Verified Writer4.912527 reviews
Verified Writer
Rome, Italy
4.94(2344)
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3 hrsEver noticed those cute little tables that spill out from Italian bars and onto open squares during the Golden Hour? You know — where locals sit about, sunglasses on, people watching while sipping on big glasses of Aperol or Campari Spritz with a plate of finger food.
This, my friend, is the art of aperitivo in action.
Aperitivo is the Italian equivalent of the international Happy Hour. Today, we're diving right into Italian Aperitivo culture and taking a look at where it all started!
Aperitivo is a modern Italian word that derives from the verb aprire (to open). To open what, I hear you ask? One's appetite, as it happens, which begs the question of why the Italians need to open their appetite given that their food is so globally adored.
And that you can never say no to a steaming plate of pasta.
Aperitivo's origins, as is so often the case, lie in ancient Rome. The ancient Romans loved a drink. They had a word gustatio, which describes the plentiful first course at a Roman banquet and has fed into the modern Italian word for wine or food tasting (degustazione).
The gustatio was effectively a pre-dinner consisting of salty snacks and sweet aromatic drinks with higher alcohol content. Sounds a lot like the aperitivo we love nowadays, right?
A Roman Feast by Roberto Bompiani (1821 – 1908)
The aperitivo we know today was born in Piedmont, the capital city of Turin which is one most famous and important regions in Italy. In 1786, Antonio Benedetto Carpano was bored of being a traditional distiller and started experimenting in his lab. Accidentally he added aromatic herbs and ingredients like vanilla, saffron, wormwood and more to create Vermouth.
Vermouth immediately became a fashionable drink in the region because it was a new bitter-and-sweet experience that satisfied the Tuscans without breaking anyone’s bank account. Many people started to drink it after a whole day of work before heading to dinner.
Carpano is Italy’s most versatile Vermouth. Here it is about to be enjoyed on our Rome Tipsy Tour
Bravo, Antonio! 😩🤌🍸
You not only invented a top-shelf liquor but also brought back the long-lost memory of the gustatio.
Immerse yourself in Aperitivo Culture on our Rome Tipsy Tour!
Gustatio was reborn in the north centuries later in 1876, but it didn't spread from Turin until about a century later. It's time to mention the other key person in the history of aperitivo: Count Camillo Negroni. Yes, the famous cocktail Negroni doesn’t have the same name as his family name by coincidence.
Early in 19th century Florence, Count Negroni invented a vermouth-based orange drink with Gin and Campari. The Negroni cocktail immediately became popular among the bartenders in Florence and wider Tuscany. Locals soon became sold on aperitivo culture with this new fashionable drink.
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A traditional Negroni
While the Tuscans were busy drinking Negroni, Turin and Milan were arguing over the origins of Vermouth! But the Venetians were about to change the game with the Spritz Veneziano (or the Spritz, as we know it today), which soared in popularity from the 1800s onwards.
Spritz was born during the period of the Habsburg domination in Veneto. The rumour is that the Austrian soldiers requested the Italian bartenders to make a weaker wine by adding water (not least because they were afraid of being bundled into the canals and drowned by peeved-off Venetians). The region of Veneto is a major producer of prosecco and had been for a long time before the invention of the Spritz. People say that somehow over time the water has been replaced with more favorable liquors
Over the years, the Italians also added different bitter liquor, and today we have the famous Aperol Spritz or Campari Spritz, along with a few other variations. Maybe, the Italians really couldn’t tolerate diluting their beloved Prosecco. The Venetians started to enjoy their new fancy drinks with their cicchetti, a sort of Venetian Aperitivo which you usually typically find in certain bars of Venice called bacari.
Almost three centuries later, what has changed about aperitivo today? Firstly, it has become an international saying for drinks deals in sunset hours.
Aperitivo is something more than just eating snacks and enjoying an evening drink. It has become an integral part of the Italian lifestyle that lets people gather with family, friends, co-workers, or the other people in the bar. It doesn’t really whether you choose Vermouth, Negroni, or Spritz.
The most important thing is enjoying the moment and giving in to a good gossip. What's going on with Pietro? Have you heard about Marco and Giulia? You know — some things you want to know, and undoubtedly some things you don't.
