Culinary Gems of Italy

After a short stroll around dusk, treat yourselves to a quintessential Venetian experience at the bustling bacari dotted across the city. Accompanied by an expert guide, get introduced to Venice’s food culture at these hidden wine bars, believed to have originated in the 1300s. Enjoy a Cicchetti (the typical small snacks served in Venice) crawl while navigating the maze of back alleys dotted across residential neighborhoods surrounding the historic Rialto bridge. Before setting out for dinner, soak up the lively atmosphere of this Venetian institution, interacting with residents around oak barrels that serve as tables. Rubbing shoulders with Veneziano speaking locals, join in on this early evening phenomenon, hopping between cozy watering holes characterized by quirky and funky décor. Dig into an assortment of traditional Cicchetti that make up the daily-changing, seasonal menus, all paired with ombras – small glasses of organic house wines, or spritz concoctions. Expect to taste bite-sized sandwiches, fresh seafood, deep-fried cheeses, artichoke hearts, pickled specialties, and artisanal cold cuts. End the tour on a sweet note with a tasting of local cookies. (3 hrs; Time: 1600 – 1900 hrs; Private Activity; Snacks, wine and cookies included; Fitness level: Easy. Please note this is a walking tour and the guide will meet you directly at your hotel; It is advisable to wear comfortable shoes and bring along a light raincoat or an umbrella depending on the weather.)

Take a history walk through the back alleys of lesser-known Venice and a 30 minutes gondola ride down the iconic Grand Canal. After breakfast or lunch in your hotel, meet your local guide at Venice’s centrally located Clients Hotel. Stroll along the intricate network of Venetian alleys, some famous and some hidden gems, learning about the historic significance of the old neighborhoods from your guide. Step over flagstone paths and pretty stone bridges, traversing the Grand Canal, before stepping into a gondola for one of the most romantic rides in the world. Experience the spirit of Venice, the power center of Renaissance Europe, as you listen to the soothing sound of the gondolier’s oars. Return to your hotel after this charming tour. (Duration: 2.5 hrs; Private activity; Fitness level: moderate, people with physical limitations can participate as long as they have someone to provide assistance; Please wear comfortable shoes, the weather may call for a light raincoat or umbrella)

Enjoy the beauty of Florence as the sun sets. Meet your guide at your hotel and walk to the UNESCO-listed historic center of this beautiful city. First, pass through Piazza Duomo or Cathedral Square that is home to iconic landmarks. Your guide will point out the cathedral, the bell tower and the baptistery, with their varied styles of architecture. Stroll past Piazza della Repubblica, the site of the Giubbe Rosse cafe, a popular haunt of intellectuals and artists in the early 20th century. As you walk across Piazza della Signoria, get a good look at the Renaissance sculptures found here including the Fountain of Neptune and a reproduction of Michelangelo’s David. Wind your way along Ponte Vecchio, the medieval stone arch bridge that is lined with jewelry stores. After a couple of hours of walking, wind up the tour at Piazza Santa Croce, Piazza Santa Maria Novella or Piazza San Lorenzo. Enjoy a refreshing alcoholic or non-alcoholic aperitif in a local cafe or bar before you head back to the hotel. (Duration: 2 hrs; Time: after 1700 hrs (recommended); Private activity; Transfers not required; Meals included: aperitif; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Fitness level; easy; Please wear comfortable shoes for walking)

Explore the Tuscan wine trail and discover the Super Tuscans on this leisurely tour. Set off in the morning and drive across the picturesque Chianti wine region comprising vineyards, olive groves and stately villas. Make stops at two famous wineries and an award-winning boutique winery. Find out how the excellent climatic conditions of the region and fertile soil are conducive to growing the best grapes for wines such as the famous Chianti. Learn to differentiate between wines based on their flavors and scent, under the guidance of an expert sommelier. Discover the Super Tuscans that each of the three wineries are famed for. A Super Tuscan is a signature product and a precious commodity that attests to the skills of the winemaker and his enologist. Taste the house wines at each of the wineries. On your way, stop by an iconic Tuscan village, where history comes alive amid charming cobblestone streets and ancient architecture. Discover the cultural heritage and unique atmosphere that define this timeless corner of Tuscany. Afterwards, settle down to relish a lunch featuring Tuscan specialties and local produce at the gourmet restaurant in the boutique winery. Your meal will be paired with the appropriate wine for a truly delicious experience. (Duration: 6.6hrs; Seasonal: Apr – Oct; Time: 0930 hrs; Shared activity; Group size: max 8 ppl; No transfers to the meeting point; Starting point: Florencetown Booking Office, Piazza Mentana, 3, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy; Meals included: tastings & lunch; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Fitness level: easy).

