Opera House Tour & Ballet Rehearsal - October 19, 2025

We’re returning to Rome's Teatro dell’Opera. This journey will take us once again to the most beautiful rooms, including the entrance foyer, stalls, the royal box, the gallery and the museum room. Our wonderful English-speaking guide, Chiara, will illustrate the historical and architectural changes since 1880 and narrate curious anecdotes about the leading figures and artists who have graced the stage of the opera house.

After the visit we'll have the exclusive pleasure of watching a 30 minute rehearsal of the ballet Marco Spada. First revived by Rudolf Nureyev in 1981 for the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma and re-created by Pierre Lacotte, with music by Daniel Auber, Marco Spada is a faithful reconstruction of the spectacular historical production, involving the Teatro’s Corps de Ballet, its orchestra and guests Igor Cvirko and Jana Salenko.

When: Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025
Time: Guided tour starts at 5:30 pm followed by the rehearsal at 7 pm.
Where: Teatro dell’Opera di Roma, Piazza Beniamino Gigli 
Cost: €25 for the guided tour and rehearsal. 
NB: Priority will be given to CCR Members. 
RSVP: canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Marina by Oct. 10th, with PoP.
NB: Space is limited, so book and pay soon!

Season Welcome Party - October 8, 2025

We're returning to Villa Grandi, the official residence of Canada's Ambassador to Italy, Elissa Golberg, to formally welcome everyone to a new season of Canadian Club of Rome activities.

Menu -- waiter service

Assorted canapés

Meatballs with honey and walnuts

Pastry boats with gratineed vegetables

Vegetarian cous cous

Smoked salmon pockets with creamy filling

Assorted savoury skewers

Fruit skewers

Assorted dessert cups

Corner Superior Prosecco di Valdobbiadene

Orange and pineapples juices

Castore Bellone Cincinnato white wine

Polluce Nero Buono Cincinnato red wine

Still and sparkling water

Tea

Coffee

When: Wednesday, October 8, 2025

Time: 6 to 8 p.m.

Where: The gardens of Villa Grandi, the Official Residence of the Ambassador of Canada to the Italian Republic, Via di Porta Latina (exact address will be sent to confirmed participants only). Street parking only.

Cost: current CCR members €30, guests €45. Advance payment required.

N.B. This event is open to guests only if accompanied by fully paid and registered CCR members.

Security: Please note that due to embassy security requirements we will need the full name of each person attending at the time of booking. Also, you are required to have photo ID on the evening of the event. Anyone not on the list will be denied admission.

RSVP and payment to canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Marielle by noon Oct. 6th (attach proof of payment). You are financially responsible for your reservation.

Outing to Ninfa Gardens & Sermoneta - September 27, 2025

The CCR is organizing a visit to the enchanting and historic Ninfa Garden south of Rome. The New York Times has called it one of the prettiest and most romantic gardens in the world, the BBC included it in a "garden grand tour" of Italy, and Gucci featured it in an Edenic advertisement.

A private shuttle (compliments of CCR member Richard Klasa) will take us from our meeting point at Latina train station to the Ninfa gardens, where we will visit the site with an English-speaking guide. Then we'll head up to the hill-top town of Sermoneta for lunch, followed by an optional visit to the Caetani family's huge medieval castle.

Lunch menu

large and varied antipasto selection with coldcuts, cheeses, mozzarella di bufala, and more 

strozzapreti pasta with a ragù of sausage, almond slivers & salted ricotta (a secondo will be available for those who prefer it to the primo)

traditional sweets

water, wine, coffee

VEGETARIAN option available (and alternatives for allergies specified in advance)

When: Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025
Train schedule: we can  send you details upon request (tickets €8.20)
Meeting Point & Time: 9:20 a.m. at Latina Scalo train station (Sermoneta/north side); NB do NOT get off at the earlier Cisterna di Latina stop. Participants coming by car can leave their vehicle at the train station (NORTH/Sermoneta side of the station, which has a large, free parking lot). To avoid parking problems, a shuttle will take us from the train station to the garden and then to the town centre and restaurant and finally back to the train station. 
Cost: gardens+lunch €51, gardens+lunch+castle €60 (castle free for children).
NB: Book early as space is limited. You are financially responsible for your participation.
RSVP and payment to canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Marielle by Sept. 22, specifying whether you would like to participate in the lunch and castle visit in addition to the garden tour.

CCR Book Club - September 18, 2025

The CCR Book Club's will be discussing their summer reading, "My Father’s House" by Joseph O’Connor, over aperitivo snacks and drinks. This literary thriller is set during World War II in Nazi-occupied Rome, as an Irish priest strives to smuggle the persecuted out of the country.

When: Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Where: Private residence of CCR member -- Flaminio area; exact address sent to confirmed participants by email. Open only to current members of the CCR. 

