FAQs about Free Gastronomic tours

• 1) Why do you offer gastronomic free walking tours?

  A: Operated by NewRomeFreeTour, the oldest free tour in Italy, we offer tours at no upfront cost. In fact, our tours operate on a pay-what-you-like model. We believe that everybody should be able to enjoy an educational tour experience and discover and learn about the cities we tour in, regardless of your budget. We also strongly believe that you should not have to pay for a tour in advance, without having experienced it first. We think that you should decide how much you think the tour was worth when the tour is finished. As you can imagine, our tour guides have to work extra hard to earn your appreciation. You name the price.

• 2) What do I need to bring to the Food Tours?

  A: We have no minimum for most of the tours. In terms of the maximum, we work hard to achieve an average group size of 25 PAX and we will always try to keep numbers under 30.

  We do our best to have multiple guides to ensure that everyone can be accommodated, but at particularly busy times of the year (public holidays, Easter weekend, etc) it is mandatory to reserve your spot online in advance to guarantee participation on your desired date.

  If you are planning on joining the tour with a group larger than 6 people (same family, friends or people that already know eachother), unfortunately we cannot accomodate you. We advice you book a private, customized tour instead.

• 3) Do I have to make a reservation, or can I just show up?

  A: Yes. Reservations are required and mandatory for guaranteed spots on all tours. Reservations help us determine the number of guides we need to ensure that our groups remain manageable and enjoyable, anything that could disturb the tours. Cooking classes ONLY require prepayment while others can accommodate up to 6 (six) without it. We do consider two families travelling together as a group. For this reason, if you are travelling together with other people (friends, family) and you are more than 6 (six) we strongly suggest contacting us in order to book a private, customized tour (not for free).

• 4) Can I attend all the three different tours; Ghetto, Monti and Trastevere gastronomic food tours?

  A: Yes, you can! Since itineraries and food are different on each tour but you can make 1 (one) reservation only for each food tour (we mean : be sure to book the day it suits with your schedules). multiple bookings for the same tours ( on dfferent days) we will be cancelled and it is not possible to reactivate them.

• 5) Where does the tour start and end?

  A: Every tour page has the itinerary for the starting and ending location and map listed. More information, including the photo of the meeting place, read  the voucher that you will receive once booked.

  In order to avoid missing important information we advice you to print your ticket.

• 6) How long are the walks?

  A: Most of our tours are a little over one mile (1.6k) in length. The tours are approximately 2 hours in length. Obviously, longer tours will walk longer distances. If you have problems with walking longer distances, we recommend you booking the private tour, so you can decide how fast the tour moves.

• 7) What is an appropriate amount for a name-your-own-price tour?

  A: Another good question. People always ask why we offer tours for no upfront cost that our competitors charge good money for? Well, we feel that everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy a tour at a price they can afford, so our tours are “name your own price”. We also think that you should not pay for a tour if you have not yet experienced it. Loved your tour and tour guide? Let him or her know! We appreciate whatever you feel is fair. You name the price. We are that confident in the quality of our tours. How can you beat that?

  So how do you guys make money ?

  The only source of income the guides have is the ammount of  money  that generous people think that they’re worth after having taken the awesome tour. We don’t get sponsored by the city or anyone else. Any ammount of money, hopefully generous,  is accepted of course, in this way, anyone can join no matter what your travel budget is.

• 8) Are your tours wheelchair/stroller accessible?

  A: While we will do all we can, to offer accessible tours, our tours cannot accommodate wheelchairs or strollers. We suggest booking a private tour, customized to your experience. Please contact us in case you are interested so we can ensure that we can make the route and the itinerary accessible for you.

• 9) What happens if we arrive late to the tour, Can I join the tour halfway?

  A: Please, please, please try to be on time. We recommend arriving at the starting location about 10 minutes before the tour starts. We also recommend checking with your concierge or online how much time you need to make it to the tour on time and allow some extra buffer time. You don’t want to be the person arriving late and having to call and interrupt the guide in the middle of a tour. Any late arrivals with reservations, won’t be accommodated. Late arrivals cannot join the tour on the way, once the tour has started. If you would like to do the tour, please do everything you can to make it to the starting point on time and we will be more than happy to welcome you! We understand that this might not be ideal for you but please take into account that you will be participating in a group tour with other guests, therefore picking up people halfway will inconvenience the whole group. We appreciate your understanding on this matter.

