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La Via Gaia

Authentic and Experiential Culinary Tours of Italy

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A new look into an old world, come and meet our friends, a new look into an old world.

Regional food and wine travel experiences with award-winning chef Jeff Michaud

Artisanal Italy in Modena,Bologna,& Parma

What we love: This relatively overlooked region introduced us to the legacy of craftsmanship in its heritage foods, and the authentic character of Modena Balsamic Vinegar, Prosciutto di Parma, and its delicate fresh pasta.

• Visit the village of Savigno, meeting artisans who carry on family traditions, including Guido, transforming the local Mora pig and Bianca Modenese cow into mouth watering cured meats and steaks for 3 generations.
• Walk the streets of Parma to discover and taste the gastronomic delicacies that will delight eyes, nose and palate.
• Learn about Italy’s luxury racing automobile at the Enzo Ferrari Museum with classic models on display.
• Become acquainted with the Spigaroli family, makers of Culatello di Zibello and sharing lunch at their Michelin-star restaurant, dedicated to the Po River territory’s culinary heritage.

Best of all, join the chefs Joe Sasto and Jeff Michaud in 2 pasta making classes and learn how to use a matterello (or wooden pin) to roll out the yolk-rich dough and then shape regional specialties like Tortellini, Tortelloni, and Tagliatelle.

Italy’s Treasures of Bergamo & Lake Iseo

What we love: Because Claudia grew up in Bergamo and her relatives still live there, we feel most connected to this historic walled city, where we spend most of our personal family time in Italy.

• Explore Lombardy's culinary culture, inspired by the bounty of the surrounding countryside.
• Stay in a truly enchanting retreat atop of Bergamo old town, famous for charming narrow streets and picturesque squares.
• Share traditional specialties like Acquarello carnaroli rice, veal ossobuco and bergamascan polenta, and the distinctive regional cheeses of the Orobic Alps.
• Cruise the hidden gem of Lake Iseo, situated in the Franciacorta wine region, producing some of Italy’s best sparkling wines.
• Settle into Milan’s stylish Navigli neighborhood for a classic aperitivo in a canal side bar, followed by a traditional Lombardy dinner.

Best of all, experience the cooking classes of award-winning chefs and friends Franklin Becker and Jeff Michaud, as they reveal the secrets of the area’s quintessential flavors, and even arrange a dinner with Jeff's mother-in-law, a true Italian home cook.

Bountiful Puglia

• Luxuriate at an exclusive Masseria in the Itria Valley. A 17th century restored villa bordered by private gardens in a valley of vineyards and olive groves.
• Taste culinary heritage in every bite of Pane di Altamura, celebrated regional crusty bread produced for over a century.
• Explore the maze of alleyway and connecting staircases in historic Ostuni, known as “Citta Bianca” for brilliantly whitewashed architecture.
• Watch Norcini masters craft authentic Pugliese Black Pig capocollo in Martina Franca, before an alfresco feast at the Caroli family olive mill.
• Be an artisanal cheesemaker at an organic Farm with owner Mariangela, followed by an intimate family lunch.

Discover local in Friuli & Slovenia

What we love: Here is where our daughter Gaia, only six years old at the time, enjoyed the entire 19-course meal at Hiša Franko, and we met our friend Giampaolo Venica, fourth generation vintner who now hosts our trips in his homey Wine Resort.

• Explore the cafe life in Trieste, stopping to savor a nero/espresso in this port city known as the “Capital of Coffee”.
• Meet regional winemaking luminaries who produce legendary varietals like Ribolla Gialla, celebrated for its bright fruitiness.
• Gather for a memorable meal from Ana Roš, named one of the world’s best female chefs, at her Michelin-starred Hiša Franko, in the countryside of nearby Slovenia.
• Wander the scenic mountain village of Sauris, surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Dolomites, known for its time-honored Alpine agricultural pastimes.

Best of all, experience a unique half day in Venice under the enthusiastic guide of Katie Parla and explore the region cuisine in a cooking class by award-winning chef Jeff Michaud as you learn to make local specialties like frico and Cjarsons a staple of Friuli’s rural cucina povera .

The Romance of Lake Garda & Verona

What we love: We launched our La Via Gaia trips here, taking over a farmhouse to welcome our very first guests. Since then this region became our Summer weekend getaway to enjoy stunning scenery, outdoor activities, and some of our favorite foods.

• Meet Veneto wine masters and learn to appreciate the difference between regional superstars, Amarone and Valpolicella.
• Appreciate the magic of Chiaretto di Bardolino, the rosata/rose famously produced in Alpine-Mediterranean environment of Lake Garda.
• Find yourself square in in the middle of Verona’s Piazza delle Erbe, crossroads of city life.
• Spend Sunday Supper with an olive oil producer for the Spiedo ritual of slow spit-cooking meat, among the world’s oldest techniques.
• Visit the beautiful and unique architectural structures of the Lemon Gardens that preserves an ancient local tradition.

Best of all, play a part in making authentic creations with award-winning chefs Jeff Michaud and Greg Vernick in intimate classes designed to give you first-hand experience.

Genuine Living in Piemonte Wine Region

What we love: Every year our family returns here, to the town of Alba known for its white truffles, to drink in spectacular vistas, romantic hill towns, wonderful food, and finely crafted wines.

• Experience robust Barolo and Barbaresco, produced from the intensely aromatic Nebbiolo grape in bottlings from top winemakers.
• Venture into the wild patches of forest on a truffle hunting mission.
• Roam through world-famous wine regions, from The Langhe and Roero's small DOCG wine district, to the hills of historic Monferrato.
• Taste the lush, buttery mouthfeel and a depth of flavor of Giorgio Cravero's Parmigiano Reggiano, a fifth generation cheese refiner in Bra.
• Float above vine covered hillsides and storybook villages in a sunrise balloon ride over Barolo, the heart of the Piedmont region.

Best of all, learn about Piemonte's unique cuisine in dinners at trattorias, Michelin-star restaurants, and in two memorable cooking classes, held by award-winning chefs and friends, Michael Cimarusti and Jeff Michaud and discover that, here, every meals tells a story.

What our fellow adventurers have to say

You feel like a true family member everywhere you go. Winemakers, cheesemakers, prosciutto makers, chefs, farmers, agriturismo proprietors, musicians all welcome you with very generous open arms like you've known them forever to share their talents, secrets. Their passion for what they do is contagious as is Jeff's love of Italy and his infectious smile and ability to connect everyone in the group to each other and bring out the adventurous spirit in all of us. Already booked another trip for next year!

The trip we took to Piemonte exceeded my expectations. It was clear from the start that at every place we went, the chef, owner, guide had a deep relationship with Jeff and they all went out of their way to make the trip one of the most memorable I have ever taken. La Via Gaia carefully put together the right blend and flow of activities to make every day perfect. I wouldn't change a thing

LA VIA GAIA highly curated experience in Piemonte was executed flawlessly with Jeff whisking us from cheese caves to wineries to unique dining experiences that would typically only be available to those in-the-know. His knowledge combined with command of the language and culture enables a plunge into Italian culture that cannot be obtained elsewhere. Bring your appetite, sense of adventure, and passion for luxury meets farm to table. Highly recommended...!

While over the top gastronomic experiences were expected and delivered what was most surprising was the laughter and friendships that flowed in even greater quantities that the exceptional wines and will last far longer.

This was one of the most remarkable trips we have ever taken. What made it so special was Jeff's over-sized, charming personality and the personal touches that went into the trip. From his intimate knowledge of the Bergamo & Lake Garda area's wineries, cheese makers & restaurants, the way he related to & looked out for the needs of everyone on the trip, to the extraordinarily special times like lunch at his mother-in-law Pina's to eating a home-cooked meal with the family that runs an olive oil business. Loved it all!

A private trip with La Via Gaia in Piemonte was an adventure I didn't even know I was missing! I was hesitant to go on an expensive trip with my colleagues but after the amazing comradery, wineries with views, a cheese tour/tasting, beautiful balloon ride, truffle hunting, vespa and convertible fiat driving, three Michelin restaurants, chef led cooking classes, shopping in Milan, Turin and Alba, incredible local restaurants, three amazing guides, and lots of fun I deem this trip priceless. The warmth exuded by Jeff and Claudia Michaud, and their guest Sommelier Matteo Donadoni added to a jam-packed itinerary (with some relax time included). Anyone can go to Northern Italy but these three shared their love of Italy with all of us.

