Courtesy Ristorante Maffei, Verona

Chef Marco Galtarossa Villa Elena Ristorante, Bergamo

Cuisine, connection, and leisure meet in our Culinary and Lifestyle Retreats, inviting you to savour the art of unhurried living. With handpicked properties, immersive chef-led experiences, and exclusive privileges, each retreat is a celebration of refined indulgence—crafted to inspire, delight, and linger long after the table is cleared.

A person dressed in black formal attire and white gloves slicing a loaf of bread on a wooden cutting board outdoors during sunset.

Tours Overview

Highlights

Accommodations in Luxury Stylish Resorts/Boutique Hotels - Breakfast included

Fabulous Welcome Dinner and most Lunches and Dinners

Highly-rated cooking sessions with great Italian chefs

Unforgettable experiences, including Private Cruises, Exclusive Wine Tastings, and Bespoke Activities tailored to each destination.

Private chauffeur service for all excursions during the entire tour, including local airport pickup and drop-off

Personalized itinerary & recipe booklet

Flight is not included

HOW TO BOOK A TOUR →

Note: For all inquiries from beautiful South Africa on our Culinary and Lifestyle Retreats, please contact Theresa at theresa@fdm.co.za

Our   guests are truly our best ambassadors...

Two women standing outdoors under umbrellas, smiling at the camera. One woman is wearing a colorful floral dress with sunglasses, and the other is dressed in a white outfit with a headscarf and sunglasses.

Dearest Marie

Trust you are well. I just want to thank you for the most wonderful Culinary Food Tour to Sardinia. I’ve just returned home after being overseas for a month, of which the time spent in Sardinia was truly magnificent. A Food Tour was always on my bucket list and for sure it ticked all the boxes...Theresa was the most wonderful guide. Every day was super special with her beautiful smile, her poise, elegance and inner beauty, her personality so exceptional. She was always so calm and relaxed and really such a pleasure to be with... My friend /roommate Lentie and I also had a wonderful time, and all the ladies... each one handpicked with such different talents/gifts/personalities, we all got on so well. I will forever treasure this Culinary Experience as one of my best holidays ever... May you be abundantly blessed in your business and may GOD'S favour be always on you and your family.

- Bernice and Lentie - Sardinia, September 2025

A man and woman sitting at a round table outside a restaurant, smiling, with a vase of flowers, a black lampshade, and glasses of water, with a building and patio in the background.

It was absolutely incredible! 20/10! can’t speak highly enough. The food was outstanding, and our cooking demos were amazing!! Beautiful boat trip, and skipper Paolo was brilliant! Swimming, site seeing fantastic. We loved every second. Thank you!

- Thomas and Daniela - Sardinia, June 2025

A woman wearing a wide-brimmed hat, orange shawl, and white pants stands at the bottom of a white staircase decorated with potted cacti and succulents, holding a fishing rod.

Dear Marie B,

Just a note to thank you for the most amazing time we all had, experiencing Puglia. This magical journey unfolded with a uniqueness that lingered throughout the entire trip. The essence of the land is truly celebrated in daily life, kindhearted and generous people touched our souls. We woke up daily in absolute awe to experience and capture each magnificent day so carefully planned by you and Theresa. Your effort is truly appreciated, the extra miles noticed and we’ll treasure the overwhelming memories, flavors and moments forever.

- Karin - Puglia, September 2023

A man playing an accordion next to a woman wearing a large sun hat and sunglasses, with a blue water body and clear sky in the background.

Dear Theresa,

I do not have the words to describe my sincere and humble gratitude to you for including me in this culinary tour to Puglia. All my expectations were blown away with what was on offer… 5* arrangements, 5* accommodation, 5* cooking experiences, 5* meals… and 5* travel companions!! I came back filled to the brim with new ideas on food, fashion, and overall appreciation for both the simple things in life as well as the best… we experienced it all! My thanks to Lusso e Gusto for their input in making these two weeks two of the best of my life!! On my bucket list to join you again in the future!! Lots of love.

