Ancient Rome gastronomic experience – wine tasting

Experience the Flavors of Ancient Rome in Cartagena

The Ancient Rome gastronomic experience offers a unique chance to taste Roman Empire wine and food in the historic city of Cartagena, located in the Region of Murcia, Spain. For $90 per person, this 2.5-hour tour combines cultural discovery with a delicious tasting journey, making it ideal for history buffs and culinary enthusiasts alike.

The tour includes a visit to Casa de la Fortuna, an authentic Roman house, and a wine tasting at Cartago Mundi, a cultural space and boutique store. The experience is designed to recreate the flavors of Roman times, thanks to wines and recipes developed based on scientific studies of ancient remains. This tour suits those interested in history, archaeology, and gastronomy, offering an engaging glimpse into ancient Roman life.

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Key Points

• Price and Duration: Priced at $90 for 2.5 hours, with flexible starting times based on availability.
• Authentic Roman Setting: Visit Casa de la Fortuna and explore its ruins or exterior if closed.
• Wine and Food Tasting: Enjoy two Roman-style wines paired with food made using ancient recipes.
• Cultural and Historical Focus: Learn about Roman culinary techniques based on studies from Spanish universities.
• Inclusive Experience: Wheelchair accessible, with Roman costumes available for fun photo opportunities.
• Optional Non-Alcoholic Options: For non-drinkers, choices include soft drinks, soft beers, or mosto.

Visiting the Roman House Casa de la Fortuna

The tour features a guided 30-minute visit to Casa de la Fortuna, an important archaeological site in Cartagena. Participants learn about Roman architecture and daily life through the preserved remains. If Casa de la Fortuna is closed on a Monday, the guide shows other ruins from the outside.

This site allows for an immersive step back into Roman history, making it more than just a tasting event. The guide’s explanations bring antiquity to life, connecting the history of Cartagena with the flavors and traditions of the Roman Empire.

Wine Tasting at Cartago Mundi: A Taste of Ancient Recipes

The wine tasting takes place at Cartago Mundi, which is not just a shop but a cultural space. Here, participants sample two Roman-style wines alongside food crafted with recipes from the Roman High Imperial period.

The food pairings include snacks made using techniques that date back to Roman times, giving a genuine flavor of what ancient Romans might have enjoyed. The wines, recreated through scientific research on ancient residues, offer a truly authentic experience.

For those who prefer alcohol-free options, soft drinks, soft beers, or mosto are available, making the experience enjoyable for everyone.

The Itinerary: From Mare Nostrum to Ancient Rome

The tour begins at Mare Nostrum, the meeting point, where guides can be identified by their white polo/jacket with the wave logo and blue lanyard. After gathering, the group travels to Casa de la Fortuna for a guided tour.

Following this, the journey continues to Cartago Mundi, where the wine and food tasting takes place. The entire experience concludes back at Mare Nostrum, making logistics simple and straightforward.

This structured itinerary ensures a balance between cultural exploration and culinary delight, with each stop building on the previous one.

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Exploring Casa de la Fortuna and Its Ruins

Casa de la Fortuna is a key highlight, offering insight into Roman domestic architecture. The site’s guided tour provides context about Roman life in Cartagena around 2000 years ago.

If the house is closed on a Monday, the guide will show other nearby ruins from the outside, ensuring that visitors still gain something meaningful from the visit. The site itself adds an authentic touch to the overall experience, connecting history with tasting.

Wine and Food: Recreating Roman Culinary Traditions

The pairing of wines and food is a core feature. The two Roman wines are crafted to reflect those that might have been available in ancient times, based on scientific studies. The snacks served with the wines are made with techniques and recipes from the Roman High Imperial period.

This approach helps visitors understand the flavor profiles of Roman cuisine, making the tasting more educational and engaging. The experience at Cartago Mundi is enhanced by the chance to browse artisanal products and souvenirs after the tasting.

Accessibility and Fun Extras for Visitors

This tour emphasizes accessibility, including wheelchair access and unisex bathrooms. Plus, visitors can choose to dress up in Roman costumes provided during the experience, which adds a playful element and excellent photo opportunities.

This attention to comfort and fun ensures that a wide range of visitors can enjoy the experience fully, regardless of mobility or preferences.

Practical Details: Meeting Points and Booking Flexibility

The meeting point is Mare Nostrum, where guides are easily identifiable. The activity concludes back at the same location, simplifying logistics.

The experience offers free cancellation if canceled up to 24 hours in advance, providing peace of mind. Booking is flexible, with the option to reserve now and pay later, making it easy to include in travel plans without immediate commitment.

Why This Tour Offers a Unique Blend of History and Flavour

What sets this Ancient Rome gastronomic experience apart is its focus on authenticity—with wines and recipes developed from scientific studies of Roman remains—and its engaging visits to historic sites. The combination of culture, history, and culinary arts makes this tour appealing to those interested in Roman history or looking for a memorable food adventure during their trip to Cartagena.

The small-group format and guided experience ensure an intimate, educational, and fun outing. The inclusion of costumes and the opportunity to browse artisanal products at Cartago Mundi add extra layers of enjoyment.

Final Thoughts on the Ancient Rome Gastronomic Experience

This tour offers an authentic and immersive snapshot of life in Roman Cartagena through wine, food, and historic sites. It emphasizes scientific recreations of ancient flavors, ensuring a genuine taste of history.

While the duration of 2.5 hours makes it a manageable addition to a sightseeing day, the focus on history, culture, and gastronomy makes it especially suitable for history buffs, wine lovers, and curious travelers. The accessible setup and fun costume options make it an inclusive activity that appeals to a wide audience.

If you’re interested in learning about Roman history while enjoying authentic flavors, this experience delivers in both education and entertainment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for non-drinkers?
Yes, non-alcoholic options like soft drinks, soft beers, and mosto are available.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately 2.5 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins and ends at Mare Nostrum, the designated meeting point.

What is included in the price?
You get wine tasting, food, a visit to Casa de la Fortuna (or outside ruins if closed), and the chance to dress in Roman costumes.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for walking and possibly dressing up in Roman costumes if desired.

Are souvenirs available?
Yes, artisanal products and souvenirs can be purchased at Cartago Mundi.

What languages are the guides available in?
Guides speak English and Spanish.

Is it necessary to reserve in advance?
Yes, booking in advance guarantees your spot, with flexible pay later options available.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby