Testimonial

I had been to the Basilica of Saint Francis before but this tour that Marcello arranged is something no tourist on their own could ever experience.  He arranged the tour to be guided by Friar Noel.  Friar Noel is an American.  He was able  to explain the building and frescoes.  We were taken into the private quarters for a look at how the monks live in this beautiful basilica.
The family of the farmer invited us to their farm one afternoon. We were treated to a truffle hunt with his dog, Lieca, who was teaching her puppy, Moretta how to hunt.  Along the way we hear a cow bellowing and came across her and a new born calf.  All of that was such a treat, but the day wasn’t over – we then had the privilege of sitting down with their family to enjoy a fantastic lunch complete with truffles from our hunt.

Raffaella and Marcello, thank you for providing us with a wonderful experience in Italy. We could not have imagined a more wonderful place to celebrate our honeymoon!
The food, landscapes and good company were incredible.
We will always remember this trip and your friendship.
Thank you!

Marcello and Raffaella, thank you so much for an unforgettable experience in Bologna!
You have not only taken us by hand and explained about food and traditions, but you have opened your hearts to us as well.
This experience will be one that we will never forget.
Thank you so much!

Words cannot express what a wonderful experience this has been for us. I will always treasure this time in my heart and I look forward to seeing you again in the future! Please, keep in touch and know that wherever we are, our door is always open to you and your family. Much love.

The highlight of this tour for me was our visit to the farm of Graziella and Giovanni.  We were served a family dinner from Graziella’s extremely small kitchen.  Dinner consisted of wines, meats, vegetables, cheeses, etc….  all either produced or, in the case of the Boar, killed on their farm.

This is the tour to sign up for if you love wine -  we tasted wine from 10:00 a.m. on some days until 10:00 p.m.  every day.

Dear Marcello and Raffaella-
I really enjoyed meeting you and appreciated all of your efforts to make my trip to Italy special.  Although my visit was fairly short, I had a great time and managed to do a lot.  It was great to meet your family. I was looking for an authentic experience and I certainly got one.  Your kindness and warm hospitality really meant a lot to me. Even though I didn't use the sliding door ;) , I really felt at home and it seemed as if I had known you for much longer than a few days, which really says a lot.  I can't wait to try out my new recipes for my family.  I will be sure to report back!
I hope to see you again soon. Thanks again for a fantastic experience in Bologna.

Dear Raffaella and Marcello -
Thank you so much for the wonderful day of shopping, cooking, eating, and being together. Lew and I have mentioned our day with you as one of the highlights of our trip to Bologna and Rome many times during the trip.  Now that we are back home, we want to get out our aprons and make pasta and use the rosemary garlic salt on tomatoes as soon as we can.
Please come to Boston.  We would love to show you around and perhaps even cook together!

I had the privilege of traveling alone with Marcello.  He made every day very special.  
Up at dawn one day  to go to the fishing pier and watch  the fishing boats return.  A  cooking lesson at Marcello’s friend’s restaurant on the beach, of fish Marcello bought that morning  right off the boat.  That was our dinner that evening, that ended up taking two evenings to eat – so many dishes that had to be tasted.  
A visit to a hilltop hamlet where only 6 people live.  Marcello called out Rosa’s name as we approached her house and all her neighbors windows opened with ladies calling out to Marcello that “Rosa is home.”
An invitation into the home of the owners of our hotel for a beautiful family dinner. 

Marcello, we met several years ago when my husband and I took your cooking school in Umbria.  Sorry that it took me so long to write to say what a great time we had and it was so fun to meet you.  If you remember, it was just the 2 of us and you, as your other guests cancelled at the last minute.  I still have very fond memories of that trip.  I’m hoping that this e-mail finds you well.  I just wanted to let you know that I’ve been thinking of you!

Once again, Marcello and Raffaella, your attention to every detail allowed us to have an unforgettable experience. The varied scenery of the seacost, the mountains and the countryside was spectacular. Combining that with gracious hosts sharing their homes and their cooking secrets made us feel very special. With great food, great company and a very knowledgeable, attentive and entertaining guide, how could it not be a week to remember. Grazie mille!