Rome: Vatican Food Tour & Wine Tasting Small Group

Summary

Food, laughter & DOCG wine near the Vatican in Rome

You’ll wander through Rome’s Prati and Trionfale neighborhoods with a small group, tasting wood-fired pizza, aged cheeses and handmade pasta near Vatican City. Expect DOCG wines poured generously, stories from your local guide, and plenty of laughter between bites — all within walking distance of St Peter’s dome.

What’s the experience like?

Someone handed me a slice of pizza before I’d even found my bearings outside La Nicchia café — I think it was Luca, our guide. He grinned and said something about “number one in Rome,” and honestly, the crust was so light I nearly forgot to listen to the rest. The street outside buzzed with scooters and that faint smell of espresso you get everywhere in this city. We were just a few blocks from Vatican City but it felt like another world — quieter, more local. There were only about ten of us, swapping names and awkward smiles over mortadella and cheese that tasted way saltier than what I’m used to back home.

Luca led us along Via Cipro into Trionfale — he pointed out a bakery where Roman nonnas still argue over whose biscotti are best (he says he stays out of it). At one stop we tried balsamic vinegar that had been aged longer than some of us have been alive; I’m not sure I’ll ever look at supermarket vinegar the same way again. The wine started flowing early — Vermentino first, then a Chianti that tasted almost peppery. Someone asked if we’d be able to walk straight by the last stop. Luca just laughed.

The pasta course came out steaming at Il Segreto. It was simple — cacio e pepe — but so creamy it stuck to my fork in a good way. We talked about football with two locals sitting nearby who joined in when they heard our accents (I did my best Italian impression; they pretended not to notice). Tiramisu arrived last, dusted with cocoa so fine it floated up when I breathed on it. I didn’t expect to feel so at home eating with strangers near the Vatican — or to leave thinking about truffle cheese instead of Michelangelo’s dome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Food and wine tour near Vatican City

• Meet at La Nicchia cafe
• Visit 5 local food venues
• Taste Rome’s #1 pizza
• Sample cheeses and cured meats
• Try truffles and aged balsamic
• Enjoy handmade pasta and Tiramisu
• Drink free flowing fine wine

Top questions

How long does the Rome food tour by the Vatican last?

The main food tour lasts 4 hours; there is also a 90-minute wine pairing option available.

Where does the food tour start?

The 4-hour tour meets at La Nicchia café (Via Cipro 4L); the 90-minute tasting starts at Il Segreto (Via Candia 71).

Is food included in the price?

Yes, all food tastings and snacks are included during the tour.

Are drinks included on this Rome food tour?

Yes, alcoholic beverages including DOCG wines and bottled water are included.

How many people are on each tour?

The group size is limited to a maximum of 15 people.

Is public transportation nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options close to both meeting points.

Is this tour suitable for families or kids?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels; specialized infant seats are available.

What’s included

Your day includes guided tastings at four different venues around Prati and Trionfale near Vatican City, plenty of snacks from pizza to handmade pasta and tiramisu, generous pours of DOCG wines like Vermentino di Gallura and Chianti San Lorenzo, plus bottled water throughout your walk.