La Via Gaia's culinary and wine tour is not to be missed. Chef Jeff Michaud and his beautiful wife sparkle as they share their love of all things Italian. Days are filled with private tours of wineries and a Parmigiano-Reggiano aging cave, a hot air balloon ride, a drive through the gorgeous Piemontese countryside, and a tour of Turin. The meals include simple regional dishes shared by local cooks, dinner made by the group participants during a cooking lesson at a winery, and spectacular dinners prepared by Michelin starred restaurants. Truly fantastico- grazie!

La Via Gaia has taken us on 2 unique and unforgettable trips filled with amazing food, wine and experiences. The key is Jeff Michaud’s infectious love of Italy, its people, its culinary traditions, and Italian life in general. The warm relationships he has built over the years with chefs, wine makers and shop owners flow onto the group and make us feel we are cared for in a way we have never experienced with any other trip.

Jeff and Claudia have thoughtfully created a traveling and eating experience that opens the window into the world of Northern Italy. It builds on their personal relationships and experiences, accumulated over many years of living in there. It is not a sterile tour, one lived out of a bus. Rather it is meeting the people that make Italy come to life on a daily basis.

Jeff and Claudia have created an experience like no other for folks who are truly passionate about food and wine. Jeff is the consummate host and, for one week, you are part of his family which includes not only your fellow travelers, but all of the amazing artisan producers and talented chefs that go to great lengths to make your time with them very special and memorable. Jeff's passion for everything culinary, along with his well established relationships, are what make this trip unique. This is more than a culinary tour - this is an immersion into the very best of what Italy has to offer.

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“It’s a Dream Place – Stories of Food, Love and The Amalfi Coast”

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This is a dream cookbook. Who in the world wouldn’t want to try ‘Catch of the Day for a Beautiful Woman of the Sea?’ But in addition to being a cookbook, it’s a slice of life from the impossibly beautiful Amalfi Coast: how it looks, how it feels, how the interactions with the people there are so soulful and rewarding. It takes a particular kind of person to attract the kinds of magical stories Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli does. And it takes something more to get chefs to give up their recipes. Call this author not only a charming writer, but a sorceress whose company in these pages we are privileged to keep,” Elizabeth Berg, award-winning New York Times bestselling author.

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Luxury Food & Culinary Tours in Italy

Searching for a five star food & culinary touring experience? Look no further, as our luxury tours of Italy will allow you to discover exceptional destinations such as Florence and Siena. Taste the adventure and discover new cultures while enjoying premium services and facilities.

39 Luxury food & culinary tours in Italy with 252 reviews

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Small Group Sicily Food & Wine Tour (Maximum 8 Guests)

The food and guides were great! Hotels were very comfortable. Drivers were excellent!

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

5 Luxury days on the Sacred Land of Umbria

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Charming Sicily Food & Wine Small Group Tour - 8 days

Overall our tour was wonderful. We had a great time. Denise, especially was a very good guide, very knowledgable and personable. The cooking class and our Palermo Street Food tour was, probably my favorites. A few areas that could have been improved upon: - A little more communication prior to the tour would have been reassuring. In this day of fraud it is a little unnerving to send all that money into the internet and not get much of a response. - The final communication, our itinerary, was a definite problem. We were told by Tour Radar that we would receive it 10-14 days before we left. The tour operator (ClickTours/Mossimo) told us we would receive it 8 days before we left. I finally called Tour Radar 6 days before we left

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Small Group Tour of Sicily: Highlights (Maximum 8 Guests)

We had a fantastic time! The scenery was spectacular, the history fascinating, the food and wine, we really didn’t want to leave.

Grand Tour of Sicily, from Palermo to Taormina

The Best Wines of Tuscany in 5 Exclusive Days from Florence

Tuscany Private Experience: Food and wine among villages and art

A Fantastic Journey- Tuscany Small Group Bike Tour

We had an amazing trip. Luca and Rikky were both on our tour and they are the owners so everything was carefully thought through. The route, bikes, hotels and meals were all great! I would recommend the trip in a heartbeat. My husband, myself and our 21 year old daughter did the trip.

Private Tour - Explore the Essence of Tuscany

Grand Tour of Puglia-Basilicata, from Matera to Lecce

What people love about luxury food & culinary tours in italy.

This tour was the very best experience we have ever had traveling overseas. The booking process was seamless and painless. We felt especially grateful that while the group was limited to 8 participants, it was guaranteed to proceed with 2 people. As it ended up, our trip was just me and my husband and we felt so fortunate to have had the attention of the guides in such a personal way. The guides were all tremendous and I am confident that a larger group would have felt equally tended to. Special thanks to our guides and drivers: Denise, Orazio, Roberto, Carlos, Fabio and Massimo. Part of what was truly evident was how passionate they each were about Sicily and how many of them had connections with people at the restaurants, local businesses and attractions that we went to. We felt like we were in such good hands during the time we were with all of the guides. Each tour and activity was enlightening and educational. The included lunches and other meals were top notch. The opening night walking food and wine tour was a great way to kickoff the trip. There were some others who joined us for that portion, and it was most welcome. I don't think it would have been as much fun for the restaurants and enoteca to have just 2 people and the guide show up, and we knew the rest of the trip we would have individual attention. We felt pampered with our lunches on the Mafia tour, at the winery on Etna, in Marzememi and Agrigento. There was never a feeling of penny-pinching, more plush and like what we would have chosen for ourselves! The selected hotels were excellent! Centrally located, each with a fantastic breakfast spread and fun bar/restaurants. We would happily go back to any of them again and recommend them. We loved the scheduling each day and felt like we had a great mix of free time to explore on our own. Lastly, Graziana was out lifeline while we were traveling. She connected with us daily to check in, and to share the next days plan and name of our guide and where they would meet us. She made dinner reservations for us while we were there and provided recommendations that were helpful. We didn't encounter any issues, but felt that we had a ready ally if needed. Massimo also checked in midtrip, so we truly felt like everyone was interested in us having the best possible trip. I cannot wait to return to Sicily. We have recommended Sicily Activities to many people since our return and would book again in a heartbeat.

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Italy Real Food Adventure

8 days | uncover the secrets of fresh italian cuisine.

Italians are the masters of creating simple dishes that burst with flavour. Inspired by nonnas’ kitchens all over the country, this food is regional, seasonal and as fresh as possible. On this eight-day food-focused adventure through everybody’s favourite culinary hub, you’ll discover that pizza and pasta are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the diverse array of unforgettable street eats, meals and cicchetti from the postcard-perfect Venice to Rome, where medieval meets modern. Delight in local wine, fresh produce, homemade dinners and seasonal favourites in San Gimignano, Tuscany and Bologna.

Trip overview

• Stay in a traditional Tuscan farmhouse near San Gimignano, surrounded by vineyards and olive trees, and tour the grounds, indulging in tastings of their local wines and rich organic olive oil.
• Take a cooking class and watch a demonstration of how Bologna pasta is made right in the heart of this culinary namesake before sitting down to enjoy the fruits (or pasta sheets) of your labour for dinner with your host.
• Swap stories with a Roman local as you feast on seasonal dishes, homecooked for your group for dinner right in their home.
• See Italy’s iconic sights, like the canals of Venice, the romantic streets of Rome and the UNESCO World Heritage Site in San Gimignano.
• Find foodie bliss with a food tour that lets you taste all the regional highlights, like gelato, cicchetti, pasta, vinegar, cheese, seasonal fruit and veg and organic meats.
• By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Cooperativa Coraggio. Donations help them regenerate 22 hectares of unused public land to create local jobs and produce organic food in Italy.
• The cuisine of Italy includes a lot of meat and seafood. For vegetarians and vegans, we recommend reviewing the itinerary and inclusions to ensure that you will be able to fully participate and enjoy this trip. We also have many other trips to Italy which can accommodate a range of dietary requirements.
• The primary means of transportation on this trip is by train. Trains are comfortable and all have toilets but can be quite busy. You'll have to carry your own luggage on and off the train, so make sure it doesn’t exceed our weight and size recommendations. You can find this information in the 'Packing' section of the Essential Trip Information.
• Don’t let the heat keep you from exploring the world! Summer temperatures can be extreme in many of the regions visited (over 40°C), which can be uncomfortable. It’s essential to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat and drink plenty of water. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.

