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Anita Matijasevic

I am passionate about travels, positive and enthusiastic people and exploring new places off the beaten path. Always ready for new life adventures and exciting experiences that make my heart beat faster. I enjoy creating unique travel experiences for my travelers, family and friends by immersing them in the reality of the country they are visiting.

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"I enjoy organising couple getaways, family&friends trip, hiking adventures and wine tasting experience through Italy and Spain and immersing my travellers in the local culture and traditions of the country they will be visiting."

How did you get involved in travel?

"It all started at the age of 15 and when I escaped from home with my older sister, one bag and passport on a day trip from Croatia to the Amusement park in the northern Italy. That trip made me want to travel and discover more which ulteriorly led me to one of the best decisions in my life - to enter the University and study foreign languages. After getting my bachelor's degree in Italian Language and Literature I got opportunity to spend 6 months on a Erasmus Study Stay in Naples, visit the south of Italy and later on start my first working experience aboad, in beautiful Florence. For my personal passions and redevelopment of my native country Croatia, I have also participated in various cultural and debating projects for which I have traveled a lot through Italy, Spain, Cyprus, Poland, Turkey, Lithuania, Latvia and met so many interesting people with same interest in travel who just confirmed me my life vision - dreams do come true, they sometimes just take time."

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"One travel experience that makes me particularly happy happened in December 2019. After my university studies I wanted to turn my lifelong dream into reality, so I booked a one way ticket for my dream continent - South America and voluntereed for two months in Chile, Argentina and Brasil. I will never forget the simplicity and warmth of local people, the colorful streets always full of music, exotic fruits never seen before and beautiful panoramic views on every corner. I consider myself happy because I've got the chance to live with locals in their families and share everyday moments which helped me understand more their culture, break down all the stereotypes that media wanted me to believe and made me see the real South America in a way that might not have occured otherwise."

Top itineraries and travel advice
Family itineraries

Recent trip reviews for Anita

Italy 2025
Italy | Jun 10 - Jun 25, 2025

Jim
Jim R.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025
The accommodations were in very nice locations and the size of the rooms excellent. Having free access to laundry machines in Rome was a nice addition since this was the midpoint of our trip. While the day was very hot, the Tuscany bike trip was great. Peter was excellent in making sure we were safe and hydrated. Having restaurants right outside our door in all locations, especially Venice was a real treat after a long day. Our Grandson was traveling with us and Anita was attentive and... Read more

The accommodations were in very nice locations and the size of the rooms excellent. Having free access to laundry machines in Rome was a nice addition since this was the midpoint of our trip. While the day was very hot, the Tuscany bike trip was great. Peter was excellent in making sure we were safe and hydrated. Having restaurants right outside our door in all locations, especially Venice was a real treat after a long day. Our Grandson was traveling with us and Anita was attentive and easy to work with in planning special activities for him. We really liked the travel app and wished our France portion had the same access. This is the second time we have used Kim Kim and will always keep them in mind as we plan more adventures.

Hotel Reviews
Aparthotel Trianon Borgo Pio

nice location, small apartment with free access to laundry machines. Bathroom was a little small but workable

Hotel Carnival Palace
Venice

Great quiet location with restaurants and water taxi stands close by. Friendly staff and a more than adequate breakfast.

Authenticity & Character
location and staff
Location
Quite residential area right on a canal
Staff
Accommodating and friendly
Cleanliness & Comfort
nothing to add
Activity Reviews
Guided Visit: Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
Guided Visit: Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
Italy

Our guide was extremely knowledgeable but provided too much information for our grandson.

Pasta Making Class with Gelato
Pasta Making Class with Gelato
Italy

Great fun time. The chef was great and enjoying the food you had just prepared was a treat.

Enchanting Florence Biking Adventure
Enchanting Florence Biking Adventure
Florence

It was a very hot day but Peter made sure we were safe and well hydrated. See the country side on a bike was special.

Guides, Drivers and Staff
Family Workshop: Decor Your Own Venetian Mask
Family Workshop: Decor Your Own Venetian Mask
Venice

Great activity that both the grandparents and the grandson enjoyed. The masks made it all the way home.