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Aperol Spritz: the most popular Aperitivo in Italy
There are no straight rules to follow to enjoy an Italian Aperitivo. It is generally a little informal and it's acceptable to use your hands. Here are some tips:
Typically aperitivo starts around 5:30 pm during the spring and summer months and lasts until 7:30 or 8. There's no hard and fast rule regarding aperitivo time, and lots of it comes down to which bars are open and where (places near big tourist attractions tend to be open for drinks and snacks all day).
To Italians, Aperitivo is to anticipate your dinner. Therefore, the locals truly take little bites as they sip on their Italian Cocktails. It can just be some chips or peanuts in some bars. After Aperitivo, most of the Italians will rush to restaurants ready for dinner. Or, head back home for a cosy home-cooked dinner. However, some places treat Aperitivo as a meal and offer a great selection that gets re-filled regularly. In this case, you can skip dinner.
The most useful way to avoid tourist traps is to check the prices and reviews on Google and TripAdvisor. Normally, a classic aperitivo in Rome should cost €10-12 euros. Of course, if you find a fancy rooftop with a great view then expect to pay a premium price.
The good news when it comes to aperitivo is that you can't really go wrong. To make it easy we have made you a list of our favorite Aperitivo hotspots in Rome.
Address: Via del Politeama 4, 00153
The bartenders at Freni e Frizioni are expert mixologists: tell them what flavours you like and they’ll create a cocktail for you using fresh fruit and a combination of liquors. The food is unbelievable.
Freni e Frizioni in Trastevere
Grab a cocktail, fill up a plate with snacks, and find yourself a seat on one of the little sofas. If you stay long enough, the music will pick up as the vibe becomes more energized.
→ Gusto
A top contender without a doubt. For €10, choose one of the excellent cocktails and head to the unlimited buffet.
Address: Borgo San Frediano 36r, Florence
Situated in what Lonely Planet recently voted as the world's coolest neighbourhood, MAD offers a creative menu that changes frequently, featuring themed drinks like "Flight Insurance" (rum with green tea, cinnamon, and lime) and "Hand Luggage" (gin with lemon and maraschino).
The atmosphere is laid-back, attracting a diverse crowd of locals, students, and in-the-know tourists. and the staff is known for their friendly service. Prices are reasonable given the quality, making it accessible for those looking to experience Florence's modern cocktail culture.
Address: Via dei Benci 34r, Florence
Soul Kitchen is a stylish lounge bar that blends great cocktails, music, and a lively aperitivo spread. The buffet is well-stocked with a variety of savoury and fresh options, making it a good choice if you're looking for a filling aperitivo experience in a modern setting.
Drinks are on the higher end price-wise, but the selection is diverse, with a focus on classic and signature cocktails. The bar transitions into a late-night spot, making it an ideal place to start with aperitivo and continue the night with music and drinks (or karaoke across the road at Red Garter).
Address: Piazza Santo Spirito 5r, Florence
Located in the lively Santo Spirito neighbourhood, Volume offers a unique ambiance, blending a cafe, bar, and art space. Guests can enjoy a variety of cocktails and wines, often accompanied by live music or art exhibitions.
The aperitivo here includes a selection of snacks and finger foods, providing a culturally enriching experience alongside your drink.
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Rome, ItalyLearn 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 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 and dessert.
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 flavours 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 glass of local wine or prosecco.
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!
4.96(1852)
Rome, ItalyDid 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 before making a Hugo Spritz.
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 with a glass of Limoncello Spritz to wash it all down.
Book now and start making memories.
4.95(3841).webp&w=3840&q=75)
Rome, ItalyFeed your curiosity as you please your palate on this indulgent Rome Food Tour! There's a reason our tour is multi-award-winning, and it's because we give you an all-access pass to savouring the Eternal City, stress-free. With everything pre-arranged, you’ll bypass the crowds as you taste your way through Rome; no queues, no guesswork—just authentic Roman cuisine. This fun (and filling) food tour gives you and a group of fellow foodies a taste of the city's culinary treasures, from local delicatessens and pizzerias to traditional trattorias and restaurants, you'll try all the authentic spots that the locals keep to themselves but your guide will reveal to you.
Our award-winning Rome food tour takes place in Trastevere, Rome's most traditional medieval neighbourhood. While the area is renowned for its buzzing nightlife and world-class cuisine, just like the rest of Rome, this neighbourhood also has its fair share of tourist traps. That's why we have teamed up with the places that keep to traditions and serve food for locals.
