Kid-Friendly Vacation: Rome to Venice

My family just returned from a ten night trip to Rome and Tuscany planned by this agent and his company. Every aspect of the trip was simply perfect.

I've  travelled a fair amount for both work and pleasure over the past forty years, so my requirements are fairly specific. Our agent exceeded all of my expectations in planning this 60th birthday trip for my wife and entire family. Planning started over a year ago with a number of e-mails with our agent describing what we were looking for - punctual drivers,  passionate and professional guides,  all tickets purchased in advance, coordinating multiple travel schedules.   Our travel agent delivered on all fronts.

Our agent suggested an itinerary almost a year ago - an itinerary that we continued to fine tune over time. Throughout that process, he was responsive - never taking more than a day to respond to detailed questions and requests for modifications. He was also the consummate professional, always patient and thoughtful, with suggestions that always improved the final product. Restaurant reservations for lunches and dinners for the entire trip were added to the final detailed itinerary.

We agreed upon four nights in Rome and six in Tuscany. Not one driver was late for a pick-up and the guides ranged from very good to exceptional. All of the drivers and guides coordinated with each other, and all had the necessary tickets to the various sites, providing easy access without standing on lengthy lines. In Rome, special kudos go to our guide for his passionate tours of Vatican City and Ancient Rome.

On the trip to Florence, our driver stopped in Orvieto and our guide provided a fascinating tour of the city. In the afternoon, we stopped at Barbi vineyards for a wonderful tour, lunch and wine tasting. Very intimate, educational and delicious. Probably the best vineyard experience we've ever had. Our wine educator, was wonderful.

The wonders of Florence speak for themselves - and we had a first rate guide in Ulrich. Our driver for the entire stay was personable, professional and punctual - and always in contact with the various guides. Our guide also provided a memorable tour of Pisa and Lucca, offering information about both cities that might not be found in a guidebook.  An unexpected mini-concert at Pisa's Baptistry was a real treat. As a newly minted sommelier, our guide joined us for a fabulous lunch in Lucca at Borgo Antico where she continued with her  discussion of Lucca and wine.

We had a charming archaeologist and cyclist guide through San Gimignano, Siena and a 10KM hike in the gorgeous Val d' Orcia from from Montalcino to Fattoria La Maggia, where we had a wonderful tour, lunch and wine tasting. It's worth noting that our guide rode the trail the morning before our hike to ensure that it was clear.

One of the highlights of the trip was an evening with a personal chef, caterer and sommelier. We met her at her home where, over a three hour period, she brought her love for food to life. We learned how to cook (and eat) pasta, a delicious chicken and vegetable dish and tiramusu. She is charming.

Bottom line, this was a trip of a lifetime. This travel agent is a patient and good listener and the guides he engaged were passionate professionals who made this such a memorable trip. This travel agent and his company have my families unconditional recommendation - and our gratitude. Grazie mille!

Richard W

October 13, 2017

Our agent at this Italy travel company was very helpful at every step. She put together a wonderful itinerary for us that was very balanced. We stayed in Rome, Sorrento, Florence, and Orvieto. We had private guided tours in Rome, Pompeii, Amalfi Coast and Florence, and group tours to Siena/San Giamagnano/Pisa and Capri. Everything was planned out perfectly. We were extremely happy with every accommodation. We did use the trains, and drivers met us at each destination so we did not need to worry about cabs. For the most part, we were able to avoid large groups. This was a wonderful way to see Italy. 

Thanks for helping me organize my family (of 10 with diverse age from 15 to 63) trip to Italy, from Dec 17 to Dec 31. Whilst different member of my family have different expectation and requirement, I would like to comment you and your team on having planned an excellent trip that not only met each and everyone's interest and expectation but truly exceeded it.

