What our clients say...

''We had very high expectations for our first trip to Italy. Riva has far exceeded those expectations! Laura Grossi’s passion for Italy and her attention to detail was unbelievable. She has become a very special friend.
Riva is the only way to see Italy. Grazie mille Laura!''
Ralph & Suzanne Placzek, Illinois – USA

''Laura’s energy and enthusiasm, together with her knowledge and contacts provided us with an exceptional Piemontese experience!''
Bruce & Gill Wallace, Ontario – CANADA

''Laura, your enthusiasm has made our trip most enjoyable. Your enthusiasm and passion for people and the area only adds to our understanding of Piemonte!''
Bob & Bonnie Vistorino, Ontario – CANADA

''This is the only way to see Piemonte – Riva is a really personal service, quite unique!''
David & Lorraine Henley, Hampshire - UK

'One of the best short breaks I have been on, due to Laura's extremely warm, generous and personal hospitality. I would certainly recommend Riva, especially to those who are travelling alone as you will be made to feel at ease, even before you decide to book. It is worth mentioning that Laura will work around you, rather than the other way around, so that you get the most out of your holiday. Finally, it goes without saying that the quality of the accommodation and the choice of restaurants is outstanding''
Miss Kathy Armitage, West Yorkshire

''We enjoyed every moment of our trip, we felt as if nothing was too much trouble. We were pampered and cared for to the highest standard possible. - Thank you!''
Mrs Gill Clark & Mrs Brigitta Macfarlane,Kent

''We will be talking of our Riva tour experience for a long, long time to come.
Laura welcomed us with a warm hug, and lots of enthusiasm. Immediately, her infectious passion for the Piemonte area, was transmitted to us. For first time visitors to Italy and with so much to take in, Laura really has the skill to make sure you are able to relax, enjoy, explore and discover………..with ease and fun!
Laura’s incredible knowledge, along with her wonderful “partners of passion”……chefs, winemakers, restauranteurs, B&B hosts, all help to ensure one will eat, drink, and enjoy in top class style. We had an expectation of Riva – True Flavours of Italy and that expectation was met and then some!!''
Mr Mark Hoerig & Mrs Deborah Wilson, Alexandria, Canada

''We have just spent the most idyllic week in the Piemonte region with our hostess Laura of Riva, True Flavours of Italy.The personal attentiveness became part of a truly gourmet tour with Laura always at our side and visiting the most delectable tables and vineyards that one could find anywhere. We must tell our acquaintances that this is the tour to go on!''
Ed Johnson, New Zealand

''We had the great good fortune to be the first New Zealand clients for "Riva, True Flavours of Italy" Gastronomic Tour. We cant wait to go on the next one! Nothing was too much trouble for Laura, our guide and native of the beautiful Piemonte region. Her local knowledge and special personality were fundamental to the success of this wonderful holiday."
Cherry Johnson, New Zealand

'Wow! What a holiday. Everything was fantastic. The weather ( just a small amount of rain,but that's to be expected in April) The walking,scenery,food and especially the friendly company. Laura,the organiser could not do enough for us,and Eduardo the brilliant guide made this tailor made holiday complete.
If you enjoy walking and good food,and are looking for that holiday with a difference, definitely consider this,we would highly recommend it. A holiday we won't forget!''
Brian,Lorna,Tracey & Simon from Hertfordshire

"In August this year we travelled to Piemonte for a gastronomic holiday with Riva. The region of Piemonte feels like an undiscovered piece of true Italy. The food, the wine and the amazing people we meet, made this holiday unlike anything we have experienced before.
The picturesque town of Alba has inspired us to hold our wedding ceremony in the Town Hall in the Piazza Risorgimento followed by a reception in a beautiful farm house set in rolling vineyards.
We look forward to show our friends and family this unspoiled part of Italy.

P.S. Thank you to Laura who is helping us over and beyond the call of duty!"

Natalie Henbest & Mark Rogers, Hampshire

"Full marks to RIVA, a superb company to deal with. Attention to detail and personal service are top priorities. We had a wonderful break and were treated like V.I.P.'s. Nothing was too much trouble and our every need was met. On top of this, our guide was such a super girl, we felt we had made a real friend, and we look forward to travelling with them again.''
Jenny Lipscombe & Monica Heath, Kent

''We have just returned from a most enjoyable "Gastronomic & Culture" trip to Turin and the Piemonte region.
The variety of food we were offered was superb and the interest and enthusiasm for their craft that was displayed by some of the chefs we met made the experience all the more enjoyable.
We have visited Italy on a number of occasions but had not previously visited many parts of Piemonte, beyond Turin. The villages and towns we were taken to contained a wealth of fine restaurants and wine producers and the views of hills and valleys, set against a backdrop of the Alps, were delightful.
Our accommodation was very comfortable and the personal attention we received from Laura Grossi, who was always on hand to help with language problems and who was full of enthusiasm for showing the best of her home region, made the whole trip a real pleasure.
We look forward to emjoying another "Riva" holiday before too long.''
Derek and Ann Newton, Suffolk

''Just perfect, painting in Piemonte! The tutor was so understanding, as a beginner in watercolour I felt everyone was so friendly and helpful. I had a wonderful weekend - it was a perfect mix of painting in the Autumn sunshine and wonderful Italian food.''
Trish Spencer, Dorset

''We have frequently been disappointed with specialists weekend breaks in the past but not this time, the accommodation with Riva was first class and the cuisine out of this world. Without a doubt it was one of the best weekends we've ever had. The truffle hunting was thrilling and fascinating. Many thanks to Riva, we really did experience the true flavours of Italy!''
Ray & Elaine Pickard, North Yorks

''We never for a single moment regretted our decision to go on a weekend break to Italy with Riva. The walking was well organised, perfect distances between stops with gastronomic delights throughout the weekend made us realise just what we had been missing in real traditional Italian cooking. We will definitely be going again later this year for another break.''
Graham and Paula Stewart, Cotswolds

Special Events

Teatro Regio di Torino - 2006-2007 Opera season:
AIDA – Giuseppe Verdi
TURANDOT - Giacomo Puccini
IL NASO - Dmitrij Sostakovic
LE NOZZE DI FIGARO - Wolfagang Amadeus Mozart
IL FLAUTO MAGICO - Wolfagang Amadeus Mozart
RUSALKA - Antonin Dvorak CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA - Pietro Mascagni
OEDIPUS REX - Igor Stravinskij
L'ELISIR DELL'AMORE - Gaetano Donizetti
ERNANI - Giuseppe Verdi
Please contact us for more details and available dates.

Post 2006 Winter Olympics Games itinerary in Piemonte
For those who are planning or have planned to visit Piemonte during the great event of the Winter Olympic Games, this Gastronomic & Cultural break is the ideal way to discover the gastronomic delights of this region.
Exploring the best parts of Piemonte, sampling good genuine food and fine wines, without any effort or stress.
4 nights/5 days price £950.00 pp
based on two people sharing. Contact us for more details and available dates.
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25 – 29 October 2006
Salone del Gusto di Torino 2006
BOOK NOW!
The biggest quality food and wine exhibition in the world. A fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the most amazing indoor food market, discovering food from all over the world.
An event not to be missed!
5 nights/ 6 days price
£1200.00 pp
Based on two people sharing.
Contact us for more details.

Discover the Lakes in Piemonte with RIVA!


From Lake d'Orta with the isle of San Giulio to Lake Maggiore and the beautiful surroundings.

Contact us for more details and available dates.

Reviews...

Click here to see our review in ITALIA! magazine (PDF file 557Kb)

...and click here for our write up in The Independent.

Links