Guided Visit of Venice: St. Mark’s Basilica with Terrace Access & Doge’s Palace
Guided Visit of Venice: St. Mark’s Basilica with Terrace Access & Doge’s Palace
Venice

We did this on the day we arrived. The guide was very knowledgeable

Local specialist: Anita Matijasevic
Anita
Anita Matijasevic
Local specialist in Madrid & Florence | Replied on Jul 01, 2025

Hello Carole and Jim, thank you so much for your review! My Team and I are glad to hear that you enjoyed your trip and our local guides. It was a pleasure to personalize everything to match your travel schedule and preferences. We’d love to help you plan future adventures to Spain, Portugal, Italy, or Morocco! All the best from Espiritu Travel Team!

This is not the first time we have worked wit...
Italy | Jun 6 - Jun 18, 2025

Bryan
Bryan S.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Jun 25, 2025
This is not the first time we have worked with KimKim. Our introduction was a trip to Japan. One word FANTASTIC! This time with Italy, it was a dream trip. Anita and her team provided us with white glove service from the time our plane landed in Italy until we were delivered back to the airport. The planed day trips with local guides introduced us to experiences we would not have had if we tried to do it on our own.
We were even able to add a day trip to Switzerland that only added to...
Read more

This is not the first time we have worked with KimKim. Our introduction was a trip to Japan. One word FANTASTIC!

This time with Italy, it was a dream trip. Anita and her team provided us with white glove service from the time our plane landed in Italy until we were delivered back to the airport. The planed day trips with local guides introduced us to experiences we would not have had if we tried to do it on our own.
We were even able to add a day trip to Switzerland that only added to our experience.

Thank you Anita and team

Activity Reviews
Como Food Tour & Farmers Market
Como Food Tour & Farmers Market
Italy
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Bellagio E-Bike Experience & Food tasting
Bellagio E-Bike Experience & Food tasting
Italy
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Milan Fashion Guide Experience
Milan Fashion Guide Experience
Italy
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Lake Como Boat Experience
Lake Como Boat Experience
Italy
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Anita Matijasevic
Anita
Anita Matijasevic
Local specialist in Madrid & Florence | Replied on Jun 25, 2025

Hi Bryan, thank you for taking the time to leave a review. My team and I are happy to hear that you enjoyed the personalized touches as well as spontaneus day trips. 😎 We would love to help you again with any future travels, whether it’s to Italy, Spain, Portugal, or Morocco. Until then, grazie mille and safe travels! 🍷

A very attentive and detail oriented company
Spain | May 30 - Jun 12, 2025

Randal
Randal S.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Jun 15, 2025

With short notice, a fabulous trip was planned and executed for us. Especially liked guided tours of the city on the afternoon/evenings that we arrived. That helps a lot to get the lay of the land. Barcelona tapas tour, Gaudi architectural tour were both great. Rioja full day wine tour with private guide was outstanding. Hotel choices were spot on. They were quick to answer messages and make changes on the fly. You can trust this group.

Local specialist: Anita Matijasevic
Anita
Anita Matijasevic
Local specialist in Madrid & Florence | Replied on Jun 16, 2025

Hi Randal, thank you so much for your review! My Team and I are glad to hear that you enjoyed your trip, especially the guided city tours and the Rioja wine experience. It was a pleasure to personalize everything to match your travel schedule and preferences. We’d love to help you plan future adventures to Spain, Portugal, Italy, or Morocco! All the best from Espiritu Travel Team!

