I’m happy to be your tour guide, personal planner and travel expert. I’ve been traveling to Italy for more than 20 years, and leading groups there for 17. I’ll coordinate a custom package for you and hand it off, or go along to take care of everything. I speak Italian and have traveled nearly the entire boot.
I have a vast network of professionals with whom I entrust our travels, including my first assistant and bag-porter-husband, Patrick. He may be along on tours to help out and to entertain.
With Patrick, walking the group through an olive grove in Tuscany. We helped pick olives – and then went to the frantoio to press them!
Meet some of my friends and colleagues:
Winemaker Gaetano Bove shares his philosophy and passion around wine. He’ll dine with us, his daughter will tour us through their ancient vines, and his wife will prepare our dinner. In Tramonti, above the Amalfi Coast.
Your ability to assemble the awesome hosts and venues for our enjoyment and learning were spectacular.”
~Gary B.
Chef Maurizio Rocchi creates magical dishes in the fairy-tale village of Civita di Bagnoregio.
The trip flowed from one amazing experience to the next, and from one welcoming family to the next of authentic hard-working Italians who went out of their way to connect and incorporate us into their daily lives.”
~Connie P.
Gabriella Faraone has been our guide for many years in fascinating Lucca, where she lives inside the walls. Also certified in Pisa and Florence. she’s very knowledgeable about Tuscan history!
The whole experience was truly amazing. Your passion and love for the Italian culture is woven through every piece of the itinerary. Many cheers to you for your thoughtful care in providing us with all you do.”
~ Mandy K.
Lucca and his truffle dog Giotto make our truffle hunting a pure delight! We always find something to take back and eat – and Giotto is endless entertainment. You’ll enjoy cooking with long-time friend and chef ,Gianluca Pardini, in his demonstration kitchen. Laughs and Prosecco are plentiful.
All the planning, attention to detail and arrangements with the friends you have made through your travels to Italy made for an exceptional experience for all of us!”
~Michelle M.
Stefano Salvadore is a wine lover and delights in pouring as many wines as you’d like to taste. His little shop in the heart of Chianti features hundreds of labels – all from within 40 km of his place.
Sisters Filomena and Fortunata run a fun kitchen at their restaurant in Positano. During your cooking lesson you get to see the fresh deliveries for the day, like fish and vegetables, and learn local dishes like Gnocchi alla Sorrentina.Alessio Colage’ is both classy and fun, and he is always my driver in Orvieto. He speaks a little English, which means I get to practice my Italian!
