Culture Discovery Vacations Reviews 38

Don’t book with this company if you want:

Run of the mill attractions;
“Follow the umbrella” tours;
Eat the same meals you eat at home;
Stay in your comfort zone;
Or anything else which hundreds of other tour companies can give you

HOWEVER, if you want a unique experience, i.e. discover the essential core of travelling (language, food, culture), submerse yourself into a CDV trip and make friends along the way!

A few years ago, I Googled “Italian cooking holidays’ and this company came up. I loved the concept so much, I booked 4 trips, with no experience with them at all.
Well, the love and care these people put into their trips, introducing you to the real Italy (or any of the other countries on offer) is just amazing.

I have just completed my 6th trip with CDV and have a stack of others booked. It does not matter where you are from, or whether you are travelling with another person or by yourself, you feel at home. From the moment you are greeted coming off the plane, to when some tears appear when you are leaving, the whole experience is amazing.

If you want an authentic holiday, book with CDV

Our trip to Soriano for our honeymoon exceeded every expectation. From start to finish, the experience felt authentic, seamless, and deeply rooted in the local culture.

What stood out most was the attention to detail and the genuine hospitality. Every recommendation, from dining to local experiences, felt thoughtfully curated and gave us a true sense of the region rather than a typical tourist version of it.

We especially appreciated the cultural discoveries woven into our stay. Whether it was learning about traditional cuisine, exploring the charm of the town, or simply slowing down and embracing the Italian pace of life, everything felt meaningful and memorable.

This wasn’t just a trip, it felt like an immersion into a way of living that values connection, quality, and presence. As honeymooners, that made it incredibly special.

If you’re looking for a personalized, high-quality experience that goes beyond surface-level travel, we highly recommend Culture Discovery Vacations . We left with beautiful memories and a deeper appreciation for Italian culture.

What an amazing experience! I consider myself a well travelled individual and when I say that this company went over and beyond my expectations, I am not exaggerating. My experience in Amalfi was everything I could have wished for. We explored every ‘must-do’ destination and more. I think what sets them apart is that you become part of an Italian family for a week, it’s truly special. I will always be a CDV customer.

I have been traveling with Culture Discovery (CDV) for the last twelve years - all over Italy, Portugal, Croatia, Spain and, most recently, to Argentina & Uruguay this past Feb. Every trip is unique and each has been nothing short of fabulous!! CDV delivers on everything they promise, truly allowing you to experience the cultures of each country/location in ways most tourists would never think possible, or even know is possible. From lunches at private, family-owned wineries, to cooking lessons with family members and friends of CDV in their homes where you fully participate in every aspect of the cooking while the wine and snacks abound!! One of the highlights of the recent trip to Uruguay was the time spent on Maggie’s (CDV employee/host) brother’s farm. We were riding horses, herding cattle, washing chickens, all truly unforgettable experiences! But even those paled in comparison to the BBQ under the stars on the last night there that was attended by all of Maggie’s extended family and numerous friends. It was like a huge family reunion, except we were part of the family!! So much so, that there were tears at the end of the night and only wanting to know when we would see each other again!! I have friends/family all over the world now because of CDV, not only the CDV folks, but fellow travelers I have met on my numerous trips that I have stayed in touch with long after the trip. CDV truly cares about each and every guest and goes the extra mile to make sure everyone has the absolute best experience possible on every trip!! And speaking of the extra mile, I also have to say that when CDV says at the end of the trip that you are now part of the family for life, they mean it. In 2020, during Covid, when no one was able to travel, CDV didn’t just sit back and wait for things to open up again. They felt the loss of connection to their partners & guests (their family!!) like everyone was, so they decided to host Facebook Live events, like “Cooking with Carla”. Carla is the wonderfully, delightful woman who does the cooking lessons on the Soriano trips. On the FB Live events, she would do a cooking lesson from her kitchen in Soriano! There were also FB Live Happy Hours and a Christmas party, all so we could all stay and feel connected during that weird period of time. So many CDV folks and past guests attended these Live events, chatting & laughing, that it was like all being together from thousands of miles away!! It’s hard to put into words the difference all of that made at the time!! If you are even thinking about going on a CDV trip, all I can say is DO IT!!! You will not regret it!!

