This evening, we joined a group pizza-making experience with colleagues. The setting and atmosphere were warm and inviting, but of course, what else would you expect? We’re on the Amalfi Coast, after all.

We gathered around our chef, aprons on and spirits high, fully expecting a hands-on lesson in pizza-making from scratch. We had visions of kneading dough and simmering sauce made from home grown ingredients, but in reality, things were a little more relaxed. The dough was already made and risen, the sauce perfectly seasoned and ready to use. Our role? Roll, top, bake, and most importantly, laugh while we assembled our masterpieces. It may not have been the full culinary deep dive we imagined, but the fun of tossing on toppings and sharing stories more than made up for it.

I whipped up my version of a meat lover’s pizza, with a few healthy veggies tossed in for good measure.

We savored the wine and fresh air as the fire crackled in the outdoor oven. Here are two of my wonderful travel consultant friends who were part of this incredible journey. The first sweet lady, I had the pleasure of meeting in Portugal the year before at another European Travel Agent Conference on the beautiful Island of Madeira. The lovely woman in the middle, I met on this trip, and it instantly felt like we’d known each other for years. These two have been friends for quite some time and graciously welcomed me to join in on the fun!

Check out my pizza below, all prepped and ready for the wood-burning oven! I have to admit, I was very tempted to grab the pizza paddle and slide it in myself, but that was definitely off-limits.

And that oven! I wonder if Ryan would ever let me put something like this in our back yard?

Here’s the finished product, though it didn’t last long. Too good to stick around, if I do say so myself!

And here’s the masterpiece from another one of my colleagues I met on this trip. It’s a true vegetarian pizza, with not a speck of meat in sight. Still looks pretty delicious, though! Just look at the proud smile on her face. I love it!

It was a relaxed, lighthearted evening that brought us together in such a wonderful way. Moments like these are part of what makes travel so special. That said, in the spirit of transparency, which I’ve committed to, I want to share not just the highlights, but also the parts that didn’t quite measure up.

As a travel professional, I experience moments like this through a dual lens: both as a guest enjoying the experience and as someone who thoughtfully designs experiences for others. While the evening itself was fun and friendly, it didn’t fully meet the standards I seek for my clients. I value authenticity, meaningful hands-on participation, and experiences that allow guests to genuinely connect with the culture and craft behind what they’re doing.

Unfortunately, something happened that raised a real concern. A colleague sitting next to me bit into something hard, and when she pulled it out, it turned out to be a nail. Not long after, another colleague discovered one as well. When we brought it to the staff’s attention, the response was surprisingly casual. They explained that the stove was old and that sometimes pieces fall off, but there was no real concern, no apology, and no sense of urgency. It was treated as though it were simply part of the experience. I was genuinely surprised, and from that point forward, I approached each bite with much more caution.

Out of respect, I won’t name the business, but I can confidently say it’s not one I’ll be recommending or partnering with. If I were to book an experience like this for my clients, it would be thoughtfully curated from start to finish, completely hands-on, with guests learning how to make everything from scratch, from preparing the dough to crafting each ingredient with care. I believe the best culinary experiences are not just about the meal itself, but about the memories, skills, and stories travelers take home with them. An authentic, immersive experience invites guests to not just enjoy the final product, but to walk away with new knowledge they can recreate and share with others for years to come.

While the evening was warm, lively, and filled with good company, it ultimately fell short of offering the kind of depth and engagement I believe truly elevates an experience. These moments serve as important reminders of why thoughtful vetting, attention to detail, and a commitment to excellence are so critical, and why my clients can always trust that every experience I recommend has been carefully considered with both heart and high standards in mind.

For more information on our itineraries, feel free to email us at dtgainor@gmail.com or visit Global Getaways to learn more about who we are and how we work.