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.
The trip with LA VIA GAIA was truly an amazing and unforgettable experience! Jeff’s attention to detail, as well as, all his personal relationships with planned activities and restaurants made this truly a unique vacation. I am not considered a foodie where I seek to find the unique dining experience. However, the trip opened my palate to tastes that were truly amazing. Jeff was the best guide and his love and knowledge of the region really made the trip extra special. We had a great group of 14 and we all enjoyed each other’s company. Everyday was filled with so much fun. It truly was one of the best vacations I ever had. Thank you Jeff and LA VIA GAIA for an incredible week!
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.
For a food centric, behind the scenes tour of Italy, La Via Gaia is unsurpassed. Meet the chefs, the wine makers, the cheese purveyors that only the locals know. Jeff and Claudia combine to create one of a kind weeks based on their relationships and knowledge of Italy.
A trip designed with attention to detail and a true passion for Italy. The experiences would be impossible to re-create as individuals. The quality of the food and the immersion into Italian life made it difficult to leave. Molto bene!! A presto!
We had an incredible trip that exceeded all of our expectations! Jeff is so knowledgeable, relaxed and fun. It set the tone for the week and I think we all felt so lucky to experience Friuli, a new region of Italy for us, with him. His enthusiasm and love for Italy is contagious and the variety of restaurants and experiences was perfect. Every day was packed and yet not rushed... A perfect day X 6! We loved the variety of the week from the countryside to the Alps to the sea. Thank you Jeff and Gerard!
Touring Piemonte Italy with chef Jeff Michaud and guest chef Michael Scelfo (and his delightful wife, Ellen!) rates as one of the most fulfilling vacations my wife and I have ever taken. Jeff and Claudia curated the perfect week, and their attention to detail from the moment we all met up on Sunday morning until we said goodbye the following Saturday was flawless. We simply can't recommend La Via Gaia highly enough!!
Easily our most interesting and fun trip in recent memory. LA VIA GAIA's itinerary in Friuli and Slovenia provided the perfect balance of history, culture and food. Both the group of people on our trip and the chefs were outstanding. We weren't sure what this trip was going to be like but in the end it easily exceeded all of our expectations. All of our friends ask about the trip and when we tell them they are all instantly jealous! Can't wait to try another location in Italy with Jeff - so much fun!
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.
A good friend invited me to join her on a trip with LA VIA GAIA. I’m so glad I said yes! Our enthusiastic and tireless host, Jeffrey Michaud, curated a very special exploration of some of the cultural and culinary delights of northern Italy and infused the tour with his own passion and expertise in Italian cuisine and fine wines. We were joined by guest chef Nicholas Elmi. Both Jeff and Nick were relaxed and fun. The tour included delicious meals at fine restaurants as well as more informal local trattoria, and even at local's homes. These home meals gave us access to a side of Italian life rarely accessible to visitors. I arrived home stuffed and happy, with plans to join Jeff on a future tour, maybe this time with my husband, if he’s lucky!
Our trip to Italy with LA VIA GAIA was perfect. We thoroughly enjoyed every aspect. All the details were well planned and included a variety of activities all fit for foodies. We most loved all the personal attention that we received everywhere we went, from the restaurants, wineries, cooking classes and of course Jeff's mother-in-law's house. We can't wait for the private trip Jeff and Claudia curated for us and our friends to Bergamo & Friuli next Summer!
THIS IS A NUMBER ONE BUCKET LIST EXPERIENCE! I can't rave enough about Jeff, LA VIA GAIA and everyone who serviced us! Our days were filled with adventures, wine tasting, cheese festival, our evening with private dining spots only Jeff could find. Private homes, private room. Just stunning!
This trip was an amazing experience with delightful surprises everyday. I could not wait to see what the next meal, day, and experience had to offer. It was such a perfect way to experience the best that Piemonte has to offer in a genuine and authentic way. We learned so much and have treasured memories that we will never forget. We look forward to continuing to experience life in Italy and are so thankful for LA VIA GAIA for introducing us to this beautiful country, people, and culture!
I had high expectations for this trip to Italy with two of Philadelphia's best chefs. And my expectations were exceeded. The trip was well organized and full of one-of-a-kind culinary experiences. Highly recommend.
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.