If there were a 10 star option I would use it! Best travel company, hands down. It's more of an experience than a trip. Surprises around every corner. We did the Under the Umbria Sun trip and that gave us a cooking experiences in the most beautiful outdoor kitchen in a Villa owned by the Owner's of CDV. The wine is always flowing, unless you prefer an espresso!
We also did the Croatia boat trip and we felt like royalty with so few passengers and plenty of room to spread out. It is difficult to explain the experience in words, the scenery, the accommodations, the people of CDV and the experiences were unforgettable.
Love CDV and everything they stand for!

I found out about CDV while I was traveling and met a couple who told me about their experience with CDV and way they described it sounded amazing so the following year I decided to travel to Portugal with them and I cannot even put into words how amazing the experience was, but I will try… From the minute you arrive you’re treated as if you are family arriving for a family reunion… not a member of a tour group. the cooking lessons are at someone’s home. We toured these small family owned wineries where the owners took such pride and passion in their work and then we sat down for a meal with them. All of our meals that we had were like family sitting around a table every night, talking about our day and our experiences. By the time I left that trip, I made friends who I’ve kept in touch with and I have traveled with on other CDV trips. I have now been on 4 CDV trips and each one has been so incredibly special. The friends I have made on each trip have become family to me and I look forward to and count down the days to each trip. The itineraries are so wonderfully put together and the hosts who are with you for the week, know your names before you even arrive. I can’t wait for my for my next trip.

I have taken two trips to Italy with CDV and looking forward to my first alumni trip to Spain this fall. CDV takes care of everything. I can relax, enjoy the great food, wine and learn some new cooking skills! I highly recommend CDV, if you want to immerse yourself in the culture of the country you are visiting and leave feeling like you stayed with family.

Subject: Culture Discovery Vacations
Location: Lazio, Italy, Europe

GO HERE IF YOU LOVE WINE, FOOD, FUN, AND LAID BACK VACATIONS!!!
My first trip was 7 nights, Immersive "Wine & Cooking Under the Tuscan & Umbrian Sun"

I've been here twice...2nd time was even more fun than the first!!!!

Wear comfortable shoes and pack light....you need room to bring home all the stuff you just can't get in the USA. I lived in Naples, IT for 5 years (2004-2009) and this was the BEST vacation I've ever had. My cousin came over for a month and she found this place by accident via the internet...what a gift it was. It doesn't get any better than this...all inclusive...all the food you can cook and best restaurants for all you can stuff in your face and best wine you can drink to your heart's content. Our experience was sooo great that we both came back 2 years later and did it all over again. Nothing is ever taken for granted...Michael, Paola and all their staff are my "family" in Soriano....friends for life. I can't say enough about their warmth, hospitality, kindness...I could go on and on. You have to experience it to believe this really DOES exist...a company that TRULY cares about their "guests"!!!!!!!! When you leave them on the last day, you have to pinch yourself to make sure it wasn't just a dream. You will share so many stories with all the new friends you make in your group...just a WONDERFUL, MEMORABLE, time!!!!!

"Cities Lost in Time" June 19-26, 2010: This was such a memorable trip. We visited the San Galgano Monastery, which is said to be not only the most beautiful in Tuscany, but home of the original ‘Sword in the Stone’, which inspired to tale of King Arthur and the Knights of the Rounds Table.  Yes, ITALY, not ENGLAND.  Best times with Fiorella and Roberto at the Croce di Mezzo Winery in Montalcino. We also did some unique hikes to ancient ruins.

Piazza Vitt Emanuele 13, Soriano nel Cimino, VT 01038

(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!

I’ve travelled with Culture Discovery Vacations four times now — Soriano, Favignana, Bologna, and Croatia — and each trip has been unforgettable in its own way.

I first met Michael and Paola back in 2009 on my very first trip, and I still remember everything about that experience — especially my stay at the beautiful Vecchio Forcone villa. I absolutely fell in love with it; the setting, the atmosphere, and the memories made there are something I’ll never forget. This set the tone for what CDV is all about - authentic, warm & deeply personal.

What really makes these trips special, though, are the connections. On that first trip, I ended up with “adopted parents,” and in Favignana I gained an “adopted brother.” That pretty much says it all — you don’t just travel with CDV, you become part of a family.

I absolutely love CDV. I’ve made lifelong friends and memories I’ll carry forever. Looking forward to the next adventure!

