Rome: Food Tasting and Wine Pairing & Tiber River Boat Ride

Exploring Rome often means uncovering layers of history, art, and culture, but this tour offers a delicious twist: a blend of gourmet Italian food and wine tasting inside a historic cellar complemented by a scenic Tiber River cruise. It’s a perfect way to satisfy both your palate and your sense of adventure.

We love the intimate setting inside a 1st-century cistern, the opportunity to sample seasonal, artisanal products, and the chance to see the Eternal City from a different perspective—on the water. However, it’s worth noting that the timing of the cruise and the walking involved may require some planning for travelers with tight schedules or mobility considerations.

This experience is ideal for food lovers, wine enthusiasts, or anyone wanting a relaxed yet engaging way to discover Rome’s flavors. Whether you’re visiting solo, as a couple, or with friends, it’s a tasteful way to spend part of your day in the city.

This experience made our article of 14 Must-Try Cruises And Boat Tours In Rome.

Key Points

• Authentic Setting: Dine in a historic Roman cistern from the 1st century AD in Trastevere.
• Expert Guidance: Knowledgeable staff share insights into Italian wines and regional foods.
• Diverse Tastes: Savor a variety of cheeses, cured meats, breads, and seasonal products.
• Scenic Views: Admire Rome’s iconic landmarks from the Tiber River cruise.
• Flexible Scheduling: Multiple tasting times to fit your itinerary.
• Value: A combination of food, wine, and scenic cruise offers a well-rounded experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Authentic Taste of Rome in a Historic Cellar

This tour offers a rare opportunity to enjoy a food and wine tasting experience inside a 1st-century AD Roman cistern. Located in the lively neighborhood of Trastevere, Cantina Fabullus combines history and gastronomy in a cozy underground setting. The atmosphere is both intimate and atmospheric, with stone walls that tell stories of centuries past—making each bite and sip feel like part of Rome’s living history.

What makes this tasting special is the focus on seasonal and artisanal products recognized by the Slow Food Presidia. This organization champions small producers and traditional methods, so each item on the menu reflects genuine craftsmanship. It’s a satisfying way to connect with Italy’s culinary roots—beyond the usual tourist fare.

The Food and Wine Experience

The tasting features a curated selection of delicacies: Gorgonzola DOP, Parma Ham DOP, Pecorino di Moliterno, and mortadella with pistachio, among others. Each pairing is explained by knowledgeable staff, like Ginevra, who is praised for her friendliness, humor, and deep understanding of food and wine. Guests are encouraged to explore the nuances of each wine—prosecco, white, and red—paired perfectly with the cheeses, cured meats, and freshly baked breads.

Reviewers often mention how much they learned during the experience. As one guest noted, “Ginevra made the experience so fun and informative,” highlighting how guides bring the tasting alive with fascinating insights into Italy’s culinary traditions. Expect to taste local products with stories behind them, giving each bite a sense of place.

The Scenic Tiber River Cruise

Before or after the tasting, you can hop onto a 24-hour hop-on-hop-off river cruise. This isn’t just a boat ride; it’s a chance to see Rome’s most iconic sights from the water, including St. Peter’s Basilica, Castel Sant’Angelo, and the beautiful bridges spanning the Tiber. The cruise route covers 15 stops, with a chance to hop off at key landmarks or enjoy a relaxing scenic ride.

The cruise operates daily from March 28 to November 2, departing every 30 minutes from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The ticket is valid for 24 hours, giving you flexibility to explore at your own pace.

While most reviews are positive, some mention the surroundings at certain stops, like Piazza del Popolo, feeling a little neglected. Still, the views and the chance to see Rome from a different angle make this a worthwhile addition.

How It All Fits Together

The itinerary offers two options for the start point, either at Piazza di Ponte Sant’Angelo or near Ponte Sant’Angelo, with the cruise passing by the main sights as you float along. The boat stops at key points like Ponte Sisto and Pons Cestius, and the experience is designed to be flexible.

The tasting session lasts about an hour, giving you time to relax, chat, and savor the flavors. The cruise lasts approximately 45–60 minutes, depending on the route and stops. This means you can combine both activities comfortably within a half-day or full-day plan.