• 10) I have changed my mind and cannot come to the tour. Do I have to let you know?

  A: Yes! Please give us at least a 12-hour notice before your tour starts.  By letting us know in time (at least 12 hours ahead) that you cannot make it, we can open the extra spot to other interested guests. If you have prepaid for a tour, we require 48 hours’ notice for a refund or to reschedule. All you have to do is click reply on your confirmation email and send us a message.

  We do work on the honor system, so please understand that if you make a reservation and do not show up or bail on us last minute, that this might affect your future reservations.

• 11) Can a minor (under 18 years of age) attend a tour without an adult?

  A: While we do love having younger visitors join us, we do require they attend the tour with an adult. We cannot accommodate any guests under 18 who are not attending with an accompanying adult.

  Children under 10 cannot join the tour, even if accompanied, for insurance reason.

• 12) I am a group of 7 and it is not letting me make a reservation?

  A: We can only accommodate large groups with prepayment. Groups of 7 and larger can book and prepay a private tour instead. We consider scout, youth, two families travelling together as a group. For example if one family has 4 people, and one family as 3 people but have chosen to take the same tour at the same time, as travelling together, that is considered a group of 7. Please do not make separate reservations to avoid this policy. Your reservation will be canceled, and you will not be accommodated at the tour start if you just show up.

  Verbal harassment of our tour guides because we cannot accommodate you when you ignored our group policy will not be tolerated.

  We will make every effort to do what we can to make your trip fun and enjoyable for your whole group. Please contact us first in case you prefer to have a private tour!

• 13) Can we bring our pets?

  A: We love pets, but unfortunately not all guests do. We ask guests not to bring pets on the public tours. We do offer private tours and many of these can accommodate pets.

• 14) Do I need to book tickets in advance?

  A: Yes, advance ticket booking is required. Events typically sell out quickly. To maximize your chances of getting the date, time, and number of tickets you prefer, please book well in advance.

• 15) Are children allowed?

  A: Absolutely but children under 10 cannot join this tour for insurance reason.

• 16) What if I have dietary restrictions or allergies?

  A: The tour is suitable for most allergies and dietary restrictions but unfortunately not for vegans and those with a lactose intolerance. You can state your dietary restrictions during the booking process and if in doubt, please contact us.

• 18) Do I need to tip on paid tours?

  A: Gratuities are greatly appreciated, although not mandatory. The standard gratuity in the Italian industry is around 10% ON PAID TOURS.

  On GASTRONOMIC FREE TOURS you name the price at the end.

• 19) Are bathrooms available during the tour?

  A: Yes, bathrooms are available during the tour at selected food-tasting locations.

• 20) Do the tours ever get cancelled for weather?

  A: The tours will always take place, no matter what the weather is. The show must go on! We operate with the motto “Rain or snow we always go!” So we will always be there. The tour runs as scheduled. Our tours go out rain or shine,  unless the safety of our guests is compromised. Dress appropriately for the conditions. If the weather is bad, your guide will include as many “bad weather” covered stops as possible. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. However, FreeRomeFoodTour may cancel or postpone the tour due to unpredictable reasons, not related to us. All reserved guests will be contacted via email and text should this happen. Please contact us or check our website for updates.

• 21) Do you offer private tours?

  A: We do offer private tours! Please send an email for more information on our private tours.

• 22) Does the tour come in other languages?

  A: Please contact us for a private tour in other language than English and we will make your tour more enjoyable and personal.

• 23) What should I bring with me?

  A: Even though we will provide you with a drink at several stops, it is always a good idea to bring along a bottle of water. You will also be tasting food in shops like a baker’s, a butcher’s and a delicatessen shop and you may want to buy a couple of items there as well, so a back or small rucksack may come in handy.

• 25) I went on a tour and we took a group picture, where can I see it ?

  A: We post the picture every after the tour around eight o’clock in the evening. You can find the picture on our Facebook page and Instangram

• 26) Is there a maximum number of people allowed on the tour?

  A: We like to keep the groups small which is why  there is a limit of 15  people. So if you want to be sure to join the tour and book a spot on our website right away.