My wife and I have been on 2 of the CDV trips. The first was the Tuscan & Umbrian Cooking vacation. We were looking for an immersive cooking vacation in Italy, and CDV did not disappoint. The second was Porto , Portugal. Same intention, but a very different and wonderful experience. Porto was more experience and less about the cooking. Neither of us had been to Portugal and we enjoyed every minute of the trip.

I traveled to Soriano last June with CDV & absolutely LOVED my time there. I was a solo traveler & felt welcomed & included in all aspects of the trip.

As a cooking instructor, I was looking forward to our cooking times & it did not disappoint! I learned some additional techniques & it was just plain fun. The Villa where we cooked was stunning & I stayed in the most amazing house, Vecchio Forno that was the Pope’s bakery in the 1400s.

Each morning, I looked forward to going to the local cafe for my delicious pastry & fresh squeezed OJ & chatting with new friends that lived in Soriano. That was just the beginning of the day! After living & traveling all over the world for years, I can truly say that I have never had so many incredible meals in a row. I could tell that the food was carefully chosen at each location to give us a wide variety of the tastes of Lazio, Umbria, & Tuscany. I loved our excursions & the freedom we had to explore on our own.

Our guide was Tomas, & he was engaging & open. I enjoyed asking & learning about his family, life at University, & his friends. He did an amazing job translating some challenging concepts! I was also so grateful for Carla & her team at the Villa that we got to know & enjoyed cooking with.

Many people have asked about my time in Italy, & if they are the type of person that would appreciate an immersive travel experience & unbelievable food, I always recommend Culture Discovery Vacations!

Our trip with Culture Discovery Vacations (CDV) to Argentina and Uruguay, was our 4th trip with this company. After experiencing the culture immersion you get with CDV, I will never travel with another "tour" company again. It is hard to put into words just how wonderful every single excursion was. CDV is not your typical tour company, instead it is Culture Immersion. We didn't just see famous sites, we experienced living in South America. We met local residents, we went into their homes. We cooked, we ate, we sang and danced with them....we learned about the people from the regions we visited, and saw how they lived. (learned how to make the best ever Empanadas!) We took Tango lessons and went to a Milonga, where locals go to dance. We took part in a Carnaval celebration with a local Murga troop. We barbecued Carne asada over an open fire at a local ranch and spent some time horseback riding, We learned how to wash show chickens...yes, we actually washed and dried (with hair dryers) chickens!
The accomodations in Buenos Aires, Montivedeo and Paysandu were fabulous. And the number of people on a trip is always small...no more than 16-18.
There is so much more to tell, I could go on forever. The memories and friends I made on this trip will stay in my heart forever.
If you are going to travel...immerse yourself and travel with CDV!

I’ve taken five wonderful trips with CDV since 2022, visiting Italy, Croatia, Madrid & Uruguay. Each journey has created beautiful memories that will last a lifetime.

I’ve met incredible people from all over the world and enjoyed far too many unforgettable experiences to count. The hosts have been absolutely amazing - warm, attentive, and truly dedicated to making sure every guest is well cared for.

The food, the wine, and the wonderful sense of family have made every trip feel so special. I am so excited for my next adventure in October!

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!

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’ve completed 5 CDV trips and have another one on the books. You can’t go wrong with fabulous farm to table meals you help prepare, wonderful regional wines, meeting people who become your friends and travel companions, the hosts for the week are delightful, learning more about different cultures and SO MUCH MORE. Each region offers its own exciting adventure which makes it hard to choose just one.

There just aren’t enough starts to rate CDV. We began touring with CDV in 2016. When we were in Sicily in 2024 my husband knew that this would be his last big trip and his wish was that it would have ended in Soriano. After we both had separate accidents a few days later we were hospitalized, me for 12 days and my husband for 13. When we were discharged from the hospital neither of us were permitted to fly for another 2 weeks. CDV brought us to Soriano to recuperate by overnight ferry. Our nightmare turned into a fairytale and we were ever so grateful. My husband passed away 4 months later and I sent him off with a CDV apron in his coffin along with other items that had special meaning to him. When they say you are family you truly are. Unless you take a trip with CDV you just can’t understand. I just took my 5th trip with CDV in February and will be going to Croatia in September and Amalfi next May. And when people tell me oh I’ve been there in my mind I always say “no you haven’t”.

If you want a true, immersive experience in Italy, this is the tour for you. Groups are small and interactions are personal. I felt sad to say goodbye to all the Italian friends who made our stay so special. I look forward to attending other CDV experiences.

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.