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La Via Gaia

Authentic and Experiential Culinary Tours of Italy

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A new look into an old world, come and meet our friends, a new look into an old world.

Regional food and wine travel experiences with award-winning chef Jeff Michaud

Artisanal Italy in Modena,Bologna,& Parma

Artisanal Italy in Modena,Bologna,& Parma

What we love: This relatively overlooked region introduced us to the legacy of craftsmanship in its heritage foods, and the authentic character of Modena Balsamic Vinegar, Prosciutto di Parma, and its delicate fresh pasta.

  • Visit the village of Savigno, meeting artisans who carry on family traditions, including Guido, transforming the local Mora pig and Bianca Modenese cow into mouth-watering cured meats and steaks for 3 generations.
  • Walk the streets of Parma to discover and taste the gastronomic delicacies that will delight eyes, nose and palate.
  • Learn about Italy’s luxury racing automobile at the Enzo Ferrari Museum with classic models on display.
  • Become acquainted with the Spigaroli family, makers of Culatello di Zibello and share lunch at their Michelin-star restaurant, dedicated to the Po River territory’s culinary heritage.

Best of all, join the chefs Joe Sasto and Jeff Michaud in 2 pasta making classes and learn how to use a matterello (or wooden pin) to roll out the yolk-rich dough and then shape regional specialties like Tortellini, Tortelloni, and Tagliatelle.

Italy’s Treasures of Bergamo & Lake Iseo

Italy’s Treasures of Bergamo & Lake Iseo

What we love: Because Claudia grew up in Bergamo and her relatives still live there, we feel most connected to this historic walled city, where we spend most of our personal family time in Italy.

  • Explore Lombardy's culinary culture, inspired by the bounty of the surrounding countryside.
  • Stay in a truly enchanting retreat atop Bergamo's old town, famous for charming narrow streets and picturesque squares.
  • Share traditional specialties like Acquarello carnaroli rice, veal ossobuco and bergamascan polenta, and the distinctive regional cheeses of the Orobic Alps.
  • Cruise the hidden gem of Lake Iseo, situated in the Franciacorta wine region, producing some of Italy’s best sparkling wines.
  • Settle into Milan’s stylish Navigli neighborhood for a classic aperitivo in a canal-side bar, followed by a traditional Lombardy dinner.

Best of all, experience the cooking classes of award-winning chefs and friends Franklin Becker and Jeff Michaud, as they reveal the secrets of the area’s quintessential flavors, and even arrange a dinner with Jeff's mother-in-law, a true Italian home cook.

Bountiful Puglia

Bountiful Puglia

  • Luxuriate at an exclusive Masseria in the Itria Valley. A 17th-century restored villa bordered by private gardens in a valley of vineyards and olive groves.
  • Taste culinary heritage in every bite of Pane di Altamura, a celebrated regional crusty bread produced for over a century.
  • Explore the maze of alleyways and connecting staircases in historic Ostuni, known as “Citta Bianca” for its brilliantly whitewashed architecture.
  • Watch Norcini masters craft authentic Pugliese Black Pig capocollo in Martina Franca, before an alfresco feast at the Caroli family olive mill.
  • Be an artisanal cheesemaker at an organic Farm with owner Mariangela, followed by an intimate family lunch.

Discover local in Friuli & Slovenia

Discover local in Friuli & Slovenia

What we love: Here is where our daughter Gaia, only six years old at the time, enjoyed the entire 19-course meal at Hiša Franko, and we met our friend Giampaolo Venica, fourth-generation vintner who now hosts our trips in his homey Wine Resort.

  • Explore the cafe life in Trieste, stopping to savor a nero (espresso) in this port city known as the “Capital of Coffee”.
  • Meet regional winemaking luminaries who produce legendary varietals like Ribolla Gialla, celebrated for its bright fruitiness.
  • Gather for a memorable meal from Ana Roš, named one of the world’s best female chefs, at her 3 Michelin-starred Hiša Franko, in the countryside of nearby Slovenia.
  • Wander the scenic mountain village of Sauris, surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Dolomites, known for its time-honored Alpine agricultural pastimes.

Best of all, experience a unique half day in Venice under the enthusiastic guide of Katie Parla and explore the region's cuisine in a cooking class by award-winning chef Jeff Michaud as you learn to make local specialties like frico and Cjarsons a staple of Friuli’s rural cucina povera .

The Romance of Lake Garda & Verona

The Romance of Lake Garda & Verona

What we love: We launched our La Via Gaia trips here, taking over a farmhouse to welcome our very first guests. Since then this region has became our Summer weekend getaway to enjoy stunning scenery, outdoor activities, and some of our favorite foods.

