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.

We can not stop talking about our trip with our friends as we LOVED every minute. Visiting a new city every day was exciting. With Francesca's expertise, we were immersed in our new experiences, culinary cooking classes, tours, restaurants, shopping and culture. ...[Read More]

Cindy & Ron DiVincenzo

Amalfi, 2023

Her relationships with locals and her years of experience hosting her small groups makes it all come true effortlessly. ...[Read More]

Hank and Maureen Nikora

Umbria 2025, Tuscany 2026

I think my favorite part of the tour was Francesca herself. Having been born in Italy, she provided an insight to many things that most of us would have missed. I highly recommend talking any of the tours offered by the Lazy Italian Culinary Adventures. ...[Read More]

Jeffrey & Theresa Mondville

Amalfi, 2024

This trip all started with a Google search, an email and a very good phone call. After the call, I felt that Francesca was a longtime friend. The small groups enables Francesca to give everyone that personal treatment that the big tours can’t. We weren’t just a number, we are a new family....[Read More]

Sal Sgroi & Family

Puglia 2019, Calabria 2022

If you are looking for a small, intimate tour anywhere in Italy, I highly recommend Francesca and her amazing tours. ...[Read More]

Michelle Stokes Kern & Nita Kern

Tuscany, 2025

I spent a wonderful eight days with Francesca on LICA's tour of Umbria in October 2025. Deciding to go with a tour rather than planning my own trip, my usual method, meant the trip had to offer experiences and access I wouldn’t otherwise enjoy. ...[Read More]

Lisa Abrams

Umbria, 2025

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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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