Old folks still traveling the world with the help of KimKim
Italy | May 6 - May 19, 2025

Marcia
Marcia G.
Canada | Reviewed on May 24, 2025
My husband and I have been travelling together since 1967 and have travelled all over the world. Usually we traveled independently and I booked everything myself; even when there was no internet. However, as we have aged and are disabled we recognized the need for a private tour. I was amazed at how Anita, our local travel specialist, listened to our needs. She understood our needs and she came through with a fabulous trip that went off without a hitch. All our hotels were small boutique... Read more

My husband and I have been travelling together since 1967 and have travelled all over the world. Usually we traveled independently and I booked everything myself; even when there was no internet. However, as we have aged and are disabled we recognized the need for a private tour. I was amazed at how Anita, our local travel specialist, listened to our needs. She understood our needs and she came through with a fabulous trip that went off without a hitch. All our hotels were small boutique hotels(3-5 stars) near many restaurants so that we could access them ourselves for dinner. All hotels had elevators or were ground level. The ones in the old city centres had some old world charm but had beautiful modern bathrooms, comfortable beds and were fairly large for European hotels. I got to approve them before we finished the trip planning.
As my husband and I can't walk more than 200 metres, Anita arranged private drivers and private guides for all our site seeing and city transfers. All the cars were luxury Mercedes. All the drivers were well dressed and exceedingly polite and helpful. We had lots of interesting and fun discussions with them on long drives but that was our choice. We enjoyed talking with Luca from Palermo to Agrigento and with Stephano who took us to Modica. Piero who took care of us in Taormina was superb, a real professional. He added a lot to our trips to Mount Etna.
Our tours were all sensitive to our capabilities and our likes and dislikes. The highlights were the cooking classes outside Palermo and in Ortigia. The chefs were very knowledgeable and we had a fun time and wonderful food that we actually made! The best site seeing was at the Cathedral in Monreale and the Roman Villa Del Casale in Piazza Armerina.
The most disappointing plans were the Ape Calessino rides in Ortigia and Taormina. We thought they would be able to go in areas that cars were not allowed, but it turned out that was not the case. They were fun and unique to ride in but did not fulfil our purpose which was to go to pedestrianized areas without having to walk.
The Trip Plans app was great. We always knew who was coming to pick us up, their name and phone number and we were able to easily communicate through WhatsApp. I highly recommend KimKim and Espiritu for excellent service. Thank you for a very memorable trip.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Casa Adele
Taormina

The room we had was very large with many windows. We had a king-size bed that was very comfortable. Our room had a very large private outdoor furnished terrace with a wonderful view. The bathroom was beautiful and very modern. There was a private garage which our drivers could pull into. This was very helpful as the street was very narrow with lots of traffic. There were many good restaurants in close proximity. The managers were very helpful and provided us with a shower seat upon request. They also had a cane to loan us. My only criticism would be to get a smart TV that we could either use Mirroring or something that would allow guests to sign into Netflix.

Authenticity & Character
The room decor was elegant
Location
Close to restaurants and pedestrianized shopping street
Staff
They were always happy to help. The breakfast staff was also very cheerful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
If you don't get the room with the private terrace there is another rooftop terrace for everyone to enjoy.
Doric Boutique Hotel
Agrigento

This hotel is world class. The grounds were exquiste. The view of the Temples and the sea were extraordinary. The restaurant had an interesting menu. The room itself was small, but attached to the room is a private plunge pool so it is hard to complain. The staff was very happy to pick us up in golf carts if we found it too long a walk. There is nothing nearby so you have to eat at the restaurant or take a cab elsewhere.

Authenticity & Character
Modern hotel focusing on being sensitive to the environment.
Location
Amazing for the view and the gardens. Not so good if you want to be independent.
Staff
Friendly and helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Prepare to be wowed.
Activity Reviews
Private guided visit of the Roman Villa del Casale in Piazza Armerina
Private guided visit of the Roman Villa del Casale in Piazza Armerina
Italy

Without the private guide we would not have truly appreciated this site. We have seen mosaics in other places but this villa was so impressive. Each mosaic told a different story and our guide explained them all to us and put them in context for the time. She pointed out many details that we would never have noticed.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sicilian Bread and Pizza in a Rustic Farmhouse
Sicilian Bread and Pizza in a Rustic Farmhouse
Italy

This was different than originally planned due to our abilities. We did not go to the Rustic Farmhouse but stayed in Ortigia. We had a snack at the market and then went through the food part of the market with the Chef, Allissia. Then she sent us back to her town villa via Velocar and we cooked and ate there. She was delightful and very knowledgeable. It was amazing how much we cooked in a short period of time. We couldn't eat all the food!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit to the Old Family Oil Mill
Visit to the Old Family Oil Mill
Italy

