Compare Italy Real Food Adventure by Intrepid Travel vs Rome & Tuscany by Perillo Tours

Day 1 Venice

Buongiorno! Welcome to Italy. Your adventure starts in the iconic city of Venice. If you arrive early, take some time to get lost in the narrow cobblestone streets and spacious piazzas, crossing the tiny bridges to find shops, markets, galleries and churches. Stroll past St Mark’s Square, the Campanile and the Doges Palace. Cross the Rialto and admire the Bridge of Sighs. You’ll have a welcome meeting tonight at 6 pm. After, head out for a welcome aperitivo – the spritz and the bellini are local favourites. Venice's distinctive culinary heritage goes 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

It's an early start today. Walk down to the canals and watch farmers unload their produce from canal 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. Finish with an Italian cafe alongside the market. You'll also be treated to a specialty dessert of the region – tiramisu. The afternoon is free for your own exploration. In the evening, discover the Venetian answer to tapas on a cicchetti 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 / Modena

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, and then try it for yourself. 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 a delicious lunch of the best local produce and farm-fresh seasonal dishes. Wash it down with a glass of Lambrusco – the town's famed sparkling red. 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. The region is renowned for a cuisine that celebrates simplicity and the bounty of locally grown produce in hearty, rustic dishes. Pecorino cheese, farro (an ancient grain) and artisanal cured meats like lardo di colonnata are just some of the many local ingredients you can expect to indulge in during your stay. Your accommodation is a traditional Tuscan farmhouse near the enchanting village of San Gimignano. 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. Enjoy a guided walk through the vineyards and cellars of the estate, followed by 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. This could include 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 portion 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. Stop past an award-winning gelateria, where intriguing flavours like gorgonzola cheese and walnuts await your tastebuds. Spend the rest of your time exploring the walking paths around the farm or, weather permitting, relaxing by the pool, enjoying 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. After taking in all the big (and small) highlights of this magical city, you’ll head to a local’s home for a special homecooked, plant-based dinner experience. Swap stories with your host and sit down for a feast of seasonal dishes, which could include local favourites like cacio e pepe, saltimbocca, artichokes or porchetta. After, 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.

Day 1 - Monday - Depart USA
Boarding your overnight flight, you’re off on the adventure of a lifetime.

Day 2 - Tuesday - Arrive in Rome, Afternoon at Leisure, Dinner in Hotel
Benvenuti a Roma! We are pleased to offer complimentary transfers from the Rome airport to your hotel at scheduled times. Your Perillo representative will be at the airport to greet you.

There will be time to relax or take a stroll this afternoon before a dinner at our hotel. D

Day 3 - Wednesday - Rome, Colosseum, Dinner Out
Hail Caesar! All aboard our chariot for a panoramic tour of Imperial Rome including the Roman Forum, Largo Argentina (where Caesar was stabbed by Brutus) and the Circus Maximus.

Then we’ll enter the Colosseum, reliving the brutal entertainment of the gladiators and the lions, refereed by the Emperor himself.

Tonight, we enjoy a fun dinner. You’ll get a taste of Italian cuisine in a family-style restaurant in the characteristic district of Trastevere, one of the centers of Rome’s nightlife, including wines fit for the Roman Gods! This lively area is just what one imagines Italy to be like, with tiny cobblestone streets and music-filled trattorias on every corner. BB, D

Day 4 - Thursday - Rome, Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica*
This morning, it’s a ten-minute drive to another country—Vatican City. With our expert local guide we’ll tour the Vatican Museums, a massive collection of ancient Greek sculptures, medieval tapestries and Renaissance paintings.

Our visit culminates in the Sistine Chapel, renowned for its Renaissance art, especially the ceiling which was painted by Michelangelo between 1508 and 1512. This room, which attracts more than five-million visitors each year, is also where the Pope is elected.

Next we visit St. Peter’s Basilica*, by far the largest church in Christendom. We’ll see Michelangelo’s Pietà, sculpted when he was just 24, as well as Bernini’s seven-story bronze canopy above the main altar.

Tonight, we thought you’d enjoy a dinner on your own. Ask your tour guide for a nearby recommendation, or venture out and explore the lively restaurants in Rome! Be sure to try Pasta casino e pepe—pasta in a creamy olive oil, pecorino cheese and black pepper sauce— a specialty of Rome. BB

* Please note that the visit of St. Peter’s Basilica is subject to availability based on the events planned for the Jubilee 2016.

Day 5 - Friday- Rome's Trastevere District, Jewish Ghetto, Lunch
This morning we get away from the hub of the main tourist attractions and we visit some of the oldest areas of Rome. A walking tour around the ancient area of Campo de’ Fiori with its colorful fruit and vegetable markets will give you a chance to take a look at real Roman life. We’ll visit the site of Rome’s Jewish Ghetto, which is located near the Tiber River.

