Imagine...
sipping a glass of wine while a gentle breeze caresses your skin. In the distance, you can hear the light clang of Isabella’s cowbell, mingling with a calming buzz of English and Italian.
Everyone is recounting the breathtaking views you all just enjoyed on a relaxing walk around this serene hilltop farm.
A joyful peace comes over you as you realize that was only the beginning of this beautiful evening adventure.
Gianni, still dusty from working the farm, and his family have welcomed you into their home.
They speak Italian at what seems like lightspeed, and a smile crosses your face because although you don’t understand a word before it’s translated, you know you are embraced as one of the family.
A quiet falls over the group as the family brings out their freshly prepared food, each dish made from the land and animals around you.
From the wine and limoncello to the flour handmade for the mouthwatering lasagna, every taste is directly from the farm to the table.
As the sun begins to set beyond the hills, three handsome Italian men pick up their three acoustic guitars and fill the air with perfect melodies.
You breathe in the moment, memorizing it with all your senses.
The perfect ending to a perfect day.
What YOU Are Going to Walk Away With...
What can you expect if you spend 11 glorious days and nights delving into Italy's decedent food culture with Chef Daniel?
→ Wouldn’t it feel great to enjoy a trip that doesn’t leave you disheartened and underwhelmed by cookie-cutter food tours that offer superficial experiences?
→ What if you could fully immerse yourself in a location that isn't noisy and congested with tourists?
→ What if you could deepen your knowledge of the world through diverse cultural experiences?
→ What if you could enjoy remarkable and exclusive experiences that make your friends envious?
Would That be Worth Joining Us In Italy?
Absolutely, Yes!
During our journey together, you'll immerse yourself in the genuine heart of Italian food and culture, forming deep connections with locals, exploring traditional farms, and participating in unique activities.
Our insider culinary connections allow you to experience off-the-beaten-path adventures, where you'll savor the rich flavors and traditions that embody the true spirit of Italy.
You'll engage with all your senses in authentic farm-to-table practices, gaining a deep appreciation for food that will enhance your culinary perspective long after you return home.
Each day unveils a hidden side of Italy, rarely seen by the average tourist.
You'll return home with not just flavors and memories but also captivating stories that will intrigue and delight your neighbors, bringing the spirit of Italy to life.
Accommodations
Although our exact hotels/villas have not been chosen, we take great care in selecting accommodations that enhance your travel experience, making every stay memorable.
Each hotel, bed & breakfast, and villa has been meticulously chosen not only for its unique charm and attention to detail but also for its quality of service and exceptional experience.
We understand the importance of modern conveniences and ensure that Wi-Fi is available wherever possible to keep you connected throughout your journey.
Each room has an ensuite bathroom, providing privacy and convenience. We also prioritize accommodations with queen—or king-sized beds, ensuring a restful sleep after a day of exploring.
In larger cities like Bologna, we exclusively book luxury accommodations, opting for 4-5-star hotels that promise both comfort and elegance.
For city stays, we choose venues strategically located in the heart of each city.
This central positioning allows for effortless exploration and gives you a taste of living like a local, with easy access to top attractions, fine dining, and bustling marketplaces.
Our commitment to quality and thoughtful placement of each accommodation ensures that you can relax and immerse yourself fully in the cultural tapestry of Italy, all while enjoying the comfort and luxury that make your trip truly exceptional.
Culinary Delights
Perhaps you already know that Italian food is amazing. But you may not know the deep history of the origins, ingredients, and recipes of many popular foods and dishes. Here’s a small taste of what you can expect to get you salivating.
Your adventure starts in Bologna, where you’ll savor the historic charm and taste the legendary Mortadella. This finely ground pork sausage, dotted with creamy fat and pistachios, offers a lush, refined flavor that embodies the sophistication of the region.
You'll also have the opportunity to indulge in the distinguished world of Parmigiano Reggiano, the revered "King of Cheese." Produced on the fertile plains of Emilia-Romagna, this hard, granular cheese undergoes an aging process lasting up to 36 months, resulting in a rich, nutty flavor and a crystalline texture that melts delightfully in your mouth.
You'll also find yourself immersed in the down-to-earth food of Umbria and Tuscany, regions where history and flavor blend seamlessly, from the ancient Etruscans to the current farm-to-table philosophy. Relish dishes passed down through millennia, including breads made from native grains and succulent meats seasoned with wild herbs.
Each meal is a step deeper into the heart of Italy’s culinary heritage.
Experiences
While all experiences include diving into Italy's food culture, you'll also experience much more than just the cuisine. A few of the adventures we are putting together may include...
Exploring the ancient tradition of terracotta, watch the shaping of pots, and slow-cooking traditional dishes, each absorbing the essence of its vessel and enriching the flavors of tender stews and breads, this immersive experience connects you with the art of terracotta pottery, enhancing your understanding of Umbria’s culinary identity.