This was one of the highlights of the trip. We actually made cannellonis including the shells and filling. My husband is lactose intollerant and Carlo had lactose free ricotta cheese and also lactose free buffalo mozzerella for his lunch. I was able to take the walk through his farm garden but unfortunately it was too difficult for my husband . there was another couple there and we had a lot of fun with them. We made pasta as well and then we had a magnificent lunch. Carlo was a good teacher and has a beautiful home and setting for this experience.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Anita Matijasevic
Anita
Anita Matijasevic
Local specialist in Madrid & Florence | Replied on May 26, 2025

Hi Marcia! Thank you so much for your kind words.😊 It was an absolute pleasure planning this special trip for you both, and I’m so glad to hear everything went smoothly and met your expectations. Wishing you many more adventures like this ahead—and hope we have the opportunity to plan another one together in the future!
Warmest regards,
Anita

Spain/Italy extravaganza.
Spain | May 7 - May 20, 2025

Larry
Larry R.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on May 21, 2025
I must say this has been the most enjoyable trips ever taken the KikKim team was fabulous. From the very start of the process Anita was so helpful. Listening to what I wanted my trip to look like. Within a couple days of me submitting my profile I had a custom itinerary put together that fit my request to a T. Anita worked with me all the way thru the process including the days we were on the ground. The accommodations were top notch and the tour selections were fabulous. Not overwhelming but... Read more

I must say this has been the most enjoyable trips ever taken the KikKim team was fabulous. From the very start of the process Anita was so helpful. Listening to what I wanted my trip to look like. Within a couple days of me submitting my profile I had a custom itinerary put together that fit my request to a T. Anita worked with me all the way thru the process including the days we were on the ground. The accommodations were top notch and the tour selections were fabulous. Not overwhelming but just enough to keep us busy. The local tour guides were top notch and very knowledgeable. All of our transportation to and from airports were great. Picked up in Black Mercedes cars or vans and the drivers were always professional.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel España Ramblas
Barcelona

The hotels was great. Very clean well appointed and perfect location. Walking distance to all the city events and attraction but enough off the main setting in a quiet neighborhood. The staff was wonderful

Authenticity & Character
Well appointed and yet quaint with a little flare
Location
Close to everything but secluded enough to have personal quiet appeal
Staff
Supper helpful in all respects. They were all kind and professional always had smiles
Cleanliness & Comfort
Perfect.
Hotel Meninas
Madrid

The place was awesome. The character and location was great. Close enough to everything but in a quiet quaint area of town. Well appointed

Authenticity & Character
Very well appointed while keeping its authentic appeal
Location
A little off the beaten path which was perfect. Everything in walking distance
Staff
Everyone was super helpful and friendly. Very professional and knowledgeable about the area
Cleanliness & Comfort
H10 Corregidor Boutique Hotel
Sevilla

H10 hotels were my favorite on our entire trips. Always well appointed and very clean and well set up. The moment you walk in you know you are in good hands. The staff was very welcoming from check in throughout our entire stay

Authenticity & Character
Was fabulously furnished and designed but kept the original character
Location
Best ever. Close enough but yet still in quaint neighborhoods.
Staff
Couldn't be better. All were super helpful and profession and always with a smile
Cleanliness & Comfort
Aparthotel Trianon Borgo Pio

It was nice to have a little apartment feel. The location was great with everything in walking distance. The staff was super helpful and gave great recommendations all through our stay.

Authenticity & Character
The
Location
Great. Walking distance to everything
Staff
It was well appointed but kept some originality
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean
Hotel Florida 3* Sorrento
Sorrento

Everything was ok with this place. Very minimalistic but had enough that met our needs. A little far from the center of town. We walked there about a 20 minute walk but usually had to get a cab at the end of a long day. And typical cost was 20 Euro for A 5 minute ride. But the walk to town was beautiful and the flowers were awesome.

