Testimonial

I want to thank you again for the wonderful trip to Le Marche, an area that is so special yet still relatively undiscovered by tourists. The seafood on the Adriatic coast was just wonderful as were the wines and cooking lessons. Our dinner in the 17th century winery near Offagna was one of the highlights. I loved being by the beach and collecting seashells, then just a short ride later, being up in the rolling hills. Every part of the program was planned so beautifully that I can't wait to come back and enjoy more of your hospitality and another special trip.

This is my second Bluone tour, and it was fantastic! The group size was just right, and the activities varied and interesting. We were well cared for, and there was none of that "being herded around" feeling you get on some tours. In fact it didn't feel like a tour at all! I loved the opportunity to spend time with local people and learn their cuisine, cooking, wine and customs. Where else would you prepare fresh calamari and sole in the kitchen of a fisherman with his wife giving you expert cooking instructions and then eat the fruits of your labour around the family table?

This was a one-time tour featuring the Formula 1 race in Imola.  What a special treat to sit at a premier location amongst the Italian Ferrari fans.  The day included a stop at Raffa’s parents home for coffee.  The thing that makes Bluone tours so special are these treats that no other tour guide would offer.

Marcello and Raffaella research each tour in-depth before presenting it on their website.  They go out into the countryside and find families that will take the Bluone clients into their homes, teach them how to make authentic regional dishes and seat them at their table along with their family to enjoy  a true Italian dinner.  You are totally immersed in the real Italian life.  A favorite comment of Marcello:  “the best food in Italy is in Mama’s kitchen.”

Traveling on my own, I always looked forward to landing in Bologna where I would be met by Marcello or Raffa.  From that moment until one of them put me on a train or at the security check-in at the airport, they made sure my time with them was a carefree and wonderful experience.  I truly became “one of the family forever.”

My first Bluone tour was in Emilia Romagna, where I had a truffle hunt with Marino and his dog, Mitch, a cooking  lesson and dinner at Elena’s.  Kitchen the size of a closet and Maria Grazia’s farmhouse kitchen for lessons and a fantastic family dinner.

It’s hard to imagine a host in Italy warmer than Marcello; he will do practically anything for his guests. The program Marcello and Raffaella arranged is interesting, delicious and fun especially if Marcello is there. We had many spontaneous requests outside of the regular program — Marcello was eager to help us, find and see everything. He was always trying to figure out how we could see and do everything.  Marcello and Raffaella are wonderful people whom I recommend to everyone interested in the cuisine and culture of Emilia Romagna.

Dear Marcello and Raffaella,
I want to take the time to tell you how much Nanci and I enjoyed our gastronomical trip to Emilia Romagna. We have spent most of the week since we have been back telling people about it. It seems to get betterwith every telling- the true test of a great time! The professional pasta maker was right-we appreciated her skills, teachings, and food even more in hindsight than we did at the time. I was able to get my souvenir mattarella (rolling pin) through security in 5 airports, but not without a few questions and puzzled looks. Now I hope to use it at home somewhat successfully.
We are in awe of the enery and graciousness our host and hostess on our trip. We saw, tasted and experienced things that we never would have on our own. We met people –parmesan cheese maker, 5th generation balsamic vinegar maker/patriarch, Italy’s best sfoglina and much more. What a treat it was to gaze out the windows of an ancient monastery (now hotel) overlooking dozens of sets of fireworks as the millennium started. A very romantic moment that neither of us will ever forget. We thought the price/value of the trip was exceedingly fair.
Nanci is not the cook in the family but tells everyone how much she had. I even overhead her telling a friend that she would do it again!
If you would like to use any of this letter as a testimonial in your future promotional work, please feel free to do. We are your biggest fans.

I just arrived home yesterday afternoon after one of the most remarkable experiences I have ever had abroad. When I first looked into going on a tour, I was quite reticent, having images of large groups of people squished at long tables at crowded, mediocre restaurants, packed onto noisy busses, following haphazardly after a tacky tour director holding up an umbrella and walking too briskly from site to site. Wow, was I ever naïve! Being with Marcello and Raffaella in Bologna and in the picturesque surroundings towns was like sailing on a cloud. My mother and I felt truly pampered, safe, taken care of and happy. More than anything , however, is the absolute warmth, kindness, and professionalism that Raffaella and Marcello both possess. We quite simply adore them. Being allowed to tailor our tour to meet all of our needs (gastronomic and retail-therapy!) is such an unusual and wonderful feature of your company. I already want to do another tour with wine and food and friends sometimes in the next year!
Saying thank you is hardly enough, but know that if anybody ever needs a recommendation, I’d be more than happy to share my experiences!
You are true gems in the industry.
With profound thanks

Some nice touches included a magnificent hotel room in Riolo Terme and the surprise visit one day of the owner of the local alimentari in Brisegalia with a wonderful lunch as we tasted the greatest olive oil in the world. Having lived a year in Italy and making our seventh trip over, Emilia Romagna is clearly one of the overlooked beautiful spots in Italy. And, Marcello and Rafaella, are the greatest and our new friends. Go with them! Go to Emilia Romagna!

I really want to thank you both and your family once again for taking so good care of us! Be sure, I will not easily forget my 40th birthday! You made it so very special! Thank you very much!

Dear Raffaella and Marcello, We wanted to thank you for the wonderful two days that we spent with you. We really enjoyed touring the cheese and vinegar factories.  Our friends and families have enjoyed the gifts we bought them while we were there.  The highlight of our time with you was the dinner that we made and shared with you at your house.  Your hospitality was truly special and it was an unforgettable experience.  We look forward to attempting to create some of the dishes we made that night.  We have shared stories of our experience with many of our friends and maybe some day they will come to Italy to experience it for themselves.
Thank you.