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Italy Real Food Adventure
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Italy Real Food Adventure
Italy Real Food Adventure
Land Tour
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 (small bites) 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.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement exclude Days 5 and 6 (Agriturismo) 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.
3. As of April 2024, Venice will implement a visitor’s fee for all travellers visiting the city between 25 April and 15 July 2024. This fee is not payable by Intrepid customers, however you will need to apply for an exemption before arrival at https://cda.comune.venezia.it/en/richiestaEsenzione. For further information, please see the “Passports, visas and entry requirements,” section of your Essential Trip Information.
4. If you have prebooked arrival transfer with us, please read Joining Point Instructions in Essential Trip Information document for exact details. Your transfer may include a water taxi, or a car taxi, and you may be required to walk for a short distance from the end point of the transfer route to your hotel.
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.
3. As of April 2024, Venice will implement a visitor’s fee for all travellers visiting the city between 25 April and 15 July 2024. This fee is not payable by Intrepid customers, however you will need to apply for an exemption before arrival at https://cda.comune.venezia.it/en/richiestaEsenzione. For further information, please see the “Passports, visas and entry requirements,” section of your Essential Trip Information.
4. If you have prebooked arrival transfer with us, please read Joining Point Instructions in Essential Trip Information document for exact details. Your transfer may include a water taxi, or a car taxi, and you may be required to walk for a short distance from the end point of the transfer route to your hotel.
From price
$4,695
$3,756
Price per person, twin share
| Tour Provider | Intrepid Travel |
| Number Of Days | 8 |
| Start Location | Venice, Italy |
| End Location | Rome, Italy |
| Age Range | Avg. 30+ |
| Group Size | 1 to 12 |
| Tour Style | Standard |
| Tour Themes | Food |
| Physical Rating | Easy to Moderate |
Departure dates
Price per person, twin share
| Start | End | Availability | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21 Aug 2026 | 28 Aug 2026 | 4 |
$5,430 $4,344 |
| 11 Sep 2026 | 18 Sep 2026 | 5 |
$5,090 $4,072 |
| 22 Sep 2026 | 29 Sep 2026 | 4 |
$5,160 $4,128 |
| 02 Oct 2026 | 09 Oct 2026 | 3 |
$5,050 $4,040 |
| 09 Oct 2026 | 16 Oct 2026 | 6 |
$4,990 $3,992 |
| 30 Oct 2026 | 06 Nov 2026 | 4 |
$4,695 $3,756 |
| 23 Apr 2027 | 30 Apr 2027 | 12 |
$4,875 $4,144 |
| 07 May 2027 | 14 May 2027 | 12 |
$5,025 $4,271 |
| 14 May 2027 | 21 May 2027 | 12 |
$5,025 $4,271 |
| 21 May 2027 | 28 May 2027 | 10 |
$5,165 $4,390 |
| 28 May 2027 | 04 Jun 2027 | 12 |
$5,165 $4,390 |
| 11 Jun 2027 | 18 Jun 2027 | 12 |
$5,025 $4,271 |
| 25 Jun 2027 | 02 Jul 2027 | 12 |
$4,875 $4,144 |
| 16 Jul 2027 | 23 Jul 2027 | 12 |
$4,875 $4,144 |
| 06 Aug 2027 | 13 Aug 2027 | 12 |
$4,875 $4,144 |
| 20 Aug 2027 | 27 Aug 2027 | 12 |
$5,165 $4,390 |
| 07 Sep 2027 | 14 Sep 2027 | 12 | $5,265 |
| 10 Sep 2027 | 17 Sep 2027 | 12 | $5,265 |
| 21 Sep 2027 | 28 Sep 2027 | 12 | $5,265 |
| 24 Sep 2027 | 01 Oct 2027 | 12 | $5,265 |
| 01 Oct 2027 | 08 Oct 2027 | 12 | $5,165 |
| 08 Oct 2027 | 15 Oct 2027 | 12 | $5,165 |
| 15 Oct 2027 | 22 Oct 2027 | 12 | $4,875 |
| 29 Oct 2027 | 05 Nov 2027 | 12 | $4,875 |
| 21 Apr 2028 | 28 Apr 2028 | 12 | $4,880 |
| 05 May 2028 | 12 May 2028 | 12 | $4,880 |
| 12 May 2028 | 19 May 2028 | 12 | $4,880 |
| 19 May 2028 | 26 May 2028 | 12 | $4,880 |
| 26 May 2028 | 02 Jun 2028 | 12 | $4,880 |
| 09 Jun 2028 | 16 Jun 2028 | 12 | $4,880 |
| 23 Jun 2028 | 30 Jun 2028 | 12 | $4,880 |
| 14 Jul 2028 | 21 Jul 2028 | 12 | $4,880 |
| 04 Aug 2028 | 11 Aug 2028 | 12 | $4,880 |
| 18 Aug 2028 | 25 Aug 2028 | 12 | $4,880 |
| 05 Sep 2028 | 12 Sep 2028 | 12 | $4,880 |
| 08 Sep 2028 | 15 Sep 2028 | 12 | $4,880 |
| 19 Sep 2028 | 26 Sep 2028 | 12 | $4,880 |
| 22 Sep 2028 | 29 Sep 2028 | 12 | $4,880 |
| 29 Sep 2028 | 06 Oct 2028 | 12 | $4,880 |
| 06 Oct 2028 | 13 Oct 2028 | 12 | $4,880 |
| 13 Oct 2028 | 20 Oct 2028 | 12 | $4,880 |
| 27 Oct 2028 | 03 Nov 2028 | 12 | $4,880 |
Inclusions
Itinerary details
Day 1: Venice
Buongiorno! Welcome to Italy. Your adventure starts with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight in Venice. If you arrive early, maybe take some time to get lost in the narrow cobblestone streets and spacious piazzas, cross the tiny bridges to find shops or wander through some of the local markets, galleries and churches. After your meeting, head out for a welcome aperitivo, where you’ll enjoy a glass of bubbly Aperol spritz. Venice's distinctive culinary heritage gs 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.
