LA VIA GAIA highly curated experience in Piemonte was executed flawlessly with Jeff whisking us from cheese caves to wineries to unique dining experiences that would typically only be available to those in-the-know. His knowledge combined with command of the language and culture enables a plunge into Italian culture that cannot be obtained elsewhere. Bring your appetite, sense of adventure, and passion for luxury meets farm to table. Highly recommended...!
We had an incredible trip that exceeded all of our expectations! Jeff is so knowledgeable, relaxed and fun. It set the tone for the week and I think we all felt so lucky to experience Friuli, a new region of Italy for us, with him. His enthusiasm and love for Italy is contagious and the variety of restaurants and experiences was perfect. Every day was packed and yet not rushed... A perfect day X 6! We loved the variety of the week from the countryside to the Alps to the sea. Thank you Jeff and Gerard!
Jeff and Claudia have thoughtfully created a traveling and eating experience that opens the window into the world of Northern Italy. It builds on their personal relationships and experiences, accumulated over many years of living in there. It is not a sterile tour, one lived out of a bus. Rather it is meeting the people that make Italy come to life on a daily basis.
This trip was an amazing experience with delightful surprises everyday. I could not wait to see what the next meal, day, and experience had to offer. It was such a perfect way to experience the best that Piemonte has to offer in a genuine and authentic way. We learned so much and have treasured memories that we will never forget. We look forward to continuing to experience life in Italy and are so thankful for LA VIA GAIA for introducing us to this beautiful country, people, and culture!
THIS IS A NUMBER ONE BUCKET LIST EXPERIENCE! I can't rave enough about Jeff, LA VIA GAIA and everyone who serviced us! Our days were filled with adventures, wine tasting, cheese festival, our evening with private dining spots only Jeff could find. Private homes, private room. Just stunning!
The trip with LA VIA GAIA was truly an amazing and unforgettable experience! Jeff’s attention to detail, as well as, all his personal relationships with planned activities and restaurants made this truly a unique vacation. I am not considered a foodie where I seek to find the unique dining experience. However, the trip opened my palate to tastes that were truly amazing. Jeff was the best guide and his love and knowledge of the region really made the trip extra special. We had a great group of 14 and we all enjoyed each other’s company. Everyday was filled with so much fun. It truly was one of the best vacations I ever had. Thank you Jeff and LA VIA GAIA for an incredible week!
Easily our most interesting and fun trip in recent memory. LA VIA GAIA's itinerary in Friuli and Slovenia provided the perfect balance of history, culture and food. Both the group of people on our trip and the chefs were outstanding. We weren't sure what this trip was going to be like but in the end it easily exceeded all of our expectations. All of our friends ask about the trip and when we tell them they are all instantly jealous! Can't wait to try another location in Italy with Jeff - so much fun!
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 wineries, cheese makers & restaurants, the way he related to & looked out for the needs of everyone on the trip, 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!
Our trip to Italy with LA VIA GAIA was perfect. We thoroughly enjoyed every aspect. All the details were well planned and included a variety of activities all fit for foodies. We most loved all the personal attention that we received everywhere we went, from the restaurants, wineries, cooking classes and of course Jeff's mother-in-law's house. We can't wait for the private trip Jeff and Claudia curated for us and our friends to Bergamo & Friuli next Summer!
A good friend invited me to join her on a trip to Lake Garda, Verona and Bergamo with LA VIA GAIA. I’m so glad I said yes! Our enthusiastic and tireless host, Jeffrey Michaud, curated a very special exploration of some of the cultural and culinary delights of northern Italy and infused the tour with his own passion and expertise in Italian cuisine and fine wines. As an added bonus, we were joined by guest chef Nicholas Elmi, Top Chef winner and owner of several celebrated Philadelphia restaurants. Both Jeff and Nick were relaxed and fun and, I hope, enjoying themselves as much as we were. The tour included delicious meals at fine restaurants as well as more informal local trattoria, but this was not a stuffy foodie tour. We were treated to a memorable midday meal with Jeff's charming (and beautiful!) mother-in-law, Pina, at her lovely home in the mountains. On another day, after a tour of a small olive oil producer, we sat down with the family to a lunch prepared by them in their home. These home meals gave us access to a side of Italian life rarely accessible to visitors. I arrived home stuffed and happy, with plans to join Jeff on a future tour, maybe this time with my husband, if he’s lucky!
