Rome: Tiber River Cruise & Trastevere Wine Tasting Cellar

Summary

Drift Rome’s Tiber then taste wine below ancient Trastevere

You’ll float beneath Rome’s bridges on a hop-on hop-off Tiber River cruise before wandering into Trastevere for a guided wine tasting inside an ancient underground cellar. Taste regional wines paired with local cheeses, breads, and desserts as your host shares stories from centuries past. Expect laughter, new flavors, and that rare sense of being both far away and right at home.

What’s the experience like?

We stepped onto the boat near Ponte Sant’Angelo, and right away I felt that weird hush you only get on water, even though Rome was still buzzing just above us. The river had this slow, greenish look—kind of sleepy—and as we drifted under bridges like Ponte Sisto, our guide pointed out little things I’d never noticed walking: old carvings, laundry flapping above the embankment. Some guy waved at us from his bicycle. I think he was more amused by us than we were by him.

Getting off at Tiber Island, there was this short walk through Trastevere—cobblestones, faded shutters, that faint smell of espresso and something frying (maybe artichokes?). It was humid but not sticky, so we dawdled. At Fabullus Wine Cellar, our host Claudia led us down these stone steps into what used to be a Roman cistern. The air changed instantly—cooler, kind of earthy. She handed me a glass of prosecco and started telling stories about the cellar’s history. I tried to repeat “cisterna romana” back to her and she grinned. My accent is hopeless.

The food tasting part surprised me; it wasn’t just cheese and ham but all these little bites—mortadella with pistachio, buffalo mozzarella that actually squeaked when you bit it (is that normal?), focaccia dipped in olive oil so grassy it almost tasted green. Claudia poured two whites and two reds, explaining why each matched the food. I still think about the honey drizzled over salty pecorino—it sounds odd but works. We finished with tiramisù and a tiny coffee that could probably wake the dead.

I left feeling like I’d been let in on some quiet secret under all that Roman chaos above. Not everything went smoothly—I nearly tripped on those cellar stairs—but honestly? That made it better somehow.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Tiber River cruise and wine tasting

• Embark at Ponte Sant'Angelo
• View Castel Sant'Angelo
• Pass St. Peter's Basilica
• Pass Vittorio Emanuele bridge
• Pass Ponte Principe Amedeo Savoia Aosta
• Pass Trastevere district
• Pass Janiculum Hill
• Pass Ponte Sisto
• Pass Pons Fabricius bridge
• Pass Pons Cestius bridge
• Disembark at Tiber Island
• Walk to Fabullus Wine Cellar
• Enjoy food tasting with wine pairing

Top questions

How long does the Tiber River cruise last?

The hop-on hop-off cruise ticket is valid for 24 hours from your first boarding; boats run daily between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., so you can ride as much or as little as you like within that window.

Where should I get off for the wine tasting?

Disembark at the Tiber Island pier—it’s about a 500-meter walk through Trastevere to Fabullus Wine Cellar.

Is hotel pickup included?

No, hotel pickup or drop-off is not included; you’ll need to make your own way to the embarkation point.

What foods are included in the tasting?

The tasting includes mortadella with pistachio, buffalo mozzarella, ricotta, focaccia bread with olive oil, fresh vegetables or pickles, cheeses with honey or jam, cured meats, dessert (ice cream or tiramisù), and coffee.

Are drinks included in the experience?

Yes—your tasting includes one glass of prosecco plus four glasses of superior Italian wines (two white and two red), as well as water or soft drinks if preferred.

Is this tour suitable for children?

No—the experience is not suitable for children under 7 or infants.

Can vegans join this wine & food tour?

A vegan option may be available upon request but isn’t guaranteed; contact ahead to check availability.

Is the cellar accessible for wheelchair users?

No—the cellar is not recommended for wheelchair users or those with mobility impairments due to stairs and uneven surfaces.

What’s included

Your day includes a 24-hour hop-on hop-off ticket for Rome’s Tiber River boat (with departures from four central stops), all guided tastings at Fabullus Wine Cellar in Trastevere—including prosecco on arrival plus four glasses of selected Italian wines (white and red), water or soft drinks if needed, seasonal Slow Food-certified products like cheeses and cured meats, focaccia with olive oil tastings, dessert (ice cream or tiramisù), coffee at the end—and expert staff sharing stories along the way before you head back out into Rome’s streets whenever you’re ready.