Buongiorno! Welcome to Italy. Your adventure starts in the iconic city of Venice. If you arrive early, take some time to get lost in the narrow cobblestone streets and spacious piazzas, crossing the tiny bridges to find shops, markets, galleries and churches. Stroll past St Mark’s Square, the Campanile and the Doges Palace. Cross the Rialto and admire the Bridge of Sighs. You’ll have a welcome meeting tonight at 6 pm. After, head out for a welcome aperitivo – the spritz and the bellini are local favourites. Venice's distinctive culinary heritage goes back to ancient times and features rich risottos, saline baccala (salted cod) and creamy polenta. If you're hungry, follow your leader to an atmospheric restaurant for your first introduction to Venetian flavours.

• Hotel (1 night)

There are no meals included on this day.

• Venice - Welcome Aperitivo

It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

It's an early start today. Walk down to the canals and watch farmers unload their produce from canal boats, ready to be sold at Venice's famous Rialto markets. This tradition is more than 1000 years old. Next, you’ll swing past the fish market, where the day’s catch might come directly from the Venetian lagoon – the enclosed bay of the Adriatic Sea. Finish with an Italian cafe alongside the market. You'll also be treated to a specialty dessert of the region – tiramisu. The afternoon is free for your own exploration. In the evening, discover the Venetian answer to tapas on a cicchetti crawl through the city's fabulous bacari (wine bars). Snacking is an important pastime in Venice, with many people stopping for cicchetti both before and after meals.

• Venice - Cicchetti tour
• Venice - Venetian Breakfast and Market Tour
• Venice - Traghetto Ride
• Venice - Doge's Palace & Bridge of Sighs - EUR30
• Peggy Guggenheim Collection - EUR17
• Venice - St Mark's Campanile - EUR12
• Venice - Accademia Gallery - EUR16
• Venice - San Giorgio Bell Tower - EUR6

If you are interested in visiting the Doge Palace, Venice, we strongly suggest planning your visit in the afternoon and pre-booking your tickets at muve.vivaticket.it/en/tour/palazzo-ducale/2478

Travel to Bologna by train this morning – this city's culinary claim to fame is significant, thanks to the ragu alla bolognese. Home of tagliatelle, mortadella and a range of other cured meats and salamis, Bologna, along with the surrounding Emilia Romagna region, is a foodie’s paradise. When you arrive, maybe wander past the beautiful old terracotta buildings and lively streets and acquaint yourself with the area. Later, you'll discover the real food of Bologna with a hands-on cooking class in the fine art of pasta-making. Feast on your handiwork over dinner with your host and your group, celebrating your new skill.

• Bologna - Pasta class
• Bologna - Eataly World - Free
• Bologna - Torre degli Asinelli Tower - EUR5

Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.

Today you’ll discover the flavours of the renowned Emilia Romagna region. Visit a factory dedicated to producing one of Italy's most coveted culinary exports – Parmigiano Reggiano. Learn how this cheese is made, and then try it for yourself. Continue to the town of Modena and visit an acetaia – a house where the family produce fine-aged Modena balsamic vinegar in the attic. You'll see how the vinegar is aged in barrels made from different woods, learn why it’s never less than 12 years old and then see the difference between the factory-made vinegar and the real stuff with a tasting. Head to a trattoria for a delicious lunch of the best local produce and farm-fresh seasonal dishes. Wash it down with a glass of Lambrusco – the town's famed sparkling red. Stroll around the town and admire the Palazzo Ducale before returning to Bologna in the late afternoon.

• Modena - Acetaia Visit
• Modena - Trattoria Lunch
• Modena - Parmigiano Reggiano cheese factory visit

Your travel time today will be approximately 1 hour.

This morning, travel to the village of Pancole in the heart of Tuscany. The region is renowned for a cuisine that celebrates simplicity and the bounty of locally grown produce in hearty, rustic dishes. Pecorino cheese, farro (an ancient grain) and artisanal cured meats like lardo di colonnata are just some of the many local ingredients you can expect to indulge in during your stay. Your accommodation is a traditional Tuscan farmhouse near the enchanting village of San Gimignano. The farmhouse is surrounded by vineyards and olive trees that the family has been producing excellent wine and olive oil from by organic methods for over fifty years. Enjoy a guided walk through the vineyards and cellars of the estate, followed by a tasting of some signature Tuscan wines and olive oils. Dinner tonight will be seasonal favourites, made with ingredients freshly harvested from the farmhouse garden beds. This could include homemade pasta, salads, finocchiona salami, crostini toscani (chicken liver pate on lightly toasted bread) and seasonal vegetables.

• Agriturismo (1 night)
• Agriturismo - Tour with wine and olive oil tasting

Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.

This morning, walk along a portion of the Via Francigena – the major pilgrimage route to Rome during the Middle Ages. Explore the medieval walled town of San Gimignano – a UNESCO World Heritage Site often called the Town of Fine Towers due to the preservation of several impressive torre (tower houses) within its walls. Stop past an award-winning gelateria, where intriguing flavours like gorgonzola cheese and walnuts await your tastebuds. Spend the rest of your time exploring the walking paths around the farm or, weather permitting, relaxing by the pool, enjoying beautiful views of the Tuscan countryside.

• San Gimignano - Leader-led orientation walk
• San Gimignano - Gelateria visit
• San Gimignano - Walk a section of the Via Francigena

The walk along the Via Francigena is about 7 km (4.5 miles) and takes approximately 1.5 hours. The terrain is nice and easy, although you can elect to take a taxi to San Gimignano if preferred (at own cost).

Today, jump on a train to Rome – Italy’s capital famed for its deliciously fresh food and scattered ancient ruins. When you arrive, take a leader-led orientation walk through the historical city centre, past the Spanish Steps, Trevi fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Venezia, Roman Forum, and Colosseum. After taking in all the big (and small) highlights of this magical city, you’ll head to a local’s home for a special homecooked, plant-based dinner experience. Swap stories with your host and sit down for a feast of seasonal dishes, which could include local favourites like cacio e pepe, saltimbocca, artichokes or porchetta. After, maybe head to a local bar and cheers to a trip well-travelled over a glass of local wine.

• Rome - Leader-led orientation walk
• Rome - Home-cooked dinner

With no activities planned after breakfast, your food adventure comes to an end today. If you’d like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent.

If you are interested in visiting the Colosseum, we strongly suggest planning your visit today as there is very limited time on Day 7 and pre-booking your tickets at coopculture.it/en/products/ticket-colosseum-roman-forum-palatine_24h/

If you are interested in visiting the Vatican Museums, we strongly suggest planning your visit today as there is very limited time on Day 7 and pre-booking your tickets at museivaticani.va/content/museivaticani/en.html

7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners

Train, Metro, Private Vehicle, Bus

Hotel (5 nights), Farmstay (2 nights)

Dates and availability

Important notes.

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement exclude Days 5 and 6 (Agriturismo) where you will be in shared accommodation, and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. 2. While we endeavor to cater for specific dietary requirements, some meals and food activities are set in advance and may be difficult to adjust. Please advise us of any dietary requirements at the time of booking so that we can ensure you’ll enjoy this trip. 3. As of April 2024, Venice will implement a visitor’s fee for all travellers visiting the city between 25 April and 15 July 2024. This fee is not payable by Intrepid customers, however you will need to apply for an exemption before arrival at https://cda.comune.venezia.it/en/richiestaEsenzione . For further information, please see the “Passports, visas and entry requirements,” section of your Essential Trip Information.

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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Ecco La Cucina Culinary Tours In Italy

Ancient Puglia

Medieval Tuscany

Elegant Piedmont

Stay up to date on food, wines and our latest tours in italy with our monthly newsletter, experience italy through its food & wine.

