❤️ Our Story
Italy is where La Via Gaia co-founders Claudia and Jeff Michaud met, fell in love, and embarked on a life together. When married, they came to the US, opening the Northern Italian-influenced @osteriaphilly restaurant in Philadelphia, where Jeff would win the James Beard Foundation Award for “Best Chef Mid Atlantic”.
And there, while raising a daughter, they decided it was time to share their passion for all things Italian with custom culinary trips, unlike other food tours available today.
![❤️ Our Story
Italy is where La Via Gaia co-founders Claudia and Jeff Michaud met, fell in love, and embarked on a life together. When married, they came to the US, opening the Northern Italian-influenced @osteriaphilly restaurant in Philadelphia, where Jeff would win the James Beard Foundation Award for “Best Chef Mid Atlantic”.
And there, while raising a daughter, they decided it was time to share their passion for all things Italian with custom culinary trips, unlike other food tours available today.](https://laviagaia.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png)
❤️ Our Story
Italy is where La Via Gaia co-founders Claudia and Jeff Michaud met, fell in love, and embarked on a life together. When married, they came to the US, opening the Northern Italian-influenced @osteriaphilly restaurant in Philadelphia, where Jeff would win the James Beard Foundation Award for “Best Chef Mid Atlantic”.
And there, while raising a daughter, they decided it was time to share their passion for all things Italian with custom culinary trips, unlike other food tours available today.
When Artisans become your friends ❤️ Our family spends every summer in Italy! At the beginning of July, Jeff and Gaia shared a unique experience with Ferdinando, our Wild friend in the Orobie Mountains of Bergamo. The Summer transhumance. When the weather gets warm, Ferdy brings the cattle to the high mountain pastures where the fresh air makes the nuisance of insects disappear and helps the cow to regenerate. The grass is fresh, rich, and delicious like the cheese produced with the milk of this wonderful season.
![When Artisans become your friends ❤️ Our family spends every summer in Italy! At the beginning of July, Jeff and Gaia shared a unique experience with Ferdinando, our Wild friend in the Orobie Mountains of Bergamo. The Summer transhumance. When the weather gets warm, Ferdy brings the cattle to the high mountain pastures where the fresh air makes the nuisance of insects disappear and helps the cow to regenerate. The grass is fresh, rich, and delicious like the cheese produced with the milk of this wonderful season.](https://laviagaia.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png)
When Artisans become your friends ❤️ Our family spends every summer in Italy! At the beginning of July, Jeff and Gaia shared a unique experience with Ferdinando, our Wild friend in the Orobie Mountains of Bergamo. The Summer transhumance. When the weather gets warm, Ferdy brings the cattle to the high mountain pastures where the fresh air makes the nuisance of insects disappear and helps the cow to regenerate. The grass is fresh, rich, and delicious like the cheese produced with the milk of this wonderful season.
Get to know some of our incredible Culinary Guests and book your trip with us to Italy now! 2025 destinations are here.
@chef.joe.sasto
You may recognize Chef Joe from networks such-as The Food Network and Bravo! We love Joe’s way of sharing his craft with technique and his passion for the Italian tradition of hand made pasta. Join us on an exciting travel experience with him to the Emilia Romagna region considered the “FRESH PASTA HAVEN”!
@chefbeckernyc
A regular on television, Becker was invited to compete in Bravo’s Top Chef Masters in 2013 and as a recurring judge on Beat Bobby Flay. As the co-founder of Autism Speaks to Wall Street, Becker has raised more than $20 million for Autism-related charities. In his free time, he enjoys traveling with his wife and their kids.
@katieparla
In addition to appearing as an expert on television programs such as “Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy” and Netflix’s “Chef’s Table,” Katie hosts culinary shows on Recipe.tv including her Emmy-nominated food and travel series “Katie Parla’s Rome,” “Katie Parla’s Roman Kitchen,” and “Gola on the Road.”
![Get to know some of our incredible Culinary Guests and book your trip with us to Italy now! 2025 destinations are here.
@chef.joe.sasto
You may recognize Chef Joe from networks such-as The Food Network and Bravo! We love Joe’s way of sharing his craft with technique and his passion for the Italian tradition of hand made pasta. Join us on an exciting travel experience with him to the Emilia Romagna region considered the “FRESH PASTA HAVEN”!
@chefbeckernyc
A regular on television, Becker was invited to compete in Bravo’s Top Chef Masters in 2013 and as a recurring judge on Beat Bobby Flay. As the co-founder of Autism Speaks to Wall Street, Becker has raised more than $20 million for Autism-related charities. In his free time, he enjoys traveling with his wife and their kids.
@katieparla
In addition to appearing as an expert on television programs such as “Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy” and Netflix’s “Chef’s Table,” Katie hosts culinary shows on Recipe.tv including her Emmy-nominated food and travel series “Katie Parla’s Rome,” “Katie Parla’s Roman Kitchen,” and “Gola on the Road.”](https://laviagaia.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png)
Get to know some of our incredible Culinary Guests and book your trip with us to Italy now! 2025 destinations are here.
