“The whole week was so interesting and great. Every day we woke up and said ‘yesterday was my favorite day’, how will they top that?! And then by the end of that day we were saying this was our favorite!” T.Q., Poquoson, VA
“It is difficult to find adequate words to express our gratitude for all you did to make our cooking school/tour a week we will never forget. We are so full and running over with memories of experiences that were beyond any we anticipated. Your enthusiasm and knowledge of just about everything we did and saw made our week great……One final comment, we ALL agreed, the money spent on a week with you was some of the best money we’ve ever spent!” Linda W. Austin TX
“I have to honestly say, our trip was perfect! Every place we stayed was exceptional, the food and wine excellent, the fellow travelers, so much fun! The highlight of the trip, for me, was swimming in the Ionian. I still can’t get over that water!! Thank you for all you did to make our trip so memorable!! ” M.M., Columbus, OH
This was my second tour with Gina and Mary and every bit as much fun as the first. These trips are well planned, accommodations are top notch, food and wine is sublime, and meeting people with similar tastes in travel experiences is so much fun. I really enjoy learning about the region we are in and the foods/wine grown there. This trip we learned about olive oil since olive trees were everywhere. We even stayed at a Masseria where there was a 3,000 year old olive tree still producing. You learn so much on these tours with Gina and Mary plus the cooking experience is always a delight. Everything is already thought of before you go so unless something unforeseen occurs, you’ll have a delightful time. Can’t wait to go again! JK, Bowling Green, KY
Gina, Now that we are all home, safe and sound; I just wanted to say thank you for these years. We have so much gratitude for knowing you, Mary, and Michael. Each one of you in a different way. To me, you have made Italy not just a vacation; but a personal part of our lives, and a certain way of thinking as well.
Before we knew you I thought Italy was a country full of Italians. Now I know Italy is a ton of countries full of different types of Italians. And it’s not just the food, but the thoughts behind the food that have made the greatest impression on me. I know there are special Italian dishes. But for me, a lot of cooking now is based on what do you have, and what can you do with it? And make it by hand as much as possible. I think I got that message from you. And no, it doesn’t always come out Italian.
That’s just the food part. Our appreciation of the Italian people and the Italian countryside could never have been accomplished without you. Thanks again for being a part of our lives……..Tom & Susan, Austin, TX
“Thank you to Mary for all the help she gave us in planning our trip, it was amazing! We loved Giulio in Roma! But the highlight was cooking with Gina, it was so special and I learned so much. I can’t wait to get into the kitchen, we’re planning a big dinner for friends.” C.K., Boston, MA
“This was the best culinary week I have ever been on – and I’ve done others in Italy and in France. Gina’s insider’s view gave us information not only on the food but of the culture and history of the Tuscans. Thanks for taking care of all the details!” N.N., Dallas, TX
“S. and I have been home a couple weeks now, and we continue to say to friends and family that our day with you was the highlight of our trip. We really had such a wonderful time – and we learned a lot too! I made a strawberry crostata last week, and it was delicious. A bit runny due to the fresh strawberries, but hey – what’s wrong with mopping up extra gooey strawberry juice with nice hunks of delicious sweet crust? Nothing! S. has perfected his fresh pasta, thanks to your “two fingers” mixing method. He made fresh tagliatelle last Sunday, then he made the sausage and white wine/cream sauce recipe from your book. It was delicious. We’re already planning our next trip!” J.S., San Francisco, CA
“Dear Gina and Mary, Now that we’re back home, we can’t stop talking about all the wonderful things we did and learned in Piedmont. It was packed full of everything we love – great wines, delicious foods and history. The scenery was spectacular. I’ll never forget the hills of the Langhe and how green everything was. Each view was my favorite and I’ve got the pictures to prove it! We loved laughing and the fun you both inspired. What great memories. Thank you! We are ready to go back with you next
Ready to start cooking!
year!” G.S., Dallas, TX
“Your attention and planning were greatly appreciated. It was a great time in Tuscany. I learned so much about the people, food and wine. Richer for the knowledge and friendships. I will never look at a horse race the same again!” J.S., Louisville, KY
“It was an incredible learning experience. It changed my life and the way I cook!” M.O. Grosse Pointe, MI
N.N., Dallas, TX