Duration: 2.5 hours
Type of Service: Hidden Venice Food Tour with Rialto Market, Cicchetti and Gondola Ride - small group tour
Are you looking for the best food tour in Venice? Embark on a foodie-led exploration of Venetian culture that takes you off the beaten path. With a friendly, English-speaking guide by your side, visit some of our favorite bacari wine bars to sample assorted cicchetti dishes. Get a taste of local Venice food culture and learn about the city as you fill your belly with the best regional wine and food. This 2.5-hour tour includes:
- English-speaking, local foodie guide
- Maximum of 10 people per group
- Gondola ride
- Prosecco, wine and cocktails
- Sit down pasta lunch
- Cicchetti and Bacari
There are two words that are very important to learn when visiting Venice: cicchetti and bacari. The word cicchetti comes from Venetian dialect, meaning "a small savory snack". They are served at various little ‘bacari’ (local wine bars) and come in many delicious varieties. The tradition of going to bacari goes back to at least the 1300's. As time went on and the city got bigger, the number of bacari multiplied as more and more people desired wine.
Your local Venetian guide will explain many of the traditions involving why people visited bacari during the day (even in the morning!). When Italians drink wine, they always have something to eat with it, to make sure that they don't get too tipsy. So over time, the bacari started offering cicchetti (small savory snacks). And a new tradition was born, drinking wine with cicchetti.
Prosecco for Breakfast - In a city known throughout the world for its many islands and canals, most people think that they have Venice figured out. What they don't know is that there is so much more to discover, especially gastronomically. The first stop on this Venice food tour introduces you to a tasty side of Venice that not many experiences, starting with some bubbly wine for breakfast. Don’t worry, you’ll have a bite to eat as well.
A Refreshing Gondola Ride - A trip to Venice wouldn't be complete without a ride on a gondola. Instead of taking the regular route and crossing Venice's Grand Canal by bridge, your local guide will take you across the water on a short, 2-minute gondola taxi ride! Get your cameras ready.
Mercato Rialto - The Rialto Market has been around for centuries. Early Venetian settlers used to come to this area to trade goods, and to this day, not much has changed. Today, Venetian vendors continue to gather here and offer locally-grown produce and fish.
The Spritz - After sampling some cicchetti and prosecco at your first stop, taste another popular drink in Venice at our second bacari stop. Whether you have a sweet tooth or prefer bitter drinks, there is a Spritz for everyone. The Campari Spritz has a higher alcohol content than an Aperol Spritz; it also tastes more bitter than sweet. If you’ve ever seen pictures of people drinking a bright orange cocktail from a stemmed glass in Italy, that’s an Aperol Spritz. Both drinks are made with prosecco.
Ombra and Lunch - An ombra in Venice is a small glass of wine; ombra means “shade” in Italian. Legend has it that in the old days, wine was sold near the bell tower of San Marco's square in the shade. So, the people would say "let's go drink in the shade by the bell tower”. Today it has been shortened to just one word - ombra. At the third stop, taste some of the local favorite ombra, as you sit down for a delicious lunch that includes some of the best pasta in Venice.
Gelato in Venice - No Italian foodie experience is complete without some gelato. On this guided tour of Venice, learn how to spot authentic gelato from the kind with additives in one of Venice's best "gelateria" (gelato shops).
You may feel like staying out in Venice exploring after the tour ends or you might need to take a rest after all the eating and drinking. If you're ready to head home, your guide will happily show you where to catch the nearest "vaporetto" (water taxi) so you can cruise back to your accommodations for an afternoon nap.
Things to Know:
Duration: 3 Hours, (includes one-hour visit to the interior of Doge's Palace)
Type of Service: Walking food tour of Venice
On this three-hour tour you’ll enjoy the authentic Venetian food and wine traditions at a local Osteria and be introduced to Venice’s famous landmarks, including the exterior of Doge’s Palace.