Because holidays are too short to eat badly, right?
This food tour in Rome will treat your tastebuds to at least 10 different tastings (vegetarian options available!) perfectly paired with a selection of local wines or non-alcoholic beverages for sober travellers. Try crispy Roman-style pizza by the slice, savoury supplì, and the best gelato in the city. Experience is more than just simply trying local cuisine, it's a glimpse inside the Roman kitchen—discovering the delicacies, the diet and the cultural dos and don’ts.
While you taste your way through the capital on this food tour; Rome will fully open up as 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 depend on the season.
Looking for a more intimate local experience with no strangers? We now offer an exclusive semi-private Rome food tour for groups of 6 or fewer.
This is a sustainable tour, meaning part of its profits go 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)
Rome, ItalyOur Trastevere Food Tour just got an upgrade—smaller groups, bigger flavour, and a deeper connection to real Roman food culture. With only 6 people per group, you’ll enjoy personalised attention from your guide and a more intimate experience with fellow food lovers. You’ll savour the best of Trastevere at a relaxed pace, no rushing, no waiting—just excellent food, fast service, and meaningful stories behind every bite.
We’ve also upgraded the menu to include a second course with your choice of a hearty meat or veggie main, made from locally and sustainably sourced, pesticide-free ingredients. You’ll dine at intergenerational, family-run eateries that have been part of the Trastevere community for decades, places where recipes are passed down like heirlooms and “slow food” is a way of life. Oh, and did we mention that you'll also get limoncello? What could be better than that!
Ready for a delectable experience in Rome? Prepare for an unforgettable adventure through one of the city's trendiest (and tastiest!) neighbourhoods, at a perfect pace for everyone in your group.
Please note that the places we visit and the food we try depends on the season. We also have vegetarian options available at every stop!
This is a sustainable tour, meaning part of the profit goes towards reforestation
Summer’s coming! We ask our guests to bring a reusable water bottle to refill along our route to stay hydrated and also help us reduce waste.
4.94(491)
Rome, ItalyChannel your inner-Maximus as you step out onto the Colosseum Arena floor and access this recently reopened area of the world famous amphitheatre. Then, explore the rest of the heart of ancient Rome, with a friendly, expert guide and a small group of like-minded travellers!
Unlike regular tours of the Colosseum, our Colosseum Arena Tour gets you straight inside the ancient amphitheatre and out onto the arena floor through the Gladiator’s Gate. This is the route the gladiators themselves took almost 2,000 years ago. Imagine the moment they left the gates, and were greeted by the cheers and jeers of 50,000 bloodthirsty spectators.
Your expert guide will transport you back in time to the height of the Roman Empire when the Colosseum was constructed. These were times when Rome was ruled by all-powerful emperors (sometimes wise, sometimes wacky), the city was flooded with exotic riches from around the world, and the Colosseum acted as the city’s main stage for showing off the animals and people that Rome had conquered and captured.
After a short 30-minute break, we’ll head off on the next part of the tour…
Next, we’ll climb the Palatine Hill, where the ancient city was founded. The Palatine Hill is a real archaeological wonder, home to settlements from the Iron Age to the 16th century. Gaze upon such sites as the Hut of Romulus, Rome’s legendary founder, and the Imperial Palace, where the emperors in their family engaged in ruling, politicking, and scheming. Get your camera at the ready – you really can’t beat these views!
The final destination on our Colosseum Arena Tour is the Roman Forum. As the beating heart of ancient Rome, the Roman Forum was once a bustling hub of markets, law courts, temples, and more. It was here that Julius Caesar was cremated, where victorious triumphs paraded with the spoils of Roman conquests, here where two disgraced emperors were murdered in 69 AD, and here where Cicero delivered the speeches that shaped western culture for centuries.
When our tour is over, feel free to stay and explore the Roman Forum at your own pace.
Book the complete ancient Roman experience today with our Colosseum Arena Tour!
4.98(1839)
Rome, ItalyExplore the wonders of the Eternal City on our Wonders 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 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.
After meeting your guide at Piazza d'Aracoeli, we'll head to the Piazza Venezia, the crossroads between the ancient city and the modern capital and one of the most scenic squares in Italy! We'll then admire Trajan’s Column, a second-century AD monument which portrays the bloody victory of the emperor Trajan in his Dacian wars in Eastern Europe.
