We had a wonderful time. Our guide, Luigi (GG), was terrific and the chef at the hotel was very nice, sweet, patient, clever etc. His “associate” chef was equally delightful. We learned some new things, ate well, drank well and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The hotel was lovely and the food excellent. Staff very accommodating. We enjoyed the “cheese” tour and had a lot of laughs at the butcher shop. The person who met us in Milan and returned us to the hotel in Milan was courteous and on time. Although I am always reluctant to speak for my daughters, I’m pretty confident that they would agree with me and be even more enthusiastic.
We did have a couple of suggestions: A tour of a vineyard, since the grapes grown in that region are so unusual due to the fog, etc. Had we known in advance that the butcher shop was the place that supplied the meat for the hotel, we would have been more prepared to ask additional/different questions. Along with the trip to those butcher and cheese shops, perhaps add a place or two of interest along the way, since there is a driver and a car anyway. It is always interesting to get a flavor of the area, and that would help. FYI, when we first met GG, he had a map of the region, and explained how the sun traveled with regard to the vineyards, what types of food were grown in the region, and, generally, the history of the area. It was very helpful and informative. We did spend some time with GG explaining some of this to him, so perhaps you have already had some feedback from his end. However, I do not want to leave you with the impression that we had any “complaints.” Quite the contrary.
We had a splendid time, and each talked about our “next” trip together. Thank you for all you did to make the trip interesting, delicious and in every way enjoyable. Your (Karen’s) suggestions were appreciated and welcomed at every step. Thank you very much…we felt “at home” and I think the hotel staff enjoyed watching us having such a good time. And, having tiramisu (that we helped prepare) as an appetizer before our last dinner didn’t hurt. AND, learning that “bubbly goes with everything” was also a good lesson in choosing wines! Thank you very much! PS Our apologies for being late to the wine tasting…we lost track of time, and were within range of the hotel, just neglected to check our watches.
Linda M., TX

We were treated like VIP family. The hotel was exceptional, the excursions were very special and the service was memorable. Every person we encountered was professional, personal, and polite. The food took Italian cuisine to a whole new level. The classes were customized to our preferences. This experience was a once in a lifetime. Every meal at the hotel was phenomenal. This partner went far beyond our expectations in every facet of the vacation.
Sutton R., CA

I loved the town of Sondrio. I had been all over Italy except for the northern portion so that was my reason for choosing the Valtellina Valley class. The town was small enough to be charming but not so small that there wasn’t enough to do. Although many of our dinners were at the hotel, we found some wonderful restaurants right off of the square where our hotel was situated. Our hotel, the Grand Hotel Della Posta, was amazing! It was beautifully decorated and by the end of the week we knew everyone there on a first name basis. The breakfast room in the basement level was amazing. It looks like a stone grotto. We were delighted when we walked in for the first time for breakfast. We never made it to the spa (also on that level) but it looked first-rate. After our cooking class, we would go outside to the outdoor dining are in the garden and have a glass of prosecco or two while we waited to be served what we had just learned to prepare. This was served with a nice bottle of wine as well.
Karen and Richard at The International Kitchen were very courteous and helpful. All suggestions were good ones. I wanted to attempt driving while in Italy, and although we rented a car and drove one day, we were not comfortable doing so (standard transmission) and returned the car, opting for a driver to take us back to Milan. I think Karen suggested this originally and I should have just listened to her.
Susan B., TX