There’s been a Jewish community in Rome since the 2nd Century BC. But it was Pope Paul IV who ordered them into a walled-off section of town in 1555. At night, the gates were locked on three sides, while the Tiber River blocked off the fourth side.

But in 1870, the Papal States lost control, Italy became unified, and the Jews were free to leave the Ghetto!

All this walking will make us hungry… So we’ll enjoy a traditional lunch in one of the best restaurants in the Ghetto and, hopefully, we get to enjoy Carciofi alla giuda, Jewish style artichokes, one of the signature dishes of Roman Jewish cooking (seasonal).

Tonight, you get to enjoy dinner on your own. Be sure to try another specialty of Rome: Bucatini all’Amatriciana. Bucatini, thick spaghetti with a hole running through the center, are arguably the most Roman of all pasta shapes; with amatriciana sauce made of tomatoes, guanciale (pig’s cheek), peperoncino and grated Pecorino Romano. My mouth is watering right now! BB, L

Day 6 - Saturday - Rome, Florence
This morning, it’s an enjoyable ride through the Tuscan countryside on our way to Florence. Our deluxe motorcoach navigates the rolling hills, scenic vineyards and postcard-perfect vistas of Tuscany.

Your tour leader will give you some useful information on this beautiful region while you relax and enjoy the scenery. Tonight, enjoy a Florentine dinner with local wines at our hotel. BB, D

Day 7 - Sunday - Florence City Tour
Florence—the fountainhead of the Renaissance, awaits our inspection! Our day of sightseeing includes the majestic Duomo built in 1296, Giotto’s Bell Tower and the Baptistery with its renowned Gates of Paradise doors.

We follow the medieval streets to the most striking square in Florence, Piazza Della Signoria, home of Santa Croce Church, Michelangelo’s final resting place.

“Breathtaking” is the only word to describe one’s first view of Michelangelo’s David. Yes, it’s quite large and detailed. But the real magic is in how Michelangelo transformed a lifeless rock into a man—full of pride, wary of his adversary, yet quietly confident. All with just a hammer and chisel!

Tonight, enjoy dinner on your own at a local Florentine restaurant. Be sure to try Ribollita, one of Florence’s most delicious specialties. This hearty soup is made from cannellini beans, vegetables, red cabbage and chunks of pane (bread). BB

Day 8 - Monday - Florence, Lucca, Pisa, Florence
This morning, after breakfast, we drive to Lucca, also known as “the city of 100 churches.” These churches can be found inside the famous walls that surround the city, which were fortified to protect the city from attacks in the Middle Ages. We will visit the famous Duomo, the Amphitheater and the impressive Church of San Frediano.

This afternoon we travel to Pisa, known for its famous leaning tower. The Piazza del Duomo, also known as Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles) is recognized as one of the main centers for medieval art in the world. It features four great religious edifices: the Cathedral, the Campanile (the Leaning Tower), the Baptistery and the Camposanto.

I'll enter the Cathedral which is dedicated to St. Mary of the Assumption. Inside the Cathedral is a big candelabrum near the altar. It’s said that Galileo Galilei tested his laws of the pendulum using this candelabrum!

Next we enter the Baptistery, the largest in all of Italy, made entirely of marble. This building, which is dedicated to St. John the Baptist, took 211 years to construct! It is famous for its perfect acoustics.

Tonight, we enjoy dinner out with a typical Tuscan meal including delicious Bistecca Fiorentina (Florentine steak)! BB, D

Day 9 - Tuesday - Florence, Siena, San Gimignano, Chianti, Florence
Today we travel back in time to the middle ages: Siena, a beautiful city with a historical center that has been declared an UNESCO World Heritage site.

We visit the famous Piazza del Campo, one of Europe’s greatest medieval squares and the site of Siena’s famous horse race, the Palio di Siena. We visit Siena’s town hall, Palazzo Pubblico, a beautiful gothic building which sits on Piazza del Campo by the bell tower, and the enchanting Duomo featuring the most ornate mosaic floor in all Italy.

Next, we drive through the beautiful Chianti landscape with its rolling hills, then proceed to San Gimignano with its 13 towers that dominate the skyline of this medieval town.

Finally, you’ll get to visit a local winery and meet our dear friend, Pierluigi Giachi, the world’s most entertaining sommelier. You’ll enjoy an early light dinner and wine tasting at the Tenuta Torciano! Salute! BB, D

Day 10 - Wednesday - Flight Home to USA
This morning you board your flight home, arriving in the USA the same day. While we say “arrivederci” to Italy, we realize we’re taking a little piece of it back home with us.

Thanks for traveling with the Perillo family, and please return soon. BB