Why Our Tours Are Different

We, Marcello and Raffaella, are native Italians, in Emilia Romagna, fluent in English. We are travel experts with more than 40 years of experience in tourism business and have been specialized since 1995 in wine and food tours. If you need, we are available to help you plan your trip to Italy, speaking with you on Skype or on the phone.

We want our tours to be different, a trip to be remembered a lifetime. The places where we go are off the beaten path, places that you could not find traveling on your own. You will cook in different environments, with professional chefs, great cooks, Italian mamas. You will feel Italian and part of the Italian life and culture during your tour. You will be welcomed in private homes, by local families, local artisans and other people that we will meet during our tours will go out of their way to welcome you and show you their best products.
We will use the words of our past guests to explain better:
"...it is nearly impossible to discover the true essence of a city on one's own, so we greatly enjoyed and appreciated the opportunity to see Bologna's streets, markets, and enotecas through your eyes..."
"You provided a terrific learning experience as well as plenty of variety to see and do. And the food . . . Outstanding!!!"
"Your warmth, caring, attention to detail and willingness to go the extra mile in providing the best service possible was extremely appreciated."
"I will always treasure my experience with you"
"The tour was very comfortable, informal, well-planned and well-paced. When we were at table, we were never rushed, always offered a variety of things to taste."
"...the lessons were a pleasant surprise. They were fun and we really, really loved meeting the families and seeing their homes/gardens - feeling a "part" of their lives for an evening.

During our tours we explore small areas to fully immerse you in the local culture without having to spend long periods of time driving. Maximum time of driving from place to place is 1 hour and 15 minutes.

We want to maintain intimate our groups and accept a maximum of 10-12 travelers in order to be able to build a personal rapport with each of our guests. The limited number of guests also allows optimization your and our time in the best way.

We lead each tour personally providing personal service to our guests. We will pick you up at the airport or train station upon your arrival and drop you off on the day you depart. We are available to you throughout your tour to provide translation and guide services.

Our tours begin on Sunday or Saturday and end on Friday or Saturday.
Accomodations are usually in one hotel per tour. Unpack once and settle in! No wasted time moving from hotel to hotel.

Usually all meals -except one or two- are included in our tours, in selected restaurants or local trattorias, osterias, farmhouses, private homes, where the food is authentic and superb and the welcome is warm and friendly. Each meal includes as well local wines, mineral water or soft drinks, coffee, digestivo (liquor).

Our prices include everything listed in the program but also petrol, highway tolls, parking fees, private car or minivan for our group only and all other travel expenses relating to what is included in the tour package. We do not include only city taxes-

Stay in a Hotel in the heart of the historical center of Bologna or at a family owned farmhouse overlooking the hills of Umbria which produces its own olive oil, or at a Relais in the hills of Langhe area, in Piedmont, overlooking the vineyards, or at a modern, efficient, clean hotel in Le Marche mere steps from the shore, or at a wonderful Masseria in Puglia... All the accommodations that we have selected in the years, hotels or farmhouses, are cosy, charming, clean, with nice view, friendly, with helping staff and great service. You will feel like at home!