Frequently Asked Questions
FIND WHAT YOU HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR
You have read it all, but still can’t find the answer to your question? Then you have come to the right place! Scroll on down to find the answers to our most popular and frequently asked questions.
OUR MOST POPULAR
Questions
- HOW DO I GET TO ASCOLI PICENO?
- CAN YOU ACCOMMODATE GLUTEN-FREE TRAVELERS ON YOUR REGULAR TOURS?
- I LOVE YOUR STYLE OF TRAVEL! DO YOU OFFER ITINERARIES IN TUSCANY? THE LAKE REGION? PUGLIA? SICILY?
If you still can’t find the answers, then reach out to Giovanni! From Food, Wine, and just about everything Italian he will be able to help you find the best itinerary to ensure you get everything out of your authentic Italian vacation with us.

General Q&A
I LOVE YOUR STYLE OF TRAVEL! DO YOU OFFER ITINERARIES IN TUSCANY? THE LAKE REGION? PUGLIA? SICILY?
One word: NOPE!
We love the way we travel and that is why we are all about our territory that crosses Le Marche & Abruzzo and going beyond the main tourist track to explore the Veneto region beyond just Venice.
Sure we have been under the Tuscany trance and in search of our own Under The Tuscan Sun adventure, but that is why Italy’s hidden regions and Le Marche is our perfect match. It’s Tuscany without the tourists and if the New York Times has anything to say about it, it truly is Italy’s “Next Tuscany“.
But don’t let too many of your friends in on the secret, we want to maintain this hidden gem’s local culture, traditions, spectacular beaches, gorgeous national parks – Le Marche is all of Italy wrapped up into one region and nicely packaged with a ribbon of genuine Italian hospitality.
what distinguishes the italian on tour from other travel companies
If we could describe our business with one word it would have to be “Authentic”.
We carefully curates unique holidays for discerning travellers that wish to experience Italy in the most genuine way available. We have personally selected all our partners and visited every location to ensure each tour maintains every ounce of Italian authenticity. Every journey at The Italian on Tour is a pure reflection of our values and what we believe are truly the most original experiences that Italy has to offer.
At The Italian on Tour we don’t just see you as our clients, but we treat you as if you are our family and friends. Taking you to the special spots we visit and eat at with our family and friends. That being said we also believe every trip should leave a little room for spontaneity! Keeping inline with Italian traditions and way of life, our tours always offer the best of what is available in season. Whether it is attending a world famous truffle festivals in the fall, or eating at one of the many summer Sagras, every tour is tailored to give you a true taste of what Italy has to offer during your stay.
The culinary experience on our tours is second to none, each experience will be unique and give you an authentic taste of Italy. Unlike other tours, which focus solely on cooking classes, we assure you will be exposed to some of the local history, in harmony with the food and culture.
how do i reach ascoli piceno?
We’ll take you there!
All of our Group Travel departures start from Rome’s Fiumicino Airport. Giovanni will be waiting for you ready to whisk you away to our perfect slice of Italia!
If you are coming in from another region of Italy and would like to arrive in Ascoli directly there are multiple daily buses and trains from Florence, Ancona, Pescara and beyond.
Once you’ve booked with us we will be there to assist you and provide you with our personal travel advice on how to get to and from Ascoli Piceno.
What is the best way to return to rome?
If you are returning to Rome’s Fiumicino Airport on your day of departure there are multiple air-conditioned coach-bus lines that leave Ascoli Piceno daily. You can find the schedules for the Cardinali and Start bus lines here:


Group Travel
HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE ON YOUR TOURS?
We are proud to guarantee to never have more than 12 people on all of our tours. We believe the best way to enjoy a new place is with the outmost attention from your Tour host and not in a large group.
We promise you will never feel lost in the crowd!
Instead the intimacy and care of our small group will immerse you in Italy’s culture, allowing you to feel a little more Italian with everyday that passes on your tour with us!
HOW DO I MEET UP WITH MY TOUR?
I AM IN THE CENTER OF ROME, CAN YOU PICK ME UP FROM MY HOTEL?
*Please note that all guests arriving on our tours are responsible for ensuring they make it to the meeting point by 11:30 am at Rome’s Fiumicino airport. Those who are unable to make it to the meeting point for the time specified will not be guaranteed a transfer from Rome to Ascoli Piceno and will have to seek other arrangements to participate in the remainder of the tour. Please see our Term & Conditions for further details and do not hesitate to contact us if you have any concerns regarding the latter.