Taste and see the best of Italy with our luxury culinary vacation tours. With winery tours, local food tours and guided visits to ancient hill towns, along with hands on cooking classes and delectable meals in traditional local restaurants, you will be immersed into Italy’s foods and wines, and its culture and history.

In Italian, Ecco La Cucina means “Here’s the Kitchen” and during our tours we explore all aspects of the Italian table, from the local food and wine to the history of this beautiful country.  Our small group culinary tours in Italy are expertly designed to give you an insider’s view and stress-free vacation where you can relax and enjoy the foods, wines and stunning landscapes. It truly is an experience of a lifetime and one that will become a cherished memory.

If your dream is to explore the foods, wines and culture of Italy without the crowds and live like a local, then travel with us, experts in Italian food and wine. We will show you the enchanting regions of Tuscany, Piedmont, Emilia Romagna, Veneto, Campania-Amalfi, and Puglia during our culinary tours in Italy. Each of our small group tours are designed to provide you with knowledge and special insights to this beautiful, rich culture. We can help you fulfill your dream as you taste and experience Italy, allowing you to truly understand the rhythm of Italian life.

Choose your culinary adventure:

Medieval Tuscany Culinary Tour

Elegant Piedmont Culinary Tour

Ancient Puglia Culinary Tour

• Sparkling Veneto Wine Tour
• Bologna & Emilia-Romagna Tour
• Campania – Naples, Sorrento Amalfi Tour

Mary Stipo Potter

Email: [email protected]

Phone:  (+1) 972-342-8308 (CST - Dallas)

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One-of-a-Kind Culinary Adventures to Italy Led by a Native Italian

Welcome! Benvenuti!

My name is Francesca Montillo, the founder of Lazy Italian Culinary Adventures. I'm a native Italian who's made it my career to show you the time of your life in my native land! Join me on my next culinary adventure or book a private, custom trip with me. No matter what, I'm here to be your Chief Travel Planner and Escort. Allow me to ensure your needs are met every step of the way while you see, taste, and experience all the flavors of Italy.

Our Culinary Adventures:

Le nostre avventure culinarie:, christmastime in tuscany, fall in tuscany’s countryside, the italian riviera, don't put off having the time of your life a day longer., you deserve this, i want you to join me here, how to know if you'll love traveling with us, come sapere se ami viaggiare con noi, you love food, fun & friends.

Get ready to share food and break bread with strangers who will become dear friends and future travel buddies. Traveling with me is like traveling with your long-lost cousin who knows the ins and outs of Italy. I’ll tell you where to shop, where to eat, how to haggle for a discount at the market, and may suggest you don’t order that decaf cappuccino after lunch! Fun is always guaranteed!

Same Home Base for The Week

We're not into hotel hopping or cramming a bunch of to-dos every day. This is not a hop on/hop off tour - this is a culinary adventure. This means you only unpack and pack once, and spend the rest of your valuable time immersing yourself in the Italian culinary culture.

You Can Appreciate Our Travel Philosophy

Our aim is to engage you in regional and local Italian cuisine and culture. You’ll sample local products, meet local cooks and producers, and can appreciate family run establishments, local gems, small shops, and authenticity. You’ll savor every moment you’re traveling with us, both literally and figurately.

Mary Fiorentino

Bologna, 2018.

Dorne and Dennis Rybicki

Amalfi, 2022.

Pamela and John Savioli

Amalfi, 2023.

Lynda Umbro

Judie and Rob Zamborelli

Tuscany 2022, bologna, 2023.

Marilyn Gerson

Puglia 2019, amalfi 2022.

What to Pack for Italy

Cosa mettere in valigia per l'italia.

Everyone is always asking me what they should pack for Italy, so I’ve created a quick reference guide that you can use for your next trip.

Hint: You don’t need nearly as much as you think you do!

Follow @lazyitalianculinaryadventures on Instagram

Cooking Vacations & Culinary Tours in Italy, Portugal & Croatia

Culinary Vacations with the best hands-on cooking classes & cultural tours in Italy, Portugal & Croatia. Culinary Tours in Tuscany , The Amalfi Coast , Sicily Portugal and more. Learn to cook traditional Italian recipes with local Nonnas, famous chefs, pastry artisans & pizza masters. Our Italian culinary holidays are all inclusive, authentic, and include market, vineyard & cultural tours and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Make wine in Tuscany’s vineyards, go truffle hunting in Umbria, make limoncello on the Amalfi Coast, Cannoli in Sicily, Tortellini in Bologna, experience "local" Croatia, and exclusive Portuguese dishes in Portugal. You are Family in our Italian, Portuguese and Croatian Kitchens, and share our love for cooking and family on our culinary vacations in Italy , as well as our culinary vacations in Portugal and our experiential vacations in Croatia .

Featured Vacations:

• Wine & Cooking in the Heart of Chianti and Florence, Tuscany

Tuscany Cooking Vacation with Wineries, Florence, Siena, Museums, Cortona, Sightseeing & Private BBQ!

• 4 Cooking Classes
• All Inclusive
• Learn More...

• Wine & Cooking Under the Tuscan & Umbrian Sun

Local Living Cooking Vacation with Wineries, Olive Mill, Cheese Making & Sightseeing in Tuscany, Umbria and Alto Lazio

Wine, Cooking, Truffles & Chocolate: A Foodie's Paradise in Umbria

Umbria Cooking Vacation with Wineries, Olive Oil Mill, Truffle Hunting & Chocolate Class at Perugina!

Wine, Cooking and Castles in Barolo & Roero

A week of cultural immersion and local experiences amidst the backdrop of one of the most pristine wine areas in all of Italy.

• 3 Cooking Classes

All of Our Culinary Vacations

• Cooking in Paradise on the Amalfi Coast
• Cooking & Adventure on the Islands of Sicily
• Sicily, The Motherland - Wine, Cooking, Culture & Adventure
• Culinary Treasures of Bologna, Venice, Michelin Stars & Exotic Cars
• Wine, Cooking, Truffles & Chocolate: A Foodie's Paradise in Umbria and Tuscany
• Wine, Cooking, & The Olive Oil Harvest - Soriano
• Cities Lost in Time on the Road Less Traveled
• Medieval Chestnut Festival & Wine Harvest Season
• Portugal – Family, Culture, Wine & Cooking
• Authentic Croatia Revealed

Our Culinary Vacations in Italy, Portugal & Croatia

We promise you will fall in love with each of our all-inclusive italy cooking vacations , as well as our culinary vacations in Portugal and our immersive vacations in Croatia . They about much more than just sightseeing, food, and cooking. We create an experience of a lifetime, immersing you into the culture while giving you the sense of having found your home away from home. You will truly feel like family with us. We don’t do the traditional tour thing. When we cook, we are a group of friends doing hands on cooking classes based on traditional Italian family recipes. When we are on excursions, we are a group of friends exploring the beautiful hamlets and countryside together. It is a unique experience like none other, and time again our guests tell us it was the best vacation they had ever taken , and we had completely changed the way they will travel forever. Have a look at our hundreds of Italy Cooking Vacations reviews , and learn more about our:

• Tuscany Cooking Vacations
• Amalfi Coast Cooking Vacations
• Sicily Cooking Vacations
• Portugal Vacations
• Croatia Vacations
• Other Italy Cooking Vacations

A Truly Authentic Family Experience

It starts with location. There is nothing quite like small town hospitality when you get away from the areas infected with mass tourism. The people are warm and welcoming, and the more you eat their food and drink their wine, the more they fill with joy. That sense of Italian hospitality is our number one priority with every guest on our culinary holidays. Our goal with each guest is not to simply show you the sights and offer culinary experiences. It is to bring you into our family . Everything we do revolves around that premise. It is all so relaxed and fun. Our guests quickly find that we don’t treat them like customers. We treat them like visiting relatives (The kind we enjoy having, that is!). Of course, this sounds like marketing mumbo jumbo, but it simply isn’t. It is one of the reasons our guests so regularly tell us we far exceeded their expectations .

"Be" The View

Small & Intimate Groups

All-Inclusive Vacations

The CDV Difference

Truly exclusive experiences.

Experiences you could never have on your own or with any other tour company...