@chef.joe.sasto
You may recognize Chef Joe from networks such-as The Food Network and Bravo! We love Joe’s way of sharing his craft with technique and his passion for the Italian tradition of hand made pasta. Join us on an exciting travel experience with him to the Emilia Romagna region considered the “FRESH PASTA HAVEN”!
@chefbeckernyc
A regular on television, Becker was invited to compete in Bravo’s Top Chef Masters in 2013 and as a recurring judge on Beat Bobby Flay. As the co-founder of Autism Speaks to Wall Street, Becker has raised more than $20 million for Autism-related charities. In his free time, he enjoys traveling with his wife and their kids.
@katieparla
In addition to appearing as an expert on television programs such as “Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy” and Netflix’s “Chef’s Table,” Katie hosts culinary shows on Recipe.tv including her Emmy-nominated food and travel series “Katie Parla’s Rome,” “Katie Parla’s Roman Kitchen,” and “Gola on the Road.”
“This was one of the most remarkable trips we have ever taken. What made it so special was Jeff’s over-sized, charming personality and the personal touches that went into the trip. From his intimate knowledge of the Bergamo & Lake Garda area’s wine cellars, artisans & restaurants, the way he related to & looked out for the needs of every guests, to the extraordinarily special times like lunch at his mother-in-law Pina’s to eating a home-cooked meal with the family that runs an olive oil business. Loved it all!”
![“This was one of the most remarkable trips we have ever taken. What made it so special was Jeff’s over-sized, charming personality and the personal touches that went into the trip. From his intimate knowledge of the Bergamo & Lake Garda area’s wine cellars, artisans & restaurants, the way he related to & looked out for the needs of every guests, to the extraordinarily special times like lunch at his mother-in-law Pina’s to eating a home-cooked meal with the family that runs an olive oil business. Loved it all!”](https://laviagaia.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png)
“This was one of the most remarkable trips we have ever taken. What made it so special was Jeff’s over-sized, charming personality and the personal touches that went into the trip. From his intimate knowledge of the Bergamo & Lake Garda area’s wine cellars, artisans & restaurants, the way he related to & looked out for the needs of every guests, to the extraordinarily special times like lunch at his mother-in-law Pina’s to eating a home-cooked meal with the family that runs an olive oil business. Loved it all!”
🥳 Buon compleanno, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR VERY OWN @jeffmichaud ! He’s just returned from Italy for the summer and has a ton of fun, delicious and educational food & wine events coming up at @osteriaphilly.
![🥳 Buon compleanno, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR VERY OWN @jeffmichaud ! He’s just returned from Italy for the summer and has a ton of fun, delicious and educational food & wine events coming up at @osteriaphilly.](https://laviagaia.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png)
🥳 Buon compleanno, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR VERY OWN @jeffmichaud ! He’s just returned from Italy for the summer and has a ton of fun, delicious and educational food & wine events coming up at @osteriaphilly.
🗓️ 🇮🇹 Where are you going in 2025? Comment which destination you want to visit and tag your travel buddy below! Full itineraries, link in bio.
March 30 - April 5 // Modena, Bologna, & Parma
April 27th - May 3rd // Bergamo & Lake Iseo
May 18th - 25th // Puglia - SOLD OUT!
June 22nd - 28th // Friuli & Slovenia
September 14th - 20th // Lake Garda & Verona
October 19th - 25th // Piemonte
#laviagaia #eatingitaly #culinaryadventure #experienceitaly #localartisans #italy2025 #philadelphia #newyork #foodandwine #discoveritaly #luxurytravel #condenasttravel
![🗓️ 🇮🇹 Where are you going in 2025? Comment which destination you want to visit and tag your travel buddy below! Full itineraries, link in bio.
March 30 - April 5 // Modena, Bologna, & Parma
April 27th - May 3rd // Bergamo & Lake Iseo
May 18th - 25th // Puglia - SOLD OUT!
June 22nd - 28th // Friuli & Slovenia
September 14th - 20th // Lake Garda & Verona
October 19th - 25th // Piemonte
#laviagaia #eatingitaly #culinaryadventure #experienceitaly #localartisans #italy2025 #philadelphia #newyork #foodandwine #discoveritaly #luxurytravel #condenasttravel](https://laviagaia.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png)
🗓️ 🇮🇹 Where are you going in 2025? Comment which destination you want to visit and tag your travel buddy below! Full itineraries, link in bio.
March 30 - April 5 // Modena, Bologna, & Parma
April 27th - May 3rd // Bergamo & Lake Iseo
May 18th - 25th // Puglia - SOLD OUT!
