Behind the Scenes of Gourmet Getaways

During this unique and trying time, Gourmet Getaways has been keeping a close eye on all things Italian to help prepare for future travel.

One unique advantage Gourmet Getaways has in planning any upcoming trip is it's decades-worth relationship with its' trusted suppliers.

What is a supplier:  Suppliers are an essential ‘middleman’ in the travel industry who are only available to preferred Travel Agents.  They serve as Gourmet Getaways’ trusted liaison.

I will will continue to book your hotels and more through my preferred suppliers and here is why:

·       My suppliers’ team members continue to personally inspect all the hotels they represent even throughout this pandemic as some of their team members live in Italy.

·       They review and inspect all their hotels. If any of their hotels have taken a step backwards, they will no longer represent them.

·       Some hotels may have been dropped because they are in a state of flux and may be struggling. 

·       I continue to be closely connected through my experienced suppliers to ensure a positive hotel experience. 

·       Many of my suppliers have added villas and homes to their offerings.

·       These suppliers are trustworthy and financially sound in these ever -changing times.

·       I continue to work with the best guides throughout Italy and have been in touch with them during these quiet times.  They are all eager to welcome you back to beautiful Italy!

One of my other desired suppliers now has a satellite office in London, so if you have a desire to visit the UK I will be more than happy to work with you. To date I am connected with seven reliable suppliers. One of my suppliers specialized in villas in Italy, both large and small, who personally inspects and knows the owners of them. Let us help you select the villa of your dreams!

Genova or Genoa

Since Gourmet Getaways' group was staying on the Italian Riviera and Genoa was only a little more than one hour away form our hotel (more on that later), I knew we had to go to Genoa to see what it was all about.  Much to my surprise we all fell in love with it.

It is the sixth largest city in Italy and it is overshadowed by Rome, Florence Milan and Venice.

Our guide met us at Piazza de Ferrari and off we went to experience the ancient narrow streets, the many piazzas both large and small, a historic café for a cappuccino break, a pesto cooking class demonstration and tasting.

The narrow streets were full of fresh produce, fish and ancient stores which is still very active today.

Remember it is one of the most beautiful UNESCO World Heritage cities.  The city is abundant with Renaissance architecture.  We strolled on Via Garibaldi and marveled at the structural design of these ancient palazzos, some of which are now banks.

Since I am a chocoholic I wanted to taste and purchase excellent chocolate and I did!  There is an excellent chocolate shop called:  P.Romanengo fu Stefano located on Via Roma 51.  It is one of the oldest confectioners in Genova.  It all began in 1780.  It uses only the best ingredients.  If you are in the area it is well worth a visit to this beautiful and delicious confectioner shop!

I would definitely go back to this city as it is too large to explore it in its entirety in one day.

Why I Do What I Love!

Gourmet Getaways will be celebrating 16 years this fall!  I cannot believe it, but time passes quickly; especially when you love what you do!

Gourmet Getaways originated from my love of Italy and Italian food.  As a travel agent  on a cooking tour in 1996, I met other agents that kept encouraging me to pursue my interests.   Upon my return I created Gourmet Getaways.  I first started representing chefs in Italy so people could take cooking lessons and learn about Italy through cuisine, but I knew I  wanted to help people extend their stay after their cooking experience.  So,  my business began to grow and over the  years it has modified its direction.  As I always say:  Nothing stays the same!”  And it did not.  I began creating customized itineraries for people and just loved it.    When  I begin to plan an itinerary I feel as though I am traveling with my clients and helping them enjoy Italy.

Over the years I have started to create my own tours and lead my own small groups, but never more than 20 people !  That is a rule of mine!  I enjoy when my groups are small.  When the groups are small the group is more intimate and we become one happy family traveling throughout Italy.  We go to local restaurants, small wineries, olive oil tastings, and sometimes we do a great cooking class, visit artisans at work and more!  This can only be accomplished with small groups.  Many cities in Italy are off limits to large tour busses and traffic is restricted, so that is another reason why I keep the group small.

 My guides are the best.  I work with top agents in Italy and make sure my guides are top quality. 

My hotels are the best.  I manage to keep up my relationships with the managers of the hotels I select and consequently requests are always honored.

Create memories that will last a lifetime!

For more information on my upcoming trip

click here!

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Customize your Travel for 2015

Customize your travel for 2015!

 The Value of a Customized trip:

• Tailor made itinerary
• Best private tour guides are provided
• Attention to detail
• Best value for your travel dollars
• Creating that custom trip begins with many questions so to create a realistic itinerary
• The client may know what they want but the agent must coordinate everything which comes from experience and knowledge

Don't you think this is a more valued approach to traveling than just booking a standard tour from an ordinary travel company?

I am beginning to create special itineraries for my client for 2015 so if you have any thoughts of traveling this year and you need expert assistance please give me a call.

973.644.0906

or email me at:  getaways@optonline.net

My #1 Supplier for Italy is JDB Fine Hotels!

I have been working with JDB Fine Hotels for  20 years and will continue to be a dedicated travel professional promoting their hotels.

They have just announces their 2015 collection of outstanding hotels throughout Italy.  Many of these hotels will offer a JDB Exclusive Offer ranging from complimentary dinners, to upgrades based on a qualifying stay.

Gourmet Getaways is constantly  updated on their newest additions.

Click here is you would like to visit their site and view their fabulous selection of hotels.

My Other Suppliers!

As I continue to work with my dedicated clients I have decided to align myself  with other top suppliers. I can now book my clients in other countries throughout Europe ( Ireland, England, France, Spain Croatia, Slovenia and more!) 

 I also have a direct connection with a supplier in Italy who I have now worked with for five years.  This helps me create the exceptional excursion for you and provide you with the best tour guide for any region in Italy! 

Allow Gourmet Getaways to  personalize your travel experiences.

Going to Milan? Don't Miss the Duomo!

When I was a child I used to constantly look over the many pictures of Italy that my father took while he served in WW II.  The one that stood out most was a picture of the Duomo in Milan.  As a child I marveled at the architect and thought someday I am going to Italy to see that.

Years passed and my passion for visiting Italy grew and finally, better late than never, I did manage to take my first trip to Italy and I was hooked.  So much so that I created Gourmet Getaways.  Through the years of working with clients and putting together their itinerary I would suggest to them that they visit Milan and many of them had no desire.  They felt Milan was too industrial and chaotic. 

Well, two years ago I decided to take the family to Italy and travel to the northern parts, so we landed in Milan.  As we were having the driver take us to Verona I decided that we had to stop to see the Duomo in Milan.  Why anyone would bypass this magnificent wonder of the world I have no idea.  It truly is something that should not be missed.  At this point this is all we had time for and we got back in the van and headed to Verona.  Since I decided at the last minute to see the Duomo I could not secure tickets to see the Last Supper this time!

Last year I was approached by a well satisfied client who asked me if I was considering creating a tour of Northern Italy and by chance I was.  So I have created a wonderful tour and we are set to go in a few weeks.  Cannot wait and of course I have included a visit to the Duomo.  I have also secured tickets for everyone to view the Last Supper.

So remember:  Put the Duomo on your bucket list for Italy!