  • Meet Veneto wine masters and learn to appreciate the difference between regional superstars, Amarone and Valpolicella.
  • Appreciate the magic of Chiaretto di Bardolino, the rosato/rose famously produced in the Alpine-Mediterranean environment of Lake Garda.
  • Find yourself square in in the middle of Verona’s Piazza delle Erbe, the crossroads of city life.
  • Spend Sunday Supper with an olive oil producer for the Spiedo ritual of slow spit-cooking meat, among the world’s oldest techniques.
  • Visit the beautiful and unique architectural structures of the Lemon Gardens that preserve an ancient local tradition.

Best of all, play a part in making authentic creations with award-winning chefs Jeff Michaud and Greg Vernick in intimate classes designed to give you first-hand experience.

Genuine Living in Piemonte Wine Region

Genuine Living in Piemonte Wine Region

What we love: Every year our family returns here, to the town of Alba known for its white truffles, to drink in spectacular vistas, romantic hill towns, wonderful food, and finely crafted wines.

  • Experience robust Barolo and Barbaresco, produced from the intensely aromatic Nebbiolo grape in bottlings from top winemakers.
  • Venture into the wild patches of forest on a truffle hunting mission.
  • Roam through world-famous wine regions, from The Langhe and Roero's small DOCG wine district to the hills of historic Monferrato.
  • Taste the lush, buttery mouthfeel and a depth of flavor of Giorgio Cravero's Parmigiano Reggiano, a fifth-generation cheese refiner in Bra.
  • Float above vine-covered hillsides and storybook villages in a sunrise balloon ride over Barolo, the heart of the Piedmont region.

Best of all, learn about Piemonte's unique cuisine in dinners at trattorias, Michelin-star restaurants, and in two memorable cooking classes, held by award-winning chefs and friends, Michael Cimarusti and Jeff Michaud and discover that, here, every meal tells a story.

What our fellow adventurers have to say

You feel like a true family member everywhere you go. Winemakers, cheesemakers, prosciutto makers, chefs, farmers, agriturismo proprietors, musicians all welcome you with very generous open arms like you've known them forever to share their talents, secrets. Their passion for what they do is contagious as is Jeff's love of Italy and his infectious smile and ability to connect everyone in the group to each other and bring out the adventurous spirit in all of us. Already booked another trip for next year!

The trip we took to Piemonte exceeded my expectations. It was clear from the start that at every place we went, the chef, owner, guide had a deep relationship with Jeff and they all went out of their way to make the trip one of the most memorable I have ever taken. La Via Gaia carefully put together the right blend and flow of activities to make every day perfect. I wouldn't change a thing

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...!

While over the top gastronomic experiences were expected and delivered what was most surprising was the laughter and friendships that flowed in even greater quantities that the exceptional wines and will last far longer.

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!

A private trip with La Via Gaia in Piemonte was an adventure I didn't even know I was missing! I was hesitant to go on an expensive trip with my colleagues but after the amazing comradery, wineries with views, a cheese tour/tasting, beautiful balloon ride, truffle hunting, vespa and convertible fiat driving, three Michelin restaurants, chef led cooking classes, shopping in Milan, Turin and Alba, incredible local restaurants, three amazing guides, and lots of fun I deem this trip priceless. The warmth exuded by Jeff and Claudia Michaud, and their guest Sommelier Matteo Donadoni added to a jam-packed itinerary (with some relax time included). Anyone can go to Northern Italy but these three shared their love of Italy with all of us.

La Via Gaia's culinary and wine tour is not to be missed. Chef Jeff Michaud and his beautiful wife sparkle as they share their love of all things Italian. Days are filled with private tours of wineries and a Parmigiano-Reggiano aging cave, a hot air balloon ride, a drive through the gorgeous Piemontese countryside, and a tour of Turin. The meals include simple regional dishes shared by local cooks, dinner made by the group participants during a cooking lesson at a winery, and spectacular dinners prepared by Michelin starred restaurants. Truly fantastico- grazie!

La Via Gaia has taken us on 2 unique and unforgettable trips filled with amazing food, wine and experiences. The key is Jeff Michaud’s infectious love of Italy, its people, its culinary traditions, and Italian life in general. The warm relationships he has built over the years with chefs, wine makers and shop owners flow onto the group and make us feel we are cared for in a way we have never experienced with any other trip.

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.

Jeff and Claudia have created an experience like no other for folks who are truly passionate about food and wine. Jeff is the consummate host and, for one week, you are part of his family which includes not only your fellow travelers, but all of the amazing artisan producers and talented chefs that go to great lengths to make your time with them very special and memorable. Jeff's passion for everything culinary, along with his well established relationships, are what make this trip unique. This is more than a culinary tour - this is an immersion into the very best of what Italy has to offer.

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