Rome is one of the most important tourist destinations of the world, due to the immensity of its archaeological and artistic treasures, as well as for the charm of its unique traditions, the beauty of its panoramic views, and the majesty of its magnificent parks. Rome is the third most visited city in Europe, after London and Paris, and receives an average of 10 million tourists a year, which sometimes doubles during holy years. Rome's cuisine has evolved through the centuries and periods of social, cultural, and political changes. Ancient Roman cuisine was highly influenced by Greek culture, and after the empire's enormous expansion, exposed Romans to many new, provincial culinary traditions and cooking techniques. During your extended getaway to this ancient city, you will experience a feast for the palate, as well as your eyes…creating memories sure to last a lifetime!
ItineraryAccommodationsMapFAQ
VACATION HIGHLIGHTS
Please note:
Tour inclusions can change depending upon
seasonality and weather conditions.
•3 Nights Deluxe Accommodations
•Private Round-Trip Airport Transfers
•VIP Early Check-In | Late Check-Out
•Complimentary Optic Fiber WiFi
•Free use of Bicycles
•Breakfast Buffet Each Morning
•Skip-the-Line Tour of the Vatican
While our tours are designed as soft adventure experiences, walking, climbing stairs,
and in rare cases mild hiking may be required. If you have mobility issues, you should
speak with one of our culinary travel specialists to determine if this tour is
appropriate for your situation.
AVAILABLE DATES
Add Before or After Your Cooking Vacation - Flexible Dates
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Please note: Actual itineraries are subject to change due to seasonality.
Click arrows (▶) to show details
Day 1
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Airport Car Service from/to Fiumicino (FCO)
Upon your arrival at Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport, you will be met by a driver that will escort you to the centrally located, boutique Hotel Dei Mellini, in the heart of Rome. The drive from Fiumicino is absolutely beautiful, and even more so when you don't have to worry about navigating the streets on your own. At the conclusion of your getaway, you will be escorted in comfort and luxury as you head back to the airport, making your transportation needs completely worry-free while at the end of your exciting visit to the City of Fountains. VIP early check-in and late check-out provided as a courtesy to our guests when available.
Day 2
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Daily Breakfast Buffet
A full European style buffet breakfast is included in your package, served in the hotel's Restaurant. Each morning brings the opportunity for you to dive into a city rich in culinary tradition. Your breakfast buffet features fresh fruits, juices, tomatoes, mozzarella and an assortment of cold meats. Of course, traditional hot breakfast dishes and exquisite home-made pastries are available in ample supply.
Day 3
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Daily Breakfast Buffet
A full European style buffet breakfast is included in your package, served in the hotel's Restaurant. Each morning brings the opportunity for you to dive into a city rich in culinary tradition. Your breakfast buffet features fresh fruits, juices, tomatoes, mozzarella and an assortment of cold meats. Of course, traditional hot breakfast dishes and exquisite home-made pastries are available in ample supply.
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Guided "Skip-the-Line" Tour of the Vatican
Don't forget to bring your camera on this incredible tour of Rome's spiritual epicenter. While lines at the Vatican can last up to 4 hours long during peak season, you'll whiz right through priority access without waiting or having to queue up in line at all. Your professional guide will show you through the Vatican museums with rich narrations and secret insights. Step inside the Sistine Chapel and experience the awesome works of art by Michelangelo and other Renaissance masters. Round out your tour with privileged access to St. Peter's Basilica. Even if you have been to the Vatican before, you'll discover hidden gems that you missed. If you've never been, then this is an absolute must while in Rome!
Day 4
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Daily Breakfast Buffet
A full European style buffet breakfast is included in your package, served in the hotel's Restaurant. Each morning brings the opportunity for you to dive into a city rich in culinary tradition. Your breakfast buffet features fresh fruits, juices, tomatoes, mozzarella and an assortment of cold meats. Of course, traditional hot breakfast dishes and exquisite home-made pastries are available in ample supply.
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Check-Out and Departure
You will be picked up by private car from the Hotel Dei Mellini and transferred to Fiumicino Airport in time to make your International check in requirement and flight departure time (or meet the driver for your onward culinary vacation!).
Hotel Dei Mellini
Hotel Dei Mellini is your very own oasis and has a terrace, sunning deck and a gym that guests can use free of charge. In the heart of Rome, located on the right bank of the Tiber River, on a quiet and peaceful street between the Spanish Steps (a 13 min. walk) and St. Peter's Basilica (a 15 min. walk), Hotel Dei Mellini is the ideal starting point from which to explore the marvels of the Eternal City. Enjoy the experience of staying in the functional and refined atmosphere of Hotel Dei Mellini, beautifully located in the vibrant heart of Rome. All rooms are equipped with Wi-Fi, Smart TV, a safe for your PC with built-in battery charger, direct dial telephone, independent control of air conditioning/heating, a minibar, large desk, Carrara marble bathroom with phone and personalized amenities kit.
Rome, Italy
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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What Currency is being quoted?
The Currency Code is listed directly after the published amount. If it states USD, then the quoted price is in United States Dollars. If it states CAD, then the quoted price is in Canadian Dollars. If it states EUR, then the quoted price is in European Union Dollars…etc. However, please note that all charges are processed in USD, and Epitourean’s Merchant Bank automatically calculates the currency conversion on the day of the charge.
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What does Double Occupancy mean?
Two persons traveling together, and staying in the same room. Tour prices are normally quoted as “per person, double occupancy” in case two people are traveling together and staying in the same room, but paying separately. The cost of the lodging is also shared by two people, thereby reducing costs. This could be a married couple, two friends or relatives.
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What is a Single Supplement?
