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: 5 families (max 5 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: Arrival & Welcome to Rome

  • Morning: Individual arrivals, private transfer, hotel check‑in.
  • Afternoon: Welcome circle with Alfa Edu staff and Arabic‑speaking cultural buddy. Families receive recipe journals and create a quick “Taste‑Memory Map” of favourite foods.

 

Day 2: Pasta Foundations – Dough, Shapes & Team Play

  • Morning: Guided pasta class. Families mix a classic 00‑flour dough, run it through hand‑crank machines, and cut two shapes: tagliatelle strips and ricotta‑filled ravioli.
  • Afternoon: Walk to a heritage pasta shop and mini flour mill to see grain‑to‑dough in action. Families taste three regional pastas and note which sauce might suit each.

 

Day 3: Sauce Lab & Market Quest

  • Morning: Sauce basics: tomato, basil pesto, and creamy Alfredo. Each family tweaks one flavour and records a “Signature Sauce Card” in the journal.
  • Afternoon: Ingredients hunt in Campo de’ Fiori market: Guided clues lead families to fresh herbs, cheese, and fruit that will flavour tomorrow’s pastry session.

 

Day 4: Roman Sweets & Gelato Stories

  • Morning: Pastry studio: Families layer tiramisù, bake fruit crostata, and churn a simple gelato base using market finds.
  • Afternoon: Behind‑the‑counter visit to a historic gelateria. Compare artisanal gelato with the studio version and stamp a “Gelato Passport” for flavours tasted.

 

Day 5: Free‑Flow Family Day

  • No scheduled class. Suggested picnic in Villa Borghese with a hamper of local snacks (checklist provided).

 

Day 6: Signature Dish & Showcase

  • Morning: With a chef’s help, each family designs and cooks its own “Family Special.” Choose a base (fresh pasta or pizza dough), add a sauce or filling learned earlier, and finish with a simple garnish or sweet twist.
  • Afternoon: Family “MasterChef” showcase: professional photo shoot with finished plates, and first pages of a digital “Rome Recipe Album”. Families then sample one another’s dishes at a friendly tasting table.

 

Day 7: Celebration & Farewell

  • Morning: Reflection circle and certificate ceremony. Families share when they’ll next cook their signature dish together.
  • Afternoon: Farewell brunch featuring a “best‑of‑the‑week” buffet, optional shared transfers, and warm good‑byes.
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