Most of our vacations are all-inclusive. We take care of everything except gifts you bring home...

Local Living & Boutique Hotels

We choose truly special and small locations that reflect the local living wherever we go...

Truly Unique Locations

Get to know the real Italy, Portugal & Croatia as you visit the places that excite the locals, as well as bucket list destinations...

Small Groups

Nobody wants to feel like cattle, and we want to know you! So our average group size is 16 to 18 guests...

No Shop-Steering

We will never "steer" you into tourist traps that give tour company incentives or kickbacks...

Live the Local Life

All personal with true local culture at the center of it all. A true sense of family and belonging...

Farm to Table Food

Experience Italian & Portuguese Food by Local Standards, where restaurants have their own farms...

No Surprise "Options"

Everything is included in our up-front pricing. When you are with us, we have nothing to sell you...

Guest Reviews & Testimonials

Letters & Reviews From Our Guests...

   You have created a true local experience and thank you for allowing us to experience it. A trip in a lifetime.   

   hiking on Mt. Etna the beauty & history of Siracussa/Ortygia/Agrigento/Scicia++ ALL the cooking classes & wonderful meals we shared LaForesteria & the wine experience in Menfi   

   Cooking Class Day excursions Food and Wine   

   Thanks for this amazing experience. You all made my trip pleasant and it will forever be a lifetime memory.   

   Sicily was a wonderful tour. Loved seeing three different areas. Great variety and fun cooking classes.   

   Our expectations were not just met but exceeded!   

   Thank you to all that made this possible. I really enjoyed the time spent here   

   This trip was beyond an amazing experience !   

   It’s hard to believe that our first tour with Culture Discovery was 10 years ago!   

   Sharing your unique culture, history, food & family.   

   My week in Soriano nel Cimino was a dream come true; and it exceeded all expectations!   

   Thank you Culture Discovery for an amazing week. Words cannot describe the experience I had .   

   It has been a very special week for me in so many different ways. The new family that we created altogether will stay in my heart forever   

   Outbound tours were great and gave us an excellent taste of the region.   

   I would do this all over again in a heart beat. We met so many amazing people. Everything was well thought out. From beginning to end everything ran smoothly..   

since we started the dream

have become family

served to happy tummies

Italy Food Tours

Home > Italy Tours > Italy Food Tours

Italy should be devoured! Find all five of your senses being captivated as you indulge on your next vacation to Italy. Please your palate with tastes from impressive vintners, with wines that range from full-bodied and fruity to smooth and delicate and food that sings and melts in your mouth. Enjoy Italy wine tours and culinary experiences all the while soaking in the scenery of Italy and its diverse regions; the rolling hills of  Tuscany , or Piedmont and its mountains, each destination enticing you to absorb every element around you. Italy is attractive not only for its quaint countryside villages or its diversity of destinations but for its encouraged slow pace allowing you to smell the grape soaked barrels, see the vintage land where vineyards produce the wine, and to taste the final product. Foodie tours of Italy will be an experience that you’ll never forget.

Food Tours in Italy

Tuscany E-Bike Adventure: Montalcino & Brunello Wine 🚴‍♂️🍇

🍝 Sorrento Cooking Class: Traditional Recipes Experience 🍷

Tuscany cooking class and Winery Visit

🍇 Tuscany Winery Visit with Organic Lunch 🍷

Sorrento Lemon Grove Tour and Tasting 🍋

8-Day Sicilian Delights: Culture & Cuisine Group Tour

8-Day Small Group Sicily Foodie Tour

Eating Your Way Across the City of Milan

Cooking Class in a Florentine Home

Fantastic Cooking Classes in Rome: Fresh Market Experience

Bologna’s History, Food and Wine Walking Tour

8-Day Sicily Wines & Foods Tour

8-Day Foodie Tour of Rome, Amalfi Coast, Sorrento & The Region of Apulia

8-Day Foodie Tour of Northern Italy

7-Day Wine Food Tour of Tuscany from Rome

7-Day Emilia Romagna Foodie Tour

7-Day Cooking In The Abruzzo Mountains Tour

Testimonials

“Perfetto!”

We had such a wonderful trip. We had knowledgeable tours, transportation was flawless, hotels wonderful, cooking class, wine tasting, shopping, all were perfetto! Traveling abroad can be stressful, but Rem and Italy4Real made it easy. I highly recommend using this travel agency for an Italian food tour.

“Our trip to Italy couldn’t have been any better.”

Dear Rem (Owner of Italy4Real), Our trip in Italy couldn’t have been any better. Every detail you arranged was perfect. The hotels you chose were great, I so appreciated having people to get me from point A to B, the Opera in Venice was simply outstanding. The Tuscany tour was priceless, the tour in Florence was exceptional, the tour guide for the Vatican was excellent and also I appreciated the extra guide for Siena. I love that Village! Rem, you helped us do exactly what we wanted and needed. I can’t tell you how deeply my heart holds gratitude for what you did for us! Thank you!!

- Peg & Hilary

“You all have been great to work with!”

We had a fantastic trip and everything came off without a hitch thanks to you. You were so helpful in adjusting arrangements mid-trip, making suggestions, keeping us informed, etc. and you have all been great to work with!

Thank you again for helping make this a truly memorable trip!

- Pat & Pasquale

Get in Touch

If you can't find what you want here, or just have some specific questions about your vacation in Italy, our team of travel specialists are ready to help.

You Might Have Seen Us Here

Italy Food Highlights

Get ready for an Italian food adventure like no other! Imagine strolling through Rome’s lively markets, soaking up the smells of fresh herbs and bubbling sauces. It’s all about diving into the real deal of Italian cooking – we’re talking handmade pasta, super fresh seafood, and dishes that are like stories of old traditions and serious passion.

Then picture yourself in the heart of Tuscany, where food’s pretty much an art form. You’ll get to dig into some seriously good eats, like rich wild boar with pappardelle, all jazzed up with world-famous local olive oil and herbs. And while you’re eating, just look around – the Tuscan hills at sunset are a sight to behold, all golden and gorgeous.

With Italy4Real, every single Italian food tour is a journey through amazing flavors, stunning views, and the heart of Italian culture. Whether you’re chilling with a gelato in a cute café in Florence or sipping some top-notch Barolo wine in a Piedmont vineyard, our tours are all about giving you a taste of the good life, Italian style. We’re talking about experiences that’ll wow your taste buds and feed your soul. Want to check out our Florence food tours ? Look no further.

Emilia-Romagna

Emilia-Romagna, often hailed as the heartland of Italian gastronomy, is a region where culinary tradition and innovation converge to create an unparalleled epicurean paradise. Nestled in northern Italy, stretching from the rugged Apennine Mountains to the serene waters of the Po River, Emilia-Romagna is a treasure trove of culinary delights, making it a must-visit destination for any food enthusiast.

The region’s gastronomic richness is rooted in its diverse landscapes, from fertile plains to lush mountains, each contributing unique ingredients to its food tapestry. Emilia-Romagna is renowned for its exquisite array of local products and dishes, many of which have attained global acclaim. Parmigiano-Reggiano, the king of cheeses, hails from this region, its nutty and savory flavors a testament to the art of cheese-making perfected over centuries. Similarly, Prosciutto di Parma, a delicately cured ham, embodies the region’s mastery in charcuterie.

Bologna, the vibrant capital of the region, is affectionately known as “La Grassa” (The Fat One) for its rich cuisine. Here, the legendary Bolognese sauce, a meat-based pasta sauce, was born. It is best savored with the region’s fresh, handmade tagliatelle or in the classic lasagna al forno, layered with béchamel and Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Modena, another culinary gem, is the birthplace of traditional balsamic vinegar, an elixir aged for years, sometimes decades, acquiring a complex sweetness and depth that enhances any dish it graces. The region is also home to the succulent Mortadella, a finely ground pork sausage scented with spices.

The cuisine of Emilia-Romagna is a celebration of simplicity and flavor, where the quality of ingredients speaks for itself. From the hearty piadina flatbreads to the sumptuous tortellini, each dish tells a story of the land and the people who have cultivated its culinary heritage.

