Testimonials

The statement on your envelope “You're about to take the best vacation of your life” couldn't be more true. I can’t begin to tell you how pleased and thrilled we were with our trip to Rome and Florence thanks to your expert advice and planning. With one exception, the delay of our luggage in Paris, everything you planned for us was first class. Especially the concern expressed by the driver picking us up at the airport while we waited in line for several hours to make our claim for lost luggage.

On our first day our driver, Mr. Leonardo Giammarino, who accompanied us on the driving orientation of the city was simply outstanding. We couldn't have had a more knowledgeable person who really understood the city and the key places where we could view the city in all its splendor. He was very patient and accommodating in allowing us to take pictures and even visit some of the sights. He didn't hurry us along as do some of the tour guides that we could see. Again this is thanks to you Guido for having such a wonderful network of people that you can call upon.

The following day our guide Rita who accompanied us to the Vatican was another outstanding person both in her knowledge of the Vatican and all its beauty and her patience to make sure that we were completely informed of the many important aspects therein. She is without a doubt the most knowledgeable person that we could have had to lead us through the Vatican. I guess this is attributable to her many years of residence in Rome.

The entire staff of the Hotel Duca d’Alba were so friendly and helpful. The accommodations were comfortable and spacious, and the location was great. The restoration of the front entrance is almost completed. The workmen were in the process of finishing up the work while we were there but there was no inconvenience to us at all.

The free days we had in Rome were sufficient for our shopping needs and we had no problem either with money or transportation. It was an experience we will never forget and likewise we can't stop telling our friends what a wonderful time you planned for us.

The train trip to Florence was just great with a compartment practically to ourselves. There was only one other occupant. It was a little hectic at the train station locating our track and then obtaining a cart for our luggage, but thanks to our daughter Jerri she managed to get us on the correct train and into our seats.

The hotel’s location in Florence couldn’t have been more appropriate, right in the center of activity, and perfect for shopping and sightseeing. We were within easy walking distance of all the museums and other places of interest.

The transfer agent arriving at our hotel to escort us to the plane for Paris was the finishing touch to a really great trip. He was so helpful in arranging for our luggage, tickets and boarding passes from Florence and from Paris home. Thanks Guido for an unforgettable trip.

Sincerely,

Bob and Camille
 

Just wanted to let you know that we had a wonderful vacation. It was a great time of year to be in Rome and Sicily. Hotel Carriage was in a perfect location...so close to everything. And Hotel Timeo was beautiful...the view of Mt. Etna and the ocean was amazing!

It couldn't have been any nicer. Thanks for putting this trip together for us. It was incredible.

Thanks Again,

Heidi and Tom
 

This is to thank you for arrangements you made for our recent trip to Italy, March 12th to March 26th. In my six trips to Italy this was, by far, the best. All of my concerns were put at ease once we arrived and were greeted by our guide.

All of our accommodations and meals were the best from Sorrento to Como. Our guides were the best we ever had. It was easy to tell you really did your homework.

All on the tour had nothing but compliments.

Thanks again for a lovely time.
 

I’ve just returned from the most perfect two-week viaggio in Italia, and I must say that the arrangements you made for me were superb.

I loved each of the hotels; the trains and cars came when you said they would; the guides were so gracious and knowledgeable; even your restaurant recommendation (La Rampa in Rome) was wonderful. And, by some miracle, I actually managed to drive the car into and out of Firenze without having an accident or getting lost! It really was a perfect vacation.

La Cisterna and San Gimignano were perfect places for my first glimpse of Tuscany. In Firenze, Hotel Duomo was so conveniently situated that I could pop in and out during the day to rest, drop off purchases, change clothes, etc. and during the night could walk anywhere for dinner and back in complete safety.

Likewise, Hotel Carriage in Rome was in an ideal location for exploratory walks, subway, dining, shopping…all with safety and convenience, plus a charming staff.

But the complete pinnacle was La Costa in Montefollonico; it truly became our home for three days as we had conversations with Paolo and Paola and various guests over breakfasts and dinners there, comparing notes on everyone’s excursions to Montalcino, Pienza, Montepulciano, Arezzo, Lago del Trasimeno, Assisi, etc. (Bryan is staying in touch with them by E-mail as their informal computer consultant!) In every instance, I had a very nice room and view, and I loved the antique furnishings and decor, plus the modem bathrooms.

I had many adventures and just enough taste of Italian living to make me start dreaming of my next visit even as I savor the present one. I would happily return to any of the places I stayed on this trip, but I’m already marking my map with other destinations as well. You can be sure I will come back to you to help plan my next itinerary, and I will happily recommend you to any friends planning to explore Italy.

Thank you, Guido, for helping make my dream come true.

Valerie
 

Hi Guido, I was planning on writing you. We had a blast. You are the man. Yes, the man. I am telling my family and friends to go through you. We had the best time with no problems. Not one problem.

My highlight was the spa. I could have stayed there for a week or two and the tour in Paris. Roger was our driver and he was great. My husband even said he wanted to learn more about the French Revolution because Roger made it so interesting. That was really cool. We felt like royalty. You had everything set up perfectly. All the hotels were perfect. Great locations and fancy.

The people in Germany were very friendly.

Great idea to drive. You were right about driving over there. We had no problems finding where we needed to be. I even had to video Paul driving down the Autobahn. It was great. Nothing could have been done any better.

We went to midnight mass on Christmas Eve at a beautiful church in Berchtesgaden. That was really neat. We couldn't understand the message but it was great.

Every time we stayed at a hotel we thought this couldn't get any better and sure enough the next one was even better. I absolutely loved Brenner Park. I even got my hair cut by a German lady who did a great job.

I could go on and on but I will just bore you.

Thank you so much for all the time and energy you and your staff put into our vacation. You really made it a very special time for us that we will cherish forever. Thank you very much.

Debbie

P.S. I will be contacting you in a year for another trip. Not as expensive of a trip as this one but a nice one all the same.