Whenever a person travels alone, the cost of their lodging cannot be shared by another person. When tour products are priced, they are normally stated as “per person, double occupancy.” Whenever a guest occupies a room as a solo, the whole cost of the lodging must be incurred by that one individual. Tour companies accommodate this by charging a Single Supplement. Epitourean does its best to keep the single supplement as low as possible, but it is a real cost that tour companies must absorb, and must pass along to the single traveler.
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If I am a Solo Traveler, will I be paired with another person?
Epitourean never pairs a solo traveler with another person without a special request. If you book Single Occupancy, you will have a room entirely to yourself. However, should you wish to be paired with another solo traveler to save on the single supplement, you may make this request. We cannot guarantee that we can accommodate such requests, since it would take another solo traveling on the same tour for the same dates. But if requested, we will certainly try.
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Are flights included in the tour price?
No. Flights are never included in the price of our land-only tours. Epitourean does not provide air, rail or sea travel, unless expressly noted in the itinerary.
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May I give a culinary tour as a gift?
Yes. Epitourean has a special program designed specifically for this purpose. Our Gift Packages come with features such as special messages to the recipient, gift box option, gift link (without pricing), and floating dates (should you not know when the gift recipient wants to travel). Contact a Culinary Travel Specialist at 800-390-3292 or customerservice@epitourean.com to receive additional information about this unique offering.
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May we request separate beds if sharing a room?
Yes. In most cases, Epitourean can accommodate a request for two beds to be placed in one room. Just make sure to make this request in the comments section of the reservation process.
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Does each guestroom have a private bathroom?
Yes. Epitourean partners with the best lodging options in each destination, and private (en suite) bathrooms are a requirement. However, you should inquire as to the configuration of bathrooms should you have a special need. For example, some tours include accommodations in medieval villages, where either a shower or bath(but maybe not both) are present.
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Can your tours accommodate my dietary restrictions?
In almost all cases, Epitourean can accommodate dietary choices and restrictions. But we do request that you ask a Culinary Travel Specialist prior to making your reservation so that we can assess your individual situation.
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If I am unable to use a portion of the tour, can I get a partial refund?
Unfortunately, due to vendor and supplier contracts, we are unable to provide partial refunds for unused portions of any tour or tour component.
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Are Transfers included in the Itinerary?
Round-trip transfers from the airport or train station are normally included in our international tours. Transfers to the destination (for both international and domestic tours) are not included in the tour price. Please see the Sample Itinerary. If it mentions that transfers are included, then yes, transfers are included at no additional cost.
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What meals and excursions are included in the tour?
The Sample Itinerary should be your reference. If the meal or excursion is described in the Sample Itinerary, then it is included at no additional charge. For those days where it expressly notes Free time, then any optional activities you elect to participate in might have an additional cost. In addition, if the itinerary states "evening on your own," it would imply that you have the opportunity to visit a restaurant of your own choosing, and at your own expense. If you have any question about inclusions, please submit an inquiry by clicking on the blue "Ask Us a Question" button under the price section.
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Is it possible to book pre or post tours or stays through Edible Destinations?
Yes, we often do have optional 2 and 3 night excursions that are priced separately from the tour. We can also assist with pre and post night stays in a hotel if you choose to come in early before the tour starts, or stay on after a tour ends. The price of those hotel stays are not included in the price of the tour, but we would be happy to provide a quote. Simply ask your Culinary Travel Specialist, or submit an inquiry by clicking on the blue "Ask Us a Question" button.
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Are Guide or Host Gratuities included in the price of the tour?
Since tipping guidelines and customs vary widely between countries, we do not include gratuities in the price of the tour. Your Culinary Travel Specialist can provide you with recommendations. But the general rule is to tip modestly when you are pleased with a guide’s services, either at the end of the tour, or at the conclusion of a specialty day excursion where you will only be with that guide (or chef) on that day.
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Should we plan on any personal expenses during the tour?
All lodging, meals, transfers, classes and excursions mentioned in the Sample Itinerary and Vacation Highlights are included in the price of the tour. However, we highly recommend taking local currency for purchasing personal items, souvenirs, tipping, etc. You can either get the local currency at an airport exchange service, ATM or from your local bank prior to travel. However, you should note that many hosted destinations do not accept credit cards for personal purchases.
Winner OUTSTANDING CULINARY TRAVEL Category
Vacation options presented on this website are offered by Epitourean LLC doing business
as Edible Destinations pursuant to an agreement with Marriott Resorts, Travel Company,
Inc. d/b/a MVC Exchange Company (“MVC”). MVC and its respective affiliates make no
warranty, express or implied, regarding the quality, condition, features or amenities
or any other aspect of any tour or package. The tours and packages offered herein may
have limited availability, are subject to change, and/or may be subject to additional
fees and/or taxes. MVC and its parent company and respective affiliates are not liable
for any damage to, loss of, or theft of personal property, for any bodily injury, or
any other matters, that occurs arising out of or related to the tours or packages
available through Epitourean. MVC HAS NO CONTROL OVER THE CONDUCT OF Epitourean, AND
DISCLAIMS ALL LIABILITY IN THIS REGARD TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW.
Access to the Culinary Tours is made available through the Abound by Marriott Vacations™
exchange program and is subject to the terms and conditions as outlined in the
applicable Abound documents. Actual experiences will be provided via contractual
arrangements with third-party providers and may require the payment of additional fees.
The experiences described herein are examples of potential vacation opportunities and are
subject to change.
Marriott Vacation Club International and its respective affiliates and subsidiaries make
no warranty, express or implied, as to the condition, capacity, performance, features or
amenities or any other aspect of the activities, events, or service providers listed
herein. No inquiry has been made into the activities or events, or the qualifications or
the quality of services offered by the providers. Do not consider this an endorsement of
or recommendation for any of the activities, events, or providers.