Fabulous Family Experience!I can’t say enough about what a great week this was! This is the very best way to have what felt like a genuine Italian experience. It’s billed as a food tour, but it felt like so much more. Marcello and Raffaella Tori, our hosts for the week, were nice enough to limit the group to just our family of five and we had a blast (really good time).
Every day was packed with activities and everything was included in the tour price. Hotel was fabulous and well located in central Bologna and w...Read moreI can’t say enough about what a great week this was! This is the very best way to have what felt like a genuine Italian experience. It’s billed as a food tour, but it felt like so much more. Marcello and Raffaella Tori, our hosts for the week, were nice enough to limit the group to just our family of five and we had a blast (really good time).
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Every day was packed with activities and everything was included in the tour price. Hotel was fabulous and well located in central Bologna and we were transported all over the Emilia–Romagna region of northern Italy. Food was delicious and plentiful (pace yourself), and we got to help prepare a lot of it ourselves. Learned so much and fell in love with all the Italian people we met. Do this!
Testimonials
Friuli!! Another outstanding adventure!This region in the extreme Northeast region of Italy, bordering Slovenia, is not well known to American travelers, but we found it charming with an abundance of delightful wines from small farms. As usual, Bloune had done their homework and took our small group (3 couples) to meet delightful and talented local producers of wine, food and art.
We stayed the entire time in Udine, in a comfortable hotel (be sure to ask at check-in if you prefer air conditioning)with a driver collecting us...Read moreThis region in the extreme Northeast region of Italy, bordering Slovenia, is not well known to American travelers, but we found it charming with an abundance of delightful wines from small farms. As usual, Bloune had done their homework and took our small group (3 couples) to meet delightful and talented local producers of wine, food and art.
We stayed the entire time in Udine, in a comfortable hotel (be sure to ask at check-in if you prefer air conditioning)with a driver collecting us each morning for the day’s excursion to wineries, historic sites and wonderful meals. A day trip to Spillembergo, home to an internationally renowned mosaic school, was especially interesting.
The cooking lesson featured frico, a regional dish made from riced potatoes and grated montasio cheese, a dish I guarantee we’ll be making the first cold night we have.
We loved the wines. The whites were as good as expected in this region and the reds a delightful surprise. And then there was the white merlot, something wonderful.This is the perfect trip for people who love Italy in all its diversity, and don’t like crowds. Bravo, Bluone.
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You can't go wrong with them, but this Prosecco tour was really specialThis was my fifth tour with Raffa and Marcello, and all have been wonderful. The Prosecco region of 15 towns in the Veneto outside Venice is a special place. Rolling hills of vineyards and wineries are tranquil and beautiful. We sampled the products of many wineries including prize winners. The production is strictly controlled for quality and only those wines meeting the standard are given the DOC or DOCG. During our tour we ate delicious food including local cheeses and radicchio. Raffa and...Read more
This was my fifth tour with Raffa and Marcello, and all have been wonderful. The Prosecco region of 15 towns in the Veneto outside Venice is a special place. Rolling hills of vineyards and wineries are tranquil and beautiful. We sampled the products of many wineries including prize winners. The production is strictly controlled for quality and only those wines meeting the standard are given the DOC or DOCG. During our tour we ate delicious food including local cheeses and radicchio. Raffa and Marcello treated our small group like family, and I think of them as family. You can't go wrong with them, but this tour was really special.
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Grazie Raffaella and Marcello!Thank you so much for everything! I cannot wait to be home to spread the news that there is a special tour in Italy that everyone must experience! It was a memorable experience!
May God keep you and your family strong, healthy and united in love.
We will be in touch!Geri M. CA -
I love Prosecco!I was introduced to Prosecco by Marcello and Raffaella during my first tour – Food Lovers Adventure in Bologna – in 2002. I love Prosecco. This was the tour for me! The most memorable tasting was at the Bortolomiol Winery. We joined their chef and prepared our dinner.
The visit to Treviso was another interesting part of the tour. A lovely tour guide walked with us and explained that beautiful little city. If I ever get back to that area, I def...Read moreI was introduced to Prosecco by Marcello and Raffaella during my first tour – Food Lovers Adventure in Bologna – in 2002. I love Prosecco. This was the tour for me! The most memorable tasting was at the Bortolomiol Winery. We joined their chef and prepared our dinner.
