’ll hike up to a local restaurant with a panoramic  view of Mt. Toubkal. The activity can be tailored to your fitness level.

Dinner in the Rocky Agafay Desert

Avoid the long drives to the Sahara and enjoy the perfect desert experience near Marrakech with a dinner in the Agafay Desert. After a camel ride at sunset, savor a delicious Moroccan dinner in a beautifully appointed tent overlooking the rocky desert.

Day Trip to Tranquil Essaouira

Uniquely influenced by Carthaginians, Romans, and Portuguese -- Essaouira offers something for everyone. Behind 18th-century sea walls, you’ll find wood workshops, artists’ enclaves, and tranquil sunny alleyways to explore, plus a sandy beach perfect for sunset strolls.

Vehicles 

The Trustworthy Tours fleet is composed of over 30 vehicles including SUVs, minivans, and minibuses.  All of our vehicles are purpose-built models optimized for passenger comfort, and each vehicle is rigorously serviced and sanitized prior to the start of any trip. Each vehicle is equipped with the mandated safety technology on top of special amenities including GPS tracking, LED lighting, Wifi-hotspots, and a supply of bottled water, snacks, and hand sanitizer for our guests. The gallery below features a few of our vehicles in the beautiful palm groves of Marrakech!

Luxury Minibus

Toyota prado suv, mercedes vito minivan, mercedes v class minivan.

Our team of professional drivers, supported by an experienced and dedicated office staff, are here to make sure your travels are smooth and pleasant so you can focus on taking in all that Morocco has to offer.

Mohamed is from Ouarzazate, a town known as the “Hollywood of Morocco”.  He now calls Marrakech home and has worked in the tourism industry as a driver for 15 years. 

Hafid is from Zagora on the edge of the Sahara desert. He has been a driver for 14 years and takes pride in being easy going, patient, and ensuring guests the very best experience. 

Abderrahim is from a village near Marrakech and has worked in tourism since 2006. He loves sharing Moroccan traditions and culture with visitors.

Aziz was born in Amzmize and moved to Marrakech in 1997. He began working as a driver in 2005, and founded Trustworthy Tours in 2017. He is passionate about ensuring guests have incredible travels in his home country.

Brahim was born in Marrakech and has always worked in the tourism industry. In 2006 he met his friend Aziz and they bought their first car together, then in 2017, they became partners in founding Trustworthy Tours.

Chaima was born in Essaouira and now lives in Marrakech. She has worked in the tourism transport field for 5 years as an executive assistant. Chaima  loves her work and is excited to about the future of the industry.

Rachid is originally from the high Atlas Mountains, born and raised in Marrakech. He loves traveling, meeting new people and getting to share his country's secrets with them.

Mohamed was born in Marrakech and studied tourism. He is passionate about traveling and discovering new places. He loves interacting with and learning from guests.

Ahmad is from Marrakech and has been in the hospitality industry since 2009. He loves sharing his Arab & Berber Culture with clients while learning more about theirs.

Mohamed has an 8 years experience in hospitality. He is passionate about his job and very knowledgeable about the rugged and beautiful Atlas Mountains areas. 

Abdelhak grew up near the Sahara desert and he managed a desert camp before becoming a driver. He prides himself on being conscientious, punctual, and professional. 

Abd El Fetah

Abd El Fetah grew up in a village near Marrakech. He has worked many jobs in the tourism industry, but he loves being a driver most of all. 

Chaima was born in Essaouira and now lives in Marrakech. She has worked in the tourism transport field for 3 years as an executive assistant. Chaima  loves her work and is excited to about the future of the industry.

Testimonials

Don't just take our word for it, please check out the feedback below from partners and past guests who recount what makes Trustworthy Tours the partner of choice for your transportation needs in Morocco.

"The best thing about our trip was our excellent guide and driver duo, both named Mohammed. Having them to ensure our comfort & safety made all the difference! They answered ALL our questions and helped us to experience Morocco through their eyes. Both were extremely professional and we left feeling that we had made two new friends.”