Day 2: Venice
This morning, head out for a typical Venetian breakfast at a local cafe with your local leader. Indulge in an espresso or cappuccino with some local Venetian pastries like baci di dama, brutti ma buoni and bussola. After, 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 you to explore Venice at your own pace. Tonight, discover the Venetian answer to tapas on a cicchetti (small bites) 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.
Day 3: Bologna
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.
Day 4: Bologna
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, then try it for yourself. After, 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 lunch and taste some of the best local produce and farm-fresh seasonal dishes, then wash it down with a glass of Lambrusco – the town's famed sparkling red. Later, stroll around the town and admire the Palazzo Ducale before returning to Bologna in the late afternoon.
Day 5: San Gimignano
This morning, travel to the village of Pancole in the heart of Tuscany. When you arrive, settle into your accommodation at a traditional Tuscan farmhouse near San Gimignano Village. 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. After, join your local leader on a walk through the vineyards and cellars of the estate, before sitting down to 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 such as homemade pasta, salads, finocchiona salami, crostini toscani (chicken liver pate on lightly toasted bread) and seasonal vegetables.
Day 6: San Gimignano
This morning, walk along a section 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. Along the way, pass an award-winning gelateria, where interesting flavours like gorgonzola cheese and walnuts await your tastebuds. The rest of the day is free for you to explore San Gimignano at your own pace. Maybe wander along the walking paths around the farm or relax by the pool and take in the beautiful views of the Tuscan countryside.
Day 7: Rome
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 – one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Along the way, stop for an on-the-go slice of pizza Romana (a rectangular, thick-crust pizza distinctive to Italy). After taking in all the big (and small) highlights of this incredible city, you’ll head to a local’s home for a homecooked, plant-based dinner. Swap stories with your host and sit down for a feast of seasonal dishes. Tonight, maybe head to a local bar and cheers to a trip well-travelled over a glass of local wine.
Day 8: Rome
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 ahead of time.
Frequently Asked Questions
You should choose this tour if you want a deep dive into Italy's regional culinary secrets beyond just pizza and pasta. This eight-day journey takes you from Venice to Rome, offering unique experiences like a hands-on pasta-making class in Bologna, visits to authentic Parmigiano Reggiano and balsamic vinegar producers, and a stay at a traditional organic Tuscan farmhouse with home-cooked meals.
This tour is designed for food lovers and gastronomic explorers who enjoy discovering local flavors, seasonal produce, and traditional cooking methods. Those who appreciate a blend of cultural sightseeing and culinary adventures, and who enjoy the intimacy of a small group (maximum 12 people), will enjoy this trip the most.
The pros include a highly curated culinary itinerary, expert local leadership, and unique stays like a Tuscan agriturismo. A potential con is that some meals and food activities are set in advance and may be difficult to adjust for specific dietary requirements, though the tour operator endeavors to cater to them if notified at booking.
This tour is a great option for various traveler types. Solo travelers can take advantage of a single supplement to avoid sharing a room (except during the Agriturismo stay on Days 5 and 6), while couples and families will enjoy the shared culinary experiences and small group atmosphere.
This tour is excellent for both. First-time visitors will benefit from the leader-led orientation in Rome and visits to iconic landmarks, while experienced travelers will appreciate the deeper dive into regional specialties in Bologna and the organic farming traditions of Tuscany.
The physicality rating is 'Easy to Moderate.' While the tour includes walking tours of cities, vineyard walks, and navigating cobblestone streets in Venice and Rome, it is generally accessible. However, guests should be aware that some transfers may require walking a short distance to the hotel.
This tour is primarily focused on culinary culture. While it includes significant sightseeing—such as visiting the Colosseum and the UNESCO World Heritage site of San Gimignano—these experiences are woven into a broader adventure centered on tasting, cooking, and discovering Italy's regional food heritage.
The pace is balanced. While the itinerary covers four distinct regions in eight days, it incorporates 'Standard' style travel which blends included activities with free time, allowing you to explore cities like Venice and San Gimignano at your own pace.
The itinerary feels thoughtfully paced. It balances structured activities, such as cooking classes and factory visits, with dedicated free afternoons and relaxing moments, such as lounging by the pool at the Tuscan farmhouse.
Yes, key highlights are included. You will visit the Rialto markets in Venice, the 'Town of Fine Towers' in San Gimignano, and a comprehensive orientation walk in Rome covering the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Roman Forum, and the Colosseum.
Yes, the tour provides a local leader who accompanies you throughout the journey, helping you navigate the regions and facilitating experiences with local hosts, such as the pasta-making class and the farmhouse stay.
Disclaimer:
These FAQs have been generated with the assistance of AI to provide a general overview. They are intended as a starting point only and should be reviewed based on your knowledge, current supplier information and client requirements.
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