First thing to know is that we were on this Northern Italy Cheese Journey not just because we're interested in Northern Italy and love cheese, but mostly because we'd done their UK Cheese Odyssey and loved every minute of it. Of course, Northern Italy in a vastly different locale, but it was exactly what we were ready for after realizing how Cheese Journeys can give you access to food experiences that you'll not have otherwise. Believe me, it's mostly about ACCESS. Anna and her crew know not just cheese, but all the right people! The Piedmont and Lago-land offers a superb array of cheeses and wines as well as the landscape they come from. A couple days ahead of time in Milan is recommended if you've never been in this part of Italy before. It's really NOT the same as Rome, Tuscany, Umbria, Naples, Puglia, Sicily, Sardinia, etc. But the tour only starts there with a quick introduction to the food products of the region with a walkabout around a very trendy part of Milan for part of the day. It's best to "do" Milan a bit on your own ahead of time. The biggest portion of the tour is spent at a very comfortable villa surrounded by vineyards in the tiny Piedmont village of Castiglione Tinella. You have the entire villa to yourselves and get to know each other very well by eating and touring together. I think it's very likely you'll enjoy each other's company because not only are you probably all on the same page about good food, but also because you'll be shepherded and informed so well by Jilly and Emilio,. It would take too long to explain what their credentials for that role are, but just start with the assumption that they know cheese, wine, food and travel. The highlights are many, but mostly, as I've said, a matter of access: Meeting the queen of Barolo wines Chiara Boschis and tasting her recent vintages; meeting Giorgio Cravero at his estate in Bra, hearing him explain what makes Parmigiano-Reggiano special and tasting his product amidst 5,000 examples; making pasta with chef Alessandra at Beppino Ocelli's; hunting for truffles with a real "trifulau" and his dogs; the cheese and charcuterie orgy at La Casera in Verbenia on Lake Maggiore, and the tour of Luigi Guffanti's cheese cave with the Fiori brothers... These are all experiences that you are afforded because of the CONNECTIONS that Cheese Journeys has built over the years—and because many of these people are valued associates of Emilio Mignucci of Di Bruno Bros. in Philadelphia, PA. This can't be overstated. You get into places and meet people, because you are with Cheese Journeys. Certainly we can all enjoy the consumption aspect of a trip like this, but you select this tour group because you want to learn something that will be a lasting part of your culinary and cultural knowledge. You get smarter, more discerning, more worldly. Not just fatter. Actually, I tend to lose weight when I travel—probably due to the regularity of "meal time." This was no exception.

By Charles C for Northern Italy: Piedmont & Lake Country - June 2025 on Jul 04, 2025

We decided to try a different type of vacation this year that wasn't a land or river cruise or one we had to plan ourselves. We are so very glad that we did. Taking the Cheese Journey trip to Northern Italy was a totally different experience for us and one we will always remember fondly. We were fortunate to meet such a wonderful group of new friends and had such a fun time traveling the countryside and visiting the many master cheesemakers and wineries. Our daily conversations, the delicious food and drinks and "out of this world" cheeses were thoroughly enjoyed. A special thanks to Jilly and Emilio for coordinating such a wonderful trip and for their patience, expertise and personal stories that truly kept us entertained and wanting more. Grazie Mille!! Ciao!

By Gregory and Ingrid S for Northern Italy: Piedmont & Lake Country - June 2025 on Jun 23, 2025

This is an amazing trip! It is no exaggeration when I say that everything was perfect. The chateau, set is the beautiful countryside, was comfortable and spacious. Dining outside under a gigantic ancient tree was idyllic. The company of my co travelers was interesting and fun, occasionally hilarious. Best group I’ve travelled with! And the best food by far from puff pastry filled with scallops and fish in a truffle sauce to rack of lamb, coq a vin, and desserts that were impossible to pass up. I learned so much about the wine and cheeses of Burgundy! I want to go back because I think I’ve fallen in love with Burgundy. All thanks to Jilly, Madame Fromage, Sylvan, Milo, Robert, the drivers, the owner of the chateau and the wine and cheese experts.

By Sandra H for Bourgogne - Franche Comté Tour - May 2025 on Jun 08, 2025

So special in every way. Beautifully planned and executed. I had the best time!

By Ann H for Belgium & Netherlands: Cheese, Chocolate & Brews - April/May 2025 on May 19, 2025

This was my fifth Cheese Journeys trip. As always, it was over the top! We stayed at a lovely "farmhouse" (Wierschuur), and the hotels where we stayed for a few nights were top notch. (I especially liked the Amsterdam Hilton at the Amsterdam Airport.) The tour was fabulous, allowing us to access experiences that I would never find on my own (e.g., a cheese/hot tea pairing with Betty Koster, a chocolate tasting and educational presentation with the company owner). Chefs Sylvain and Milo were with us at Wierschuur, and I only want to go on tours where they prepare our meals--so delicious! I enjoyed the hands-on food preparation classes, and Madame Fromage was an absolute delight, both inside and outside the "classroom". Anna and Jilly had all of the bases covered, and I very much appreciated their accompanying me to the ER. They both show genuine concern and caring for all participants and are excellent attending to every detail. I look forward to my sixth Cheese Journeys tour in October 2026. Thank you to Anna for her vision and creation and execution of a plan to create these wonderful experiences for us!

By Julaine K for Belgium & Netherlands: Cheese, Chocolate & Brews - April/May 2025 on May 12, 2025