A Quick Overview
Experience The Culture and History of Italian Food!
Journey back in time as we explore the region of Lazio (where Rome is located) and the small 2400 year old towns like Sezze. This is the area where your chef guide was born and raised. It was here that Angela Belli learned recipes passed down through generations from her family and friends. Now she wants to share with you her hometown, her recipes, her friends and her family. Join us for this tour that is truly off the beaten path, a place you can only go with a local. But wait, there's more!! We will also be spending 3 nights in Rome enjoying authentic roman food and seeing sights like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, St. Peter's Basilica and even the Sistine Chapel.
Please watch the video above to get a small taste of what's to come on this amazing food adventure.
What's Included
10 Days/9 nights Accommodations | All tastings, classes and demonstrations | Private van and driver | Airport transfers | Most meals | All group activities and expert guides | Full-time tour director and chef | Tips and gratuities
Itinerary and more... detailed below.
Pricing and Registration
Cost Per Person: $5097 (does NOT include flight)
Ready to join us on this incredible experience? Great! You can sign up by clicking the "Join Now!" button below, calling 800-380-8350 or emailing us [email protected]
Meet Your Italian Experience Team
Kerri Wood - Tour Director
One day, over a decade ago, Kerri stood on a rooftop terrace overlooking the heart of Rome for the first time and knew, in that instant, she was home. Immediately after returning to the U.S. Kerri started a business that would bring her back to Italy every year after that... helping others not make the mistakes she made, and allow them to enjoy, relax and immerse in this amazing country.
Kerri personally plans each and every tour, down to the last detail. She also handpicks her guides and team as much for their passions, as for their unique personality/views that they bring to the tours.
Angela Belli - Italian Chef
Chef Angela moved to Seattle, WA in 2012 from Milan, Italy, and she is 100% Italian. She was born and raised close to Rome in a little town called Sezze which is famous for its artichokes. She learned the Italian art of entertaining and traditional cooking by watching her grandmothers, organizing parties with her mom and dad, cooking with her mother-in-law: in the kitchen there is always friendship and warmth. Chef Angela has a wealth of knowledge about Italian cuisine and loves to share her culture and evangelize the "Italianity", starting at the table. Let's experience Italy together through the many services she offers such as Personal Chef, catering, cooking classes, fashion kitchen collection, and Italy foodie tours!
Your 10 Day Itinerary
Day 1 - Welcome to Italy
You will be greeted at the airport by a private driver to bring you directly to the hotel. After a little rest we will get together for a city orientation walk and amazing welcome Dinner. Sleep 3 nights in Rome Activity Level - Moderate
Day 2 - Ancient Rome
Our journey today begins with time travel. We head back 2000 years to visit ancient Rome with a guide who will transport us with stories and knowledge while visiting the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Be ready to Walk A LOT. You will also have half of the day to explore on your own. Activity Level - Heavy
Day 3: St. Peter's and the Vatican Museums
You can't go to Rome and not see the Vatican. Our visit today will take place in the morning. That way most of the day visitors and cruise ships haven't arrived. This is a great times to visit with less crowds on our guided tour. (including the sistine chapel.) Today is another half day free for you to explore more. Activity Level - Heavy
Day 4: Countryside drive to Sezze
You deserve the best!
Our personal chauffeur will pick us up at the hotel in Rome and take us to our magnificent hotel with spa where you can start to relax at the swimming pool with a glass of local wine.
Pic: Kerri and Angela excited and happy you are joining us.
Day 5: Meet Angela's family in Sezze
You made it to Sezze!
A 2,400 years old town on top of a hill with small "viuzze" (one way streets). Our guide will help us discover the gems hidden in the historic center. What about stopping for lunch at Trattoria delle Erbe? And tasting traditional desserts that Chef Angela has learned from her grandma Vincenzina? Don't worry we have it all set up and ready for you
Pic: The view from Sezze down to the Sea
Day 6: Wine Tasting + Pizza
Local wine and prosciutto tasting in Bassiano, medieval town where Angela & Raffaele took their wedding pictures.
Enjoy all-you-can-eat pizza at Claudia pizzeria, where we will meet the large Italian-family owned pizzeria (Angela's family friends) and have the best pizza in town, a ginormous variety of topping for our "pizza al taglio"
Pic: Kerri and Angela enjoying a little tasting... wine, meats and cheeses!!
Day 7: Norma
Do you love chocolate and Roman Villas?
In Norma, after tasting and making our own chocolate, we will be walking to the Roman Villa ruins that dominate the panorama of the Pontina plain. The sunset that "dies" in the Mediterranean Sea will remain printed in your memory forever.
Pic: Angela chillin' after all the chocolate
Day 8: Mozzarella + Terracina city
After a relaxing morning at the Spa what is better than mozzarella di bufala making and tasting?
Our private driver will bring us to Terracina, to visit "Tempio di Giove Anxur" a Roman temple with another breathtaking point view to the sea.
Our own Enzo, Angela's friend, will suggest the best seafood menu' choice for our dinner in front of the sea
Pic: Kerri and Angela visiting the buffalo farm
Day 9: Cooking Class and Farewell
Bellangela's has organized an unforgettable cooking class experience under the sky with an Italian dinner type of festa. Angela's family will join the festivity for more traditional fun with music, dances, singing and... a surprise!
