Italy Real Food Adventure
Experience Overview
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 fresh, and on this eight-day trip through everybody’s favourite culinary hub, you’ll discover that pizza and pasta are only the tip of the iceberg. Uncover 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 – all with a local by your side – and take your tastebuds on an unforgettable adventure.
Highlights
- Stay in a traditional Tuscan farmhouse near San Gimignano, surrounded by vineyards and olive trees. 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 its culinary namesake, before sitting down to enjoy the fruits (or pasta sheets) of your labour.
- Swap stories with a Roman local as you feast on home-cooked seasonal dishes 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 vegetables and organic meats.
Trip Details
Product Code: 3285
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Train,Metro,Private Vehicle,Bus
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: ZMZB
Starts: Venice, Italy
Finishes: Rome, Italy
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (7), Lunch (1), Dinner (4)Accommodation: Hotel (5 nights),Farmstay (2 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $4,095 ($512 /day)
Itinerary
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.
Included Activities:
- Venice - Welcome Aperitivo
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, your local leader will treat you to a typical Venetian breakfast at a local café’. Enjoy an espresso or cappuccino with some local Venetian pastries like baci di dama, brutti ma buoni and bussola. Then, continue walking down the canals to watch farmers unload their produce from their 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. Maybe have an aperitivo spritz here, then the afternoon is free for your own exploration. Tonight, 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.
Included Activities:
- Venice - Cicchetti tour
- Venice - Venetian Breakfast and Market Tour
- Venice - Traghetto Ride
Optional Activities:
- Venice - Doge's Palace & Bridge of Sighs (30 EUR)
- Peggy Guggenheim Collection (17 EUR)
- Venice - St Mark's Campanile (12 EUR)
- Venice - Accademia Gallery (16 EUR)
- Venice - San Giorgio Bell Tower (6 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Bologna - Pasta class
Optional Activities:
- Bologna - Eataly World - Free
- Bologna - Torre degli Asinelli Tower (5 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Modena - Acetaia Visit
- Modena - Trattoria Lunch
- Modena - Parmigiano Reggiano cheese factory visit
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Agriturismo - Tour with wine and olive oil tasting
Accommodation:
- Agriturismo (Number of Nights: 1)
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 relaxing by the pool, enjoying beautiful views of the Tuscan countryside.
Included Activities:
- San Gimignano - Leader-led orientation walk
- San Gimignano - Gelateria visit
- San Gimignano - Walk a section of the Via Francigena
Accommodation:
- Agriturismo (Number of Nights: 1)
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, After, maybe head to a local bar and cheers to a trip well-travelled over a glass of local wine.
Included Activities:
- Rome - Leader-led orientation walk
- Rome - Home-cooked dinner
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Carol - Traveled, October 2023
Micol was an outstanding tour guide full of enthusiasm and dedicated to ensuring our safety and comfort. She is extremely organized and thoughtful.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/29/2023
Bruce - Traveled, October 2023
Excellent trip eating from Venice, through Tuscany to Rome. Highlight was staying at a working winery and visiting beautiful San Gimignano. And of course gelato everywhere!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/28/2023
Debra - Traveled, October 2023
This tour introduced us to the complex food culture that exists in Italy. The activities and meals included were excellent! Our tour guide, Desi, took very good care of us and we all left feeling like family. Grazie mille!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/27/2023
Daniel - Traveled, October 2023
A wonderful insight into Italy’s food & drink culture and how varied it is from region to region. Relaxing, fun and our leader Desi was the best! Thank you Intrepid. Planning my next one!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/20/2023
Randy - Traveled, September 2023
Our family group was treated so well during our tour, excursions were well planned and very interesting! Food was excellent! Tried many new things!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/07/2023
Kimberly - Traveled, October 2023
Had to cancel my first trip because of COVID, and I am SO glad I was able to reschedule. Wonderful people, places, and food, and Desi was the best tour guide I could ask for!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/21/2023
Madeleine - Traveled, September 2023
Amazing trip. Guides were knowledgeable, kind and compassionate. The food was INCREDIBLE! Great balance of guided site seeing, eating and free time. Highly recommend.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/06/2023
Kate - Traveled, September 2023
If you are looking for good food, good wine and fun company then this trip is for you! Great way to spend a week! And if you’re a solo traveller, don’t let sharing a room put you off. Vanessa and Lodo were fantastic guides and our lessons about cheese, wine and vinegar were so interesting.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/06/2023
Natalie - Traveled, September 2023
This tour gives you a great taste of Italy! The food is amazing! Pack light! Public transport will be much easier. Bring walking/running shoes, for the cobblestone streets and long walks. You are on the go, so push through on the days where you might be tired- it is well worth it! If you get Vanessa as your guide you will be in good hands. Ask her about Francesco in Venice ;)
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/22/2023
Paula - Traveled, September 2023
Wow, what an experience! This was my first time in Italy and I was wonderfully amazed. The cuisine, the landscapes, the people, and memories will not soon be forgotten. The little Italian that I know, was fun to use. Our fearless leader, Veronica showed such integrity, kindness, leadership, and joy that it made this first time experience in Italy a pure pleasure.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/20/2023
Judy - Traveled, June 2023
Magda and the Italy Food Tour were outstanding. Small group, great experiences, really good value. Strongly recommended.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/16/2023
Cathy - Traveled, June 2023
The trip was delicious, interesting and highly enjoyable. Gondolas we’re challenging for me but not for others
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/13/2023
Mark - Traveled, May 2023
A great leader and a fun trip especially for Wine lovers. Especially liked the agristay at a working vineyard.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/27/2023
Andrew - Traveled, May 2023
An amazing cultural tour of Northern Italian cuisine - from the seafood of Venice to the pasta of Bologna snd Rome. Wonderful restaurants and dining experiences. A stress-free way to enjoy Italy.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/02/2023
Katrina - Traveled, May 2023
This was an amazing experience and tour of Italian food and culture. Tasting foods and pasta from each region was incredible! Highlights included being in local hangouts a tourist would never find, the scenic walk through San Gimignano and the ability to just be in the moment as the tour leader took responsibility of all the logistics. Vanessa was an excellent leader!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/02/2023
Alison - Traveled, September 2023
I have just returned from the Italian Food Tour. The tour leader, Veronica, was the absolute best - knowledgeable and generally lovey. The other travellers were also fantastic. A trip of a life time with my 20 something daughter.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/13/2023
Wendy - Traveled, August 2023
For those who are looking for a tour that is organised, intimate & the most fun ever you should consider the real food tour. It was excellent, if you have a chance to choose your guide, ask for Vanessa as it was she who made this tour exceptional.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/11/2023
Fran - Traveled, July 2023
This trip is a fantastic way to see Italy, eating, walking, and making pasta. I liked the small group. Graziano was a very knowledgeable, gracious, helpful and fun leader. He was especially great on our hike to San Gimignano.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/20/2023
Christopher - Traveled, September 2023
Trip of a lifetime and would do it over and over. Created lasting friendships from all over the world including the our guides. Only way to travel moving forward is a small group tour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/26/2023
Jennifer - Traveled, September 2023
Such a valuable and enriching experience on the Real Food tour. Great food, great people, great places. I'd love to do it again.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/11/2023
Monica - Traveled, September 2023
I would like to thank Intrepid and Vanessa (the best tour leader, ever) for providing a wonderful and unique way of experiencing Italy; getting to eat like a local though the various Italian locations (as opposed to set tourist laden eateries) was truly a yummy experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/26/2023
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