- Sandra - Puglia, September 2023

Our Ultimate Self-Drive Journeys

For travelers who enjoy driving and love the freedom of exploring at their own pace, we’ve crafted inspiring day-by-day itineraries, and unforgettable experiences to help you plan the ultimate adventure—your way.

Learn more

—- Tasty memories —-

Group of women dressed in white standing on a sandy beach during sunset, smiling and posing.
Women raising glasses of white wine in a toast inside a wooden-paneled room.
Four smiling people in a kitchen, including a woman in a black and white polka dot shirt, a woman with a yellow silk scarf, a chef in a white uniform, and a woman in a black shirt.
A chef with glasses and a blue glove is plating food, while a woman with curly hair and a headband looks on and takes a photo with her phone in a kitchen with wooden walls.
A man pouring white wine into a row of empty wine glasses on a bar counter.
Four women sitting at a bar counter holding glasses of white wine, smiling for the photo. The women are dressed in casual and animal print clothing, with some wearing glasses and jewelry.
A group of women standing outside near a yellow building with arched windows and a wooden door, some wearing sunglasses and casual clothing, appearing to be on a tour or sightseeing
Two women standing together outdoors, smiling, with umbrellas and palm trees in the background.
Two women smiling and posing on a colorful stone staircase with green and orange painted steps, surrounded by potted plants and other visitors walking up and down the stairs.
Plate of spaghetti with black pepper, topped with a yellow sauce, served on a decorative silver-rimmed plate.
Assorted small desserts on a white plate at a formal dining table.
A scenic view of a sunset over a hilly landscape, with greenery and shrubs in the foreground, including a cactus and lavender plants.
A landscape with a rocky hillside, green trees, white shrubbery, and a building with a gray roof in the foreground.
A cozy indoor sitting area with a woman wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sitting on a white cushioned sofa with patterned pillows. There is a wooden table with white flowers, sunglasses, a glass of wine, and a shot glass. Large windows bring in natural li
People standing on a dock beside a sailboat with a blue sky and clouds in the background.
People sailing on a boat under a clear blue sky, with one person adjusting the sails while others are seated nearby.
A person lying on a sailboat deck, holding lines, with sails billowing in the wind on a sunny day over a body of water.
Three women swimming in a clear blue body of water near a rocky and sandy shoreline with green bushes and trees.
People on a sailboat enjoying a sunny day, with a woman pouring a drink and others relaxing near the boat's control area, with the sail and blue sky visible.
A smiling woman on a boat wearing a large straw hat, sunglasses, and a patterned shirt, holding a glass of a yellow beverage against a background of blue water.
Two elderly women smiling and enjoying a boat ride on a sunny day, wearing colorful hats and sunglasses, with a large body of water and distant shoreline in the background.
View of a person's feet with red-painted toenails on a sandy surface in front of a welcome mat that has a compass design and the words "Welcome Sailors."
A marina with sailboats and yachts docked along the water. Colorful buildings and houses line the background under a clear blue sky.
Group of women in chef hats gathered around a stainless steel table, examining cookies and cookie cutters, in a commercial kitchen.
A plate of cooked mussels garnished with parsley, a table with bowls of dipping sauces, a bowl of seasoned breadcrumbs, and a plate of breaded and baked mussel halves garnished with parsley.
A man and woman sitting at a restaurant table outdoors, smiling, with a vase of flowers and a lamp on the table, near a large building with glass windows.
A young man dressed in a black suit and white gloves is slicing a loaf of bread on a wooden cutting board outdoors during sunset.
Close-up of a handwritten menu with intricate floral designs, surrounded by seashells.
A gourmet seafood dish garnished with herbs and green sauce, served in a white bowl. Nearby is a small dish of olive oil, a glass of water, and a place card with a seashell and the name 'Daniela' on it.
Group of women dressed in white, smiling, and posing together indoors.
View of a harbor at dusk with boats docked, water reflecting lights, cloudy sky, and distant mountains.
Two restaurant staff members, a man and a woman, stand in front of a wooden wall with the sign 'Capogiro Restaurant.' They are smiling and appear to be welcoming. The man is gesturing with his right hand, and the woman has her hands together in a gre
