TEMPTING TRADITIONS

An eating adventure like this is just too good to miss. Explore two of Rome’s most fascinating districts on this guided food tour.

The vibrant, bohemian neighbourhood of Trastevere, with its maze of narrow cobblestone alleys, pavement cafes and bars, tiny restaurants and tempting salumerie, will give you a real flavour of what makes Rome tick. Life spills out onto the streets here and while the district hums and bustles during the daytime, it is the night scene that attracts crowds of young people to the area at sundown. Trastevere or trans Tiberim, meaning beyond the Tiber, was once a strictly working class neighbourhood. Today it provides a heady mix of old and new, traditional and trendy, of rundown dilapidation and the very latest architectural design, of the mundane humdrum of everyday and an effervescent, inspirational explosion of colour and creativity. The district also offers insight into Roman cuisine with its local eateries and specialty stores that only insiders know how to find. Here bakers, cheese sellers, deli owners, ice cream makers and confectioners work hard to keep Roman culinary heritage alive and provide their discerning clientele with an ample range of prime quality products. Your guide will take you to a selection of the very best food suppliers in the area and invite you to sample their treats.

Next, try out the signature flavours of the Jewish Ghetto, first established in 1555 when Pope Paul IV obliged Jewish residents to live in a restricted area next to the River Tiber. Today this neighbourhood is peppered with kosher stores and restaurants making it another must for epicureans. You will explore its streets and drop in at food shops, while your guide throws light on the origins and history of this district. Customs of the local Jewish population will be explained together with the role and contribution of this community to the life of the city. At different times throughout the ages the inhabitants were oppressed by restrictive laws and regulations which forbade Jews to leave the area from dusk to dawn, limited the number of professional activities they were allowed to carry out and ordered them to wear specific clothing. As a result of this forced isolation the community clung to its ancient lore, practices and gastronomic traditions and managed to flourish against all odds. You will discover how the Jewish residents developed a distinctive culinary style, which is now considered a fundamental component of popular Roman cookery. On your way through the Ghetto taste local specialities which might include Jewish pastries, creamy gelato, freshly baked bread, artisanal cheese, vegetables in batter and – when in season – Jewish-style fried artichokes.

Steeped in history and tradition, generously sprinkled with architectural treasures and alive with contemporary delicacies, we think you’ll agree that Trastevere and the Ghetto have earned their reputation as all-time favourites with gourmands visiting the city.