Massimo Criscio has always loved entertaining guests and sharing his passion for good food and wine with friends and family. So, in 2004, while working for a big company in corporate America, he decided to leave behind a successful career path and head back home along the shores of the Adriatic Sea to see if he could turn that passion into a new career.
In 2006, he launched PALAZZO TOUR D’EAU (a restaurant/hotel) and ABRUZZO CIBUS (a cooking school). Now, he makes new friends from all over the world by sharing his own Italian lifestyle. This is nothing like most Italian commercial tours that tend to be overly structured, crowded and often focus on typicaltourist destinations. Instead, Massimo has created a warm, welcoming, family atmosphere where guests can have an authentic Italian experience.
Combing all of his corporate America learnings, paired with his personal passion for hospitality, Massimo was able to create a travel and culinary experience like no other. And, because Massimo owns every aspect of the entire experience – from the palace to the chefs to the transportation – he and his dedicated staff treat guests like they are family.
Palazzo Tour D’eau is a unique destination and not the traditional restaurant/hotel kitchen found throughout Italy. The old wine cellar was transformed into an exclusive kitchen for their cooking classes. Guests can just feel the Italian history of the space as they learn how to make pasta, pizza and Italian staples. The Abruzzo experience is ideal for guests who want good food, great wine and pleasant company. The palace has just 12 rooms, so guests enjoy an intimate experience in a beautiful setting atop a hill with a breathtaking view of the region. Often one groupwill take over the entire Palazzo Tour d’Eau and if not, you make lifelong friends with your companions. The experience includes cooking classes, local touring, time for relaxing and exploring and of course eating and drinking just like the Italians. Guests will learn how to cook special Italian recipes that are delicious but also meant to easily be made and shown off to friends andfamily back home.
After 14 years, Massimo and his team have become the leadingculinary travel destination in Abruzzo with some of the highest guest satisfaction ratings in Italy – just check out Tripadvisor.com to see just how much guests love Abruzzo, Massimo and the crew. It is no surprise that their motto is: When extraordinary isn’t quite enough!
Graduated from the top cooking school in Abruzzo Villa Santa Maria, the oldest chef school in the world. After his culinary education, Dino went back to college and received a degree in History and Philosophy. Soft spoken, down to earth, kind and a great teacher. Dino is the chef. The man that cooks your meals, the man that teaches your cooking classes.
Graduated from the top cooking school in Abruzzo Villa Santa Maria. Mariarosa is the sous chef. Clean, responsible, attentive to details, sidekick of Chef Dino, makes great breakfast pastries.
Nicola, also known as “La Chilice” speaks no English but he smiles a lot. He is the head of Maintance at the Palazzo, plus he is also one of the drivers. Multi talented in fixing things, smooth driver, excellent coffee taster.
Tiziana is the invisible lady that wonders around the Palazzo in the morning from 10:00 am. She is in charge of cleaning your room and have your bathroom spotless. She takes her job seriously.
Sarah is a certified nurse. She knows about taking care of people, knows the importance of patience, caring and hospitality. Her smile will be enchanting you through out the week. Sarah is the waitress at the Palazzo. She will serving your meals and she makes the creamiest cappuccino in the morning.
Tony, also known as “Spartacus” is a triathlon athlete. His multi talented personality serves you the meals, makes you cocktails at the bar, drives you occasionally and his soft spoken manners will put you at ease.
Cristina is a certified “English as a second language teacher”. But decided that hosting guests at the Palazzo was more fun and rewarding. Cristina will be your host: detailed oriented, organized, calm but simultaneously decisive, knowledgeable and accommodating.