Alexander Meddings
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3 hrs
Flexible TravelIn Italy, wine is more than just a drink. It's a vital part of culture and a collective item of indulgence.
Every glass you drink in an enoteca (Italian wine bar) comes with a history lesson and story—even when you don’t ask for it—in which your waiter’s distant ancestor plays the protagonist of their family vineyard.
This should hardly come as a surprise. Italians are, by nature, natural-born storytellers and have waxed lyrical about wine since the time of ancient Rome, and wine is the natural accompaniment to their other favourite subject: food.
But how can someone who knows next to nothing about Italian wine get something out of Italy’s rich viticulture? How, in other words, can you get to grips with the grape?
Italy has the world's widest selection of grapes and uses 605 unique grapes to produce them. And yet, paradoxically, part of the beauty of Italian wine lies in its simplicity.
Some people make a pretense of wine as something that’s impenetrable. Overly sophisticated. Wasted on the non-expert palate. Wine is regarded as more refined than beer, for example, which has only recently taken off as an artisanal product with the advent of microbreweries. Being asked if you'd like to taste beer before ordering was, until recently, a rarity. With wine this would be an exception.
Wine, more than most drinks, demands something from the consumer. We’ve all experienced that moment at the dinner table where the waiter pours someone a small sip to taste and approve and they don’t know what to say. Some sniff and look approving, others swill and look skeptical; many down the glass as quickly as they can to get it over with.
Image credit: @rockymomax
The waiter actually does this to give us time to taste if the wine is cooked, corked or oxidized, the latter of which would be immediately apparent from its overpowering acidity. But our collective ignorance of this touches on an important observation: that wine outdoes all others as a refined, exclusive drink.
It does not have to be this way.
A good glass of Chianti, for example, is perfect for a beginner’s palate, with its moderate tannins and a harmonious blend of acidity and fruit. Chianti is the kind of wine that evokes curiosity without overwhelming with complexity. It’s conversational without being verbose.
If you’re thinking that what you just read made no sense, that’s because it doesn’t; and yet this is the kind of way people write about wine to make it seem more opaque and sophisticated than necessary, and make refined wine drinkers feel part of an exclusive club.
The most confusing thing you’ll face when navigating Italian wine is the names, especially given that many wines are named after places that produce wine of a different grape.
Take Montepulciano, for example.
Montepulciano is the name of a medieval town in central Tuscany which produces a famous wine called Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, which is made from the Sangiovese grape. The region is also home to the so-called Montepulciano grape, which grows abundantly along Italy’s central eastern coast and is in no way related to the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.
Many would say the central Italian region of Tuscany, and their case would be compelling. Not only does it produce a range of renowned varieties, with the likes of Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano deriving from its Sangiovese grapes, but its very landscape of rolling hills and lush vineyards lends itself to exploration and wine tasting.
Moreover, many Tuscan wines are recognized with DOC or DOCG quality certifications.
Two Northern Italian regions could also claim top spot. Piedmont, in particular, is a wine-lovers paradise. Bordering the French and Swiss Alps as well as the Italian regions of Lombardy, Liguria and Aosta, the region boasts the most DOCG wines of Italian region including Barolo, Barbaresco and D’Alba.
The Veneto region too produces some phenomenal wines and generates more output than any other Italian region. While white wines are its forte, its pièce de résistance is prosecco, which people consume liberally across the canal-based (and coincidentally car-free) island of Venice.
Few would name Rome’s region of Lazio as the leader in Italian wine. But Lazio does produce some great grape varieties, especially dry and crisp styles like Frascati DOC and Orvieto DOC.
The Sangiovese grape reigns supreme among Tuscan wines, and while Montalcino and Montepulciano are local favourites, by far the best-known Tuscan wine is the humble Chianti.
Chianti is one of the most versatile wines in terms of what it can be paired with. Tuscan classics like tomato and meat-based pasta dishes, salami and cheeses, and bean and chickpea soups go best, but you can also pair it with pizza and olive oil-rich recipes.