Explore a culinary trip to Italy and visit Emilia-Romagna, it’s not just a destination; it’s an experience, a journey through the flavors and traditions that form the soul of Italian cuisine.

Tuscany’s food? It’s like getting a big, comforting hug from your Italian grandma. The magic lies in whipping up something utterly delicious from the simplest things. Take Ribollita – it’s this amazing soup that takes stale bread, beans, and a bunch of veggies, and turns them into a bowl of heartwarming goodness. And let’s talk about the Bistecca alla Fiorentina. If you’re a steak fan, you’re in for a real treat. This isn’t just any steak; it’s a giant, perfectly grilled T-bone that’s all about the flavor and the perfect sear. And the olive oil here is something else – a little splash of this peppery gold, and even the plainest bread tastes like heaven. Eating in Tuscany is more than just good food; it’s those long, relaxed meals where you chat, laugh, and just enjoy the moment – it’s what makes you fall in love with this place.

Sicily’s food is like a big, vibrant party on a plate. It’s all about bold flavors and hearty laughs around the table. Picture waking up to a sweet, icy granita and a fluffy brioche – it’s like a morning high-five from the island itself. The seafood here? It’s a big deal. Take pasta con le sarde – it’s a dish where fresh sardines and wild fennel come together like old friends. And you’ve got to try arancini – these little fried rice balls stuffed with cheese and ragù are basically bites of happiness. Then there’s caponata – this sweet and sour eggplant dish is like a zesty little party in your mouth. And desserts here are a whole other level of awesome, especially cannoli. Crunchy on the outside, creamy on the inside, they’re basically happiness rolled into a pastry. Eating in Sicily is more than just great food; it’s like joining a big, loud, loving family feast.

Rome is like the Italian food tour that you envision in your dreams, but here at Italy4Real we can make it reality. When in Rome, you’re in for a real treat with the food. Carbonara? It’s the bomb – creamy, cheesy, with a nice kick of pepper and some amazing pancetta. Then there’s Cacio e Pepe – it’s just pasta, cheese, and pepper, but oh man, it’s good. And Amatriciana? It’s pasta in a kicky tomato sauce with guanciale, which is basically the best kind of bacon. For a quick bite, you’ve gotta try Supplì. These are like little fried balls of heaven, stuffed with tomato sauce and melty mozzarella. And don’t even get me started on Pizza al Taglio. It’s this awesome, thick, slice-as-you-like pizza with all kinds of toppings. Eating in Rome is like a non-stop flavor party – simple stuff, but so, so tasty.

In Venice, the seafood is just out of this world. Walking around, you’re gonna bump into some amazing fishy dishes. Definitely give Sarde in Saor a try – it’s this funky sardine dish with a sweet and tangy twist, plus onions, pine nuts, and raisins. Really hits the spot with its unique Venetian flavor. And oh man, you can’t skip spaghetti al nero di seppia – it’s spaghetti in this awesome squid ink sauce that’s full of flavor and looks pretty cool too. For a quick bite, fritto misto is where it’s at. It’s like a mixed seafood fry-up, all crunchy and delicious, perfect for snacking on the go. Seafood in Venice isn’t just eating; it’s like diving into the city’s culture. Each dish has its own flair and the flavors are as lively and fun as Venice itself. Explore food travel in Italy with our Venice food tours .

Amalfi Coast

If you’re heading to the Amalfi Coast, do yourself a favor and try the limoncello and Buffalo mozzarella – they’re absolute musts. The limoncello is this zingy, sweet lemon liqueur that’s like a mini vacation in a glass, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring. And the Buffalo mozzarella? It’s insanely good. This cheese is all about the creaminess, coming right from the local Mediterranean buffaloes. Just grab a chunk, maybe pair it with some fresh tomatoes and olive oil, and you’re in for a real treat. Seriously, these are the flavors that make the Amalfi Coast an experience unforgettable.

Let Us Design Your Dream Trip

THE 10 BEST Italy Food Tours

Italy food tours.

• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Walking Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Skip-the-Line Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers

• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Chianti Safari: Tuscan Villas with vineyards, Cheese, Wine & Lunch from Florence

2. The Roman Food Tour in Trastevere with Free-Flowing Fine Wine

3. Sorrento Farm and Food Experience including Olive Oil, Limoncello, Wine tasting

4. Bologna Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

5. Rome Wine & Food Tour in Trastevere Jewish Ghetto Campo de Fiori

6. Venice Food Tour - Eat like a Venetian

7. Bologna Food Experience: Factory tours & Family-Style Lunch

8. Trastevere Food Tour Prime Edition

9. Rome Street Food Tour with Local Guide

10. Palermo Original Street Food Walking Tour by Streaty

11. Florence Private Food Walking Tour With Locals: 6 or 10 Tastings

12. Small Group Florence Food Tour

13. Naples Street Food Tour With Local Expert

14. Tour Parmigiano Reggiano dairy and Parma ham

15. Venice Street Food Tour with Local Guide with Local Food Market Visit

16. Rome Food Tour: Hidden Gems of Trastevere with Dinner & Wine

17. The Award-Winning Private Food Tour of Rome: 6 or 10 Tastings

18. Rome by Night-Ebike tour with Food and Wine Tasting

19. Venice Private Food Walking Tour With Locals: 6 or 10 Tastings

20. Naples Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

21. The Award-Winning PRIVATE Food Tour of Bologna: 6 or 10 Tastings

22. Private Full Day tour with fellow foodie as your guide

23. Rome Food Tour: Unlimited Tastings with Fine Wine & Barolo

24. Venice at Sunset: Cicchetti, Food & Wine Tour

25. The Award-Winning Private Food Tour of Milan: 6 or 10 Tastings

26. Venice Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

27. Taste of Rome: Food Tour with Local Guide

28. Small Group Naples Street Food Tour Guided by a Foodie

29. Bologna traditional food tour - Do Eat Better Experience

30. Etna Countryside Food and Wine Lovers Tour (Small Group)

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September 28 - October 6, 2024 9 Days, 8 Nights Southern Italy

My Dear Flavor Seekers,

This journey is not just a tour; it's a dream realized. I have poured my heart and soul into every step of creating this flavor-seeking adventure. From meticulously selecting the towns and regions we'll explore to crafting the perfect itinerary, I have left no stone unturned. And to give you a taste of the authenticity of this experience, I've recently returned from the very towns and regions we'll be visiting, ensuring that we will be immersed in the heart and soul of Tuscan and Umbrian cuisine & wine.

As we set forth on this unforgettable voyage, you will discover that our gathering and journey are filled with more than just culinary delights. We'll explore the enchanting beauty of Tuscany and Umbria, experiencing the local culture and savoring the finest wines. Every day will be a sensory feast, a celebration of life's most cherished pleasures. What sets this journey apart is the personal touch I'm bringing to every moment. During our adventure, when a meal is not included in the itinerary, you are more than welcome to join me. We will break bread, share stories, and forge lifelong friendships. Because, in the world of food, there's no greater joy than enjoying a meal in good company.

I've never been more ready to show you why I live to cook and cook to live. This culinary tour is more than just a trip; it's a shared dream and a profound connection to the heart of Italy. I invite you to join me and become a part of this unforgettable adventure. Let's create memories, savor flavors, and celebrate life in Tuscany and Umbria.

If you're ready to embark on this incredible journey, please fill out a Booking Form or contact me directly at IL MITO so that I can direct you to my friends at Travel Leaders so that you can secure your spot.

Together, we'll explore, savor, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

With immense excitement and anticipation, Your personal Chef Michael Feker

Day 1: September 28 - PIENZA Arrival day. Arrangements can be made to pick you up in either Rome or Florence and transfer you to Pienza, your home for the next 8 nights. (cost extra) Check in to your home away from home, Hotel San Gregorio, in the historical center of Pienza, where you will have the chance to enjoy the amazing landscape of Tuscany. This day is dedicated to relaxation and free time. Welcome dinner included this evening.

Day 2: September 29 - PIENZA, MONTALCINO After breakfast at your hotel, guided visit of the City of Pienza, a unique example of Medieval Perfection in Architecture, put inside the amazing setting of Valdorcia, a UNESCO CULTURAL SITE since 2004. Lunch on your own and free time. In the early afternoon, transfer to the homeland of the Brunello wine: Montalcino! Winery visit and tasting. At the end, return to Pienza. Special dinner all together in a local restaurant.

