Private Tour
Tivoli Day Trip: Villa D’Este & Cooking Class
Overview
Available languages
8 hours
Mobile ticket
This is not your typical day trip—it's a boutique, intimate journey into the heart of Italy set on a peaceful farmhouse surrounded by olive trees. Led by a local chef, you’ll spend the day immersed in nature, good food, and genuine hospitality.
More than a class, it’s a rare opportunity to cook, eat, and connect in a real working farmhouse, far from the tourist trail.
From garden to table, you'll prepare traditional Roman dishes with fresh local ingredients and enjoy them over wine and conversation.
Visit Villa d’Este, a UNESCO World Heritage site of magical fountains and Renaissance gardens—a perfect spot to soak in beauty and take the best photos of your trip.
This is the kind of day that stays with you.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Private transportation
Villa D' Este Tickets
Wine or Beer for Adults
Lunch
Air-conditioned vehicle
Gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
Escape to the Roman Countryside for a Truly Local Experience Step away from the crowds and discover an authentic slice of Italy in the hills of Tivoli. This is not your typical day trip—it's an intimate journey into the heart of Roman culinary tradition, set on a peaceful farmhouse surrounded by olive trees. Led by a local chef, you’ll spend the day immersed in nature, farm-to-table food, and genuine hospitality. Our driver will pick you up in Rome for a scenic ride into the countryside, where you'll be welcomed at a real working farmhouse—not a stage set, but a place where things are grown, cooked, and shared. Roll up your sleeves for a hands-on cooking class using fresh ingredients picked just steps from the kitchen. With your chef, you’ll master traditional Roman recipes—from handmade pasta to rich, rustic sauces—while sipping local wine and sharing stories around the table. After your meal, you'll visit Villa d’Este, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its magical fountains and Renaissance gardens—the perfect backdrop for unforgettable photos. Head back to Rome full of memories and flavors you won’t find on any tourist map. This is the kind of day that stays with you.
Sample Menu
starter
Burrata
Burrata cheese paired with a selection of oilve oils
starter
Four (4) Mini Local Farm to Table appetizers
main
Fettucine Amatriciana or Fettucine Tomato and Lemon Zest
Fresh pasta with a meat Roman sauce or a summery tomato sauce
main
Fresh Ravioli
Fresh Ravioli with cream sauce
dessert
Dessert
Options
NO TRANSPORTATION INCLUDED
Villa D'Este visit
Cooking Class
8 Testes Food&Wine degustation
Pick up NOT INCLUDED
Pickup included
Private Tivoli DayTrip&Cooking
Pickup included
Group Tivoli DayTrip & Cooking
Pickup included
Reviews
76 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Culinary Joy Amidst the Rural Beauty of Tivoli Olive Groves
Guide29294907655,
Nov 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00“Pure magic from beginning to end! This culinary experience was everything we were hoping for — amazing food, wonderful hosts, and just the right amount of instruction in the culinary arts. We learned so much for the next time we make pasta in our own kitchen. After a full day touring the Vatican, this was the perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle. The peace and tranquillity— broken only by our own laughter — blended beautifully with the gentle rustle of the wind through olive trees. We hadn’t expected the idyllic setting: a charming country home nestled among the olive groves. It swept us off our feet! David and Ellena were the most gracious hosts — truly beautiful people in every sense. Our driver, Maurizio, was another joy of the day— kind, engaging, and so knowledgeable that the 40-minute trip from Rome to Tivoli became an informative tour. (He also insisted that David looks like Tom Cruise — we had to agree! 😊) The simplicity, warmth, and rural goodness of the whole experience were utterly heartwarming. We didn’t want it to end.”
Incredible experience
williamgR1947LI,
Nov 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00David and Elaina were incredible hosts. Beautiful atmosphere at their lovely home and the meal was delicious! We met new friends and we learned how to make fresh pasta.
Remarkable experience
Nicole W,
Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00If you can only choose one activity while in Rome, I highly recommend this cooking class with Chef Davide. This was an experience unlike anything else — cooking with a renowned chef in his beautiful home in the Italian countryside felt truly special. Not only did we learn to make classic Italian dishes from scratch, but we also learned about the history and artistry behind each one. Chef Davide’s hospitality and attention to detail were unmatched — even the appetizers looked like pieces of art. I can’t wait to return with family and friends to share this remarkable experience. Grazie mille, Chef Davide!