Experience an evening of rhythm and melody with singer, percussionist, and folk dance instructor Mariangela Berazzi and guitarist Gabriele Svedonio. In this vibrant exploration of Italy's musical heritage, you'll delve into popular Italian music and learn ancient folk dances.
Relax in the healing waters of central Italy's natural hot springs for a relaxing day to unwind. You'll visit one of the gorgeous spas, where mineral-rich waters are known for their therapeutic properties, soothing and rejuvenating. Enjoy a deep connection to nature’s spa, ensuring you leave refreshed.
Join Chef Daniel and our Italian friends on a culinary adventure through a local market. Select fresh ingredients and learn to cook traditional Italian dishes in a hands-on experience that showcases the true spirit of Italy’s farm-to-table cuisine.
Although I can't tell you exactly what we are tasting (in addition to Mortadella and Parmigiano Reggiano), here are a few that are currently on the list…
- Aged balsamic vinegar
- Prosciutto di Parma
- Local wines
- Orvietan (Liquor from Orvieto)
Can you imagine yourself enjoying these fun experiences? I know I can!
How YOU Are Going to Feel...
International Travel can be a lot of work, not just planning but also navigating a foreign country. So, how can you expect to feel on our tour?
→ Can you imagine how wonderful it would be not to feel stressed and burdened by the responsibility of organizing all the travel plans for your family and friends?
→ How great would it be to travel stress-free and relaxed instead of being in charge during vacation?
→ Wouldn’t it be a relief to no longer have to find the hidden gems of family-run farms and food producers on your own?
Would That be Worth Joining Us In Italy?
Yes, I feel relaxed already!
On this tour, all the planning is done, and you can rest assured that every experience has been hand-picked and curated with our personal insider connections, which are only known to locals.
All you have to do is show up and enjoy because every detail will be handled meticulously, leaving you to engage and immerse yourself stress-free in each exquisite moment fully
You will return home rejuvenated and revitalized, knowing every precious moment was richly spent forging memories that will last a lifetime.
What's Included
What's Included:
- Airport Transfers
- All group transportation
- 10 Nights of four-star accommodations, double occupancy
- All guides and drivers
- All group activities - including classes, entrance tickets, tastings, spa entrance
- All meals during group activities
- All tips and gratuities
- Full-time tour director
What's Not Included:
- Your round-trip airfare from home
- Meals during free time
- Other non-included items include souvenir shopping, personal phone calls, additional spa services, taxis, and laundry.
- Personal, medical, or trip cancellation insurance
Flights:
Arrive at the Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) on September 4th before 3 pm, if possible, so we can pick you up and get you settled in before dinner. Please note that you'll need to depart the USA the day prior.
Optional: You can fly into Florence Amerigo Vespucci Airport (FLR), but it's best to arrive before 1 pm, if possible.
Depart from the Rome Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO) on September 14th at any time.
If you want to come earlier or stay later for some exploring, that's absolutely fine. Just note that your transfers will not be included.
In photo: These are a few of my friends that you'll meet in Italy!
Meet Your Hosts
Kerri Wood - Tour Director
Over a decade ago, I experienced a defining moment while standing on a rooftop terrace in Rome. Gazing over the eternal city, surrounded by ancient history and vibrant life, I felt an undeniable sense of belonging.
This profound connection inspired me to return to the U.S. with a vision: to start a company that would facilitate my annual return to Italy and enable others to explore the country’s wonders without the pitfalls I encountered, including doing too much, waiting in line for hours, and wasting time and money on boring sights.
My mission became to ensure that my clients could fully enjoy, relax, and immerse themselves in the extraordinary Italian culture.
With meticulous attention to detail, I personally craft each tour to fulfill my clients' dreams, ensuring an unforgettable journey for every traveler.
I select guides and team members based on a harmonious blend of passion and their unique perspectives, enriching the tours with depth, insight, and a spirit of adventure.
This thoughtful approach guarantees an authentic, engaging, and seamlessly enjoyable Italian escape.
Daniel Villanueva - Chef
My love for cooking began in the vibrant kitchens of my grandmothers, where I learned the rituals of cooking and the joy of sharing meals.
This early exposure instilled in me a passion for culinary arts, emphasizing the importance of fresh ingredients and meticulous craftsmanship.
Daniel's Table, which I established on June 1, 2018, embodies my culinary philosophy.
It's a creative sanctuary that respects nature’s rhythms and offers an unmatched dining experience. I am committed to sourcing only the finest grass-fed meats, wild game, and sustainably caught fish.
At Daniel's Table, I craft dishes that honor our ancestral traditions and celebrate the earth’s bounty.
Guests are invited to embark on a gastronomic journey that is as enriching as it is delicious, guided by a chef who cooks with heart, dedication, and profound respect for the natural world.
I'm interested but not ready to put down a deposit!
Keep me updated on this tour. I know I could miss out on this year's tour by waiting, but I'll take the risk.