Day 3: September 30 - MONTEPULCIANO After breakfast, meet your bus driver at your hotel and depart together. The morning will be dedicated to a special "wine lesson" with an official sommelier! Let's discover the secrets of the tasting art with an expert, immersing into the beautiful world of colors and scents. After this wonderful experience, you are free for lunch on your own. In the afternoon, enjoy a private guided tour of THE PEARL OF 16TH CENTURY and THE HOMELAND OF VINO NOBILE, Montepulciano, an amazing and fascinating Medieval Hilltown. The best part of the tour will be getting lost in the narrow streets, where you will find amazing handmade works, and underground cellars, where all the secrets of winemaking production will be revealed. Dinner on your own. You are more than welcome to join Chef Feker for dinner.

Day 4: October 1 - SIENA, CHIANTI SHIRE After breakfast, pick up at your hotel and depart to Siena, where you will have a guided visit of the historical city center with a professional guide. Let's get involved in the magical atmosphere of the Medieval Age, that in Siena is still celebrated by the important event of “Palio", a horse riding competition that involves the 17 quartiers of the city twice a year. Free time to explore and find that perfect spot for lunch. In the afternoon, transfer to the Chianti region for a wine tasting in one of the local wineries that produce the famous Chianti Red wine. Return to Pienza. Dinner on your own. You are more than welcome to join Chef Feker for dinner.

Day 5: October 2 - SAN GIMIGNANO After breakfast, depart to San Gimignano. Known as the city of “100 Towers", San Gimignano is one of the most important Medieval Towns in Tuscany. Visit the city with a professional guide. Tuscan Light Lunch with tasting in one of the wineries producing Vernaccia, the unique original white grape produced in Tuscany. At the end, return to your hotel. Dinner on your own. You are more than welcome to join Chef Feker for dinner.

Day 6: October 3 - FULL DAY VISIT to FLORENCE After breakfast, pick up at your hotel to travel to Florence. In Florence, meet with your professional guide to start your guided walking tour of the historical center of Florence: Piazza del Duomo with the Battistero, Piazza della Repubblica, the quartier of Santa Croce, the San Lorenzo market, Palazzo della Signoria (all the visits are from outside). These are only some of the beautiful monuments you will have the possibility of discovering while taking a walk in the “City of the Medici Family". At the end of the tour, enjoy free time to explore the vibrant atmosphere of Florence and to visit the amazing“ Mercato Centrale", where you willfind a fantastic selection of the best Italian recipes. Only for real foodies. Lunch and dinner on your own. You are more than welcome to join Chef Feker for dinner.

Day 7: October 4 - CORTONA & CASTIGLION DEL LAGO After breakfast, depart from your hotel to transfer to the historical center of Cortona to view the medieval architecture of the city. Visit a winery in Cortona and enjoy a light lunch with wine tasting. After lunch, transfer to Castiglion del Lago where you will meet with your professional guide to start your guided walking visit of the frescos in Palazzo della Corgna and in the Rocca Medievale. After a full day, dinner on your own in Castiglion. You are more than welcome to join Chef Feker for dinner

Day 8: October 5 - ORVIETO & CIVITA DI BAGNO REGIO After breakfast, depart from your hotel. Transfer to Orvieto to visit the impressive historical center. Meet with your professional guide to start the guided walking tour. Lots of options for lunch as you have free time before we return to Pienza. In the afternoon, transfer to Civita di Bagno Regio, “the city that is dying", an example of amazing architecture that is struggling with natural erosion. At the end of the day, transfer back to the hotel in Pienza to enjoy a special farewell dinner.

Day 9: October 6 - FLORENCE/ROME - FLIGHT BACK TO UNITED STATES Breakfast at your hotel then transfer to the airport in time to take your flight back home. Arrangements can be made for transfers to Rome, Florence etc. (cost extra)

Cost: $3,195 per person, double occupancy $500 single supplement

Inclusions: • Chef Michael Feker as your culinary/wine expert guide • Travel Leaders escort • Accommodations at Hotel San Gregorio in Pienza, Tuscany Italy for 8 nights • Breakfast daily • Guided visits daily per itinerary • 1 wine/oil tasting IN Montepulciano, 1 wine tasting with light lunch in San Gimignano, 1 wine tasting in Chianti, 1 wine tasting in Montalcino, 1 wine tasting with light lunch. in Cortona • 1 Wine tasting lesson • 3 dinners • Audioguides daily • Tour guides daily plus local assistance by Stilviaggi Tuscany

Not Included: • Airfares • Arrival and Departure Transfers • Insurance • Gratuities • Drinks at included meals (unless specified)

Ready to Book? You MUST fill out a Booking Form to hold your place in line. 

TERMS & CONDITIONS Payment Schedule: • $600.00 per person deposit due at time of booking                ▪ $300.00 non-refundable                ▪ $300.00 refundable if canceled by 6/7/24 • Balance due 7/19/24                ▪ $2,595.00 per person double occupancy                ▪ $3,095.00 per person single occupancy

Cancellation Policy: • Prior to 8/31/24 - 50% penalty for each cancellation • Prior to 9/15/24 - 75% penalty for each cancellation • 9/16/24 and beyond - 100% penalty for each cancellation

Special Notes: • Price per person is based on 30 passengers. If the number of passengers drops below 30, then the price will increase up to $300 per person • Price may be adjusted if the conversion rate between US Dollar and Euro declines more than 5% • We reserve the right to adjust the itinerary if needed for unforeseen circumstances

Responsibility Disclosure: The Culinary Tour is being coordinated and operated by Stilviaggi Tuscany. Please note that while Travel Leaders seeks to ensure you have a positive travel experience, Travel Leaders does not own or operate, and cannot guarantee the services to be provided. All bookings are subject to the terms and conditions and limitations of liability imposed by Stilviaggi Tuscany

Journeys Travel Group Inc

(262) 567-6658.

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Italy's Treasures

About this tour.

Vineyards, olive groves, and cities that float. Incredible history, indelible culture, and unforgettable cuisine. This is l’Italia at its most iconic. Enjoy the natural beauty and calm of the Alpine Lakes region. Snake along the edge of the sea to the medieval villages of Cinque Terre. Aboard off-road vehicles, explore the marble quarries of Carrara, where Michelangelo obtained the marble for his statue of David. Relax during a leisurely 4-night stay at a Tuscan villa. At a family-owned villa, learn the fine art of creating Tuscan cuisine during a hands-on cooking class. Explore Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. Discover Venice, a city of winding canals and bridges. From medieval masterpieces to bustling piazzas, be swept away by the legendary treasures of northern Italy.

Your Tour Includes

• 4 Handpicked Accommodations

Included Highlights

• Italian Lakes Region
• Wine Tasting
• Impact Moment

Your Tour at a Glance

10 Breakfasts

Travel Style

Explorations

Food & Wine

Best Time for travel

Customize your tour.

Optional Excursions

Starting at $75.00

Activity Level

• Level This Tour

For specific details about this tour's activity level and other info to know before you book your trip, click here.

Extension Style

Best time for travel italy's treasures art, food & wine of italy.

While just about any month is great to visit Italy, there are a few prime times of the year for the Italy’s Treasures tour. Here are some recommendations from our destination experts.

Throughout Italy, the most popular times to visit are April, May, June, September, and October. Along the coast, July and August are busy with locals and Europeans on summer holiday, while cities are usually less crowded.

Spring: In March, enjoy the calm before the summer season, especially Cinque Terre, which becomes quite crowded from April through October. While some seasonal attractions might not be open in early spring, countless opportunities to soak in the area’s beauty remain.

Fall: November is a fantastic time to visit Italy. The popular Cinque Terre becomes less crowded and even more enjoyable to explore.

Travel Styles

Highlights and inclusions.

Must-See Inclusions:

Spend two nights in romantic Venice.

Immerse yourself in Florence’s countless treasures on a guided tour of the city.

Uncover the prismatic landscape of the Tuscan countryside.

Cultural Experiences:

Explore Lake Orta, one of Italy’s hidden treasures.

