Frequently Asked Questions
One of the benefits of small group travel is the personal service. We work with each guest from your first inquiry to the return back home. Below are some answers to questions to get you started. Contact us directly for more.
How many people are on the retreat?
A minimum of 6 guests, a maximum of 10, plus the featured chef, tour organizer Donna Covrett, and the proprietor / host(s). Occasionally a professional photographer is on one of the retreats to create video for marketing. The dinner table has an average of 9 – 13 people
​What is the average age?
These are adult-only retreats, with our guest's age ranging from 30s to 70s.
Are these couples-only retreats?
No. While partners are the majority of our guests, we frequently have best friends, small groups of friends, and solo travelers willing to share a room or to pay for a private room when available.
Where are the guests from?
We are a Cincinnati-based small business, so many of our guests are from the Cincinnati region, but guests from Colorado, Utah, Maryland, New York, and New Jersey have joined our retreats.
What is included in the price?
• An all-inclusive 7-night 8-day retreat in Dordogne region of France or Torre Alfina, Italy (the intersection of Lazio, Umbria and Tuscany regions) in comfortable, well-appointed accommodations.
• Evening meals prepared by a renowned chef, with the addition of a sommelier for the Italy retreat. Opportunity to learn hands-on in their kitchen.
• A carefully curated daily itinerary embracing the history, art, architecture, food and wine of the area. All transportation, activity fees, entrance fees, wine tastings, and taxes associated with each.
• Welcome bag with local specialties, gift certificates, etc.
• A pre-trip gathering for guests hosted by Donna Covrett and featured chef.
• Digital file of chef’s recipes to recreate at home.
​How do we travel throughout the daily itinerary?
We travel in a 9-seater air-conditioned van plus a [leased] SUV auto.
​What are the meals like?
Breakfast and dinner are served at our residence / home base, lunches are off site and vary according to our itinerary for the day. Breakfast is prepared by our host and typically consists of eggs, local meats and cheeses, fruit, juice, coffee and tea. Six of the seven evening meals is prepared by the featured chef(s) featuring regional dishes and local ingredients and usually served family-style. The last [closing] dinner is off-site at a local restaurant or agriturismo (authentic farm-to-table).
We do our best to accommodate dietary needs from vegetarian to gluten-free (At The Table’s director, Donna Covrett, frequently is the dessert chef and prepares all gluten-free desserts).
I don’t drink alcohol. Is this a problem for a retreat with a food and wine focus?
Not at all. We often have guests who choose not to drink for whatever the reason. We do our best to ensure your comfort. The only time it may be an issue is when a winery visit is on our itinerary. We give you options as best as available.
What are the accommodations like?
We have carefully selected charming chateaus and villas chosen for service and comfort and reflect the character of the region. All rooms are comfortable with attention to detail: luxury linens, plush mattresses, modern bathrooms, plenty of space for hanging clothes, etc. Even the outdoor space is important to us as many of our gatherings are at an outdoor table or poolside.
How do I make a booking?
Visit the contact page and send in your inquiry, or call / email directly at contact below. You will receive a reply or phone call within 24 hours, where we can answer additional questions, and direct you from there.
What form of payments do you accept?
For major credit cards, we invoice you through Square, a safe and secure site used by many small businesses. A direct wire transfer is possible in some instances. A 50% deposit is due to hold your reservation, with the remaining balance due 90 days prior to departure.
What is the next step after booking and paying my deposit?
You will receive a packet of information: policy agreement, registration, medical form, travel plans, and a tip sheet for the area. All medical information is confidential. We never provide your information to outside parties.