Your personal local guide will provide you a walking tour of the picturesque Venetian calli (streets) and ponti (bridges) of Venice, telling you the incredible history and secrets of this unique city. You’ll admire the center of the Venetian power during the Serenissima Republic of Venice: Piazza San Marco (St. Mark’s Square) and its fascinating buildings, such as the Basilica di San Marco and Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace), which was the heart of the political life and public administration of the Venetian Republic. Follow some incredible off-the-beaten-track itineraries and discover Venice's best-kept secrets, then taste the authentic Venetian food and wine traditions in a typical “Osteria.” Mix up with the locals and enjoy a tasty Venetian aperitif with “cicchetti e un’ombra di vino” (finger food and a glass of wine), that will invigorate your spirit and make you look at Venice from the locals’ point of view!
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Duration: 13.5 hours
Type of Service: VIP Amalfi Coast Tour from Rome by High-Speed Train with Mozzarella Tasting
Take in the marvels of the Amalfi Coast on the only guided day tour from Rome via high-speed train. This is your chance to experience the UNESCO recognized landscape, as well as see its top ‘jewels’, the towns of Amalfi and Positano, all with captivating insight from a local expert guide throughout the day. In addition to the stunning vistas and awe-inspiring towns, you’ll also get off the beaten path for a taste of one of the region’s world-famous specialties - Mozzarella and other local cheeses - from a working cheesemaker that produces this delicacy fresh every day.
Our Amalfi Coast tours from Rome meet at the city’s central railway station from where you’ll be whisked off to Naples. After meeting your local guide in this city by the sea, you’ll take a comfortable private coach into the winding roads and lemon orchards that characterize this part of Italy as you hear the local history and get insider recommendations from your guide. Enjoy the incredible views of the lush mountains, crystalline sea and colorful villages that characterize this paradise.
The first stop is the most picturesque town on the entire coast, Positano, whose houses seem to tumble down to the sea amid narrow alleyways, chic boutiques, restaurants, and ‘Dolce Vita’ cafés. Despite its glamor, Positano was once a nearly abandoned fishing village until it was ‘rediscovered’ by the elite. Come here and it’s easy to see why. Its charm will seep into your pores as you shop for local ‘limoncello’, visit the church of Santa Maria Assunta or soak it all in from a restaurant terrace.
Your next stop is the former capital of the maritime republic that gave the area its name, Amalfi. Once one of the most important trading powers in the Mediterranean, this port city in miniature is home to a dazzling piazza, pristine medieval cathedral, and streets that will captivate you with their fairytale-like flavor. Have free time for lunch, climb the staircase to the Cathedral (‘Duomo’) and its arabesque cloister, as well as shop for Amalfi’s handmade ‘bambagina’ paper. If you prefer the beach, the tiny bay is also an inviting place for a dip.
After taking in the crown jewels of the Amalfi coast, travel up the mountains that cradle it to take in more incredible views. Here you’ll have the rare privilege to see how one of Italy’s most famous foods is made from a real local cheesemaker. We’re of course speaking of real Mozzarella cheese. Also known as ‘the queen of Mediterranean cuisine’, this delicacy is made with pure cow's milk, and it will be hard to go back to the stuff back home once you’ve tried it.
See the Amalfi Coast as never before and let your senses by captivated by the sights, sounds, and flavors that have made it so cherished on this comprehensive guided day tour from Rome that is sure to be the highlight of your trip to Italy.
Things to Know:
Duration: 6 hours
Type of Service: Tuscany Vespa Tour - The Tuscan landscapes on board of an Italian icon - small group tour and private tours offered
We designed this trip for those who want a quick and fun adventure. A private van transfer takes you into the countryside to meet your guide and your scooter, away from the busy and hustling city. The tour is led by our experienced guide. Every person will have his or her own scooter to ride if they wish. After an orientation, your English-speaking escort will lead you out for an engaging and enjoyable ride, along quiet and scenic country roads offering splendid views of the rolling hillside and visiting different small medieval villages, cruising along Chianti’s quiet roads, gliding past vineyards and villas.
No need to worry about where to go and what to see because your guide will lead the way! They know the most scenic roads, the loveliest places, and the best food and wine in Tuscany. We will then stop for some lunch savoring Tuscan specialties with a little tasting of Chianti wines, featuring sweeping views over the romantic Tuscan landscape. Touring by scooter is a wonderful way of exploring Tuscany. You can stop when and wherever you want and parking is never a problem. Furthermore, you and your Italian Vespa become a part of the scenery rather than being sealed off from it. Combine the freedom and exhilaration of touring by scooter with the amazing food, wine, and beauty of Tuscany.