Learn to prepare a flavorful Tuscan meal, during this hands-on culinary experience. Meet the chef and head to the Mercato Centrale to buy ingredients. At the market, sample traditional liver pate, capers, and anchovies paired with dessert wine. Taste salamis, wedges of Parmigiano Reggiano, truffle honey and sundried tomatoes, before continuing to the fishmongers and butchers. Pass by stalls selling varieties of offal, minced beef, pork sausages, rabbits and chickens. At a tiny shop, try extra virgin olive oil with unsalted bread, and balsamic vinegars aged in wooden barrels of oak, cherry and juniper. Then, take a short walk to the cooking workshop. Under your chef’s supervision, have a go at making pasta from scratch and learn to prepare bruschetta, pasta sauce and dessert. Later, sit down and savor the meal along with glasses of Chianti wine. You will receive a certificate and recipe book before the experience wraps up. (Duration: half day; Seasonal: Mar-Oct (daily) & Nov-Feb (Mon-Sat); Time: 0900 hrs; Shared activity; Group size: max 20 ppl; Starting point: Florencetown Cooking School, Via Panicle, 43/r, Florence; Meals included: tasting local products & lunch with 2 glasses of wine; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Not suitable for persons with celiac disease; Please note, central market is closed on Sundays & public holidays, on those days a special introduction on Tuscan cooking & additional tastings of local products is included)

Heading out from Naples, stop to explore the ruins of the UNESCO-listed historic town of Pompeii. See the awe-inspiring site of an ancient city preserved for posterity under layers of volcanic ash and pumice. After the massive eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79, the town remained hidden for centuries before being unearthed by years of archaeological excavations. Walk around the well-preserved remains of the once bustling Roman town, past public baths and an ancient arena. Colorful frescoes and mosaics adorn the still-standing buildings. You will also come across body casts of the town-dwellers who perished on that fateful day, their expressions of horror frozen in time. Afterwards, relish lunch at a local restaurant offering beautiful views of the countryside. Enjoy sampling local wines before you resume your journey to Sorrento. (En route Activity; Duration: 5 hrs including transfer time; Meals included: lunch and wine tasting; Private English Speaking Guide & Entrance Fee to Pompeii Archeological site included; Fitness Level: Easy; Please wear comfortable outdoor clothes and sturdy walking shoes; Closed on 1 Jan, 1 May, 25 Dec).

Get picked up from your hotel or nearby location as you set off on this unique tour of lemon groves along the Amalfi Coast. Accompany your knowledgeable guide among the fragrant lemon trees as you sip on a refreshing welcome drink. Walk to the collection center where you can see how the finest lemons are selected and processed into a variety of products. Stop by the cozy Terra di Limoni craft distillery to get a closer look at the techniques used to produce excellent limoncello, the region’s famous lemon liqueur. Tantalize your taste buds as you sample the exotic concoction, savoring its unique flavor. Enjoy lunch on a breezy terrace along with splendid ocean views. Relish a range of delicacies with lemon flavors as you listen to your guide enumerate the many therapeutic benefits and culinary uses of this tangy fruit. Return to your hotel with a small souvenir of your enjoyable excursion. (Full Day; Welcome Drink and Lunch Included; Private Activity and Transfers; Fitness level: moderate, please note that people with physical limitations can participate as long as they have someone to provide assistance; Please wear comfortable shoes as there is plenty of walking involved.)