A group of women dining at an outdoor restaurant during the evening, with a view of a marina and boats in the background.
The entrance of a building with a sign that says 'Beige', a life-sized cutout of a woman with gray hair, wearing a white shirt and gray pants, and purple flowers and greenery on the right side.
A group of women preparing food together at a long wooden table with fresh herbs, kitchen tools, and ingredients, in a bright, cozy kitchen.
A group of women gathered around a rustic outdoor dining table with plants and stone walls in the background, during daytime. The table is set with plates, cups, and decorative items, and one woman is serving food.
A woman wearing a white dress is using a long-handled tool to add wood to a large brick and masonry fireplace with a fire burning inside, in a rustic kitchen or living area.
Pizza rolls in a baking dish and sliced tomatoes with cheese on a round plate in front of a small fire in a brick oven.
Group of women dressed in white, standing outdoors under a wooden roof with white curtains, some holding phones, surrounded by greenery, in a bright, sunny environment.
Three women on rocks outdoors, two are sitting and one is standing, with trees and cloudy sky in the background. They are taking pictures and holding drinks.
Woman standing on rocky ledge taking a photo or video of a sunset with her phone, wearing leopard print pants and a black jacket, overlooking a scenic landscape with clouds and distant hills.
A scenic sunset over mountains, with clouds in the sky and rocks in the foreground.
Two women with blonde hair standing on rocky terrain on a mountain top with a scenic view of clouds, sky, and landscape in the background, enjoying the sunset.
An outdoor picnic table with grapes, cheese, meats, and drinks, set in a natural, wooded area with people in the background.
A bottle of Corrasi Nepente di Oliena Riserva wine on a table with three wine glasses in the background.
Four women are on a blue three-wheeled scooter in an outdoor plaza. One woman is standing beside the scooter, while the other three are sitting on top of it, smiling and waving.
People walking on a narrow cobblestone street towards the beach, with a view of the sea and buildings in the background, during daytime.
A woman wearing a wide-brimmed hat and striped shirt stands in a church, looking towards the altar. The church interior features ornate architecture, detailed decorations, and stained glass windows.
Women in chef hats and aprons preparing dough and cookies in a kitchen.
A tray of freshly baked scones with powdered sugar on top, some with visible dried fruits or berries, on parchment paper.
A man playing an accordion and a woman wearing a hat and sunglasses enjoying a boat ride by the water.
Group of women wearing aprons and chef hats, standing together in a room with white walls and arched doorway, smiling and posing for a photo.
A close-up of a plate with roasted chicken and vegetables on a dining table, paired with a cozy interior view of an entrance hallway with pottery on a wooden shelf and a glimpse into another room.
Interior of a cozy restaurant with an open door showing a sunny outdoor pathway with greenery, and a plate of four fried breadstuffs topped with tomato sauce on a wooden table.
Zucchini roll-ups drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with grated cheese on a white oval plate.
A person garnishing small appetizers or bruschetta with herbs from a shaker, with a tray of topped appetizers on a countertop.
Two smiling chefs in professional white chef outfits and hats, standing together in a kitchen, with a woman wearing an apron and a man with a name tag.
A hillside town with white and beige buildings, a church with a cross on a laterite façade, and a bell tower at sunset.
A group of women celebrating at an outdoor restaurant at night, toasting with glasses of red and white wine.
A woman walking along a street near a city wall by the sea, with a man standing nearby. The scene is sunny with clear skies, and the woman is wearing a hat, striped dress, and a scarf.
Boats docked in a harbor with old stone buildings in the background, including a white building with photo displays on its wall.
View of a marina with boats and white buildings, seen through a stone archway. There is a potted plant in the foreground and a mural with religious figures painted on the ceiling of the archway.
Outdoor restaurant patio with white tables and chairs overlooking the ocean at sunset, with umbrellas providing shade.
Group of women celebrating with drinks at a seaside table during daytime, wearing white clothing and some with accessories, with a clear blue sky and water in the background.
A group of people holding glasses of Aperol spritz with orange slices, celebrating around a table.