Highlight of our trip
Chloe F,
Oct 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was definitely the highlight of our trip. I would recommend anyone that is traveling in the area to do this. We had a wonderful time being in the countryside and learning how to make pasta from scratch. The food was delicious and they were so welcoming. To top it off, we got to walk through the gardens which was the most beautiful gardens I’ve ever seen! I highly recommend.
A Perfect Day!
Alexandra M,
Sep 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Chef Davide and Elena treat you like family welcoming us into their home for such a fun class. They made sure we understood how to make pasta so we could repeat at home and they sent us all of the recipes! They are both so talented, the food was delicious and beautifully presented and Elena paired wine with each course so we had the perfect bites. They are both so kind and passionate about what they do and make you feel right at home . After cooking and lunch we explored Villa D’este which Is absolutely beautiful. It truly was a perfect day and we would highly recommend the whole experience !!
A Perfect Blend of Food, Culture, and Hospitality
Jerry W,
Sep 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00My wife and I had the absolute pleasure of taking a cooking class with Chef Davide and his wife Elena at their beautiful countryside home in Tivoli during our honeymoon, and it was truly one of the highlights of our trip to Italy. From the start, everything was seamless—transportation was arranged and extremely comfortable, and after the class we even had admission to the stunning gardens at Villa D’Este included. The experience itself was unforgettable. Chef Davide welcomed us into his home and kitchen with warmth and enthusiasm, and Elena made us feel like old friends. Together, they created such an inviting, relaxed atmosphere where we learned, laughed, and indulged. We made fresh ravioli and fettuccini from scratch, with plenty of guidance and encouragement, while enjoying delicious wine and small bites that Davide had prepared. Every moment felt authentic and personal, and it was clear how much passion and love they both put into sharing their craft. The setting was picturesque, the food was incredible, and the hospitality was unmatched. This wasn’t just a cooking class—it was a memory we’ll carry with us forever. If you’re visiting Rome and want an experience that combines food, culture, and genuine connection, I can’t recommend Chef Davide and Elena enough.
Wonderful Experience in a Farmhouse
Michael K,
Jul 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Davide and his wife were wonderful hosts. The class is in their farmhouse in Tivoli and the food and wine were excellent. Their instruction in pasta making was perfect and even better was their ability to talk about the history, culture, food and wine of the region. Great experience!
Highlight of our time around Rome!
Christopher R,
Jul 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our visit with David and Elena was one of the highlights of our entire time in and around Rome! It was a very professional and fun experience from start to finish, and delicious to boot. David is a local with over a decade of professional cooking experience and Elena was fantastic.Highly recommend to get away from the normal touristy sights in Rome and get a little more authentic experience!
Wondeful cooking class in the hills of Tivoli
David D,
Jun 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00If you only had one thing to do while visiting Rome, this would be it! What a wonderful day we had - getting picked up by Fabrizio in his sharp Mercedes van at our Rome hotel, then we were greeted by Elena who got us started on a tour of the beautiful Villa d’Este for about 2 hours. The gardens and fountains were so peaceful. Chef Davide then picked us up at the Villa and we took a short drive in his classic 1964 Fiat to their wonderful farmhouse. We enjoyed a brief tour, met the adorable dogs and some farm animals and got started into our class. Both Chef Davide and Elena (a trained sommelier) were so personable and made the cooking class so much fun. We enjoyed making ravioli and fettuccini, and then sat back and enjoyed a 7 course meal prepared by them and paired with local wines. It was so refreshing to see how they use local, fresh ingredients for their menus. Next time we are in Rome we will certainly return.
Say yes to this tour
Jordan S,
Jun 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Both Davide and Elena were more than gracious hosts. They are both so warm and friendly and were happy to share what they know with us. Bianca (the sheep) was a highlight along with Rho and Lucy (dogs). We didn’t get to meet the chickens personally but if the rest of the family is any indication, we’re sure they’re lovely as well. The home and surrounding area is beautiful beyond words and if heaven were a place on earth, it may just may be Tivoli.
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