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Italy Real Food Adventure

8 Days | Uncover the secrets of Italian cuisine while travelling from Venice to Rome

4.8 out of 5 based on 52 reviews submitted.
Food
From
ZAR  46,470
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Italians are the masters of creating simple dishes that sing with flavour. Regional, seasonal and as fresh as possible, Italy’s cuisine is hearty, satisfying and made with heart. Inspired by the kitchens of the nonna, Italy’s food is authentic and surprising – pizza and pasta are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the diverse array of unforgettable food you’ll find on this adventure that travels from Venice to Rome via San Gimignano and Bologna.

Trip overview

Map of Italy Real Food Adventure including Italy
Start
Venice, Italy
Finish
Rome, Italy
Theme
Food
Destinations
Italy
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Original
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
ZMZB
This trip generates 36.08 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • Italy is a foodie's paradise, but as a visitor it can be hard to escape the tourist traps. Your local leaders will give you an insider's guide to this epicurean wonderland
  • This trip takes in some of the titans of regional Italian cuisine – Rome (Lazio region), Tuscany, Emilia Romagna and the Veneto
  • Tasting the real balsamic vinegar in an acetaia (vinegar loft) is a revelation – it'll be hard to go back to the mass-produced version after this
  • A farmstay in Tuscany gives you an insider's glimpse of wine and olive production in this iconic region
  • Had too much of the good life? Shake things up by walking part of the pilgrim's route, the glorious Via Francigena
  • With hands-on cooking classes led by local masters, you'll learn to roll pasta like a pro, and prepare an authentic tagliatelle al ragu in the city where it all started

Is this trip right for you?
  • 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. Train travel is a fast way to traverse long distances, allowing you to avoid traffic jams and arrive right into the city centre. Trains are comfortable and all have toilets, however can often be quite busy. Please note that 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 important 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.
  • The walk along the Via Francigena is about 7 kilometres (4.5 miles). The terrain is nice and easy, although travellers can elect to take a taxi to San Gimignano if preferred (at own cost).
  • While this trip concludes in Rome, we do not spend a lot of time in this city. If you wish to explore further, adding additional nights to the end of your trip is recommended.

Itinerary

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2023 to 31 December 2023.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2024

Map of Italy Real Food Adventure including Italy

Inclusions

Meals

7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners

Transport

Train, Metro, Private Vehicle, Bus

Accommodation

Hotel (5 nights), Farmstay (2 nights)

Activities
  • Venice - Welcome Aperitivo
  • Venice - Cicchetti tour
  • Venice - Venetian Breakfast and Market Tour
  • Bologna - Pasta class
  • Modena - Acetaia Visit
  • Modena - Trattoria Lunch
  • Agriturismo - Olive Oil tasting
  • Agriturismo - Wine Tour and Tasting
  • San Gimignano - Leader-led orientation walk
  • San Gimignano - Gelateria visit
Add on activities
  • Venice - Ca' Rezzonico Museum of Eighteenth Century Art - EUR11
  • Venice - Doge's Palace & Bridge of Sighs - EUR30
  • Peggy Guggenheim Collection - EUR17
  • Venice - Museum of St Mark's Basilica - EUR5
  • Venice - St Mark's Campanile - EUR12
  • Venice - St Mark's Basilica Treasury - EUR5
  • Venice - Accademia Gallery - EUR16
  • Ca’ D’Oro - Galería Franchetti - EUR15
  • Venice - San Giorgio Bell Tower - EUR6
  • Bologna - Eataly World - Free
  • Bologna - Torre degli Asinelli Tower - EUR5

Dates and availability

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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 5,6 (Farmhouse) 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.

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.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 based on 52 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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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!
Review submitted 28 Oct 2023

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.
Review submitted 29 Oct 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!!
Review submitted 20 Oct 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!
Review submitted 17 Oct 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!
Review submitted 21 Oct 2023
Italy Real Food Adventure
From
ZAR  46,470