Italy Food Tour: Bologna, Rome & Sorrento

Bologna

Known affectionately as "La Grassa", which means "The Fat One", Bologna is known for its love affair with food and many iconic Italian dishes originated from this vibrant city, including, of course, the Bolognese sauce. As well as charming architecture featuring salmon-pink buildings and palaces, Bologna has a dynamic food market, where you can explore the local produce with a knowledgeable guide. You will also have the chance to sample local delicacies, such as mortadella, ciccioli and salsiccia passita, and chat to the locals about Bologna's important food culture. We recommend at least 2 nights in Bologna to allow you plenty of time to absorb the city's culture and enjoy meals at the best restaurants. With divine cuisine on offer around every corner, this is a wonderful way to start your food tour of Italy!

Rome

The Eternal City of Rome is a must on any vacation in Italy. Although it may be best known for its iconic historic attractions, Rome has a unique food culture, with local dishes including carciofi alla romana (Roman artichokes - a must-try), suppli rice balls and spaghetti alla carbonara. Here, we will treat you to a private tour of Rome's food district, where you will be able to visit local shops and wineries to sample local products and learn more about Roman cuisine. You of course can't visit Rome and not see the Colosseum, so we will also treat you to a private guided tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum, where our expert guide will explain in detail the amphitheatre's construction and the important role it played in ancient Rome. There will also be a day dedicated to the Vatican City, where you will be able to visit the Museums with our art historian guide and see the glorious tapestries and precious artifacts that have been collected and carefully preserved for you to enjoy. As a part of your visit to Vatican City, you can also experience the unrivalled magnificence of the Sistine Chapel and its famous ceiling fresco, and you can also visit St Peter's Basilica for a truly special experience.

Sorrento

Finally, we take you south and to the coastal town of Sorrento nestled between citrus groves and the glistening waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. As well as sublime sea views and a relaxed coastal atmosphere, here you can experience the diversity of Italian cuisine with a visit to an authentic Sorrentine farm, where you can learn about the cultuvation and production methods unique to this region, and sample fresh extra-virgin olive oil and limoncello made from Sorrento lemons. During your time in Sorrento, we will also take you back in time with a visit to Pompeii, which is an ancient city that was lost in time following a volcanic eruption in 79 AD. Following the eruption, the ash that covered the city served to preserve everything in the town, from priceless mosaics and homes to the city's unfortunate inhabitants, giving you a rare glimpse back in time. Your visit to this world-famous archeological treasure will be complemented by wine tasting in the foothills of Mount Vesuvius, giving you the opportunity to relax and reflect in a glorious coastal setting. We will also treat you to a boat tour of the coast, so that you can take in the beauty of the natural landscape, featuring mystical rock formations and secret caves. As a part of the boat tour, you will stop in Capri for a guided tour of this luxurious island, known as the Pearl of the Mediterranean, and there will also be time for swimming or snorkeling in the warm sea. As a finale to your food tour of Italy, we take you to Naples - the birthplace of the pizza! Here, you will explore the charming city sights with a local guide before enjoying a fun pizza party in the heart of the Old Town, where you can sample authentic, hand-thrown pizza that will be like nothing you have tasted before!