Review By Setia L. - Nanaimo, BC - CA (November 2023)
A journey of the heart: A Cultural Immersion with Culture Discovery Vacations
CDV is an immersion into the very essence of Italy. It fills your heart with passion, your senses with delight, and your soul with love. It is a journey you will carry with you for a lifetime.
| Written By: | Setia L. |
| Rating: | |
| Location: | Nanaimo - BC - CA |
| Review Source: | Website |
| Type of Traveler: | Solo Traveler |
| Itinerary: | Soriano - Olive Harvest |
Full Review
Culture Discovery Vacations offers a truly unique and unforgettable journey that goes far beyond a regular tour. It is an extraordinary experience that resonates deep within, and from the moment I arrived I knew I had discovered something very special.
What sets this company apart is the sense of family they create with those who have chosen to take this journey with them. After all, they are hosts, not guides and you are a cherished guest rather than a customer. They open their hearts and homes, making you feel like part of their extended family. It is an embrace of warmth and camaraderie that filled my heart in a way I cannot fully describe.
The owners, Michael and Paolo, were so welcoming and delightful, and their beautiful Villa where our cooking classes were held was the very essence of picturesque, which made our culinary journey even more enchanting. Maggie, our main host, was vibrant, lovely, and nothing short of amazing. With boundless energy and infectious enthusiasm, she brought every aspect of our journey to life. Her warm smile and endless patience made us feel not just welcomed but cherished. (We love you Maggie!). Rocky, who also hosted us several days of the tour, exuded effortless charm and was a constant source of laughter and entertainment. Whether regaling us with stories of local lore or sharing insights about the region, his presence made each experience feel not just engaging but thoroughly enjoyable. (We also love you, Rocky!)
The olive harvest was something I have dreamed of doing for years. It was a profoundly moving experience, and when I stopped for a moment to simply admire the landscape and take in the experience I was having, it brought tears to my eyes (which I tried to quickly while away before anyone noticed!). It allowed me to fulfill a life’s dream and connect with the local culture and landscape in a way I will never forget.
The cooking classes were a culinary adventure like no other. Learning to prepare incredible local dishes with the guidance of the amazing Carla and Katia was a delicious, educational, and hilarious experience. The kitchen was filled with lively music and heaps of laughter, and everything from the first bite of fresh pasta to savouring the rich flavours of regional wines, created a gastronomic journey that delighted the senses.
Choosing Culture Discovery Vacations is an immersion into the very essence of Italy. It fills your heart with passion, your senses with delight, and your soul with love. It is a journey you will carry with you for a lifetime, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking an authentic and deeply passionate Italian experience.
Thank you to everyone at CDV for making this the trip of a lifetime and becoming a part of my family. I’ve definitely left a piece of my heart in Soriano Nel Cimino. I love you guys!
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| Sample Photo from this Itinerary |