Potluck: Please let Lucy know what food you'll be bringing.

Further info & RSVP: canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Lucy. As space is limited, reservation is compulsory.

The Secret Garden Aperitivo - September 11, 2025

Join us for a late summer aperitivo at Le Serre Barberini, in the elegant seventeenth century gardens of Palazzo Barberini. The beautiful glass serre (greenhouses), designed by architect Francesco Azzurri (1827-1901) and completed during the 19th-century reorganization of the gardens, are now open to the public. They overlook the labyrinth garden, with its curious little cork house and the Egyptian granite stele of Amon-Ra, the sun god, originally found at the temple of Isis in Campo Marzio.

When: Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025

Time: 6:00-8:00p.m.

Where: Le Serre Barberini, Via delle Quattro Fontane,13

Cost: €27 for members and €32 for non-members; includes 1 drink per person (choice of a cocktail -- Spritz, Hugo, Negroni, gin  & tonic, gin lemon, vodka tonic, vodka lemon or americano -- or a glass of white or red wine, served with cold cuts and cheese, Forno Serpenti artisan bread, vegetable tabbouleh, pizzette, olives, chips, peanuts, pistachio, and pretzels, along with still and sparkling water. Advance, non-refundable payment is required to confirm your place.

Please note: You will be charged individually for any additional orders beyond the set menu listed above.

RSVP & Proof of Payment: to canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Marina by close of business on 8 Sept.

Island Dream Aperitivo - June 20, 2025

Let's clink glasses and taste the tropics as we imagine ourselves at a Balinese beach bar! This evening there will also be a traditional dance performance.

When: Friday, June 20, 2025

Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Where: Bali Bar, Via del Mattonato 29 (Trastevere)

Cost: €15 for a glass of prosecco or of red or white wine plus a mixed appetizer plate. No host: you will pay the restaurant directly for the menu plus any extras you order.

RSVP to canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Marielle by 18 June, 2025.

Summer Garden Reception - May 28, 2025

As the club season approaches the summer, we'll be returning to the beautiful garden of the Official Residence of Canada's Ambassador to the Holy See, Joyce Napier, for a lovely evening reception.

Menu -- waiter service

Cones of fried vegetables

Assorted canapés

Potato, provola cheese and speck bites

Mini meatballs with honey and walnuts

Savoury pastry boats with gratin vegetables 

Vegetarian couscous

Smoked salmon pockets

Assorted brochettes

Fresh fruit skewers

Dessert cups

Prosecco, red and wine wines

Juices, water, tea and coffee

When: Wednesday, May 28, 2025

Where: The Official Residence of Canada's Ambassador to the Holy See, Via di Porta San Sebastiano. Exact address and advice on parking will be sent to confirmed participants.

Time: 6 to 8 p.m.

Price: €50 for current CCR members, €60 non-members

N.B. This event is open to guests only if accompanied by fully paid and registered CCR members.

Security: Mandatory registration of all participants. Please note that due to security requirements we will need the full name of each person attending at the time of booking. Also, you are required to have photo ID on the evening of the event. Anyone not on the guest list will be denied admission.

RSVP: canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Marielle by May 20th, 2025

Barberini Drinks - June 12, 2025

Let’s raise a glass to summer on Cinema Barberini's fashionable rooftop. This multi-level venue will give you a unique perspective on Via Veneto and Piazza Barberini while you sip one of their signature drinks accompanied by sophisticated finger food.

When: Thursday, June 12, 2025
Time: 6:30-8:30p.m.
Where: Terrazza Barberini, Piazza Barberini, 24-25-26.
Cost: No-host, i.e. you will be responsible for your own order. But please confirm your attendance so we save you a spot.

RSVP: by the 9th of June to canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Marina.

CCR Book Club - May 27, 2025

"Black River" by Nilanjana Roy has been chosen as the CCR Book Club's May book. Both a "riveting murder mystery" and an "elegy for India," this novel touches on issues of politics, class, religion, friendship, grief and revenge.

When: Tuesday, May 27, 2025

Time: 6 p.m.

Where: Private residence of CCR member -- Villa Pamphili area; exact address sent to confirmed participants by email. Open only to current members of the CCR. 

Potluck: Please let Lucy know what finger food you'll be bringing.

Further info & RSVP: canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Lucy. As space is limited, reservation is compulsory.

CCR Book Club - April 28, 2025

The next book club meeting will take place at the aperitivo hour! The group is going to discuss "This Strange Eventful History" by Claire Messud.

When: Monday, Apr. 28, 2025

Time: 6 p.m.

Where: Private residence of CCR member -- Esquilino area; exact address sent to confirmed participants by email. Open only to current members of the CCR. 

Potluck: Please let Lucy know what finger food you'll be bringing.

Further info & RSVP: canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Lucy. As space is limited, reservation is compulsory.

