A True Taste of Rome Private Food Tour by Italian Tuk Tuk

The first time I saw the Colosseum, I was blown away by its beauty and grandeur. I will not only tell you about the history of the most famous amphitheatre in the world, but also give you a glimpse of what it was like to live in that period. We meet on the Via San Giovanni in Laterano, right next to the Lugus Magnus, the place where the gladiators lived and trained. In our golf cart, we drive past the Colosseum towards the Arch of Constantine.

As we travel from the Colosseum to the Circus Maximus, I will explain the significance of the Palatine Hill, and on our right-hand side, the enormous Circus Maximus will come into view. The fact that we drive higher up allows us to admire not only the Circus, but also the ancient palaces on the Palatine Hill. At the highest point, we make a stop for a photo. This point is rather special because from here you can get a view of 4 of the seven hills of Rome.

The Aventine Hill has always been one of my favourite hills. Why? Because it has this rustic village character to it: fancy houses, a lot of green. As if time stands still here! We drive to the highest point of the Aventine, and I show you the orange garden, a haven of peace. Next to the garden, we also visit the Santa Sabina Basilica, one of the oldest in Rome. I find the original wooden door, almost 1700 years old, to be the highlight.

I am always amazed by the number of people who want to see this 'TikTok' monument that became famous through the movie Roman Holiday, starring Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn. After sharing the story behind this renowned round-shaped stone, I invite you to look in the opposite direction. Why? Here, we find two very ancient temples; the round one, the Temple of Hercules, is actually the oldest temple of Rome, still intact. It simply requires looking the other way to discover the real ancient Rome.

The first question everyone always asks me is: 'What is the Jewish Ghetto and why is it called a ghetto?’ Only by driving through this quiet part of Rome can I explain the whole history that, besides its very tragic past, offers us one of the most beautiful glimpses of Rome. We will enter one of the smallest streets with our golf cart and see the Portico d'Ottavia and the famous Turtle Fountain.

The first time I visited Piazza Navona, I was 24 years old. It was in January, but the sun was shining and it felt like springtime. I remember thinking that this was the most beautiful square I had ever seen. The sheer elegance and perfect proportions are simply unique. I will explain the Four Rivers Fountain, sculpted by Bernini, and the history of the square, including its past as a stadium for athletes.

Using superlatives is pretty easy in Rome, especially when you see the Pantheon for the first time. It stands there as if it has always been there, yet it is hard to imagine that it was exactly the same 2000 years ago. I believe that round-shaped buildings have something mysterious to them. We are looking at the temple of all ancient pagan Gods, because that is what the word Pantheon means. I will ask for your thoughts after you've seen it for the first time!

'The fool on the hill, sees the sun going down'...standing on this side of the Tiber river, on one of the highest points in Rome, can make you dream away for hours, especially during sunset. This is the romantic hideaway for the young Roman lovers. Garibaldi looks sturdy over Rome, and on this hill, I take you back in time to the period when Italy was being united (1870), but words can never describe what our eyes can see here.

One of the first questions people ask me when we start our tour is: 'Will we see Trastevere?’, usually pronounced in a French way. This gives me the opportunity to explain what the word means: trans Tiberim, which means “across the Tiber River”. We are actually on the left bank of the Tiber River. This once very poor district has now become the place to hang out, stroll with an ice cream and enjoy an authentic Roman meal.

Monte de coccio, the Romans would say. The name Monte Testaccio comes from the Latin word testae, meaning 'potsherds'. It is actually a very ancient hill, but entirely artificial, made from the remnants of ceramic pots. Located right next to the ancient harbour of Rome. It was a working-class district during the 19th century, and for the past 25 years, it has become one of the most popular neighbourhoods in Rome. Here, you will meet not only tourists but also the real Romans. Now, here we are, ready to have fun! I will take you into a 2000-year-old cave where you’ll taste five different types of cheese, five different types of hams and salami, all of which are homemade and aged inside this cave.’ A glass of wine will be offered together with local bread. This is a unique place and as we describe it: A True Taste of Rome!

I enjoy driving the golf cart, and suddenly, I find myself arriving at the Pyramid of Rome. Who expects a pyramid in Rome? Although not as old as the ones from Egypt, it is still over 2000 years old. We are at a very interesting crossroad: the southernmost gate of Rome, the Aurelian walls, and the pyramid. They all come together here. What better way to end your tour at this crossroad? Next to the metro line.