It's that time of year when Italian Culinary Tours starts to share wonders of Italy with our guests. We started in Sicily again this year with a new specialty tour of Western Sicily, designed by my ever-creative and imaginative associate, Ottavia Fasce and myself, based in our families’ hometown of Montelepre.

It was late afternoon just before my citizenship ceremony with the mayor of Montelepre when, my associate and friend Ottavia, my Citizenship Advisor, Francesco, and I headed to the historic Norman-era tower in the city center for a tour with Vice Mayor Giusi Ciulla. After all the years visiting my family in Montelepre, I had never visited inside the tower.

Ever since the first time I arrived in Sicily, I wanted to explore the many islands that surround it. As time passed, I would hear my family members and many other Sicilians talk about the beauty of these islands…

It is so much fun for me to host guests who are from my former life as a banker. I’ve had former co-workers, clients, and other contacts from my past days join me on several of our tours over the years.

Last summer, I planned a surprise trip for my friend and associate, Ottavia, while we were visiting our friends and my family in Montelepre. Villa Romana del Casale is one of my favorite archaeological sites in Sicily…

Situated about halfway between Rome and Naples, it’s known for a large cave…

I never know what extraordinary place awaits me just around the bend or when the right someone will drop into my life…

From our balcony perch in a men’s clothing shop, looking down on the piazza we anxiously watched the jockeys riding their horses.

As long as I’m on this earth and in Montelepre, I will always visit Maria for decaffeinated coffee, colazione, and her loving heart.

I’m in the business of creating memories to cherish. Sharing these experiences with my guests…

Visiting these smaller communities gives a true picture of the social and cultural fabric of Italy.

I adore how Italians kiss each cheek of the person they greet. A simple gesture of love for the people in their lives…

Over the centuries, many outsiders transplant themselves throughout the Italian peninsula and its many islands.

The next morning the sun was already bright and warm and the excitement of spending the day with…

Is it possible that is simple inconsequential decision can change your life in a monumental way?

I am a member of the generation where it was very common for families to consist of 5, 8 or even 10+ children.

Although heavily industrialized, I find the Lombardy region and Milan to be one of the most rewarding in all of Italy.

I was looking back at a successful past year of tours and thinking about a person who I owe so much to for the very existence of my tour business.

When one thinks of Tuscany it’s easy to recall the scenes from the movies of rolling hills of vineyards…

I’ve had the pleasure to cook and serve our guests in Tuscany and drink the wine of the Chianti area.