Experience Italy
With Someone Who
Calls it Home

Small Group Culinary
Adventures Personally
Hosted by Native Italian
Cookbook Author and
Tour Leader
Francesca Montillo

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Welcome! Benvenuti!

Ciao! I’m Francesca Montillo, founder and owner of the award winning travel company Lazy Italian Culinary Adventures. As a proud native Italian, I’ve made it my mission to share the magic of Italy with you—one unforgettable bite at a time! Whether you join one of my signature culinary adventures or opt for a private, custom trip, I’ll be your dedicated Chief Travel Planner and guide. From the first espresso to the last glass of wine, I’ll make sure every detail is taken care of, so you can fully savor the sights, tastes, and unforgettable moments that Italy has to offer.

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Don't put off having
the time of your life
a day longer.

Come, explore Italy with me
for an unforgettable travel experience!

How to Know if You'll Love
Traveling with Us

Come Sapere se Ami Viaggiare Con Noi

You Love Food, Fun & Friends

Get ready to share food and break bread with strangers who will become dear friends and future travel buddies. Traveling with me is like traveling with your long-lost cousin who knows the ins and outs of Italy. I’ll tell you where to shop, where to eat, how to haggle for a discount at the market, and may suggest you don’t order that decaf cappuccino after lunch! Fun is always guaranteed!

Same Home Base for The Week

We're not into hotel hopping or cramming a bunch of to-dos every day. This is not a hop on/hop off tour - this is a culinary adventure. This means you only unpack and pack once, and spend the rest of your valuable time immersing yourself in the Italian culinary culture.

You Can Appreciate Our Travel Philosophy

Our aim is to engage you in regional and local Italian cuisine and culture. You’ll sample local products, meet local cooks and producers, and can appreciate family run establishments, local gems, small shops, and authenticity. You’ll savor every moment you’re traveling with us, both literally and figurately.

My sister and girlfriends really enjoyed our trip to Puglia with Francesca. Because of her knowledge of that region of Italy and her command of the language and her intimate connections with local wine and food enthusiasts, we learned so much. To book another trip to another region of Italy just got added to my bucket list....[Read More]

Megan O’Block

Puglia, 2019

The culinary experience was extraordinary. I am looking forward to my next trip, hopefully next year. ...[Read More]

Ida Doctor

Sicily, 2025

The group was chock full of laughs and fun people. This was our second trip with The Lazy Italian, and not our last....[Read More]

Bob and Candi Orsi and Kim Schaefer

Sardinia, 2026

We thoroughly enjoyed our week! Having never been on a food tour before, I didn’t really know what to expect. Our week in Bologna exceed expectations!...[Read More]

Donna & Steve Taglione

Bologna, 2023

Our trip with Francesca was pure delight. Her knowledge of the customs, the cooking, the language, and her friendship with the name native Italians in the area significantly enriched our experience....[Read More]

Mary Fiorentino

Bologna, 2018

Professional, engaging, knowledgeable, passionate, ensightful, approachable, caring, organized...[Read More]

Rosemarie D’Amico

Amalfi 2026

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What to Pack for Italy

Cosa Mettere in Valigia per l'Italia

Everyone is always asking me what they should pack for Italy,
so I’ve created a quick reference guide that you can use for your next trip.

Hint: You don’t need nearly as much as you think you do!

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