The variety of activities and experiences made this trip. I was interested in cooking and food but have no interest in spending every day, all day in a kitchen when I’m in fabulous Italy. Marcello and Raffaella Tori are marvelous hosts. They’ve have established relationships with wonderful, interesting people such as the owner of the balsamic vinegar operation, the people at the parmesan reggiano production plant, the owner of the agriturismo and the owner of the herb garden. Our last night was a group cooking experience followed by dinner all done in their home. I can’t say enough about them and would recommend them to anyone, even non-cooks. I hope to take their other tours at some point in the future.
Anne W., USA

Marcello and Rafella went out of their way to insure that we had a splendid time. My family went for my 50th birthday celebration and we couldn’t have had a more lovely vacation. As it was a special event we wanted something off of the beaten path. We were not plagued with cattle-like sightseeing but rather with a personal touch to each and everyday. We all travel quite a bit and we were extremely pleased with the organization and variety of opportunities. The food and drink-!!! I was anticipating this trip for months, and it well exceeded all of my expectations. The Chicago staff I found to be a little brusk, but everything was handled fine.
Tamarah F., AZ

Where do I begin to express my gratitude to you? So often a long awaited trip cannot live up to expectations when you finally get to take it. Not the case for me. Because of the two of you, it far surpassed anything I could have anticipated. From the day you picked me up at the airport, to the day you took me back for my departure flight, you amazed me. Even after every other wonderful thing you did for us during our tour, you continued to amaze me by bringing us lunch for the trip back. What a treat it was to have my last taste of your delicious mortadella (you remembered how I love it) and Prosciutto.You touched my heart with your thoughtfulness and your generosity. You anticipated our every need and always went that extra mile to fulfill each of our desires. Our entire group was in awe of your ability to constantly strive to make things better for us. You put together a trip that was designed to please each and every one of us, making changes as you got to know our likes and desires. If you heard one of us say we liked something, it appeared the next day. It was clear that we were more than clients to you and you became a dear friend to all of us. I know that I speak for everyone when I say how very grateful we are to the two of you for making our trip so memorable.Again, I want to thank you for the best trip I can ever remember taking. You truly made a dream come true for me. I look forward to seeing you on another trip one day. I will think of you each time I pour a glass of the Nocino you so graciously gave me when you saw how much I enjoyed it. When you make that trip to the states, I hope you will make Denver one of your destinations and give me the opportunity to return to you some of the hospitality I received on my wonderful Italian holiday.
Patti A., CO

I want to thank you very much for looking after me so well in Emilia Romagna. The whole experience was fabulous but particularly the totally unexpected things such as the making of aceto balsamico (about which we know nothing out here) and the totally unexpected magnificence of San Domenico. You will be pleased to know that I made dinner last weekend for a special friend and created superb hand made pumpkin and blue cheese ravioli followed by fresh strawberries with aceto balsamico. Magnifico!
Peter R., Sydney, Australia

I just cannot thank you enough for a wonderful time. You are both so special and worked so hard for us. Our tour guides were the best, many times going beyond the call of duty to give us anything we could possible need or want. Accommodations were so comfortable, lovely inn in a small town. We saw so much: parmesan cheese making and aging, olive oil that comes out of a tiled wall, truffle hunting dogs, pasta making workshops with wonderful chefs, balsamic vinegar that is like syrup, aged 25 years it is actually served on ice cream! Then beautiful villas, farms, Italian ceramics, mosaics, art and cathedrals and much more!
Joanne M., MA

What a wonderful time I had in Italy! It could not have been better! It was sad to leave after only a week, but I know I will be back! Next time perhaps for a longer stay. You both did a splendid job of showing us your ‘real’ country and making us feel at home. I would and will recommend this kind of tour and service to everyone! The personal touches made it very special indeed! Thank you again for your part in making this a truly passionate adventure and for sharing your family, friends, food, wine, and country! Fantastico! Sincerest best wishes for a joyous and bountiful holiday season and new year! PS: I got on the bathroom scale this morning…something I was dreading…and…C’e illusionismo?...All that marvelous food and wine and I have not gained a single pound! Questa si che e` vita! Molto bene!
Sue H., TX

This week has been unforgettable! I could not have imagined a better introduction to the Bologna culture! I will cherish this experience and look forward to returning.
Tymel H., FL

I would like to tell you that when we booked this trip we didn’t know what to expect but were so looking forward to it; well it exceeded our expectations. Having and opportunity to see the countryside and experience the wonderful food of the region was a real treat. My friends thought that I would be tired of Italian food when I returned home but it was the opposite I wanted more. Meeting the chefs and having their cuisine and then spending and evening with you and your family and learning how to prepare all of the dishes your family picked out for us was a great ending for our vacation. The herb garden and lunch was a real treat. This has been one of the best vacations Elizabeth and I have ever taken and we will recommend it to everyone who asks about it. Your hospitality and concern for us was appreciated and we will remember it and Bologna for a long time. We loved the cheese and vinegar factory’s and linen business. All in all it was a great trip.
Marcia M., LA

I wanted to write to thank all of you for the wonderful time we had with you last week. My mother and I had a great time the entire week with Marchello and all the interesting people he introduced us to in Bologna and the surrounding areas. The Parmesan cheese plant and the herb garden were particularly amazing — we learned so much. All of the meals were superb — especially the one in your home. Most importantly, the personal attention that you and your family provide is what made the trip one of the best we’ve ever been on. It is obvious that you are very well connected in Italy’s cooking circles! I hope we’re able to stay in touch and be assured I will highly recommend your cooking school to all of my friends who travel and who enjoy cooking. Thank you again for such a wonderful trip!
Elizabeth M., NY