Authenticity & Character
Pretty simple design well appointed
Location
A bit far from town
Staff
They were friendly and helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean
Activity Reviews
Tapas Walk in Barcelona
Tapas Walk in Barcelona
Barcelona

This was an Amazing start to our trip. The guide was so fun and energetic. He truly enjoyed his job and went out of his way to make sure everyone was included. He selected local cuisine and challenged us to try new things

Quality of Experience
Well thought out and had a personal touch
Food
All food was authentic and spot on
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Super knowledgeable, friendly and funny. Went out of his way to make things perfect
Transport
Was a walking tour.
Guided Visit of Barcelona & Sagrada Familia
Guided Visit of Barcelona & Sagrada Familia
Barcelona

Absolutely perfect. Although it was a self guided tour or driver Teo was very knowledgeable and described everything that we needed to do and see and took us to the right vantage and gave us great eating recommendations. He even shared his Spanish Spotify play list with me

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Coastal Hike, Kayaking & Lagoon Dipping in Costa Brava
Coastal Hike, Kayaking & Lagoon Dipping in Costa Brava
Spain

No review. Trip cancelled do to weather

Local specialist: Anita Matijasevic
Anita
Anita Matijasevic
Local specialist in Madrid & Florence | Replied on May 28, 2025

Hi Larry, thank you so much for your kind words! 🤩 It was truly a pleasure helping you plan this trip, and I’m so happy to hear it was everything you hoped for. Hopefully we can get in touch again for future adventures through Italy, Spain, Portugal or Morocco! Best wishes, Anita

Wonderful adventure!
Italy | Mar 28 - Apr 5, 2025

Nora
Nora F.
Harrisonburg, VA | Reviewed on Apr 22, 2025
We had a wonderful adventure in Italy! All of our tour guides and drivers were personable, knowledgable and professional! We were a group of 5 and we each loved something different the best! My favorite was the day trip to Tuscany with Alexandro. I loved the cooking class with Dante and the wine tasting and visits to Siena and San Giamano. My husband loved the visits to Pompeii and the Colosseum. My 15 year old son loved seeing the David and all of the art in Florenece while my younger son... Read more

We had a wonderful adventure in Italy! All of our tour guides and drivers were personable, knowledgable and professional! We were a group of 5 and we each loved something different the best! My favorite was the day trip to Tuscany with Alexandro. I loved the cooking class with Dante and the wine tasting and visits to Siena and San Giamano. My husband loved the visits to Pompeii and the Colosseum. My 15 year old son loved seeing the David and all of the art in Florenece while my younger son (age 12) loved the whole city of Naples the best. My father (in his 70's) enjoyed all of the tour guides and history but probably enjoyed the foodie tour the first day the most! We went back to several of those restaurants in Rome while we were there because they were so delicious!

The accommodations were top notch and the breakfasts were outstanding. We enjoyed all of the art and history as well as the shopping and just everything! We had an unforgettable visit and would highly recommend it to anyone!

Local specialist: Anita Matijasevic
Anita
Anita Matijasevic
Local specialist in Madrid & Florence | Replied on Apr 29, 2025

Dear Nora and Family, thank you so much for your kind words! It was truly a pleasure helping you plan your trip to Italy. I'm so happy to hear that your experience was seamless and stress-free. Wishing you many more unforgettable family adventures ahead—and hope we have the opportunity to plan another one together in the future!
Warmest regards,
Anita

Fantastic trip to Spain
Spain | Apr 13 - Apr 20, 2025

S
Sandra G.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Apr 22, 2025
This was our first time planning a trip with a travel agency and we had a great experience. Anita and her colleagues were incredibly responsive and helpful at every stage of the process. We really appreciated being matched with a travel company local to Spain and with specialists who live in the areas we visited. We did find it hard to not have a good handle on how much individual aspects of the trip cost, but at the same time were able to identify a budget we could live within and let our... Read more

This was our first time planning a trip with a travel agency and we had a great experience. Anita and her colleagues were incredibly responsive and helpful at every stage of the process. We really appreciated being matched with a travel company local to Spain and with specialists who live in the areas we visited. We did find it hard to not have a good handle on how much individual aspects of the trip cost, but at the same time were able to identify a budget we could live within and let our specialists handle the details.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Meninas
Madrid

