Roman Villa Mosaics Tour & Valpolicella Wine Tasting

Exploring Italy often means wandering through history and indulging in exceptional wines. This Roman Villa Mosaics Tour combined with Valpolicella wine tasting offers an authentic taste of both, right in the heart of Vicenza’s scenic wine country. While we haven’t personally experienced it, reviews highlight how this tour brings together archaeology, exquisite wines, and delicious local food into a memorable 2-hour journey.

What we love about this experience: First, the opportunity to visit a recently uncovered Roman villa and marvel at its beautiful mosaics—a rare find that makes history feel alive. Second, the personalized wine tasting includes three of Valpolicella’s finest wines, from the light, fresh Valpolicella to the decadent Amarone and Recioto, giving a well-rounded tasting. Third, the knowledgeable guide makes the story behind the site and wines engaging, adding depth to each sip and step. A potential consideration? The tour is quite short, at just around two hours, so it’s best suited for those with a flexible schedule looking for a quick, enriching experience.

This tour is ideal for travelers who appreciate history, wine, and local cuisine in a compact, well-organized format. If you’re after a meaningful half-day that combines cultural discovery with sensory delights, this could be just what you need.

Good To Know

• Unique archaeological site: A recently discovered Roman villa with stunning mosaics, rarely accessible to the public.
• Exclusive wine tasting: Three Valpolicella wines—including Amarone and Recioto—paired with a Roman-inspired dish.
• Expert guidance: Passionate guides, like Marta, enhance the experience with detailed stories and insights.
• Authentic culinary experience: A dish inspired by ancient Roman recipes, served with the wines.
• Convenient logistics: Includes free transfer from the winery to the archaeological site, making transportation hassle-free.
• Limited group size: Small groups (max 10 travelers) ensure a personalized, engaging visit.

A Closer Look at the Experience

The Journey Begins with a Scenic Minivan Ride

The tour kicks off at the Franchini Agricola at 10:30 AM, where you’ll meet your guide and board a minivan headed to a hidden archaeological treasure. The drive itself offers a glimpse into the lush Valpolicella landscape—rolling vineyards, gentle hills, and the promise of discovery ahead. This transportation arrangement—free transfer from the winery to the Roman site—means you won’t have to worry about logistics, allowing you to relax and soak in the surroundings.

Visiting the Roman Villa with Beautiful Mosaics

Once at the site, you’ll step into a recently unearthed Roman villa that dates back centuries. The site is still relatively new to visitors, so you’ll be among the few to see it so close-up. The mosaics themselves are a highlight, with intricate designs that tell stories from ancient times. The guide, who is passionate and knowledgeable, will walk you through the history, the layout of the villa, and the significance of the mosaics.

A review from a recent visitor describes the visit as “fabulous,” noting that Marta made the tour engaging and informative. She explained the mosaics’ details and shared stories about the villa’s inhabitants, making the ruins come alive. It’s an experience that appeals to those interested in archaeology, history, or simply appreciating Italy’s layered past.

Returning to the Winery for a Deeper Dive

Back at the winery, the focus shifts to the wine cellar tour. Surrounded by oak barrels and the earthy aroma of aging wine, you’ll learn about the local winemaking process and the unique characteristics of Valpolicella wines. The tasting includes three distinct wines: a classic Valpolicella, the richer Amarone, and the sweet Recioto. Each offers a different perspective on regional winemaking—light and fresh to intense and velvety, with reviews noting the wines’ quality and the guide’s expertise.

Savoring a Roman-Inspired Culinary Delight

To complement the wines, the tour features a dish inspired by ancient Roman recipes—heirloom cereals, legumes, and a well-aged cheese. This pairing elevates the tasting, giving you a taste of what ancient Romans might have enjoyed, now prepared with locally sourced ingredients. Reviewers have described the food as a highlight, noting it’s simple but flavorful, allowing the wines to shine alongside.

Kid-Friendly Options and Accessibility

The tour also offers juice for kids, making it suitable for families. Service animals are permitted, ensuring everyone can participate comfortably. With a maximum of 10 travelers, the experience remains intimate and interactive, allowing plenty of opportunity for questions and personalized attention.

The Value in Detail

At $90.29 per person, this tour packs in a lot of value. You’re getting a private archaeological visit—a rare chance to see a Roman villa mosaics site that has only recently opened to the public—paired with a structured wine tasting led by passionate guides. The inclusion of a Roman-inspired dish and juice for kids adds a family-friendly touch.

Compared to larger, less personal tours, this one’s small-group size and focus on authentic experiences make it a worthwhile investment. The short duration ensures you get a rich taste of history and wine without needing a full day, perfect for travelers with tight schedules or those wanting a quick, immersive experience.

Practical Details

• Duration: Approximately 2 hours
• Start Time: 10:30 AM
• Meeting Point: Franchini Agricola, Località Forlago, Negrar di Valpolicella
• Price: $90.29 per person
• Includes: Free transfer, archaeological site tour, wine tasting, Roman dish, juice for kids
• Group Size: Max 10 travelers, fostering a relaxed, personalized atmosphere
• Cancellation Policy: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, ideal if your plans are flexible
• Weather considerations: The tour is dependent on good weather; if canceled, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience suits history buffs who love discovering Italy’s ancient past, as well as wine lovers eager to taste regional varieties in a relaxed setting. Families with children will appreciate the kid-friendly aspect, including juice options and a manageable length. Travelers seeking a small-group, intimate tour with knowledgeable guides will find this especially rewarding.

Those wanting a quick cultural fix with delicious local food and wine will feel this tour hits the right notes. On the other hand, if you’re after a long, comprehensive wine tour or archaeological excavation, you might find this one a bit limited in scope.

FAQ

Is transportation included? Yes, the tour includes a free transfer from the winery to the Roman site, so logistics are handled for you.

How long does the tour last? The entire experience runs for about two hours, making it perfect for a half-day activity.

Are children welcome? Absolutely, with juice provided for kids. The tour is family-friendly and designed to accommodate all ages.

What wines are tasted? You’ll sample three Valpolicella wines: a classic Valpolicella, Amarone, and Recioto, each showcasing regional styles.

Is the archaeological site accessible? The site offers a guided visit to see mosaics and ruins, but specific accessibility details are not provided. Expect a walk around the site with some uneven terrain.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time, giving you flexibility.

Final Thoughts

This Roman Villa Mosaics Tour combined with Valpolicella wine tasting offers an engaging blend of history, wine, and local cuisine—all wrapped into a compact, well-organized experience. It’s ideal for travelers who want to add cultural depth to their visit while savoring some of Italy’s best wines in a relaxed setting. The small-group format, passionate guides, and authentic site visits ensure it feels personal and meaningful. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a wine lover, or traveling with family, this tour provides a genuine taste of Valpolicella’s treasures.

In a nutshell, it’s a well-balanced, immersive experience that delivers genuine value, especially for those eager to learn, taste, and explore without fuss. Just remember to book in advance, as small groups tend to fill up quickly, and keep an eye on the weather for the best outdoor experience.