Learn how to cook in the traditional Italian style and uncover the secrets of popular pasta dishes during this delicious experience. Your chauffeur will drive you to the home kitchen of a local chef. Watch how fresh pasta dishes – ravioli, gnocchi or tagliatelle – are prepared in Italian sauces. Put together a multi-course meal, including an appetizer, a dish of seasonal vegetables, a meat dish, and finally a dessert to wrap it up. The home chef will teach you to appreciate the signature culinary textures and flavors of Mediterranean cuisine. Learn how to cook pasta from scratch and how to plan an Italian dinner menu, using the freshest local produce. After the class, enjoy lunch or dinner featuring the dishes that you helped prepare, washed down with delicious local wines. End your lunch with homemade desserts, accompanied by good conversation and the company of your gracious host. (Duration: half day; Private activity & transfers; Meals included: lunch or dinner; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Fitness level: easy)

Experience the charms of Rome on this enjoyable walking tour. In the late evening, meet your guide and set off to explore the Spanish Steps. Take in its sloping staircase, and the illuminated Renaissance church of Trinita dei Monti towering above it. See the Trevi Fountain, made famous in the 1960 movie ‘La Dolce Vita’. You could throw a coin into the fountain before you make your way to the majestic Pantheon, once a temple devoted to pagan deities that now serves as a Christian basilica. Your last stop is the bustling Piazza Navona, surrounded by fountains, sculptures and beautiful palaces. Bernini’s ‘Fountain of Four Rivers’, the Obelisk of Domitian, and the Baroque church of Sant’Agnese in Agone are some of the prominent landmarks here. Along the way, make stops to sample local sweets or savory delicacies. After the tour winds up, make your way back to the hotel. (Duration: 2.5 hrs; Time: 1930 hrs; Shared activity; Group size: max 12 ppl; No transfers; Starting point: in front of Hotel Hassler Piazza Trinità dei Monti; Meals included: tastings; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Fitness level: easy; Please wear comfortable walking shoes; Headphones provided for groups of nine or more people; Do arrive at least 15 mins prior to departure time)

Marvel at the Colosseum – a symbol of the mighty Roman Empire, which was witness to brutal games between gladiators and wild animals, centuries ago. Accompanied by your expert historian, learn about the Colosseum’s fine engineering, which is a testament to the advanced technology of the Romans. Admiring the majestic architecture, see 80 entrances built for easy access, and a sophisticated system of aqueducts and water fountains to serve the spectators. Observe the carved Tuscan, Ionian, and Corinthian columns that adorn the multiple stories. Exploring various features, get a sense of how swords clashed, crowds cheered, and emperors entertained. Walk under the Arch of Constantine, and stroll about the expansive Roman Forum, where modern democracy is believed to have taken shape. Finally, head to Palatine Hill, one among Rome’s seven hills, a site of ancient legends, considered to be the birthplace of its founders Romulus and Remus. Standing amid wildflowers of the Farnese Gardens, enjoy panoramic vistas of surrounding landmark ruins, and the Tiber river beyond. (Half Day; Private Activity; Fitness Level: Moderate; Included: Pre-booked tickets for Colosseum, an English speaking guide and a private vehicle. The guide will meet you directly at your hotel. Please wear comfortable shoes).

Visit the glorious Vatican Museums, an expansive complex that houses the world’s largest private art collection across 54 galleries and two papal palaces. Admire the stunning architecture and the elegant décor as you enter the premises and walk through the corridors. Accompanying passionate expert guides, absorb centuries of history via anecdotes and hidden details that bring the art to life, showcasing the power and politics of the Vatican City. Amid this treasure trove of priceless art including works by master painters and celebrated artists, see magnificent frescoes, rare sculptures, and prized paintings. Navigate the many rooms including favorites such as the Gallery of the Candelabra, Gallery of Tapestries, and the Gallery of the Maps featuring painted topographical maps of Italy. Take a break at the airy Belvedere Courtyard. Stepping inside the Sistine Chapel, marvel at Michelangelo’s masterpiece paintings that adorn the walls and ceilings. Observe scenes from the Old Testament, with hidden symbols of Judaism. Continue further to the ornate St Peter’s Basilica, considered the world’s largest and the most important church, thanks to the crypt that serves as a site of pilgrimage for Catholics. After browsing Bernini’s Baldachin, climb the dome for a close look at the ceiling mosaics, and enjoy the best view of Rome, concluding an experience of a lifetime! (Half Day; Time: 1430 hrs; Shared Activity with max group size 12 guests; Self organized transfer to the meeting point; Meeting point: Cantina del Duca, Via Santamaura 60, Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes prior; Fitness level: easy-moderate, Please note that people with physical limitations can participate as long as they have someone to provide assistance; Please wear appropriate clothing – shorts, miniskirts and uncovered shoulders are not allowed in the Basilica and Vatican Museums – and comfortable walking shoes. If St. Peter’s Basilica is being used for a religious ceremony or function, the tour will continue outside.)