Celebrating Two Decades of Culture Discovery Vacations with a Return to Italian Roots

Celebrating 20 Years of Culture Discovery Vacations

In 2026, Culture Discovery Vacations (CDV) proudly marks its 20th anniversary, reflecting on two decades of transformative travel experiences and a unique approach to tourism. Founded in the medieval hilltop village of Soriano nel Cimino, Italy, the company has grown from a single destination to a multi-country provider of cultural and culinary immersion vacations.

A Journey Rooted in Community

Michael Kovnick, the founder and CEO, emphasizes the company's commitment to fostering meaningful connections between travelers and local communities. CDV specializes in what they term 'anti-extractive tourism,' which ensures that a significant portion of the economic benefits stays local. Typically, only 20-30% of tourist spending ends up benefiting host countries in conventional tourism models. In contrast, CDV retains over 70% of its guests' spending in the destination communities they visit, creating sustainable financial support and preserving local cultures.

Celebratory Events and Expanding Horizons

To honor this significant milestone, a grand celebration is planned in Soriano nel Cimino on July 16, 2026. The event will bring together local partners who have played a pivotal role in the company's success. According to Kovnick, this anniversary party is a tribute to the relationships built over the years. “Twenty years ago, this was an experiment in one village—the idea that travelers wanted to belong somewhere, not just look at it,” he adds.

As part of this celebration, CDV is thrilled to announce the launch of two new programs: an immersive travel experience in Catalonia, Spain, launching in October 2026, and an exciting New Year's Eve event in Madeira, Portugal, for end-of-2026 celebrations. Both programs have generated considerable interest, with tickets selling out before their official announcement.

Corporate Retreat Division

In addition to leisure travel, CDV is also stepping into the corporate sector. The newly launched division, Culture Discovery Corporate Retreats, focuses on team-building and incentive travel organized in picturesque European destinations, providing businesses with innovative offsite meeting options. Marta Marques from the Porto office leads this initiative, reflecting the company's ambitious expansion into new market segments.

Globally Recognized and Locally Impactful

CDV's operational model has been recognized for its excellence in service and sustainability practices. The company has secured a spot in the Tripadvisor Hall of Fame and has been awarded the 2025 Travel Weekly Magellan Gold Award for Best Service. Its reputation continues to grow as it operates throughout Italy, Sicily, Portugal, Spain, Croatia, Bosnia, Montenegro, Argentina, and Uruguay, with headquarters in Tampa, Florida; Soriano nel Cimino, Italy; and Porto, Portugal.

Local Partnerships Matter

The core of CDV’s philosophy revolves around partnerships with local families and businesses. By working exclusively with family-owned establishments, CDV ensures that almost all guest spending supports the local economy, creating a win-win situation for both travelers and hosts. This model also fosters authentic interactions and deeper cultural understanding between visitors and locals.

As CDV enters its third decade, it stands firmly committed to its founding principles while continuing to innovate and adapt to traveler demands. This commitment promises an exciting future filled with new adventures and community connections, ensuring that the joy of travel remains not only personal but also profoundly impactful for those visited. To learn more about Culture Discovery Vacations and the unique travel experiences they offer, visit www.culturediscovery.com.