-Celia, 2020, Canada

"We could not have had a better driver. From day one, Alaa was the glue that kept our trip running smoothly. We always felt safe and so well taken care of. We’re grateful to him for driving us all around the country and for teaching us many lessons, not only about what we see when we are driving, but what Moroccan culture can show us about life itself.”

- Erica, 2019, Australia

"Our driver, Hicham, was unparalleled in his safety, professionalism, patience, and kindness. He was also full of recommendations. He helped us find a great restaurant in Marrakesh and navigate a record store in Casablanca! Interacting with Hicham, gave us a view into Marrakech’s young, city residents we wouldn’t have gotten otherwise.”

-Rebecca, 2018, United States

"We’ve been using Trustworthy Tours for 5 years now to provide all our guests, including VIPs, private transportation. Their team is professional, super responsive, and always attentive to guests’ needs. You won't find a better transport partner."

-Hicham, CEO of Experience Morocco

"We chose Trustworthy as our transportation provider because of their professionalism, availability even on short notice, and the leadership of Haj Aziz. We are always confident their drivers will arrive prepared and on time to receive our guests."

- Anas, General Manager of Riad Almaha

“Our driver Jaleel, without whom our trip would not have been possible was a rockstar...the  terrain and scenery in Morocco changes every hundred miles and he navigated it with such ease that we forgot how long some of the drives were.”

-Sara, 2020, United States

Get in Touch

If you'd like more information or to book a service, drop us a line via the form here or email us at [email protected] .

We're reachable by phone at +212-524-343332 and by Whatsapp at +212-666-103-991

We look forward to hearing from you!

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Trustworthy Tours

Destinations.

Agafay Rocky Desert

Atlas Mountain Hiking

Day Trip to Essaouira

7 Companies You Can Trust for Great Family Vacation Packages

Updated January 9, 2023

Planning a successful family vacation is work—but not if you let a packager do the work for you. Buying a vacation through a tour operator frees you from the tedious details of deciding where to stay, what to eat, when to visit each attraction, and how to get to each place. Travel packagers take care of all the logistics, and truly expert ones know their destinations deeply, so their inside knowledge may even be able to provide you with special perks. We like these seven tour operators’ family trips—they cover a variety of destinations, styles, group sizes, and prices, and they have proven themselves with families over the years.

Austin Adventures keeps groups small: It aims for a 6:1 guest-to-guide ratio and vets those guides for charisma, making sure the leader has a personality kids will want to follow. Family groups explore Europe, New Zealand , Latin America, and North American national parks (a company specialty). Austin excels in outdoorsy outings such as horseback riding, glacier trekking, kayaking, and bicycling (always on trails, never on highways). The company strives to add excitement with what it calls unexpected “wow moments”—like the reward of ice cream and brownies served after a hike to the top of Angels Landing in Bryce National Park. Many trips follow a 6-day/5-night schedule plan, although international tours are longer. On departures for families with teens, expect more pedaling, paddling, and hiking to panoramic views, such as in the San Juan Islands , Yellowstone National Park , and the Kenai Fjords region. 

Kids’ ages:  6–12 (Alaska: min. age 7); 13+ for family teen trips Group size: 12–18

Tauck , founded in 1925, launched Bridges in 2004 to cater to the family market through deeper cultural experiences. In Rome , visit the Sistine Chapel after hours without herds of tourists (pictured); in Cusco , Peru, make chocolate; and in London , zoom along the Thames in a speedboat. On Tauck’s increasingly popular European river boat family departures (the company owns its own vessels), visit multiple destinations but unpack only once. In port, you and your kids bike through the countryside, learn to make marzipan, and visit a Camargue ranch to meet cowboys and their legendary white horses. On board, kids fly kites, cook with the chef, and learn local phrases. For cruises, Tauck adds three guides and a family host to the ship’s standard staff. For land trips, one driver/escort leads. 