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What You’ll Experience in Detail

The Tasting Venue – Cantina Fabullus

The underground cellar is a treasure trove of Roman history, with its ancient stone walls and soft lighting creating an inviting environment. During the tasting, guests are served a three-course selection of cheeses, cured meats, and regional specialties. For example, one reviewer describes the atmosphere as “beautiful,” noting that the local food and wine were “heavenly.” The guide’s enthusiasm and knowledge elevate the experience, making each tasting more than just sampling—it becomes a story about Italy’s culinary heritage.

The Food Highlights

Guests consistently praise the variety and quality of the food. Sample items include buffalo mozzarella and ricotta, various types of olives, and freshly baked breads. The inclusion of honey and jams adds extra layers of flavor, and the Roman focaccia gets special mention for its crunch and softness. The seasonal focus means the menu may vary, but expect authentic, high-quality ingredients.

The Wine Selection

The wines are carefully chosen to showcase Italy’s regional diversity. From prosecco to white and red wines, each pairing is thoughtfully curated. Reviewers mention how guides explain tasting techniques and the importance of each wine, making it educational as well as delicious. Many attendees find themselves expanding their palate and learning new ways to appreciate Italian wine.

The Scenic Waterway

From the boat, viewing Rome’s iconic landmarks from the Tiber provides a fresh perspective. Guests mention the relaxing atmosphere and the pleasure of seeing sights like St. Peter’s Basilica from the water. The route is designed to offer scenic views and photo opportunities, especially at sunrise or sunset, if timed right.

Practical Details and Value

The price point includes the 24-hour river cruise ticket, the tasting experience, and the guided explanations, which many travelers see as fair considering the quality and uniqueness of the experience. The ticket flexibility allows you to enjoy the cruise at your leisure, making it a good value for those wanting a relaxed, multi-faceted day in Rome.

Transportation to the meeting point is not included, but the closest pier to the wine cellar is Isola Tiberina, about a 10-minute walk. Alternatively, starting at Ponte Sant’Angelo is easy, and your voucher allows seamless transfer between the two.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is perfect for food and wine lovers who want to combine culinary discovery with sightseeing. It suits travelers who enjoy small-group, guided experiences and are interested in local, artisanal products. It’s also great for those who want a relaxed, in-depth look at Rome’s flavors, especially if they appreciate history and scenic views.

Those with mobility issues should note that the venue is underground, and walking between stops might be necessary. It’s less suitable for vegans or travelers with large luggage, but the experience is very accessible for most.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation to the meeting point included?
No, transportation is not included. The closest pier to Cantina Fabullus is Isola Tiberina, about a 10-minute walk, or you can start at Ponte Sant’Angelo.

What is the duration of the tasting?
The food and wine tasting lasts about one hour inside the cellar.

Can I choose the time for the tasting?
Yes, there are multiple start times available, from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM. The selected time is only for the tasting; the cruise runs on a different schedule.

How long is the Tiber River cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 45–60 minutes, depending on the route.

Is the river cruise hop-on-hop-off?
Yes, it’s a 24-hour ticket allowing you to hop on and off at four main stops, with departures every 30 minutes.

What sights will I see from the river?
Landmarks like St. Peter’s Basilica, Castel Sant’Angelo, and various bridges are visible along the route.

Is the experience suitable for children?
While the experience is generally relaxed and educational, it’s primarily designed for adults. Children should be comfortable with walking and being in a guided setting.

Are there any dietary restrictions accommodated?
The tour highlights regional, artisanal products, so if you have allergies or intolerances, it’s best to mention them during booking to ensure suitable options.

Final Thoughts

This combined food, wine, and scenic boat tour offers a well-rounded introduction to Rome’s flavors and sights. You’ll enjoy a small-group atmosphere, expert guides, and the chance to learn about Italy’s culinary traditions in an atmospheric setting. The scenic cruise adds a relaxing element, allowing you to see the city from a different vantage point.

Ideal for travelers who want to combine taste, culture, and relaxation in one experience, it balances the festive with the educational. It’s a great way to create lasting memories while indulging in the authentic tastes of Rome.

If you’re after a delicious, visually stunning, and culturally enriching experience, this tour delivers on all counts. Just be sure to book in advance, arrive on time, and bring your curiosity—and maybe some extra room in your suitcase for souvenirs of flavor.

You can check availability for your dates here: