Flavors of Rome: A Culinary Journey for Families

Overview and purpose

Some of life’s richest memories are made in the kitchen — especially when shared with family.
Flavors of Rome is a 7-day immersive culinary workshop designed for Gulf families who want to connect, learn, and experience Italian culture through its most joyful gateway: food.

From kneading fresh pasta to crafting the perfect tiramisù, from exploring fragrant farmers’ markets to discovering ancient Roman food traditions — this program blends hands-on cooking with immersive cultural discovery in a warm, family-friendly atmosphere. Every recipe comes with a story, and every day ends with a shared meal and a deeper bond.

Unlike traditional courses, this journey welcomes parents and children to explore side-by-side. With Arabic-speaking support, halal-friendly meals, and a carefully designed itinerary, families will enjoy a balance of learning, fun, and relaxation — all in the heart of one of the world’s most vibrant food cities.

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a total beginner, you’ll return home with new skills, shared memories, and a delicious piece of Rome in your heart.

Learning Outcome

By the end of this course, families will:

  • Learn how to prepare classic Italian dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients
  • Discover the history, culture, and regional stories behind iconic recipes
  • Explore local food markets, gelaterias, and traditional Roman eateries
  • Strengthen family communication and teamwork through collaborative cooking
  • Gain confidence in basic culinary techniques (for adults and children)
  • Create shared memories that celebrate family, flavor, and culture
Admission information
  • Language: English (with Arabic-speaking support throughout)
  • Target Group: Families from GCC countries (parents and children aged 6+); suitable for beginners and home-cooking enthusiasts
  • Requirements: No cooking experience needed; children must be accompanied by at least one adult
  • Maximum number of family units: 8 families (max 4 members per family)
location

Rome, Italy… Activities held in a family-friendly culinary studio, outdoor markets, and cultural venues across the city center.

Duration and Daily Schedule

7 days, Featuring morning cooking sessions and afternoon family activities with a culinary or cultural theme, plus time for rest and exploration.

Daily Schedule

Day 1 – Welcome to the Table

  • Morning: Arrivals and hotel check-in
  • Afternoon: Welcome session with Alfa Edu team and cultural buddy. Group introductions and orientation
  • Evening: Family-friendly welcome dinner with traditional Roman dishes in a halal-certified trattoria

Day 2 – Pasta from Scratch: Flour, Eggs, Family

  • Morning: Cooking workshop – learn how to make fresh pasta dough, shape tagliatelle and ravioli. Children have their own kid-safe stations
  • Afternoon: Visit to a traditional pasta shop and small flour mill. Learn about Italian wheat and the culture of handmade pasta
  • Evening: Group dinner featuring everyone’s pasta creations

Day 3 – Sauces, Secrets & Simplicity

  • Morning: Workshop on making iconic sauces (tomato, pesto, alfredo). Learn the balance of flavor and the joy of simplicity
  • Afternoon: Walk through Campo de’ Fiori market. Family activity: ingredients scavenger hunt
  • Evening: Free time for families to explore or dine at a restaurant of their choice

Day 4 – Sweet Rome: Pastry, Gelato & Celebration

  • Morning: Pastry workshop — prepare tiramisù, crostata, and gelato using halal-certified ingredients
  • Afternoon: Visit a historic Roman gelateria. Learn the difference between gelato and ice cream and enjoy a tasting session
  • Evening: Optional pizza night in a wood-fired pizzeria

Day 5 – Food Stories: Culture, Faith & Table Traditions

  • Morning: Workshop and family circle: “What does food mean in your home?”
  • Afternoon: Cultural visit to Trastevere. Explore the roots of Roman food traditions and their intersections with culture and religion
  • Evening: Free evening or optional cooking activity for kids with supervision

Day 6 – Signature Dishes: Your Family in a Recipe

  • Morning: Creative cooking challenge — each family creates their own dish inspired by what they’ve learned
  • Afternoon: Family photoshoot with food & aprons + certificate distribution
  • Evening: Group celebration meal and showcase of family creations

Day 7 – Farewell & Departure

  • Morning: Reflections, and goodbyes
  • Optional group airport transfer or departure assistance
Why Choose This Course
  • Designed for Gulf families: culturally respectful, welcoming, and child-inclusive
  • Balanced schedule of learning, bonding, and leisure
  • Warm, hands-on approach to cooking that brings people together
  • Unique chance to explore Rome’s culinary heritage as a family
  • A joyful blend of learning, storytelling, and shared meals
What Sets Us Apart
  • A rare family workshop designed for adults and children to learn together
  • Halal-friendly, Arabic-supported, and completely beginner-friendly
  • Daily themes that connect food to culture, faith, and memory
  • Small group size for personal attention and a relaxed atmosphere
  • You don’t just learn recipes — you create family traditions