Kids’ ages: 8–17 Group size: 40 (up to 130 on river cruises)

Originally known as R Family Vacations and rebranded as KelliGregg Travel in 2022, this inclusive company gears trips toward LGBTQ+ travelers and their kids, friends, relatives, and allies. In addition to expanding its offerings for grown-ups, KelliGregg continues to organize its summer highlight under the R Family banner: a big cruise featuring show tunes, LGBTQ+ comedy acts, family dance parties, theater camp, outdoor adventures, and a lot more. 

Kids’ ages: any age Group size: varies per trip type

There’s something special about having a friend in a foreign destination. Thomson Family Adventures creates that connection with Friends Across Borders, a digital pen pal initiative available for families who book many of its trips. Your kids correspond ahead of time with local children whom they then meet during the journey. In places with scarce internet and computer access, ground partners personally print and deliver messages. The goal is to immerse kids in the culture, whether it's through activities such as swimming with whale sharks in Baja , sailing in Ireland , or hiking in the Andes (pictured). Some trips cater to families with teens or multigenerational participants. On departures with more than eight people, a Rafiki (Swahili for friend) travels along to keep the kids engaged. Trips always have one driver and one guide.   

Kids’ ages: 8–16 typically (some trips accept younger kids) Group size: 8–12

Among the more than 50 itineraries in over 40 countries visited by  Adventures by Disney , you can count on getting hands-on local experiences, guides with a gift for storytelling, and time built into the schedule for parents and kids to be both together and apart. You and your children might craft bento boxes at a Japanese cooking school, try archery at a Scottish estate, and learn hurling in Ireland. At other times, adults might sample wines at a vineyard in Tuscany while kids are taken to pick herbs for infusing olive oil. During adults-only dinner nights, kids grab a meal and watch a Disney movie. Daily activities are focused on local culture, not Disney characters—although you may expect a few surprise appearances from those along the way. Tours of Southern California grant private access to the Walt Disney Studios & Archives and Jim Henson Studios, which are normally closed to the public. In Europe, Disney partners with AmaWaterways for river cruises. Overall, many ABD trips are 8 days/7 nights, but the company also operates shorter Escapes that can be booked on their own or added to an itinerary. 

Kids’ ages: 6+ (though kids as young as 4 may be allowed depending on the trip) Group size: 38–40

The Sierra Club , one of the oldest U.S. conservation organizations, calls its trips “adventures for a cause.” By leading organized rafting, hiking, canoeing, and volunteering vacations for families, the Sierra Club connects kids to the outdoors, hoping to turn them into future protectors of the environment. Family excursions explore the United States: Wind down rivers in Utah, Oregon, and Idaho (pictured); or base your brood at an Adirondacks’ lodge for hiking, canoeing, swimming, and mountain biking. On service trips you might do things like clearing trails in the Tahoe National Forest or working with animals on a Pennsylvania farm. On Sierra Club Outings, the naturalist leaders are volunteers. 

Kids’ ages: 6+, depending on the trip Group size: 12–15 (up to 24 for raft trips)

National Geographic Family Journeys (in partnership with G Adventures) were launched in 2020 as a subset of Nat Geo's 300 or so vacations for a general audience. These family-specific itineraries are developed alongside experts such as scientists and researchers, who emphasize sustainability and supporting local culture. On these trips, you and your kids might taste-test noodles cooked by teens learning culinary arts in Hoi An, Vietnam (pictured); plant seedlings at a tree nursery in Costa Rica; or fashion your own Carnival mask in Venice . Pre-departure, parents receive field guides with advice on sparking children’s interest in the area, and kids get tips on photographic storytelling. Two “Chief Experience Officers” (aka enthusiastic guides) lead families through the 8- to 13-day itineraries in Vietnam, Cambodia, Iceland, France, Costa Rica, Peru, Alaska, and other adventurous places. 

Kids’ ages: 7–17 Group size: 20 

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day in the Kisite marine park

We spent a very good day in the Kisite marine park where we were able to see dolphins and many fish. The boat crew was very friendly and created a great atmosphere. We recommend !

Date of experience : August 14, 2024

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The 10 best rome food tours: pasta, gelato & more.

Get your fill of the city’s best cheese, pasta, gelato and more on these top-rated tours.