We really liked Hotel Meninas. It has a lot of charm and is in a great location.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Situated near the Opera, the hotel is in a lovely historic district close to Mercado San Miguel and the Palace.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
We had a large room on the 5th floor that provided plenty of space for our family of 4. It was very quiet and comfortable.
Gran Hotel Havana
Barcelona

We really loved this hotel. Service was excellent all-around and the hotel was very clean and well-kept. We had a Top Havana room, which was awesome for our family of 4.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Very centrally located in the Eixample neighborhod.
Staff
Housekeeping staff and front desk staff were excellent. The front desk arranged for a doctor to come to the hotel when one of our children was sick.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Housekeeping was very attentive .
Activity Reviews
Tapas Walk in Barcelona
Tapas Walk in Barcelona
Barcelona

As non-Spanish speakers, we found the tapas scene a bit intimidating and really appreciated this 3-hour guided tour that took us to 4 different stops.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Train Madrid to Toledo, Guided Family Visit, Train Toledo to Madrid
Train Madrid to Toledo, Guided Family Visit, Train Toledo to Madrid
Madrid

We loved visiting Toledo. Elena, our tour guide, was great. We learned so much about the history of this incredibly special place that we would have never learned without a guide. Highly recommend.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Madrid for Kids - Walking Tour with Activities & Snacks
Madrid for Kids - Walking Tour with Activities & Snacks
Madrid

This walking tour was a great activity for our first day in Madrid. Rosa, our guide, was excellent and really made a connection with our tween and teen daughters (12 and 14). We were worried they'd be too old for a tour like this, but they really loved it.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Flamenco Night
Flamenco Night
Madrid

We loved the Flamenco show at Las Carboneras. It was one of the highlights of our trip.

Local specialist: Anita Matijasevic
Anita
Anita Matijasevic
Local specialist in Madrid & Florence | Replied on May 05, 2025

Hi Sandra, thank you for taking the time to share a thoughtful and detailed review! I'm truly happy to hear that your trip went smoothly and that you and your family had such a positive experience throughout. It was a pleasure helping you plan your journey through Spain, and I'm especially glad that the local touches and personalized experiences made it all the more special.
Wishing you and your family all the very best 😊

italy
Italy | Jan 9 - Jan 22, 2025

K
KAREN A.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Jan 29, 2025
we had an excellent experience working with anita and all the kimkim staff! everyone was helpful, responsive and accommodating. well done! a few items: -while the process of developing the itinerary was initially difficult for me -because of the way communication is imbedded in the developing itinerary- anita was willing to accommodate me and work around it with direct contact via phone and email. thank you, anita! the app proved to be a very useful tool during the trip, providing... Read more

we had an excellent experience working with anita and all the kimkim staff! everyone was helpful, responsive and accommodating. well done!

a few items:

-while the process of developing the itinerary was initially difficult for me -because of the way communication is imbedded in the developing itinerary- anita was willing to accommodate me and work around it with direct contact via phone and email. thank you, anita! the app proved to be a very useful tool during the trip, providing up to date changes, quick contact and quick responses. what a great idea!

our trip went smoothly for the most part.

the guides were quite knowledgeable; some were extremely personable and fun. while all kindly accommodated the visually impaired member of our group, massimo stands out as having gone above and beyond. he was extremely helpful and caring. vito and donato also went out of their way to accommodate his needs; the ape calessino was a lifesaver in both matera and ostuni. all the guides were in contact in advance of our scheduled meeting time and were prompt in meeting us. the driver you hired at the last minute for the driving tour of naples proved to be as knowledgeable as any guide would have been; indeed, he actually was a guide. all well done!

all drivers were professional and helpful; in rome and naples, we were quite glad that they were driving and not us. again, each was in touch with us in advance of our meeting time and accommodated any travel delays cheerfully. this was especially true of vito and donato. the driver for our transfer to the rental car pickup at the naples airport was not informed of the correct pickup time. this delayed our arrival in matera, but vito and donato kindly waited for what was a substantial amount of time and cheerfully toured us anyway. we did regret that the driver assigned to pick us up in rome on arrival from munich did not learn of the delay until after he had already gone to the airport. i hope he was properly compensated.