Italy's native Nebbioli grapes produce Barolo and Barbaresco wines, which are made in Piedmont and eagerly sourced throughout the country.
Sicily's ancient Nero d'Avola is also gaining in popularity, winning wine-lovers over with its warm, full-bodied and slightly acidic flavours. Nero d'Avola goes very well with roast or grilled red and white meats, grilled tuna and rabbit.
Trying a local glass of Chianti during our Trastevere Food Tour
Italy and France are historic rivals, and Italian Prosecco may well have pipped French Champagne to the top spot for sparkling wines. Though Champagne may have been around a lot longer than Prosecco (the former was first produced in 1693; the latter in 1868), Prosecco is certainly far more affordable than its French counterpart and its lighter fruity, flowery flavours arguably hold broader global appeal.
→ Learn more about the differences between prosecco and champagne.
Prosecco is produced from the Glera grape and undergoes its secondary fermentation in steel tanks, a process that gives it its hallmark freshness and fruit-forward palate. The biggest Prosecco-producing regions are Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia in the North of Italy, and one of the best places to drink affordable, delicious Prosecco among locals is on the island of Venice, with some cichetti snacks.
Rome is awash with Italian wine bars (enoteche) serving up delicious Prosecco. But to find the best localsy bars, join us on our Rome Wine Tour!
Pouring Prosecco during our Pasta and Tiramisù Cooking Class
Orange wine originated in the seldom heard of Northeast Italian region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia.
Made from white grapes that macerate with their skins, seeds and sometimes even stems, this wine presents a bold, bittersweet profile with its unique hue and complex flavours. It certainly divides opinion and has only recently undergone a revival among the world's more adventurous wine drinkers, but it's well worth trying for something different (and is something we try on our Rome Wine Tour).
This year, the world's annual Amber Wine festival was held in the city of Trieste in the region of Friuli Venezia Giulia. Bookmark the event link to see where the next one will take place.
Save your hearty "salute!" (sah-LOO-tay) for when everyone's glass is filled, and make sure to make eye contact with people as you clink your glasses.
Let the locals guide your choices as they have the most experience with their local varieties. You will get a story/history lesson with your glass of wine, but believe us when we say that this will make it more memorable.
Lastly, don't shy away from the house wine (vino della casa). Restaurants usually source this wine locally, or sometimes even produce it in-house, and house wine almost always has a good price/quality ratio.
Want to speak like a local while ordering your wine? Here's some wine-related vocabulary:
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Explore the wonders of the Eternal City on our best of Rome walking tour. As you get your bearings around Rome’s cobbled historic centre, your expert storyteller will bring Rome’s most must-see sites to life, including the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and Piazza Navona. Take photos, make memories, and most importantly, get the most out of your time in the Italian capital!
Your private guide will share the city’s secrets and narrate its story in a way that will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time – from explaining how the stunningly intricate churches and palaces were erected, to how the grand fountains were used to channel water throughout the city.
We will start at Trajan’s Column, which portrays the bloody victory of the emperor during the Dacian wars in Eastern Europe. We’ll then head to the Piazza Venezia, the crossroads between the ancient city and the modern capital and one of the most scenic squares in Italy!
After taking a moment to marvel at the imposing Altar of the Fatherland, we’ll make our way to the iconic Trevi Fountain. Toss a coin into the fountain, spend a moment soaking in its sounds and scenery (metaphorically, not literally!), and uncover the fascinating stories behind the fountain’s statues and symbols.
After discovering the incredible frescoes within the church of Sant Ignazio, we’ll make our way to the Pantheon where the spectacle of the 2000-year-old dome will blow you away. Marvel at one of the best-preserved buildings of the ancient world, hear the story behind the man who built it, and discover the shocking architectural secret behind how the dome is (or isn’t) supported!