Now You're Cooking Lebanese! - May 9, 2025

We will have the pleasure of hosting a Lebanese cooking demonstration by CCR member Laura Attar! Laura will prepare typical dishes from her husband’s country, like riz a jej (rice with chicken), fattoush (mixed salad), hummus (chick pea spread), and other surprises!

The cooking demonstration will be followed by dinner. Our cooking events are always popular and space is limited, so book soon. Once your spot is confirmed, payment will be required in advance.

When: Friday, May 9, 2025

Time: Cooking will start at 6 p.m., followed by dinner around 8 p.m.

Where: CCR member's private residence, Quartiere Trieste area; exact address sent to confirmed participants by email.

Cost: CCR members €30, non-members €35, including meal, wine and other beverages. Once your booking is confirmed, your payment will be required in advance (no cash at event).

RSVP: canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Marielle.

NB: Book early, as space is limited. Current CCR members have priority.

Historical Aperitivo: Colourful Popes - April 2, 2025

Sold out.

One of history’s most provocative topics is the story of the papacy, and namely the 266 popes (or 267, depending on who you ask) who have tried to fill the shoes of Saint Peter. If papal history has shown us anything, it makes it clear how difficult it is for mere mortals, even those chosen by God, to walk the fine line between temporal and spiritual power. Come and frolic through 2000 years of intrigue with some delightfully devious and scintillatingly suspect papal behaviour. From parading around Rome with an elephant, to putting a corpse on trial, to labyrinthian backroom political deals, to fathering children, history is even better than fiction. Hold on to your socks, papal or not, and see the Jubilee in high definition with historian Christine Contrada.

When: Wednesday, 2 April, 2025

Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Where: Plebiscito Cucina Bar Mercato, Via del Plebiscito 104 (near Piazza Venezia)

Cost: €30 includes history talk and the aperitivo combo with 1 drink (wine, beverage or select cocktails), water, focaccia, and charcuterie board (or vegetarian option: pinzimonio with veggies and cheese). Advance payment required to confirm your place.

Please note that you will be charged individually for any additional orders beyond the set menu listed above.

RSVP & PoP: to canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Marina by close of business on 28 March.

CCR Book Club - March 23, 2025

"Long Island" by Colm Tóibín is a sequel to his 2009 novel "Brooklyn" about the challenges and opportunities encountered by an woman who immigrates to New York from a small town in Ireland in the 1950s. The 2024 novel, set 20 years after the first, finds the protagonist faced with difficult choices and a visit back to her homeland.

When: Sunday, Mar. 23, 2025

Time: 1 p.m.

Where: Private residence of CCR member -- Piazza Zama area; exact address sent to confirmed participants by email. Open only to current members of the CCR. 

Potluck: Please let Lucy know what you'll be bringing.

Further info & RSVP: canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Lucy. As space is limited, reservation is compulsory.

CCR Wine Tasting: The Story of Chianti Classico - March 8, 2025

Did you know that the name ‘Chianti’ referring to the wine dates back to at least 1398? Or that in 1716, Tuscan grand duke Cosimo III officially defined the Chianti wine area which, with a few changes, continues to exist to this day? In 2024, the Chianti Classico wine consortium, an organization which helps to protect and promote the quality of chianti wine, celebrated its hundredth year.

At our upcoming Chianti Classico wine tasting, the history and diversity of Chianti Classico wine region will be explored. We will also delve into the grape varieties and terroir that are so important to the region. After a short ‘lesson’ there will be a tasting of 5 Chianti Classico wines. Top Chianti producers will be showcased, with wines from each of the 5 different Chianti subregions.

Where: Residence of CCR members – Villa Patrizi area (exact details will be sent to registered participants).

When: Saturday, March 8, 2025

Time: 7 p.m. 

Cost: €35 for members (€40 for non-members); advance payment required to confirm your place. A light dinner will follow the wine tasting.

RSVP to Linda; payment by Monday 3rd at canadarome@gmail.com. Please note that you are financially responsible for your reservation.

Gilberto Gangarossa will be guiding the event. A licensed FIS sommelier since 2014, Gilberto has focused his wine knowledge with additional Master Class qualifications in several French and Italian wine regions, including Chianti Classico. He makes frequent trips to the Chianti region and has connections with several of the top producers in the area.

CCR Walks: A Day in the Life of Ostia Antica - May 11, 2025

NB: Date changed.

We will follow the daytime routine of a few individuals from ancient times through the ruins of ancient Ostia. Their lives and their interests, in some cases very different, can be traced through monuments, taverns and graves, as we chart the rise and gradual decline of a major port of the Mediterranean.

When: Sunday, Mar. 16, 2025

Meeting Time: 10:30 a.m.

Where: Ostia Antica. Confirmed participants will be informed by email of the exact meeting point.  

Cost: €10 for members and €15 for non-members.