A valid driver’s license is required and you must be at least 18 years of age. Guests do not need a motorcycle license. The Vespa experience offers an original take on touring Tuscany, while we take care of each and every detail.
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Duration: 3 Hours
Type Of Service: Local Foodie Tour in Trastevere with Wine & Dinner
Embark on a food tour in Trastevere that offers an excellent introduction to one of the best foodie districts in Rome. Walking around the Eternal City is an excellent way to work up an appetite; a food tour is the best way to end your day of sightseeing. Led by a local foodie guide, visit some of our favorite restaurants and trattoria in Rome.
Roman Bakery and Pizza - At this stop, learn more the history of bakeries, or forni, in Rome. Get acquainted with a major part of Roman culinary tradition by ordering a hot square of pizza bianca for lunch. In Rome, people line up for these olive oil flat breads stuffed with prosciutto, parmesan and rocket. As opposed to red pizza served by the slice (al taglio), pizza bianca is not what most people associate with pizza. After you've tasted this treat, you'll understand how pizza need not have sauce or cheese to be delicious. Pizza bianca is a piece of chewy and crispy culinary heaven.
Roman Street Food - While a sit-down meal of creamy carbonara accompanied by copious amounts of Sangiovese is more likely associated with the best Italian fare, street food is nothing to sneeze at. Some of the most delicious cuisine in Rome includes quick and casual street food. From deconstructed pizza sandwiches at Trapizzino to traditionally fried filetto di baccala at Dar Filettaro’s near the Campo de' Fiori district, Rome street food is hard to beat. In the spirit of experiencing the joy of Roman street fare, enjoy a stop at one of our favorite local spots.
dDuration: 2.5 hours
Type of Service: Florence Evening Walking and Wine Tour – private tour
A popular social tradition in Italy, aperitivo comprises of snacks and drinks to be enjoyed in a bar before dinner. Your tour will begin from your accommodations as you stroll towards the Duomo where you will receive a short introduction about this historic building and the piazza that surrounds it before enjoying a glass of wine or prosecco with crostini's and tuscan meats and cheeses at a favorite Florentine wine bar and restaurant.
Your next stop on this walking tour you will cross over the Ponte Vecchio Bridge for a great photo before strolling through Piazza Santo Spirito, one of the more picturesque areas of Florence, a lively scene both day and night on your way to a popular wine bar for a glass of prosecco.
Your final destination on this wine tour is to enjoy a beverage of your choice and appetizer on a rooftop bar with amazing views of the Arno River and surrounding landmarks.
This is a wonderful introduction to the beautiful city of Florence. I highly recommend this tour for anyone and everyone.
Things to Know:
Duration: 8 hours
Type of Service: Personal sommelier - wine expert on board, awarded but non-commercial wineries visit with the vintners, highly educational wine tour for wine connoisseurs or simply wine lovers.
Tour Description:
Take a private wine tour experience to visit Tuscany's best wineries, where you will sample top-end wines and have an educational and tasty food & wine pairing session to combine each wine with each food specialty. Enjoy a full day escorted by a friendly professional driver-guide, specialized in wine-making and sommelier, fluent in English and knowledgeable about wines.
The tour includes a scenic drive through the Chianti Classico region, the first stop at a wine estate with full cellar tour and tasting of at least 3-4 wines. The second winery will host you for a food and wine pairing session (gluten free-vegan-vegetarian options possible in advance). Lastly, we will visit an award-winning winery to sample Super Tuscan wines. In the majority of the estates visited, you will sample extra virgin olive oil, and other local products.
Things to Know:
Duration: 8 hours
Type of Service: Personal sommelier - wine expert on board, awarded but non-commercial wineries visit with the vintners and historical overview of the region
Tour Description: The Chianti Classico area is the most beautiful Tuscan wine region crossed by the scenic road SR 222 running between Florence and Siena, both great home bases if you are thinking about booking this wine tour.