Your private walking tour of Rome finishes at Piazza Navona. The square is situated near some of Rome’s best and most vibrant bars and restaurants and your guide will be happy to recommend where to go.
This tour is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. You can expect this memorable experience to last about two hours, which leaves you with more than enough time to explore the city beyond.
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Learn to cook like an Italian in this small group pasta & tiramisù cooking class that gives you mastery over the country’s best-loved classics. Over the course of three-and-a-half-hour fun-filled hours, you’ll enjoy the expert guidance of our fluent professional chef and get hands on recreating real Roman recipes, culminating in a well-deserved dinner in which you feast on what you’ve made.
Situated in our centrally situated air-conditioned cooking school, your interactive class will give you the true sense of an Italian nonna’s loving kitchen. Led by an enthusiastic and knowledgeable English-speaking chef, our cooking masterclass is perfect for kids and adults, beginners and experts.
Savoiardi (ladyfingers) are gently dipped in rich coffee before being layered with dollops of delicately mixed eggs and panna (cream). Finished off with a sprinkle of cocoa, these delicious desserts are set aside to rest in time for an after-dinner energy boost. In fact, the espresso within a tiramisù is what gives it a name that translates literally as “pick me up”!
Rolling up our sleeves, here is where we channel our inner nonna. Mixing, kneading, rolling, and shaping our fresh pasta from scratch will work up a sweat but result in elegant end products. We will then combine these carefully crafted creations with the flavors of the season and locality; be it twangy cacio e pepe or creamy carbonara.
How else to conclude your cooking class than by fully indulging in your culinary creations! Celebrate your accomplishment with family-friendly company, a gorgeous setting, and a selection of red or white wines and soft drinks.
Whether returning a culinary maestro or a self-proclaimed novice, you’ll be sure to take the memories home with you and ruling your dinner parties back home!
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Relax the right way after a long day of sightseeing with our Spritz and Spaghetti Class. This fun-filled class teaches you all the know-how you need to mix traditional Italian cocktails and perfect the art of making fresh pasta. It’s the only experience of its kind in Rome – a perfect blend of food, friends, and tipsy fun.
So come join us and see what all the fuss is about!
We’ll welcome your private party with a mixology demo of how to make Italy’s best-loved drink: Aperol Spritz. You’ll then get started on your hands-on pasta-making lesson led by a fun-loving, fluent professional chef. But that’s not all! We’ll also be making Hugo Spritz and satisfying your sweet tooth with a glass of Limoncello.
Your professional chef will guide you every step of the way – from kneading the dough to running it through a traditional pasta machine. You’ll also be making a creamy carbonara sauce to coat your fresh pasta (vegetarians can try out another Roman classic of cacio e pepe). At the end of the class, you’ll dine on what you’ve made with a selection of wine or soft drinks!
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Did someone say Spritz? Discover the flavours of Rome on our Spritz and Spaghetti Class. Our centrally located kitchen is where you’ll learn everything you need to mix traditional Italian cocktails, and perfect the art of making fresh pasta. This is the only cooking class of its kind in Rome – a perfect blend of food, friends, and tipsy fun. So come join us and see what all the fuss is about!
Our team will welcome you and your small, intimate group with a mixology demo making Italy’s best-loved drink: Aperol Spritz. You’ll then get started on your hands-on pasta-making lesson led by a fun-loving, fluent professional chef, during which we’ll also be making two other drink.
Your professional chef will guide you every step of the way – from kneading the dough to cutting the pasta. You’ll also be making a creamy carbonara sauce to coat your fresh pasta (vegetarians can try out another Roman classic of cacio e pepe). Travelling is all about meeting new people. At the end of this cooking class, you’ll dine on what you’ve made in the fun, tipsy company of your new foodie friends.
Book now and start making memories.
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One of the best ways to meet people in a new city is to grab a drink together, and few city serve up more iconic drinks than Rome. Whether you’re travelling solo or with a group, for a long vacation or a short city break – our Rome Tipsy Tour is for you!