Your planning have brought us to the lovely cities of Parma, Modena, Florence, Orvieto, Civita Di Bagnoregio, Naples, Rome, Venice, Cortina d'Amprezzo and back to our starting point Milan. Throughout the trip, we have a well balance itinerary that covered

- beautiful churches such as the Duomo in Milan, Rome, Florence,

- archeological site like Pompeii, Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon, Pisa, Verona (learning more about romeo and Juliet)

- great local eating places (recommended by the guides you chose)

- lovely country side and unique sight in San Gimignano, Civita Di Bagnoregio, Orvieto, Lake Como,

- great gallery likes Uffizi, Academia

- Interesting activity such as Snow Mobile excursion in Cortina, Learning Cooking 

- Shopping activities

With so much, yet your team immaculate planning never have us rushing from sight to sight, we were both able to enjoy and learn as much as we can of each sight and at times added more activities.

The team of guides you chose, have truly turn stone and history into exciting stories that the provided the group deeper understanding of the sights we visited and saw. Really like to thank each on of them like our guides in Florence, Pisa, San Gimignano, Orvieto and Civita Di Bagnoregio, Naples and Pompeii, Rome, Verona, Venice and Milan.

But most importantly, thank you for getting our driver, he truly ensure our comfort whilst driving steadily through jams on our way to Naple and snow storm on our way to Cortina d Amprezzo and also took very good care of us ensuring we know what to do where we have no guides and leaving us clear instruction when we needed help. He is truly a wonder.

I will definitely tell my friends heading to Italy about this company.... A wonderfully great experience.

THE BEST VACATION EVER!!!!

I must admit that I was somewhat uncomfortable arranging a group tour to Italy with someone I communicated with only via the Internet and telephone.  However, after my first communication with our agent -- I knew that she “had it.”  She understood exactly what we wanted to do.  She was right-on in both concept and execution.

Our ten-day adventure in Italy began with a private transfer with an English speaking local driver from the Rome airport to our fantastic 3 star boutique hotel located right in the historical center of Rome.  During our three days in Rome, we had fantastic private tours of Ancient Rome, the Coliseum, and the Vatican Museums.  Extremely knowledgeable, English-speaking guides led all of our tours.  Sense of Italy had arranged for VIP, skip the line, priority entrance for all tours -- saving us from long waits in long lines.

After our busy 3 days in Rome, we departed via private van transfer from our hotel in Rome to the Chianti Region of Tuscany.  The transfer included stops on the Val D’ Orcia to visit the amazing Villages of Montalcino and Montepulciano.  The “light lunch” and wine tasting we enjoyed in Montalcino was one of the highlights of our trip.  In Tuscany we stayed 7 Nights in a beautiful, historic villa located on one of the best wine estates of Chianti (Villa Le Corti near San Casciano) where we were met with a fantastic welcome dinner. During our time in Tuscany we were transported by private van from our villa to private tours of Siena, San Gimignano, Florence, Pisa and Lucca.  On each of our stops we were met by knowledgeable English speaking guides that clearly were proud of the history of their country, and were anxious to share it.  Interspersed in all of this activity were numerous exceptional meals with opportunities to taste (and drink) very fine Italian wines.

When we finally were forced to leave Italy, our agent arranged for private transport accommodating our varying departure times from the Florence airport and train station.

Thanks to this travel company and our agent for designing the perfect vacation for our group.  The only complaint that I heard was that we ate too much — wow was all the food delicious.  I really don’t know how she did it.  All of the tours were great — the van drivers friendly and helpful, the guides knowledgeable, and the sites spectacular.  Our stay in the villa was a great experience.  We were treated royally everywhere.  We all marveled at our agent's ability to get us, the vans, the guides, the food and wine, etc. all at the right place at the right time.  She is a genius!!!!

Jeff E

From the time we arrived in Venice airport, we were escorted to our hotel. It was a worry and anxiety free trip of a lifetime. We were introduced to the culture, history and cuisines of Italy. At the same time, we had opportunities walk around on our own to explore the great cities of Venice, Florence and Rome. The side trips to Bologna, Pisa, Siena, Lucca and Orvieto were unforgettable. 

This trip planned by this Italy travel company was probably one of the best. We whole heartily recommend them to anyone planning a trip to Italy.