The 10 Best Rome Food Tours

Laura Itzkowitz

When in Rome , you’d be remiss not to try the local specialties – there’s so much more than pizza, pasta and gelato (though you’ll find plenty of those too!). If it’s your first time visiting the Eternal City, you might be surprised to learn that some of the Italian dishes you’re used to ordering at home aren’t available at restaurants here (forget about chicken parmesan and spaghetti with meatballs). A local guide can introduce you to regional specialties like supplì (cheese stuffed rice balls), carbonara and cacio e pepe . Read on to discover the food tours and cooking classes that U.S. News identified as the best in Rome.

To determine the best Rome food tours, we used our own experiences along with recent traveler reviews. All of the featured tours have at least 100 reviews and a minimum rating of 4 out of 5 stars across multiple websites.

Editor’s Pick: Eating Europe – Twilight Trastevere Rome Food Tour

U.S. News independently paid to send Laura Itzkowitz , a freelance journalist based in Rome, on this tour to provide readers with an unbiased, first-hand perspective of what to expect. Eating Europe – Twilight Trastevere Rome Food Tour was selected by our team as an Editor’s Pick thanks to its popularity and favorable user reviews. 

Price: Adults from 133 euros (about $150); kids from 92 euros (about $102) Duration: 4 hours

This walking tour of Trastevere – often referred to as Rome’s bohemian neighborhood – is a great introduction to Roman cuisine and ties in a bit of the city’s history, too. The stops vary, but typically include a visit to a wine bar with a cellar that predates the Colosseum , a taste of porchetta (slow-roasted pork), street food, such as supplì , a typical antipasto like carciofi alla giudia (Jewish-style fried artichokes), two types of pasta and artisanal gelato.

The engaging guide on this tour had a great sense of humor and immediately created a sense of camaraderie among the group, joking that by the end we would be like a big, toxic Italian family. As we walked between stops, she pointed out monuments like the Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere and showed us the buildings constructed on top of the ancient Theatre of Pompey, near the site where Julius Caesar was killed. She explained the four types of Roman pasta ( cacio e pepe , gricia , carbonara and amatriciana ) and how to tell the difference between true artisanal gelato and the mass-produced stuff. I left feeling very full – both literally and figuratively speaking, with plenty of new-found knowledge.

The Twilight Trastevere Rome Food Tour is offered several times a day beginning at 3:30 p.m. Eating Europe also leads a foodie tour of the Testaccio neighborhood, among other options.

Why we love it:

• Enjoy skip-the-line access to popular Trastevere restaurants like Da Enzo al 29 and Trapizzino.
• You’ll learn about how Trastevere developed as a neighborhood for society’s outcasts during antiquity – and how they influenced the cuisine.
• In addition to typical Roman specialties, you’ll taste an ancient recipe that’s rarely made these days.

Check prices & availability on:

Eat and Walk Italy – 3 in 1 Cooking Class: Fettuccine, Ravioli and Tiramisù

Price: Adults from 79 euros (about $87); kids from 70 euros (about $77) Duration: 3 hours

If you want a more hands-on experience than a typical walking tour can provide, this cooking class is a great option. At a restaurant just off Piazza Navona , you’ll join a small group to learn how to make fettuccine, ravioli and tiramisù from a local English-speaking chef. The chef will share tips for mastering the art of homemade pasta. You’ll make the pasta dough from scratch and choose your preferred sauce for the fettuccine, then stuff ravioli with seasonal fillings, and finally sit down to enjoy the meal you prepared with a glass of wine or a nonalcoholic beverage of your choosing.

The class is available every day and takes about three hours (1.5 hours for the lesson and 1.5 hours to enjoy the meal). Travelers say this class is great for families with teenagers and easy for people with no prior pasta-making experience. Classes are offered daily in the afternoon and evening. Prefer pizza to pasta? The company also hosts a pizza-making class.