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The visit to Treviso was another interesting part of the tour. A lovely tour guide walked with us and explained that beautiful little city. If I ever get back to that area, I definitely would make Treviso my base.Patricia H. St.Juan County WA -
Dear Raffaella and Marcello!What a delight the two of you are! Lori and I had an amazing experience and would highly recommend your tours to others.The opportunity to experience the culture of Bologna and Emilia Romagna was a once in a lifetime memory and was and was enhanced tremendously by your charm, grace and hospitality....
We wish you continued success and looking forward to experiencing Prosecco or Puglia or Umbria with you in the future.Dave and Lori M. - US -
Thank you!Thank you so very much for making us feel like a part of your family!
Cathie and Christopher H. - 2011 -
Beautiful tour and new friends in Le Marche!Besides unspoiled natural beauty the region is diverse with beautiful beaches and medieval hill towns.
Truffles to savor one day, grilled meats the next and of course the seafood.
Many locals I met on this trip remain friends and will always have a special place in my heart. This unique region should not be missed and Raffa and Marcello are the ones to take you there!Mindy S. Boston MA -
Food LoversAdventure in UmbriaI 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...Read moreI 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.
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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.Patricia H. St.Juan County WA -
Fantastic honeymoonRaffaella 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!Mike and Kristina K. - St Louis - MO -
Food experience in Emilia RomagnaMarcello 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!Courtney and Jonathan -
Thank you so much for EVERYTHING!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.
Cristine and Bruce -
Food Lovers Wine and Cooking Adventure in PiemonteThe 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.
Patricia H. St.Juan County WA -
Thank you for a wonderful trip!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 y...Read moreDear Marcello and Raffaella-
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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.-
Wonderful 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!<...Read moreDear Raffaella and Marcello -
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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!-
Food Lover's Adventure in Le MarcheI 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 ha...Read moreI had the privilege of traveling alone with Marcello. He made every day very special.
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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.Patricia H. St.Juan County WA -
Great time in UmbriaMarcello, 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. ...Read more
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!
Read lessMeggie and Craig McM. -
Le Marche Tour with BluoneThis 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 ...Read more
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?
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Gayle Crose, Minneapolis, MN -
Undiscovered Le Marche regionI 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 co...Read more
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.
Read lessJill Colpak, Concorde - Ma -
Le Marche, such a wonerful surprise!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!
Alta Engstrom, Edina - MN -
Food and Ferrari tour in Emilia RomagnaThis 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.
Patricia H. St.Juan County WA -
Food tour in Emilia RomagnaMarcello 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.”
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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.
Read lessPatricia H. St.Juan County WA -
Marcello and Raffaella are wonderful people whom I recommend to everyone interested in the cuisine and culture of Emilia RomagnaIt’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 interes...Read more
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.
Read lessRalph E., Huston, TX -
Bologna and Emilia Romagna tourDear 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 secu...Read moreDear Marcello and Raffaella,
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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.Jeff and Nanci Shapiro, Minneapolis, MN -
You are true gems in the industryI 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 pictu...Read more
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!
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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 thanksJocelyn W., Boston, MA -
Go with them! Go to Emilia Romagna!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!
John and Connie K., St. Louis, MO -
Thank you very much!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!
John and Connie K., St. Louis, MO -
Thank you!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 attem...Read more
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.
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Thank you.-
Authentic tour of Bologna's central food marketsWe enjoyed our walking tour with locals Raffaella and Marcello, touring central Bologna's food stores, stalls and providers. We learnt about the origin, composition and traditions associated with authentic Bolognese cuisine - from the simplest everyday meals, to special events and holidays. R&M are clearly proud of how local fresh ingredients produce the best food of the Emilia Romana region. We stopped for a light lunch of local meats and cheeses, and topped it off with a artisan gelato!...Read more
We enjoyed our walking tour with locals Raffaella and Marcello, touring central Bologna's food stores, stalls and providers. We learnt about the origin, composition and traditions associated with authentic Bolognese cuisine - from the simplest everyday meals, to special events and holidays. R&M are clearly proud of how local fresh ingredients produce the best food of the Emilia Romana region. We stopped for a light lunch of local meats and cheeses, and topped it off with a artisan gelato! We'd recommend spending time with Bluone.
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