The kitchen window opens to views of verdant hills sweeping down into volcanic lakes near the edge of ancient Rome. The scent of sizzling garlic entices your palate. Strawberries contrast the bright green oak trees. Sip a glass of local wine beneath a shady parasol and bask in the view of the 13 towns known as Castelli Romani during your custom-tailored culinary tour of Lazio. Wander the meandering lanes of medieval towns overlooking ancient craters and indulge in indulgent cuisines while learning...
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Rome – A Welcoming Taste of Rome
The rich culture of Italy comes to life in the region of Lazio, filled with scenic villages and traditional cuisine embodying cultural history. Your flight lands in Rome, the capital of the Lazio region, where your private transfer meets you at Fiumicino Airport. Rome is a vibrant contemporary city nestled into the captivating ancient and medieval facades at the city center. Your guide leads you through the fabulous streets of Rome on a tour meant to introduce you to the beauty of the Eternal City, along with the indulgent cuisine.
The Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore is distinct for its record of having celebrated mass every day since the 5th century. The gold-covered ceiling was added in the 15th century with the first treasures brought back from the New World. The grandeur of the architecture leads you to the opulence of the cuisine in the neighborhood of Prati, a district known for its affluence, proximity to Vatican City, and a heavenly aroma emanating from the local restaurants.
Your guide leads you to a coffee shop roasting its own beans since 1919. The scent of freshly brewed espresso carries over to Franchi, a deli opened in the 1920s offering an array of Italian cheeses and popular cured meats. The man behind the counter greets you with a charming smile, eager for you to sample the variety of locally sourced cheeses, from creamy goat cheese wrapped in rosemary to a cow’s milk cheese with a springy texture and sweet flavor.
What's Included:
Day 2
Frascati – When Roaming the Countryside
Day 3
Ariccia – When Accompanied by Wine
Day 4
Nemi – Sacred Splendor of Lazio
Day 5
Rome – Time Amongst the Ancients
Day 6
Sermoneta – The Gems of Lazio
Day 7
Nemi – Looking in the Mirror of Diana
Day 8
Rome – Knowledge from the Past
Trip Highlights
- Discover the stunning scenery of Lazio around the small towns that make up the Castelli Romani
- Delight in a tasting of the local liqueur made from the fresh strawberries picked in the summer
- Indulge in the regional flavors of Lazio with a tasting meal paired with regional wines around the hills of Castel Gandolfo
- Relish the beauty of Nemi with a visit to a vineyard overlooking the reflective azure water of Nemi Lake
- Bask in the unique splendor of the Oasis of Ninfa, a lush garden overtaking the ruins of a medieval town
- Enjoy the flavors of a gelato tour upon your return to Rome before venturing to the airport, engaging in one final taste of the Eternal City
- Experience the country style of Lazio in serene towns filled with a relaxed pace of life and continued connection to cultural flavors
Detailed Description
The cuisine of a region embodies the history of its people. Your 8-day gastronomy tour of Lazio encompasses the past and present of the small towns collectively known as Castelli Romani, located less than 15 miles outside of Rome. Whether a connoisseur of Italian cuisine or a novice home cook who enjoys the pleasures of the kitchen, you will taste your way through the Alban Hills to discover decadent pasts, tranquil atmospheres, and remarkable wines often overlooked by visitors to Italy.
The culinary adventure begins with your arrival in Rome. Your private transfer meets you at Fiumicino Airport, eager to escort you into the heart of the food scene in the Eternal City. Blend the wonders of Rome’s history with the pleasures of its cuisine during an introductory food tour of the regional favorites offered in the bustling beat of the contemporary lifestyle before venturing to the small town of Frascati. The following day, you tour the narrow streets of Frascati, including a remarkable visit to the vibrant marketplace before discovering the ruins of the Roman city of Tusculum.
Next, you travel to the town of Ariccia, known for its famous traditional cuisine and baroque architecture. Continue to the papal town of Castle Gandolfo for a tasting dinner and sampling of the locally famous strawberry liqueur, all in view of the Pope’s summer palace. Then, you traverse the shores of Nemi Lake. Visit the museums, wander the avenues, and delight in a hilltop vineyard to taste the local wines. You return to Rome for a private tour of the ancient sites, from the Colosseum to Palatine Hill.
Before returning to Frascati, you embark on a journey through the archeological park of Ancient Lanuvio. Discover the gorgeous streets and colorful homes of Sermoneta, a medieval fortress town overlooking the unique Gardens of Ninfa. Then, you return to the town of Nemi to embark on a private culinary tour of the region through a cooking lesson. Learn the culinary treats special to Lazio, from Caccio e Pepe (cheese and pepper pasta dish) to the sweet buns of Maritozzi (Italian sweet buns). On your final day, your private transfer guides you through Rome to sample the best gelato in the city before you board your flight home.
Starting Price
$7,800 per person (excluding international flights)
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
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