Italy

Welcome to Italy.  Home to many of the world’s greatest works of art, architecture and the best food and wine tours, Italy elates, inspires and moves like no other. The epicenter of the Roman Empire and the birthplace of the Renaissance, it is here that you’ll stand in the presence of Michelangelo’s David and da Vinci’s The Last Supper.  In fact, Italy has more UNESCO World Heritage sites than any other country on earth.

The best food and wine tours in Italy will allow you to walk in the footsteps of ancient Romans in the ruins of Pompeii, stroll the Vatican gardens and take in the spectacular Colosseum and 2000-year-old Pantheon or toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain.

Sail the Po River and lagoons of Venice.  Imagine the audacity of building a city of marble palaces on a lagoon!  The Grand Canal reflects the glories of centuries of Venetian architecture lining its banks.  Wake-up to the calls of gondoliers calling ‘Ooooeeeee!’ and you’ll soon discover the pleasures of la bea vita (the beautiful life).

No land is more caught up with the fruits of its fertile earth than Italy’s Tuscany region, a gourmet destination whose residents spend an inordinate amount of time thinking about, discussing and consuming food and wine.  It’s gentle rolling hills dipped in soft morning mist and sculptural cypress alleys is postcard material.  With its wine-soaked villages, swathes of olive groves and truffle fields, Tuscany epitomizes la very Italia.

The Popularity Of Wine Tours In Italy Are Based On Reputation

In Italy, food and wine are more than a source of sustenance – they’re a way of life.  Fine wine is something to share with friends over good conversation, while meals bring together families for events that last well into the night. Given that it has been this way for thousands of years, it’s no wonder that the food and wine tours in Italy are truly legendary.

Italy is the world’s largest wine producer, with Italian labels being enjoyed all over the world. Italians also rank near the top of worldwide wine consumers; so, it is not just the art of making wine, but also the art of drinking it where they excel. It’s no wonder, considering that wine production in Italy has gone on for well over 2,000 years, since before Roman times.

Every region in Italy produces wine, leading to an incredible variety of grapes and varietals. Perhaps the most well-known Italian wine region is the ever-popular Tuscany region, however, there are many others that are equally worthy of exploration. From the red-lovers’ dream of Calabria in Italy’s south to the unique Friuli Venezia Giulia, with its Austro-Hungarian influence, Italy boasts an incredible selection.

Italy Food Tours Make You Want To “Ciao” Down

It is not just the wine that has made Italy one of the world’s most famous gastronomic destinations. It is perhaps equally famous for its delectable cuisine, which has influenced chefs all around the world. It’s at its traditional best in Italy, however – and a culinary tour in Italy is undoubtedly an adventure to savor.

Italian cuisine varies greatly by region, meaning you will be delighted by all different flavors on your food and wine tour in Italy. However, as a general rule, Italian cuisine is often deceptively simple, allowing the flavors and quality of the ingredients to speak for themselves. The result is flavors that are tantalizing yet subtle, often made from recipes that have been passed down through generations.

Of course, there’s no better accompaniment to a traditional Italian dish than exceptional Italian wine. And you’ll find plenty of those.

Food & Wine Trails

F&WT 2024 Sommelier Series Wine Cruise
Featuring Kelly McAuliffe

Athens to Rome

  • DATES: October 20 - October 30, 2024
  • LENGTH: 10 DAYS
  • CRUISE LINE: Oceania Cruises
Fritz Underground Winery Ketcham Estate

Fritz Underground & Ketcham Estate
Adriatic & Ionian Portrait
2024 Wine Cruise
WAITLIST ONLY

Venice to Rome

  • DATES: October 25 - November 04, 2024
  • LENGTH: 10 DAYS
  • CRUISE LINE: Oceania Cruises
Goosecross Cellars

Goosecross
2025 Springtime Rivieras Wine Cruise

Rome to Barcelona

  • DATES: May 18 - May 26, 2025
  • LENGTH: 8 DAYS
  • CRUISE LINE: Oceania Cruises
Kosta Browne

Kosta Browne
2025 Mediterranean Voyage
Waitlist Only

Rome to Barcelona

  • DATES: June 15 - June 22, 2025
  • LENGTH: 7 DAYS
  • CRUISE LINE: The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Eberle Winery

Eberle Winery
Allure of the Adriatic
2025 Wine Cruise

Rome to Venice

  • DATES: July 07 - July 17, 2025
  • LENGTH: 10 DAYS
  • CRUISE LINE: Oceania Cruises
Justin Vineyards & Winery

JUSTIN
2025 Mediterranean Wine Cruise

Monte Carlo to Rome

  • DATES: September 07 - September 15, 2025
  • LENGTH: 8 DAYS
  • CRUISE LINE: Silversea
Corner 103

Corner 103
Venice & The Jewels of Veneto
2025 Wine Cruise

Venice to Venice

  • DATES: September 14 - September 21, 2025
  • LENGTH: 8 DAYS
  • CRUISE LINE: Uniworld Boutique River Cruises