Rome Food Tasting with Wine Pairing and Tiber RiverBoat Ride

The Rome Food Tasting with Wine Pairing combined with a Tiber River hop-on, hop-off cruise offers a unique way to enjoy the Eternal City’s flavors and sights in just 2.5 hours. For $134.83 per person, this experience is ideal for those who want to combine culinary delights with scenic views, all within a manageable timeframe. The tour starts at Fabullus Wine Cellar in the lively Trastevere neighborhood, where the tasting takes place inside an ancient Roman cistern dating back to the 1st century AD. Afterwards, travelers can relax on a 24-hour river cruise that departs every 30 minutes from Piazza Ponte Sant’Angelo and offers a flexible way to see iconic landmarks like Castel Sant’Angelo and Tiber Island.

This tour is designed for those interested in Slow Food-certified products, traditional Italian cuisine, and select wines. Its scenic river cruise complements the culinary experience beautifully, providing a mix of history, flavor, and relaxing sightseeing. The only consideration is that it’s not recommended for children under 7 years or for vegans and diabetics, due to the rich food and wine offerings.

Key Points

• Exclusive food tasting in a 1st-century Roman cistern in Trastevere
• Paired wines include 2 white and 2 red options selected by experts
• Scenic Tiber River cruise with stops at Tiber Island and Castel Sant’Angelo
• Tasting menu features Slow Food-certified products, cheeses, cured meats, Roman focaccia, honey, jams, ice cream or Tiramisù
• The 24-hour river cruise ticket allows flexible exploration of Rome’s riverside sights
• Tour lasts approximately 2 hours 30 minutes with food and wine tasting lasting about one hour

Exploring the Roman Underworld: Food Tasting in a 1st-century Cistern

The highlight of this experience is the exclusive tasting inside a Roman cistern dating from the first century AD. This underground environment offers a stunning setting that transports guests to ancient times while they enjoy a three-course menu. The knowledgeable staff shares stories about the origins of Italian delicacies and the tradition of Slow Food—a movement emphasizing local, sustainable products.

The menu features a diverse selection, including fresh cheeses like buffalo mozzarella and ricotta, a variety of cured meats, and Roman focaccia drizzled with extra virgin olive oil. Accompanying these are honey, jams, and ice cream or Tiramisù, all chosen to enhance the flavors. The certification of the products by DOP, DOC, DOCG, IGT, or STG brands guarantees authenticity and quality.

The one-hour tasting flows smoothly, with the underground ambiance adding to the experience. This setting is ideal for anyone interested in history and gastronomy, offering a sensory journey into Italy’s culinary past.

The Wines: Carefully Selected and Expertly Paired

Alongside the food, the wine pairing elevates the tasting. Guests receive a glass of Prosecco and four glasses of superior Italian wines—two white and two red—carefully chosen by the tour’s expert staff. These wines are crafted with respect for tradition and aim to complement the flavors of the dishes served.

The focus on quality and provenance makes this wine pairing stand out. The staff’s explanations help guests appreciate the nuances of each wine, turning each sip into a learning experience. This combination offers a perfect balance of culinary artistry and educational insight.

Scenic Tiber River Cruise: Views and Landmark Highlights

After the tasting, the 24-hour hop-on, hop-off river cruise begins at Piazza Ponte Sant’Angelo. The boats run every 30 minutes from 10:00 to 18:00, allowing flexibility to explore at your own pace. The ticket remains valid for 24 hours, so guests can hop off at different stops or simply relax and enjoy the scenic ride.

The cruise provides unique perspectives of Rome’s riverside architecture and landmarks. Notable sights include Castel Sant’Angelo, the historic fortress, and Tiber Island, a charming island in the river. The comfort of the boat and the panoramic views make this a delightful way to unwind after the culinary experience.

Disembarking at the Tiber Island dock places travelers within walking distance of various city attractions or back to their accommodations. The boarding point is conveniently located at Piazza Ponte Sant’Angelo, making it easy to coordinate with the tasting experience.

Practical Details: Meeting Points, Duration, and Accessibility

This tour begins at Fabullus Wine Cellar, Via dell’Arco di San Calisto, 20, in the heart of Trastevere. The food and wine tasting lasts approximately one hour, starting with the sampling of Slow Food-certified products. The river cruise can be enjoyed at any time within the 24-hour ticket window.

The experience emphasizes easy access, as the starting point is near public transportation. It is suitable for most travelers, though children under 7, vegans, and individuals with certain health conditions may find the extensive food and wine options less appropriate. Since no guide is provided on the boat, guests should be comfortable exploring independently after the tasting.

Guests are advised to show their voucher at the meeting point and to arrive promptly, as no refunds are given for delays over 20 minutes. The tour is private, meaning only your group participates, which enhances the intimate atmosphere.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included with the tour are the cruise ticket valid for 24 hours, a glass of Prosecco, four glasses of Italian wine, and a three-course tasting menu featuring cheeses, cured meats, bread, olive oil, honey, jams, and dessert options. Water, soft drinks, and products recognized by Slow Food are also available.

Not included are tips, tour guide on the boat, hotel pickups, and baby seats. The experience is designed as a self-guided exploration after the initial tasting, giving flexibility for guests to enjoy Rome at their own pace.

Final Advice: Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for food lovers who want to enjoy authentic Italian flavors within a historic setting. The wine pairing and scenic river cruise add a layer of relaxation and visual delight, making it suitable for couples, small groups, or solo travelers seeking a mix of culture, cuisine, and scenic beauty.

However, it is not recommended for vegans or diabetics due to the rich cheese, cured meats, and dessert options. The aging underground setting may not appeal to those with mobility issues, but the nearby public transport makes it accessible.

The tour offers a delightful balance of history, gastronomy, and scenic views, making it a worthwhile choice for those wanting a relaxed yet enriching experience in Rome.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
The experience is not recommended for children under 7 years, mainly due to the nature of the food and wine tasting.

Can I customize the timing of the river cruise?
Yes, the 24-hour ticket allows you to hop on the cruise at any of the every 30-minute departures from 10:00 to 18:00.

What dietary restrictions are accommodated?
Since the tour features Slow Food-certified products and a fixed menu, it’s not suitable for vegans or those with specific allergies unless communicated beforehand. Fabullus staff are not responsible for reactions caused by allergies not disclosed.

Does the tour include a guide?
No, there is no guide on the river cruise. The food and wine tasting is led by knowledgeable staff, but after that, the experience is self-directed.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start. Refunds are not given for no-shows or late arrivals over 20 minutes.

What should I bring or prepare?
Arrive promptly with your voucher, and communicate any allergies or intolerances beforehand. No special equipment is necessary.

Is the experience accessible via public transportation?
Yes, the meeting point is near public transit, making it easy to reach without a car.

Are pets allowed?
No, pets are not permitted on this tour.

Can I extend my river cruise experience?
Yes, the 24-hour ticket allows unlimited hop-on, hop-off rides within that period, giving you flexibility to explore Rome’s riverside sights at your leisure.

What if the weather prevents navigation?
In case of adverse weather, a partial refund of €16 for the cruise ticket may be offered.

This Rome Food Tasting and River Cruise combines culinary craftsmanship with scenic beauty and historical charm, perfect for those who want to enjoy an authentic taste of Rome in a relaxed setting.