Pic: All set up for the big fest and cooking class on the last night.
Day 10: Depart Italy, ciao!
You have Italy in your heart now but don't worry Bellangela will be in Seattle to delight you with Italianity :)
Grazie and see you to the next avventura italiana (Italian Adventure)
What People are saying!
Marcie E.
"Chef Angela was delightful. From her Italian chef clothing and her accent through to her deep knowledge of Italian cooking, she was a pleasure to watch and learn from. Our guests loved learning about the dishes from her; it made the experience memorably personal "
Charles Heaney
"Our trip was wonderful, informative and delightful. Kerri was terribly attentive, well organized and thoughtful. It was a great mixture of sightseeing and relaxation. We had a great time and we are going to go back."
What's Included
Group Size
We are committed to keeping our groups to no more than 6 -12 tour participants. This makes it perfect for immersing into the Italian countryside learning about the food and the culture. This also allows us access to sights, hotels and restaurants that cannot accommodate large groups.
Experience Team
During your tour you will have a full-time Ultimate Italy Tours Tour Director, as well as well as our food and regional expert, Angela, for the entire duration of your experience.
In addition to this, we hire the best local experts to guide you through each sight and activity to bring Italy to life!
Meals
Because meal time is so important in Italian culture, we include most meals during your trip. The only meals not included are those you have during your free time. We have hand picked each restaurant, winery, farm and chef with care and attention to detail to make sure we have the best food experiences.
Transportation
To truly appreciate the Italian countryside, you must discover it by van or small bus. We will be driving you through the region of Lazio. The area is comprised of beautiful views from high up and all the way down to the sea, an experience unto itself. We also include airport transfers to and from Rome FCO airport.
Accommodations
All of our tours stay in hotels, B&B's and Villas carefully chosen for their uniqueness, attention to detail and overall experience. We make sure to have wifi where possible and book luxury 4 star stays in bigger cities, like Rome and Venice. We also choose to stay in the heart of the cities so it's easy for you to explore during your free time.
Activities
The activities and experiences you will take part in on our tours is a combination of the major sights (they are famous for a reason), and hidden secret locations and small family run farms, sights, classes and locations. On every tour we include the opportunity spend time with true Italian artisans and artists.
Cooking Class
Our cooking class takes place on the last day just before our big Italian Festa (Party). At the party you will enjoy music, food, your new italian friends, as well as your new travel buddies. There will be music, dancing and a special surprise at the end.
Tips and Gratuities
In an effort to NOT nickel and dime our guests, we include all tips and gratuities. We will tip all the guides, drivers, restaurants, and hotels. We do this for two reasons. 1) We want to be transparent in our pricing, no additional charges after you sign up. 2) So you don't have to try to guess or figure out what to tip. If you would like to tip on your own, you can, but it is not required or suggested.
Join The Gastronomic Food Experience
All tours take a maximum of 12 guests and will depart with a minimum of 6.
Upcoming Dates
2022 Dates
May 29 - June 7, 2022
$5097 per person*
**Questions before you book or interested in a PRIVATE DEPARTURE? Call Us at (800) 380-8350 or email [email protected]
Register now below with only your deposit of $500 per person.
*Flight NOT included
I'm interested, but not ready to put down a deposit!
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Important Information
Before you register, please make note of the following...
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When arriving to your tour from the United States, you will need to depart the day prior to your tour start date. Some tours start and end in different cities. Please make sure that you plan your flights accordingly.
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Ultimate Italy Tours does NOT include airfare. If you would like assistance please contact us.
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All communication regarding your tour, accommodations and details is sent via email. Please make sure we have you current email address.
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Tips and gratuities are included in the cost of your tour. This includes all guides, drivers, tour leaders and tour directors. Any voluntary additional gratuities are at your discretion.
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Ultimate Italy Tours strongly recommends you to purchase travel insurance. If you need assistance please contact us.
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If you are interested in extending your stay in Italy, contact us if you'd like assistance.
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Please be aware that while we always do our best to stick to the itineraries published, there are times that changes may be made by the tour leader/ tour director due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
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Although our tours are not classified as adventure or strenuous, all tours require you be in good physical condition. You must be able to walk several miles a day, often on uneven pavement and up hills and stairs, and stand for long periods of time.
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Hotel staff will assign rooms to guests. As we stay in smaller family run, boutique hotels, the rooms may vary in size and layout. Also note that, in general rooms and bathrooms are smaller than common US standards. All rooms will have an ensuite bathroom with a tub and/or shower, hairdryer and basic toiletries.
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Air conditioning and heat are not always available and in some hotels, they will depend on the season. Wifi is also not as readily available as in the US.
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It is your responsibility to have valid travel documents and understand your country's travel laws. Your passport MUST have at least 6 months valid time remaining after the date of your return home.
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In the very unlikely event that we do not hit the tour minimum of 4 participants, we will do our best to help you choose a different departure date and make the transition as quick, easy and smooth as possible.
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Unless stated otherwise, all rates are per person, based on double occupancy, land only, in USD, and subject to availability. Rates may vary by departure date and are subject to change without notice. Ultimate Italy Tours reserves the right to correct any errors, inaccuracies or omissions and to change or update rates, fees and surcharges at any time without prior notice.