RSVP: canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Peter by Mar. 14. You are financially responsible for your reservation.

CCR Book Club - February 23, 2025

The CCR Book Club's February book choice is "Baumgartner" by Paul Auster. The celebrated novelist's 2023 creation features, according to the Guardian review, a sort of alter-ego reflecting "on the mind-body problem" of ageing and loss.

When: Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025

Time: 1 p.m.

Where: Private residence of CCR member; exact address sent to confirmed participants by email. Open only to current members of the CCR. 

Potluck: Please let Lucy know what you'll be bringing.

Further info & RSVP: canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Lucy. As space is limited, reservation is compulsory.

Now You're Cooking Seafood! - March 3, 2025

Full/wait list.

Love fish and seafood and want some tips on cooking it at home? Join us for a day by the seaside in Anzio, where our chefs Francesco and Manuele will demonstrate three different dishes that we’ll then enjoy at lunch, accompanied by local wine.

When: Monday, Mar. 3, 2025

Time: 11 a.m.

Where: Ristorante La Vela Latina, Via Ardeatina 64, Anzio Colonia

Cost: €35, demonstration and meal included. Advance payment required.

NB: Limited space, so book early.

Transportation: by train on the Rome-Nettuno line, leaving Termini at 9:42, cost €3.60.

RSVP & Payment: canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Marielle.

Guided Tour & Rehearsal at the Opera - February 26, 2025

Full/Wait list started.

Join us for a unique experience at Rome's opera theatre. This journey will take us to the most beautiful rooms, including the entrance foyer, stalls, the royal box, the gallery and the museum room. Our English-speaking guide will illustrate the historical and architectural changes since 1880 and narrate curious anecdotes about the leading figures and artists who have graced the stage of the opera house.

Rome's Teatro dell’Opera is celebrating the 125th anniversary of Giacomo Puccini's Tosca, which premiered here in 1900. You may not get tickets to this sold-out opera starring Anna Netrebko as Tosca, but we'll have the immense pleasure of watching 30-45 minutes of the rehearsal after the guided tour. The rehearsal “all’italiana“ will be without the set but with full orchestra and possibly with costumes.

After this feast of sounds and beauty, those who wish can digest it all over an aperitivo in a restaurant nearby. 

When: Wed., Feb. 26, 2025

Time: tour starts at 3:30 p.m. for about 1 hour; rehearsal at 5 p.m. 

Where: Teatro dell’Opera di Roma, Piazza Beniamino Gigli 

Cost: €25 for the guided tour and rehearsal. Advance payment required.

RSVP: canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Marina by Feb. 24.

NB: Space is limited, so book and pay soon!

CCR Talks: Jubilee Levity - February 2, 2025

“The one where the cardinal’s mule goes crazy!” The first of our "CCR Talks" this year will be a humorous introduction to the 2025 Jubilee. Yes, the new Holy Year is now upon us and to help us be patient as we negotiate the roadblocks and the crowds, Olivia will outline the main features of a holy year, why this one is a jubilee, and the origins and meanings of the terms.

We will have some refreshments at a potluck Sunday brunch while embarking on a (hopefully humorous) historical overview of the monumental achievements and artistic events we owe to past holy years, but we will also hear about the many mishaps and contretemps of all kinds which pilgrims and Romans had to put up with during the last 700 years.

When: Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025

Time: 11 a.m.

Where: Trieste neighbourhood. Confirmed participants will be informed by email of the exact meeting point.  

Cost: €10 for members and €15 for non-members.

NB: Attendance limited to 14 people due to space limitations. CCR members have priority.

Potluck: Contributions welcome of wine/prosecco and snacks to nibble on at the beginning; salad and dessert will also be welcome.

RSVP: canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Peter by Jan. 30. You are financially responsible for your reservation.

CCR Wine Tasting: Volcanic Wines of Italy - January 25, 2025

Some of the most exciting wines coming out of Italy have volcanic origins in their soils. A surprising number of great wines, from Veneto down to Sicily, hail from volcanic terroirs. We’ll be tasting volcanic favourites and new surprises.

Where: Residence of CCR members (Monteverde Vecchio area), exact details will be sent to registered participants.

When: Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025

Time: 6 p.m. 

Cost: €35 for members (€40 for non-members); advance payment required to confirm your place. A light dinner will follow the wine tasting.

RSVP to Linda; payment by Mon., Jan. 20 at canadarome@gmail.com. Please note that you are financially responsible for your reservation.

We are pleased to have Marco Lori, Italian sommelier and wine master, lead one of CCR’s wine tastings. Marco’s sommelier training in 1995 sparked his passion for wine and set in motion years of study. In 2014 he earned the “Italian Sommelier Executive Wine Master” status, recognized by the Worldwide Sommelier Association. He is the founder of “Off the Vine,” a gastro-tourism venture in Italy.