June 22nd - 28th // Friuli & Slovenia
September 14th - 20th // Lake Garda & Verona
October 19th - 25th // Piemonte
#laviagaia #eatingitaly #culinaryadventure #experienceitaly #localartisans #italy2025 #philadelphia #newyork #foodandwine #discoveritaly #luxurytravel #condenasttravel
👨🏼🍳 Our Culinary Guests are also our dear friends and colleagues. @chefbeckernyc and @jeffmichaud paths crossed almost 20 years ago in New York City during the @greatchefsevent that benefits the @alexslemonade Foundation!
Franklin is an autism awareness advocate and the Culinary Chair of the Autism Speaks Celebrity Chef Gala. This year LVG donated 2 seats to the @autismspeaks Auction! During this year’s event, Jeff and Franklin decided to travel together and we could not be more honored to have him as a culinary guest on our trip to Bergamo & Lake Iseo.
✈️ April 27th - May 3rd // Bergamo & Lake Iseo
View the trip details and book now, link in bio.
#laviagaia #eatingitaly #culinaryadventure #experienceitaly #localartisans #italy2025 #philadelphia #newyork #foodandwine #discoveritaly #luxurytravel #condenasttravel
![👨🏼🍳 Our Culinary Guests are also our dear friends and colleagues. @chefbeckernyc and @jeffmichaud paths crossed almost 20 years ago in New York City during the @greatchefsevent that benefits the @alexslemonade Foundation!
Franklin is an autism awareness advocate and the Culinary Chair of the Autism Speaks Celebrity Chef Gala. This year LVG donated 2 seats to the @autismspeaks Auction! During this year’s event, Jeff and Franklin decided to travel together and we could not be more honored to have him as a culinary guest on our trip to Bergamo & Lake Iseo.
✈️ April 27th - May 3rd // Bergamo & Lake Iseo
View the trip details and book now, link in bio.
#laviagaia #eatingitaly #culinaryadventure #experienceitaly #localartisans #italy2025 #philadelphia #newyork #foodandwine #discoveritaly #luxurytravel #condenasttravel](https://laviagaia.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png)
👨🏼🍳 Our Culinary Guests are also our dear friends and colleagues. @chefbeckernyc and @jeffmichaud paths crossed almost 20 years ago in New York City during the @greatchefsevent that benefits the @alexslemonade Foundation!
Franklin is an autism awareness advocate and the Culinary Chair of the Autism Speaks Celebrity Chef Gala. This year LVG donated 2 seats to the @autismspeaks Auction! During this year’s event, Jeff and Franklin decided to travel together and we could not be more honored to have him as a culinary guest on our trip to Bergamo & Lake Iseo.
✈️ April 27th - May 3rd // Bergamo & Lake Iseo
View the trip details and book now, link in bio.
#laviagaia #eatingitaly #culinaryadventure #experienceitaly #localartisans #italy2025 #philadelphia #newyork #foodandwine #discoveritaly #luxurytravel #condenasttravel
🗓️ On Day Two with @chef.joe.sasto in Modena, Bologna, & Parma 🏎️ March 30 - April 5
This evening’s dinner is in Maranello at the legendary @ristorantecavallinomaranello , where @massimobottura’s creativity pays tribute to the legacy of @ferrari that hovers fully in the air since 1950.
The acclaimed chef from Modena, inspires the cuisine of Il Cavallino with his vision of the history and identity of a region of Slow Food and Fast Cars
✈️ Book now! Link in bio.
ARTISANAL ITALY IN MODENA, BOLOGNA, & PARMA
WITH JOE SASTO MARCH 30 - APRIL 5, 2025
![🗓️ On Day Two with @chef.joe.sasto in Modena, Bologna, & Parma 🏎️ March 30 - April 5
This evening’s dinner is in Maranello at the legendary @ristorantecavallinomaranello , where @massimobottura’s creativity pays tribute to the legacy of @ferrari that hovers fully in the air since 1950.
The acclaimed chef from Modena, inspires the cuisine of Il Cavallino with his vision of the history and identity of a region of Slow Food and Fast Cars
✈️ Book now! Link in bio.
ARTISANAL ITALY IN MODENA, BOLOGNA, & PARMA
WITH JOE SASTO MARCH 30 - APRIL 5, 2025](https://laviagaia.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png)
🗓️ On Day Two with @chef.joe.sasto in Modena, Bologna, & Parma 🏎️ March 30 - April 5
This evening’s dinner is in Maranello at the legendary @ristorantecavallinomaranello , where @massimobottura’s creativity pays tribute to the legacy of @ferrari that hovers fully in the air since 1950.
The acclaimed chef from Modena, inspires the cuisine of Il Cavallino with his vision of the history and identity of a region of Slow Food and Fast Cars
✈️ Book now! Link in bio.
ARTISANAL ITALY IN MODENA, BOLOGNA, & PARMA
WITH JOE SASTO MARCH 30 - APRIL 5, 2025