The area is a patchwork of mountains, soft rolling hills covered by olive trees and slopes with perfectly cared vineyards where more than 200 Tuscan vintners are growing local grape varieties such as Sangiovese along with international grape varieties introduced in Tuscany several years ago such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir.
A full day in Chianti will consist of a scenic drive and a wine tour rich in cultural insights from Etruscan times till modern times always with a deep attention to the history of winemaking in Tuscany through accurate cellar visits, generous wine tastings of Chianti Classico, Chianti Classico Riserva and Super Tuscans.
Things to Know
Duration: 8 hours
Type of Service: Etruscan Sites, Off the beaten path hilltop town, top end winery visits with farm to table Tuscan home-made meal - Chianti Tour from Florence
Comfortable pick up from your hotel, scenic drive along the Chianti Classico area with a full explanation of the region with cultural insights.
The first stop will be at a small medieval hilltop town still a living community which keeps the village immaculate as the 9th century to get an off the beaten path experience away from the crowds and big tourists centers. The walk through the village will be escorted by your driver/guide to give you a fun, educational tour and learn about historical curiosities anyway do not expect a museum and churches tour but be ready to fill your eyes with a movie-like setting.
Next, you will visit a small Etruscan site to get a historical and archeological introduction about Tuscan's ancestors, and afterward, you will be a visit to a family run winery with cellar visit and winemaking explanation followed by a farm to table meal with wine pairing plus a tasting of extra virgin olive oil.
After lunch, enjoy a relaxing car ride back to Florence as your English-speaking tour guide/driver shares great conversations with you and answers any questions you might have about wine and the Chianti region.
Things to Know
Duration: 7 Hours
Type of Service: Cooking Class at a Farmhouse in Tuscany
A full day hands-on Cooking Class in a stunning setting in the Tuscan countryside including a food tour through the historic center of Florence. Led by a local food-lover guide, you will taste your way through the Florentine's favorite bakery and grocery stores to experience Tuscan food like a real local. You will buy ingredients on the way and in Florence's most vibrant food market.
On arrival in our beautiful farmhouse, you will start creating a complete menu, from appetizer to dessert, using only the freshest seasonal ingredients, the majority of which come from the vegetable garden of the farmhouse!
Be prepared to roll up your sleeves and learn to cook as Tuscan grandmas and moms do every day in their kitchens for their families. Master the secrets of traditional dishes that you will easily re-create at home for your friends and family. The cooking lesson is suitable for beginners and for those who can already cook.
Then finally we will all sit together outside (weather permitting) and just like a big Italian family, we will take time to enjoy the food we have prepared together. Buon Appetito!
What you can expect
First, discover Florence's historical food market where the locals do their daily shopping. Blend in with the locals. Meet the bakers, the butchers, and the farmers selling vegetables from their fields. Their stalls are full of items such as fresh fruit, vegetables, cheeses, cured meats, balsamic vinegar, sun dried tomatoes, olives and many other Italian food specialties. Shop for the ingredients to use for the cooking class and learn to choose the best seasonal products.
Then, it's time to start your cooking lesson at a farmhouse in Tuscany. This isn't just a demonstration, you will actually take part in creating a full traditional Tuscan meal with your chef's help. You will learn to make real Italian fresh pasta by hand with freshly laid eggs and learn to make a traditional meat sauce using ingredients from right outside the door!
Learn to prepare homemade pizza and classic bruschetta with fresh bread, homegrown tomatoes and the farmhouse's own extra virgin olive oil and then take a break to enjoy the pizza and bruschetta with a glass of Chianti wine.
After the break, it's back to the lesson where you will learn how to prepare traditional Tuscan roast pork, arista and Tuscan roast potatoes using fresh herbs collected from around the farmhouse. To finish the class, you will learn the secrets of the wonderful Italian coffee and cream dessert, Tiramisù.
At last, sit down to enjoy a wonderful meal. Each course will be paired with a carefully selected wine from the region to compliment the flavors of the food you have prepared. At the end of your meal, your driver will be waiting for you for a short drive back to Florence, so it's time to say arrivederci after an unforgettable experience in Tuscany.
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