The Roman Guy Tours – Trastevere Local Food Tour in Rome

Price: Adults from about $108; kids from about $87 Duration: 3 hours

This walking tour starts in the centro storico and then crosses the Tiber to Trastevere, with four stops along the way. You’ll sample meats and cheeses at a traditional salumeria (deli), stop for baccalà (fried cod filets) or supplì, then sit down at a trattoria for a three-course meal with antipasti, two Roman pastas and a main course before ending the evening with a gelato. The tour is capped at 12 participants and includes wine.

Tourgoers rave about the engaging, smart guides and the delicious food, though some reviewers were disappointed that pizza was not featured. Tours run daily, with time slots at 12:30 p.m. and in the evenings, starting at 5:15 p.m. The Roman Guy also offers tours of the city’s major sites, including the Colosseum and the Vatican.

The Roman Food Tour – Rome Food Tour in Prati

Price: Adults from 109 euros (about $121); kids from 95 euros (about $105) Duration: 4 hours

Foodies will love this walking tour of the Prati neighborhood, which includes samples of premium food and wine, such as 30-year aged balsamic vinegar, truffles and Barolo. According to reviewers, a highlight of this tour is a stop at Bonci Pizzarium, widely considered the best pizza al taglio (by the slice) in Rome. There’s also a stop at La Tradizione, one of the city’s best gourmet food shops, which has more than 400 cheeses and 300 types of meat. Finally, you’ll sit down to enjoy some pasta before ending with gelato at Fatamorgana, one of the best gelato shops in the city.

The tour runs several times per day, every day of the week, starting at 10:45 a.m. most days. A word of advice from past travelers: Skip breakfast if you go on the morning tour.

If you’re interested in exploring Rome’s other foodie neighborhoods, check out the company’s Trastevere tour, or its tour of Mercato Trionfale, the largest food market in Rome.

Devour Tours – Tastes & Traditions of Rome: Testaccio Food and Market Tour

Devour Tours

Price: Adults from $83; kids from $73 Duration: 3.5 hours

If you want to get off the beaten path and see an authentic Roman neighborhood, this food tour in Testaccio may be right for you. During the walking tour, you’ll learn about Testaccio’s ancient roots and how the old slaughterhouse (now shuttered) played a pivotal role in the development of Roman cuisine. The tour starts with a typical Roman breakfast, with espresso and a maritozzo (a soft bun filled with whipped cream), then visits the Mercato di Testaccio, which some locals say has remained more authentic than the market at Campo de’ Fiori, and includes a tour of an ancient wine cellar. Other highlights include lunch at a sixth-generation, family-run trattoria, and of course, plenty of samples of cheese, pizza and pasta.

Unlike some food tours, this one is adaptable for vegetarians, pescatarians and pregnant women; notify the company about any dietary restrictions at booking. The tours are limited to 12 people. Availability varies, but generally, the tour is offered Tuesday, Friday and Saturday at 10:30 am. Travelers praise the genuine experience and say that it was refreshing to get out of the more touristy historic center. Hungry for more? The company also leads an evening tour in Trastevere, in addition to cooking classes.

Raphael Tours – Rome Street Food Tour with Local Guide

Price: Adults from $52; kids from $45 Duration: 3 hours

Concentrated in the area around Campo de’ Fiori and the Jewish Ghetto , this three-hour walking tour focuses on street food like pizza and supplì. Stops on past tours have included the open-air market in Campo de’ Fiori, the famed Antico Forno Roscioli for some of the city’s best pizza and the old-school Sant' Eustachio Caffè near the Pantheon . You’ll also learn about Roman history in the Jewish Ghetto and Largo di Torre Argentina, where Julius Caesar was assassinated.

The group size is limited to 15 people and tours have two time slots available every day (morning or evening). Tourgoers praise the knowledgeable guides and love learning about the history of each dish. They also appreciate the reasonable ticket prices and sizable portions.

Raphael Tours offers a variety of foodie-themed outings around the city, as well as a kid-friendly tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum.