Food Allergies
I am dairy-free, can you accommodate me on your tours?
Dairy-free menus CANNOT be accommodated on any of the tours.
Many of the traditional dishes, such as pasta, risotto, and practically all the desserts, have some form of dairy, whether it be butter, milk or local cheeses.
Furthermore, some of the places you’ll eat at on tour use only local ingredients that they often produce. As such, the menu at these establishments are seasonal, very limited and consequently it is impossible to guarantee meals with zero dairy throughout your entire trip.
I have celiac disease, can you accommodate me on your tours?
Yes! We can accommodate celiac safe meals on select tours. See the above section on Gluten-free Travel.
Can you accommodate food allergies other than Gluten-free?
On select tours we can accommodate shellfish allergies. Please contact us to inquire about which ones.
Gluten-Free Travel
WHAT IS THE FOOD & DINING EXPERIENCE LIKE ON YOUR GLUTEN-FREE TOURS?
The love of food runs deeps in the souls of Italians, and that translates to a greater understanding that being a celiac and maintaining a gluten-free lifestyle is not a choice, but a matter of health. When you travel with us not only will you be able to dine worry free, but you will be able to dine authentically. The quality of your culinary experience will be no different than that of our other tours, except that we will dine only with partners that understand and know how to prepare dishes safely for Celiacs.
HOW CAN I BE ASSURED THAT MY MEALS WILL BE PREPARED WITHOUT GLUTEN?
From the hotel to the cuisine on our tours we never compromise authenticity and your health. We use only providers that are knowledgeable in the handling and preparation food for Celiacs, and are on a mission to share the flavours of the territory with those who are dining gluten-free. You can relax and unwind on your Italian vacation with us knowing that Italy’s National Celiac Organization certifies and provides education to many of the partners we work with.
WHO IS THE MASTERMIND BEHIND YOUR GLUTEN-FREE ITINERARIES?
Chantelle is your Trip Designer and fellow gluten-free foodie. Living in Italy, and having traveled all over Italy while adhering to a gluten-free lifestyle, she understands the importance of maintaining a gluten-free diet and the difficulty that Celiacs face when trying to travel abroad. She has carefully curated the every itinerary so that you can Go Gourmet Gluten-Free on almost every one of our tours. In fact, Chantelle joins us on most of our tours throughout the year, meaning you can join us “Senza Glutine” all year long!
WHAT SETS YOUR GLUTEN-FREE PARTNERS APART?
On our Gluten-free tours the partners we use are no different than our other tours, with the exception that we use only local establishments that are educated and knowledgeable in preparing gluten-free cuisine for Celiacs. We always choose partners that maintain our values, staying true to our Italian roots, and representing the soul of our territory. Rest assure that when you travel with us the quality of the food on our tours will never be compromised and the partners we use will handle your meal preparation with care, offering you the most authentic Gluten-free Italian experience available on the market!
MY GLUTEN-LOVING FRIENDS & FAMILY WANT TO JOIN IN ON THE GLUTEN-FREE ITALY ITINERARY, ARE THEY WELCOME TO TRAVEL WITH US?
ABSOLUTELY!
We understand that not everyone will travel with other G-Free foodies and fully welcome all participants on our Gluten-Free itinerary. Chantelle has designed every culinary experience around enjoying and experiencing good food, that just happens to be prepared Gluten-free!
If you plan on traveling with a travel partner that does not want or need to adhere to a gluten-free diet just advise us at the time of booking and we will ensure everyone’s dietary needs are met.
I AM INTERESTED IN ONE OF YOUR OTHER TRIPS, CAN I GO GLUTEN-FREE?
With some careful planning and advance notice we are able to adapt almost any one of our tours to be Gourmet Gluten-free (see specific itineraries for details and availability).
All tours that are available Gluten-free are on the Gluten-free travel page.
To travel Gluten-free just answer “Yes” and provide us with the details of your gluten-free preference at the time of booking.
CHANTELLE, WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE TO TRAVEL GLUTEN-FREE WITH YOU?
Simply put: PEACE OF MIND
After years of stressing about where to eat, is it safe, will my trip be ruined by being GLUTENATED, I understand better than anyone else how traveling as a Celiac can take the fun and enjoyment out of your next trip.
That is why I am using my experience living, eating, and simply enjoying the culinary delights of Italy to help you too enjoy it Gluten-Free! After all, planning your vacation shouldn’t be a stressful event, riddled with doubt and worry about where, what, and how are you going eat.
I am here to show you that dining Gluten-free in Italy should be as rewarding and delicious as if you were dining without dietary restrictions. So say goodbye to eating out anxiety, and simply relax in our territory as Giovanni and I take care of all the details.
WHAT ARE THE GLUTEN-FREE COOKING CLASSES LIKE?
Gluten-Free & always in season our cooking classes are led by an amazing local chef that was featured on Italy’s Cuochi d’Italia. So amazing in fact, that we trusted her with hosting and catering our wedding which our guests, including fellow celiacs, are still raving about to this day!
Our classes are fun and and hands-on, so expect to put on an apron and get your hands dirty as you cook up a storm in the Italian countryside. Our aim is to show you that there is more to Italian food than just Pasta and Pizza, and we are here to show you how to do it Gluten-free!



