Review Time
I did a lot of research before choosing Culture Discovery and I am so glad I chose them. Honestly, nothing else I found even came close. Still, you are never really sure until you try it out. I chose the Chianti trip and am so glad I did. First, it was worth every penny. If like me, you are wincing at the price tag—don’t! Save up and take the plunge because pretty much every single thing is included. Not only are there no hidden extra charges, but the experience is not one that you can find anywhere else. It truly was an experience, not just a trip. The staff was amazing. Our host Larisa was incredible, all of the chefs and local businesses and families we interacted with were like family and all of the other travelers were such a great group of people to be with. I am an experienced cook, but I learned so many great techniques in the classes, we ate amazing food, drank incredible wines, went on so many behind the scenes excursions that I cannot say enough nice things about the entire experience. I am already planning a trip with my kids next year, probably to Croatia to celebrate a milestone birthday. If I could have given this ten stars, I would have.
Culture discovery vacations! Not a tour, not a trip but a total immersion into the lives and families you meet along this journey! I have never left a vacation feeling the way I did leaving a CDV experience. I felt like I was leaving my family behind. The people I met have remained lifelong friends and every vacation I have taken with them has left lasting memories.
My husband and I have taken several trips with Culture Discovery Vacations. My husband found them in 2019 after I told him my dream was to cook in Italy. Our first trip took us to Soriano. It was my dream come true. Since then we have traveled with CDV to Barolo, Amalfi (twice) and Sicily. Our experience is always beyond our expectations. The friends we have made on our trips are treasures. We are treated like family whenever we travel with them and keep in touch with so many we have met along the way. Looking forward to our next adventure this summer. If you are looking for an intimate experience, you won’t be disappointed!
I am heading to my 4th trip with CDV and I can honestly tell you they are the BEST! They take care of everything and they don’t nickel and dime you. I have brought numerous friends with me and they are now repeat customers. I can’t stress enough how wonderful CDV is. If you want a trip of a lifetime, they are your people!
Going on my 4th Italy trip with my best friend. The first one in September 2023 (Soriano nel Cimino), followed by September 2024 (Bologna), May 2025 (Florence) and coming up in September 2026 (Piedmont). Great accommodations, meals, amazing learning experiences and wonderful staff and guides. The families and small businesses were great to be able to understand and learn from the Italian people. I highly recommend the experience to all.
My husband and I absolutely LOVE our many vacations with CDV. The first one was to Soriano nel Cimino and we were sold after that. We lived in a little flat near the town square and felt like such a part of real Italian life. We learned how to cook authentic Italian recipes that have since become family favorites. We saw things and went to places many people have never heard of. We had wonderful experiences and now have friends that own vineyards, make balsamic vinegar, make prosciutto, own Parmesan cheese dairies, and so, so much more. Their philosophy about family and friends keep us coming back. Often we travel with the same people over the years. It is truly a very special company!
My parents absolutely raved about their experience with Culture Discovery. It’s a vacation that is on my list of things to do in the future, based on their excellent experience. They loved feeling like part of the family, experiencing market trips to purchase food for the evening meal, and making lasting friendships. When I ask them about their factories in their lifetime, this one is on top!
(TrustPilot wouldn't let me enter a date more than a year ago but we have traveled with them 3 times so far) We are preparing for our 4th trip with Culture Discovery Vacations. We've been to Italy twice, Portugal once, and now we're headed to Madrid, Spain. This company does SO much more than take you to locations and give you a history lesson before moving on. No, CDV wraps its arms around you and welcomes you by introducing you to locals who become friends by giving you a place at their table, and giving you the opportunity to prepare a traditional meal, drink all the wine you like, and learn what it's really like to LIVE there. These trips are about relationships forged through a common love of the land you visit and the timeless traditions that make it special. You don't go to the tourist traps, you visit places that you've sometimes never heard about before, but instantly feel that you belong. It's a learning experience you never expected, and you come away wishing you had just a few more days - or weeks. I can't say enough wonderful things about their staff; these lovely people are not just chosen but IMO, divinely appointed to be a part of this group. You are never rushed through a place, you are given the chance to relax and take in the scenery, the amazing food, and the people. There isn't enough time or words to accurately describe how excited I always am to meet new CDV friends and find out what they have in store for me! The only thing I can tell you is, choose one of their trips - you absolutely cannot go wrong!
My wife and I recently (9/21) took Culture Discovery's 12 day tour of Sicily. Over the 12 days we stayed at three different inns that are part of the tour. Each of the three rooms we had were terrible. Two practically had no windows. Had we seen these rooms in advance we would not have gone on this tour. We discussed the issue with CDV management who were rude and indifferent. I would not recommend this company. Amazingly the company just replied to my review years after it was posted. This is consistent with my experience with their customer service. The reply is also inaccurate. I did contact the company DURING the tour and they still did nothing.I guess customer reviews are new to the company as they have “never” been aware of TrustPilot. The fact that they lied in the four year late response to my review to say that I did not contact them during the tour tells the story.
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International culinary travel company headquartered in Tampa, Florida with offices in Italy and Portugal. direct operator (not a broker or agency) operating over 20 years, offering small-group luxury vacations across Italy, Portugal, Spain, Croatia, Argentina and Uruguay since 2006. All-inclusive experiences featuring hands-on cooking classes with local families, family-owned winery visits, cultural immersion activities, and boutique accommodations. Also operates ultra-small-ship cruises in Croatia and multi-country tours throughout Europe.
Honored with Magellan Gold Award for Tour Operators and Tripadvisor Hall of FameSee more
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