This unique nightlife experience combines all our favourite elements of travel: discovering new places, being immersed in different cultures, meeting fun people, and trying out a range of delicious drinks! It’s not a run-of-the-mill bar crawl. It’s a sociable tour that gives you a real taste of with Rome’s sights, stories, and signature drinks in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere with fun, local hosts. We also welcome sober travellers who want to join for a social experience but who want to forgo a hangover, so we’ll have non-alcoholic options available as well!
You’ll meet your guide and group at Piazza Madonna dei Monti, where we’ll break the ice with a warm Italian welcome – aka, a refreshing glass of local wine. After saying cheers—salute—we’ll head into Monti, an uber-trendy district filled with quirky bars and cobblestoned streets, and plenty to unpack. In ancient Rome, Monti was known as a suburra – the red-light district of Rome where prostitutes plied their trade and gangsters once roamed. As we wander through the cobblestone streets your guide will tell you scandalous stories of sex and bloodshed that you won’t hear on your typical walking tour.
After so much scandal, you’ll surely need a drink. So at our first stop on the Rome Tipsy Tour you’ll get an extra stiff one. The spotlight will be on Carpano Classico a venerable vermouth with a curious story! Unravel the history of the man who made it – Antonio Benedetto Carpano – back in 1786 whilst sharing some sips with your newfound friends.
We’ll keep the night going with some more saucy stories before trying a classic Italian Spritz. Indulge in the bitter flavours of Aperol or Campari Spritz while enjoying dolce far niente, the sweetness of doing nothing—apart from getting tipsy of course!
Our final stop is Rome’s most iconic road, the Via dei Fori Imperiali, leading down to the Colosseum. The views of the ancient city are best enjoyed after dark with an ice-cold Limoncello – trust us. Sip away as your guide tells shocking stories of the power-hungry Roman emperors who once ruled the known world.
At 11 p.m., the Tipsy Tour officially ends, but the night out begins! We will continue drinking with our new friends at some of Rome’s most popular bars!
Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime experience. We promise to make your night in Rome one you’ll never forget! Skip a boring walking tour, and come get tipsy with us.
Book your spot now!
4.94(2344)Feed your curiosity while pleasing your palate on this indulgent Rome Food Tour! This fun (and filling) food tour gives you and a small group of others insider access to Rome’s best delicatessens, pizzerias and restaurants as well as Rome’s tastiest traditional food the locals keep to themselves.
Our Rome food tour takes place in Trastevere, Rome’s most traditional medieval neighbourhood. The area is renowned for its buzzing nightlife and fantastic eateries with delightful aromas spilling out of them. However, it’s also known to have its fair share of tourists traps! Our team of expert foodies invite you, and your tastebuds, to try some of the finest flavours in the city! Vacations are too short to eat bad food, right?
During the experience, we will try at least 10 different tastings together with a selection of local wines. However, this experience is more than just simply trying different local foods while sipping on red wine. This is a journey inside the Roman kitchen—discovering the delicacies, the diet and the cultural dos and don’ts.
Not only will you experience the mouthwatering flavours of Rome, but you’ll also discover the process, meet the makers, and truly understand why Italian cuisine is considered the best in the world. So book your spot on our Rome Food Tour today and get ready for a true taste of the capital!
Please note: the places that we visit and the food that we try depends on the season.
This is a sustainable tour, meaning part of its profits goes towards reforestation and other sustainable projects. We also ask all of our guests to bring a reusable water bottle to refill at one of the water fountains along our route to stay hydrated and help us reduce waste.
**Unfortunately, we can’t accommodate a gluten-free or vegan diet but we hope to be able to in the future. While we can cater to vegetarians, we ask that you let us know about dietary requirements in advance so we can best suit your needs.**
4.96(3203)
Tired of big-group tours that move from one attraction to the other before you’ve even had the chance to understand what your seeing?
