This week was anything but ordinary. We had the privilege of welcoming HemsteaWijnen group from the Netherlands – 25 enthusiastic guests eager to discover Rome in a way that blended history, laughter, and gastronomy. With 1 golf cart and 4 Etuks ready to roll, the group set off on what would become an unforgettable team-building food & wine journey.
The Unforgettable Beginning
Our grand departure started at the Pyramid of Cestius, a 2,000-year-old monument that still towers proudly at the gates of Rome. Just minutes later, the adventure took a comic turn: a sudden bathroom emergency.
Imagine 23 cheerful guests queueing outside a tiny Roman bar toilet – less “majestic Rome” and more “Italian comedy sketch.” Even though it meant skipping a couple of planned stops, including the beautiful Church of Quo Vadis, the humour of the situation kept spirits sky-high.
👉 Sometimes it’s the unexpected moments that create the best memories.
A Special Thank You
At this point, we want to pause and express our gratitude.
A heartfelt thank you to Mark Geessink – without his energy, organisation, and trust, this entire Roman adventure would never have happened.
To our wonderful guests from HemsteaWijnen – thank you for bringing your enthusiasm, curiosity, and laughter. You transformed a tour into a true celebration.
And of course, a warm thank you to our dedicated guides – Tommaso, Federico, Ascenzi , Bargilli, and Cristiano who made sure every stop, every story, and every laugh was shared in the spirit of Rome.
Discovering Rome’s Hidden Treasures
Once everyone was refreshed, the group dove into history in true Roman style:
- Church of Santo Stefano Rotondo
A unique circular church that felt both ancient and timeless, sparking curiosity among the guests. - The Appian Way
Riding along cobblestones where emperors, gladiators, and legionaries once passed. History under the wheels, laughter in the air. - Catacombs of San Callisto Gardens
Shaded cypress trees, peaceful grounds, and the weight of centuries beneath the soil – a moment of reflection and calm. - Tomb of Cecilia Metella
Still standing strong after nearly 2,000 years, this monumental tomb was a reminder of Rome’s enduring grandeur.
From Ancient Roads to Roman Tables
No Roman story is complete without flavours. The final chapter unfolded in Testaccio, Rome’s vibrant culinary heart.
The HemsteaWijnen group swapped their Etuks for seats at a long rustic table, tucked away in a traditional Roman cellar.
The evening came alive with:
Local wines from Lazio, each glass poured with warmth.
Authentic Roman dishes – pecorino cheese, artisanal cured meats, rustic bread, and hearty recipes full of tradition.
An intimate atmosphere, lit softly by cellar lamps, where laughter echoed against old stone walls.
Local wines from Lazio, each glass poured with warmth.
Authentic Roman dishes – pecorino cheese, artisanal cured meats, rustic bread, and hearty recipes full of tradition.
An intimate atmosphere, lit softly by cellar lamps, where laughter echoed against old stone walls.
Here, the group didn’t just eat – they celebrated. Every toast, every shared plate, every burst of laughter deepened connections and turned dinner into an experience.
One guest summed it up perfectly:
“It felt like walking through history… only with better snacks at the end!”
Why This Tour Stood Out
What truly made the evening unforgettable was not just the itinerary – it was the people.
The HemsteaWijnen team embraced Rome with open hearts, good humour, and big smiles. They reminded us that team-building doesn’t need conference rooms or PowerPoints. Sometimes, it’s best done on cobblestones, with wine in hand, and history all around.
Ready for Your Own Roman Experience?
At Etuk Tours Rome, we design more than sightseeing tours. We create:
Adventures — with Etuks & golf carts making history comfortable and fun.
Flavours — authentic Roman dishes paired with local wines.
Memories — laughter-filled experiences that bond groups together.
Adventures — with Etuks & golf carts making history comfortable and fun.
Flavours — authentic Roman dishes paired with local wines.
Memories — laughter-filled experiences that bond groups together.
Planning a corporate event, incentive trip, or private group experience in Rome?
Let us craft an itinerary that blends history, flavours, and unforgettable moments – just like we did for the HemsteaWijnen group.
Let us craft an itinerary that blends history, flavours, and unforgettable moments – just like we did for the HemsteaWijnen group.
Contact us today and let’s plan your Roman adventure.
Final Words
What made this tour so special wasn’t just the monuments we passed or the food we tasted — it was the way everything came together. Ancient cobblestones under the wheels, hidden churches waiting to be discovered, laughter carrying through quiet gardens, and finally, the joy of sharing wine and food at a long Roman table.
It was an experience where history met flavour, where a corporate trip turned into a shared story, and where Rome revealed itself not as a backdrop, but as a living part of the adventure.
For the HemsteaWijnen group, it wasn’t simply a tour – it was Rome lived, savoured, and remembered and for ETuk Tours Rome the same