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.
We’ll then 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!
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.
Our Rome Walking 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. Make sure you don’t miss out.
Secure your spot today!
4.97(2485)
Rome, ItalyShort on time but big on curiosity? Our Colosseum Walking Tour is your express pass to ancient Rome, without waiting in queues. In just 1.5 hours we’ll walk the same route once trodden by gladiators and discover the drama, architecture, and daily life of the Roman Empire, all from outside its most legendary landmarks.
We’ll start just outside the Colosseum, where your guide will bring its epic past to life, from bloody battles to groundbreaking Roman engineering. Then, we’ll stroll through the Forum of Augustus, where politics met propaganda, and on to Trajan’s Column, once the empire’s grandest shopping and storytelling space. You’ll hear not just about emperors but also about the shopkeepers, citizens, and stories that represented everyday life in the Ancient City.
For the grand final we’ll enjoy a breathtaking view of the Roman Forum, the true heart of ancient Rome, where religion, power, and public life collided. It’s here where you’ll begin to truly understand the bigger picture of Rome’s rise, rule, and reinvention.
This tour is perfect for travellers who want maximum insight in minimal time, so what are you waiting for?
Book now, and experience the stories, secrets, and sights that shaped the Eternal City, no tickets, no lines, just unforgettable history.
4.95(102)
Rome, ItalyThere’s a saying between foodies: to truly understand people and places, you need to take a good look inside their kitchens!
Our Private Rome Food Tour does exactly that. We take the stress out of planning so you can relax and dine with peace of mind. With priority service and pre-reserved tables, our multi-award-winning food tour grants you insider access to the most authentic, locally-beloved restaurants, bars, flavours and recipes in the trendy neighbourhood of Trastevere.
Your private guide will lead you and your group through an area renowned for its buzzing nightlife and fantastic eateries. It’s here where you’ll discover the local hotspots that many tourists miss. Not only will you experience the mouthwatering flavours of Rome, but you’ll also discover the process, meet the makers, and truly understand why Roman Cuisine is considered one of the best in the world.
You’ll enjoy at least 10 different Roman dishes and some of the finest local wines and beer or non-alcoholic options. From artisanal meats and cheeses and creamy gelato to Roman-style pasta and pizza, you’ll treat your taste buds to the flavours of the Eternal City.
This experience is more than just simply trying different local foods. It’s a delicious journey into the world of Roman food; discovering the delicacies, the diet, the dos and don’ts that make Italy’s culinary culture so globally renowned. And with a private guide, we’ll cater to the needs of your group and personalise our stories to hone in on the information you care about most. What are you waiting for? Book a Private Rome Food Tour and get ready for the experience of a lifetime.
Please note that the places we visit and the food we try depend on the season.
This is a sustainable tour, meaning part of the profit goes towards reforestation
Summer’s coming! We ask our guests to bring a reusable water bottle to refill along our route to stay hydrated and also help us reduce waste.
5(935)Rome, ItalyOne 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)
Rome, ItalyThis isn’t your average elementary school pizza party; this is Rome, and we’re turning up the heat! Just ten minutes from the Colosseum, our high-energy cooking class is where pizzas fly and glasses are raised high.
In this dough-lightful evening experience, you’ll toss, top, and toast your way through a night of pizza-making, drink-sipping, and full-on Roman revelry. Ready to make your very own pizza? You’ll get a slice of pizza history from Rome and beyond, and a charismatic local chef will show you how to work the dough like a pro.
Roll, knead, and spread the dough before topping it off with everything your heart desires, except pineapple of course, we've got to stick to the rules. Then, as the dough rises, so does the mood because you'll get a crash course in Italian mixology. Sip on traditional Italian cocktails like Aperol and Hugo Spritz and socialise with your fellow chefs while your pizza bakes to Roman perfection.
Then, when everything is ready, it’s time to eat! You’ll dine like the Italians over a homemade pizza while continuing to sip on a Limoncello Spritz until your heart's content. You know the saying, when life gives you lemons, we turn it into a toast.
Whether you’re coming with friends, your amore, or are ready to make new pizza-loving pals, this isn’t just dinner, it’s a hands-on, wine-filled, flour-dusted party you’ll never forget.
So come hungry, bring your appetite for fun, and let’s raise a glass (and a pizza peel) to the tastiest night of your Roman holiday!
5(234)