Cooking & Cuisine
CAN I TAKE A COOKING CLASS WHILE ON YOUR TOURS?
Of Course! Because what would a trip to Italy be without learning to make some of our making local cuisine.
In fact all of our group travel itineraries offer cooking classes that fun, hands-on and great for all-levels. All we ask is that you come willing to learn and with a good appetite!
do i need to be a skilled chef to participate in your cooking classes?
All our cooking classes are meant to be fun and exploratory. The local chefs will teach you about traditional dishes, as well as modern Italian cuisine. You do not need a particular set of skills, as long as you bring a great appetite and passion to the kitchen, you will be just fine!
WHAT ARE YOUR COOKING CLASSES LIKE?
CAN YOU ACCOMMODATE DIETARY RESTRICTIONS?
WILL THERE BE TASTINGS OF LOCAL PRODUCTS INCLUDING WINES?
WHAT KIND OF DINING CAN I EXPECT ON YOUR TOURS?
Each one of our tours offers a culinary journey of renowned local cuisine and traditional dishes that are harmoniously paired with local, organic, or award-winning wines. On every tour we visit an array of establishments: from local homes, farm-stays, small family-owned restaurants to world-class kitchens and wine estates. It is our goal for you to savour the best Le Marche, Abruzzo & Veneto have to offer!
Each day is full of fresh & local ingredients, allowing you to truly experience slow-food & zero-km dining from where it all began. Throughout your time with us, you can expect anything from a hearty four-course meal at a local Agriturismo to refined dining that brings a modern take on regional historic dishes giving any Michelin starred chef a run for his money!

WINE TASTING
WHAT IF I AM NOT A FOOD OR WINE EXPERT?
Italy is for food lovers, and you don’t have to be an expert to enjoy good food. We welcome food and wine lovers of all kinds.
Just come with an empty stomach and have your taste buds ready for the culinary adventure of a lifetime!
WHAT KIND OF WINES WILL WE TASTE?
From Sangiovese to Cabernet, as well as excellent white wines such as Trebbiano, Pecorino, Verdicchio, and Passerina, Marche and Abruzzo offer a great variety of wines. On the wine advocate scale all the wines we will taste score over 80 points and we will also taste many vintages and higher scoring wines that reach over 90 points. As always, we have selected the best available in each category.
HOW MANY WINERIES DO WE VISIT?
Quality over quantity is our motto. On average you’ll visit 2 – 3 wineries during your 10 days on tour. The winery visits are more than just tastings – they are Wine Experiences that put you in touch with the people, cuisine and culture of our territory. Each wine experience will offer an array of products with the number of wines paired with the local, organic, and seasonal cuisine.
You’ll be offered between 3 and 5 per tasting at every winery you visit! Each wine experience will give you the opportunity to learn about how the wines are produced, as well as, meet the owners of the wineries we visit, see the local production first hand, and ask your burning questions about the local vino directly from the expert Gambero Rosso winning winemakers.
WHAT KIND OF WINE PRODUCERS DO YOU PARTNER WITH?
We partner with world class wine producers that represent the benchmark of wine making in Marche and Abruzzo and are recognized nationally and internationally for the quality of their work. Many of the wineries we visit offer organic and bio-dynamic wines and grow vines in full respect for the land. Often the owners will be greeting us and showing us around the cellar and the vineyards rather than a hired host as found in other busy regions of Italy. We ONLY work with very small producers to offer a more authentic experience that puts you in touch with the people, our cuisine, and culture of our territory
CAN I PURCHASE WINE DIRECTLY AT THE VINEYARD AND SEND IT HOME?
Every single producer we will visit allows you to purchase wine directly and at a very favourable price. Unfortunately, we are not a a licensed importer and cannot ship your wine home for you. As far as sending it back home this will all depend on where you are from. As always we are here to assist you and will offer our advice on bringing that must have vintage home.
Bookings & Payments
HOW DO I SECURE A SPOT ON YOUR TOURS?
To secure a spot on the small group Italy tours use the booking engine to make your deposit of $549 USD per person to secure your dates.
CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE BOOKING ENGINE for all tours that are currently accepting bookings.
WHAT FORMS OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?
We accept payment by Visa, MasterCard, Amex, and bank transfer.
In order to confirm a trip, we require a non-refundable $549 USD deposit per person.
The remaining balance is due 60 days before your trip commences.
Should you like to pay your final balance sooner please contact Chantelle at chantelle@theitalianontour.com
WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?
A non-refundable deposit of $549 USD per person is payable at the time of booking. No booking will be accepted without such a deposit being made. The remaining balance is due in full by 75 days before arrival. If the balance remains unpaid and we have not heard from you, The Italian On Tour retains the right to cancel your trip and keep your deposit.
Cancellation must be made in made in writing to info@theitalianontour.com. This notice is effective immediately from the day of its receipt.
We reserve the right to charge cancellation fees as follows:
- Up to 151 days prior to the departure date: $549 USD non-refundable deposit
- 150 days or 76 days prior to the departure date: 50% of the Full Balance is payable
- 75 days or less prior to the departure date: 100% of the Full Balance is payable
Once the tour has commenced there will be no refunds on unused portions.
In order to participate on our tours you’re required to submit a completed & signed waiver & to purchase travel insurance (travel medical & emergency evacuation insurance are mandatory).
Send evidence of your signed waiver & travel insurance 45 days before your tour’s departure date.
We highly recommend that for any emergencies you choose a policy which includes trip cancellation insurance.
WHAT IS YOUR PRIVACY POLICY?
We are fully committed to protecting your privacy. We do not sell, trade or rent your personal information to any other company. Only our partners of your selected services will be informed on the strict necessity in order to be able to provide you with those services.
Need more details? Click here!

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