This is the Vatican Tour for you.
Our VIP Vatican tour offers a more personal, intimate experience that doesn’t compromise on anything. See it all, learn it all, and feel it all.
With a maximum group size of 12, you can guarantee you’ll have more than enough time and privacy to soak up the stunning artworks and fascinating history of the Vatican City.
Our tour starts at the Vatican Museums, where more than four millennia’s rich history resides. Worried about getting lost in the labyrinth of corridors and galleries? Don’t be. Gain real-world insight into the stunning wonders of the museum’s 1000+ rooms thanks to the help of your friendly, expert guide. They’ll be excited to answer as many questions that you could possibly come up with, so feel free to ask away.
Afterwards, we’ll head over to the Pope’s private place of prayer, the Sistine Chapel. Home to two of Michelangelo’s masterpieces, The Last Judgement and its famous ceiling, the Sistine Chapel is just as awe-inspiring today as when it was unveiled in the 1500s. Marvel at world famous frescoes and discover how Popes are elected, here in this very room.
Our VIP Vatican tour runs at a comfortable, leisurely pace and includes all ticket prices for the different sites and areas we’ll be visiting. Remember, our VIP tours only accommodate a maximum of 12 people at a time, which means that spots fill up fast.
Book your VIP Vatican Tour now to avoid disappointment!
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Nowhere does food like Florence. Voted the best city in the world for food, the Tuscan capital specialises in hearty meat dishes and full-bodied wines that charm the palates of all who visit. Our Florence Food Tour takes you on a culinary journey through the artisan district of Oltrarno to sample the best of Tuscan cuisine and eat and drink like a local in Florence!
After whetting your appetite with crispy schiacciata bread, and light, fruity Chianti wine (or non-alcoholic options for our sober friends!), you’ll be indulging in Florence’s local food culture in a local trattoria. Your foodie guide will share all their expertise about the history and evolution of Florence’s traditional cucina povera and introduce you to the most famous dishes in Florence and the locals who make them. Come curious, but most of all come hungry.
Perfect for families, foodies, and anyone looking for a unique experience in Florence, our Food Tour of Florence is packed full of personal stories and insider recommendations. Book now as spaces fill up fast!
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Enjoy Traditional Drinks and Scandalous Stories in the Heart of the Renaissance City.
This isn’t your typical tour. The Tipsy Tour in Florence is the perfect blend of fascinating history, tasty drinks, and making memories with newfound friends. Explore the vibrant nightlife of the Renaissance City and sample signature Italian cocktails, wine, and shots. Along the way you’ll hear about Florence’s less savoury past with some saucy stories and dark history, all the while getting tipsy of course! This tour is all about bringing people together so if alcohol isn’t your thing, not to worry! We’ve got some alcohol-free options for travellers who want the social experience without the hangover.
Your fun-loving guide will wow you with scandals from Florence’s history. Sip away as you learn the life stories of some of Florence’s most notorious figures. The Medici are a great starting point – specifically, Catherine de Medici, believed by many to have had a penchant for poison and a dabble in the dark arts.
As we travel from bar to bar, tracing the steps of prisoners and sex workers alike, your guide will immerse you in the bloody tale of the Pazzi Conspiracy, where Lorenzo de Medici and his entourage were attacked in Florence’s cathedral during High Mass on Easter Sunday. Then you’ll find out what happened to the Pazzi family, too.
Spoiler alert – it was way worse.
During the experience, we’ll visit at least two vibrant bars and enjoy drink stops outside famous sights. Plus, we’ll order shots from a wine window on the street, like a true Florentine. You might wonder why wine from a window never became a worldwide phenomenon, and trust us – we don’t know either.
When the Tipsy Tour is over, the night out officially begins. We’ll enjoy the city long into the night, making unforgettable memories with our Tipsy besties.
Spaces fill up fast, so book your Florence Tipsy Tour today!
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