Discover colorful Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Explore the marble quarries of Carrara aboard off-road vehicles.

Culinary Inclusions:

Journey by boat to Isola dei Pescatori for a lovely welcome dinner.

Taste authentic Italian gelato from an award-winning ice cream parlor in San Gimignano.

Learn the art behind Tuscan cuisine during a hands-on cooking lesson.

• Italian Riviera
• Cinque Terre
• Carrara Marble Quarries Off-Road Excursion
• Tuscan Countryside
• Italian Cooking Class
• San Gimignano

Book with Confidence

* With Insurance Purchased

• *No Hassle Refunds
• Traveling Well Safety
• No booking fee, *no change fees
• Top Rated Travel Protection

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Getting Prepared

Know before you go, travel tips, enhance your tour, upgrade your room.

Hotel Upgrade

Pre and Post Night Stay

Unique Experience

Cultural Experiences

Room Upgrade

Hotel-Regina Palace Hotel

During your stay at the Regina Palace Hotel in Stresa, you may choose to enjoy views of Lake Maggiore by upgrading your accommodations to a lake view room. Please inquire about this upgrade at time of booking.

*Total for all passengers

Enhance Your Trip

• Tour Extensions

Hotel-Ca dei Conti Hotel

Surround yourself in the beauty and grandeur found on the lakes of Northern Italy. Cruise along scenic Lago Maggiore passing the Borromean Islands sprinkled throughout this stunning lake. These petite but incredible islands are brimming with grand villas and exquisite, world-renowned gardens. Glide past Isola del Pescatore viewing the gulf of Baveno before making a stop at Isola Bella. Then we make our way along the cobblestone streets of the quaint town to the impressive, Baroque Borromean Palace and gardens. This famed palace is steeped in immeasurable wealth and regal pageantry. On your guided tour, surroundings will bring you back to the 17th century. Get a glimpse inside life as a royal as you stroll through the opulent halls superbly decorated with rare artwork and tapestries. Then, you’ll head outside to the perfectly manicured, tiered gardens that abut the lakeshore. Behold stunning views and the splendor of the gardens as we make our way through with an expert. Return to the boat for a cruise back to Stresa.

Experience the romance that can only be found in Venice – La Serenìssima – while traveling on its famous waterways. Partake in one of Venice’s most famous pastimes – a gondola cruise. Take a pleasant stroll toward the Grand Canal to board your gondola. As you relax in your elegant watercraft, your gondolier navigates the Grand Canal as well as smaller side canals. Admire the scenery as you listen to the melodic voice serenading you in true Italian style – just like in those romantic Italian movies!

Accommodations

Arrive earlier.

Pre Night: Regina Palace Hotel From $150 per night

Regina Palace Hotel

Grand hotel dei castelli, hotel villa lecchi, ca' dei conti hotel.

Nights 9-10

Stay Longer

Post Night: Ca' dei Conti Hotel From $170 per night

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These RI chefs have tasted the world. How you can join them on a culinary tour.

Food and travel are an intoxicating combination. Imagine how tempting trips planned with local food stars could be on destinations ranging from South Korea to Portugal.

Club Adventures, AAA’s small-group adventure tour operator, has teamed up with Providence and Rhode Island chefs, restaurateurs, and beverage experts to offer curated food tours starting in August and running into next year. The concept is to see the world through a local lens with a guide who knows all the best places to eat and drink.

Of the 13 food and drink trips, some are close to home including New York City and Austin, Texas. Others are to islands including the Azores and Sicily. Mexico, Spain and Germany during Oktoberfest are other destinations. One trip offers a gluten-free and vegan adventure in Italy.

The trips will have an average size of 14 travelers. They range in time from 4 days to 10 days with prices from $1,999 to $7,979.

Bethany Hodge's 15 years in the travel industry have included designing and operating culturally immersive small group trips. Now, as head of product for Club Adventures, she is launching the new tours.

But it was a conversation with Bethany Caliaro, owner/manager of both Oberlin and Gift Horse in Providence , that planted the seed for the program. Hodge was headed to Mexico with her husband Brian and Caliaro had just returned from a trip there. She shared her list of restaurants, bars and specific dishes for the couple to try.

"I’ve been watching the food and hospitality industry in Rhode Island become a national leader in innovation, community, diversity and sustainability – all values that I use when designing Club Adventures tours," she said.

"Every one of her suggestions elevated our travel experience, and I realized that the insight and guidance of a food professional could really turn a fun trip into a memorable adventure," said Hodge.

With consumer interest in culinary travel on the rise, Hodge knew tours that showcased these mutual values could be a hit. She first pitched the idea to Caliaro and Jen Davis, who manages the beverage program at The Eddy and Durk's  Bar-B-Q , both in Providence. They connected Hodge to more of the local culinary community.

"Every single establishment that I spoke with was in," said Hodge.

Each chef/bartender/business owner has been involved in curating the itinerary, leading to an exclusive experience that can’t be found anywhere else in the market.

"While chef-led tours are certainly being done in the travel space, I believe this is a first to ever showcase a city’s leaders in the culinary space all at once as a unified portfolio," Hodge said.

"It really speaks to the community and creativity of Providence," she said.

She hopes to create even more trips for 2025 with more leaders in the Rhode Island hospitality scene, she said.

The trips and guides

The cultural exploration and food adventures will be led by an impressive group including James Beard nominated chef Ben Sukle of Oberlin and Gift Horse. He will lead a September tour to Northern Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia.

“I am incredibly excited to join everyone and experience Trieste and its surrounding cities and environs," said Sukle. "All of the nuances of the lifestyles and culture there are behind how I cook and why I love to cook."  

Caliaro will lead a fish-to-fork dining adventure in Sicily. Led by Oberlin chef Chris Pfail, the art of making kimchi is on the menu for a South Korea adventure.

Jen Davis leads two trips, one to Austin, Texas, to explore the barbecue and distillery scene and one to New York City to enjoy the city's cocktail scene.

Spain will be part of a Basque Adventure led by The Eddy's Luke Mersfelder and Britt Simons.

Mexico City and Oaxaca will be explored in a trip led by Joaquin Meza of Dolores . Germany’s Oktoberfest will be celebrated with Brendan Kennedy of Proclamation Ale in Warwick.

Robin Dionne & BJ Mansuetti who operate the RI VegFest and GFree Fests will lead the Gluten-Free and Vegan tour of Italy.

Pizza Marvin's Robert Andreozzi is another James Beard nominated chef and he will be on the Portugal & Galicia Food Adventure.

Only one guide is from outside the Rhode Island culinary restaurant world but she is no stranger to locals. Maria Lawton is the host and guide of "Maria's Portuguese Table" which is presented by WSBE Rhode Island PBS. She will lead an Azores Food Adventure and Portugal Wine & Food Adventure.

Visit clubadventures.com/food-tours/  for more information.

Local News | Habitat for Humanity’s CEO giving away trip to…

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Local news | habitat for humanity’s ceo giving away trip to italy he earned through restaurant points.

For 13 years, he and his wife, Diane, enjoyed hundreds of lunches and dinners there, accumulating 50,000 points in Ynot’s rewards program. And those points earned Hruska a six-day, five-night round-trip vacation to Italy for two.

But rather than take the trip himself, Hruska decided to give it away, for his favorite cause.

Working with his friends at Ynot, he opted to raffle off the trip and donate all the funds to the region’s Habitat for Humanity.

Tickets, at $20 each, are on sale now for a chance to win airfare, accommodations in Naples for two, a one-day Italian food tour and $500 of spending money.

Travel arrangements will be made in coordination with a Ynot Italian designated travel agency.

“You can buy a ticket online at shrhabitat.org,” said Kathleen Petersen, local Habitat director of development and communications. “But we’re only selling 2,000 of them, so don’t wait.”

The winner’s name will be drawn on June 12 during “Ynot Wednesday” on the steps of the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts in Virginia Beach.

“You can thank Frank personally for all the meals he ate because he is helping a cause so dear to him and allowing someone else to take advantage of all the points he generated,” Petersen said.

For more information on the contest and the Naples vacation, visit shrhabitat.org and ynotitalian.com .

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