Rome with Chef – Spritz & Spaghetti Class

Price: From 99 euros (about $110) Duration: 3 hours

If you’re nervous about cooking and want a little liquid courage to help you out, this class may just be for you. As soon as you arrive, the spritzes start flowing. You’ll learn tips and tricks for making the perfect Aperol spritz, then try a Campari spritz to see how they compare. After kneading your pasta dough, you’ll learn how to make one of the most classic sauces in Roman cuisine – carbonara or cacio e pepe – before ending on a sweet note with a taste of limoncello.

This three-hour class is limited to 12 participants. There are three time slots available every day. Participants suggested that this activity is great for solo travelers who want to meet other people in an informal setting during their trip. If you’d prefer to leave the cooking to someone else, consider the company’s Trastevere food tour.

Secret Food Tours – Rome Food Tour

Price: Adults from 89 euros (about $98); kids from 79 euros (about $87) Duration: 3 to 3.5 hours

One of the things that sets this apart from other tours is right in the name: every tour includes a delicious secret dish that’s only revealed during the tour. Starting with an espresso or cappuccino at one of Rome’s oldest cafes, the walking tour makes six or seven stops around Piazza Navona, Campo de’ Fiori and the Jewish Ghetto for pasta, pizza and gelato, among other tasty samples. While it mainly focuses on Roman cuisine, you’ll also get to try some specialties from other Italian regions, including cannoli and stracciatella cheese.

If you’d like to enhance your tour, consider paying more for the upgraded drinks package, which includes prosecco or a spritz, Italian beer and organic Italian wine. Participants praised the lighthearted and informative guides and loved the food they ate during the tour. Others appreciate that the tour takes you to the less touristy areas of Rome.

Tours are offered several times a day beginning at 11 a.m. Secret Food Tours also runs an outing that concentrates on Trastevere.

Gourmetaly Rome Food Tours – Campo de’ Fiori, Jewish Ghetto and Trastevere

Price: Adults from 97 euros (about $107); kids from 70 euros (about $77) Duration: 3.5 hours

This company has been leading food tours in Rome for more than a decade, so you can be sure they know what they’re doing. Covering three neighborhoods in the city center (Campo de’ Fiori, the Jewish Ghetto and Trastevere), this plastic-free walking tour features 15 different food samples at five locations. Highlights include sampling mozzarella, burrata and pecorino romano, trying fried artichokes or zucchini blossoms (depending on the season), digging into cacio e pepe and amatriciana, and tasting organic gelato. Reviewers recommend taking the tour early on in your trip so that you can make use of the guide’s recommendations and tips for avoiding tourist traps (participants leave with a restaurant guide and cookbook, which will come in handy if you’re staying for a few days). Tourgoers describe the tour pace as leisurely and the portions as generous.

The tour is offered in English multiple times per day and private tours can be booked in Spanish, French, German or Italian. If you have more of a sweet tooth, you may want to book the company’s espresso, gelato and tiramisu tour, which visits the cafes, bakeries and gelato shops surrounding the Pantheon and Navona square.

Withlocals – The 10 Tastings of Rome

Price: Varies Duration: 3 hours

When you book this private food tour of Rome, you have the chance to choose your local guide. You might end up with a pastry chef, an actor, a photographer or even a yoga teacher. The walking tour winds its way through Campo de’ Fiori and Trastevere, with 10 food and drink samples along the way. You’ll try sweet and savory items, including buffalo mozzarella and gelato.

Because this tour is private, it’s completely customizable. Availability varies depending on the guide you choose; pricing varies by the number of people in your party. For instance, a group of four adults can expect to pay about $99 per person. Let your guide know in advance about any allergies or dietary restrictions and they’ll tailor the tour to your preferences. Reviewers raved about the fantastic guides, who made them feel like they were visiting a friend.

The company also offers a food tour of Vatican City, as well as more traditional sightseeing tours of the city’s top attractions.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Laura Itzkowitz is a Rome-based freelance journalist who’s obsessed with Roman cuisine. She cooks it, she eats it, and she’s on an eternal quest to find the best pizza, pasta and gelato that the city has to offer. To curate this list of the best food tours in Rome, she used her own experience as well as her research expertise, poring over reviews and culling tips from locals and visitors.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Rome Hotels
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