each of the hotels stood out in different ways, but all of them were beautiful and comfortable and the staff professional and accommodating. however, the following were issues for our visually impaired friend:
-is it true that grab bars are only required in new construction in the eu? it was difficult for our friend without such accommodation. this might be wise to share with others who may be anticipating accommodations we take for granted in the united states.
-at the cenobia in matera, the staff was quite helpful and very nice, especially samir and mario, but the location was dangerously challenging. the hotel was at the bottom of several very long flights of exterior steps (no hand rails, of course). add in the rain and it was a difficult, dangerous situation for our friend. even the room assignment was problematic given the exterior steps by which it is accessed. it was fortunate the hotel was empty because it allowed management to change his room to one that had fewer steps to reach it (all entrances were exterior). as it was, it took several people to help him navigate all these steps, in the dark and the rain. he did not go to breakfast because of the rain and steps. while the hotel was beautiful and the staff wonderful, this was a bad choice for our circumstances, and could have had disastrous consequences for our friend. there is nothing on the website to alert to the steps. a heads up for other travelers is indicated.

-the same situation with steps occurred at masseria montenapoleone, on a smaller scale. again, it was fortunate that because so few people were there, management was able to reassign him to a room that was less of a challenge.

-the donna camilla was stunning. we arrived quite late after our flight from brindisi and did not see any restaurants nearby so we were quite happy it had a restaurant, a good one. however, as you know, because of our early departure, we couldn't eat at the hotel in the morning. in retrospect, we would have preferred a credit on the room since the breakfast the hotel provided was sparse and more snack-like than anything.

-because we arrived late to the donna camilla and went immediately to dinner, it wasn't until afterwards that we discovered the room our friend received had only a tub -no shower- a serious oversight and miscommunication with the hotel.

that our friend was not accommodated in several circumstances, as requested from the outset, is the only negative in what was otherwise a wonderful trip.

anita, it was a pleasure working with you…you were accommodating, quick to reply and thoughtful in your suggestions. Your colleagues we interacted with via the app were quite helpful as well. if you would like to discuss any of my comments, please feel free to contact me.

Hotel Reviews
H10 Palazzo Galla
Rome
Authenticity & Character
Location
LOCATED NEAR THE FORUM AND THE PANTHEON
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Cenobio Hotel Matera
Matera

THIS IS A TRULY BEAUTIFUL HOTEL WITH TRULY WONDERFUL STAFF, ESPECIALLY MARIO AND SAMIR...TRULY WONDERFUL PEOPLE. WE HAD A VISUALLY IMPAIRED OLDER MAN IN OUR PARTY WHO WAS QUITE CHALLENGED TO GET TO AND FROM THE HOTEL BECAUSE OF THE NUMBER OF EXTERIOR STEPS AND LACK OF HAND RAILS TO BE NAVIGATED TO THE HOTEL. ADD A RAIN STORM TO THE MIX AND IT WAS QUITE DANGEROUS FOR HIM. THE STAFF WERE EXTRAORDINARILY HELPFUL IN GETTING HIM TO AND FROM THE HOTEL AND MANAGING THE BAGS. WELL DONE!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Grand Hotel Oriente
Naples
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Masseria Montenapoleone
Fasano
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Palazzo Lecce
Lecce

THE OWNER IS AN ARTIST OF GREAT SKILL IN METAL WORK. HIS ART IS THROUGHOUT THE HOTEL, ADDING TO THE ALREADY BEAUTIFUL CHARM OF THIS HOTEL.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
VOI Donna Camilla Savelli
Rome

THIS ONE-TIME MONASTERY IS GORGEOUS!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Anita Matijasevic
Anita
Anita Matijasevic
Local specialist in Madrid & Florence | Replied on Feb 04, 2025

Hi Karen,
Thank you so much for taking the time to write your trip review! It’s wonderful to know that you had a great time in Italy and were happy with the local guides and the quality of the tours.
I’d love to help you with any future trips to Italy, Spain, Morocco, or Portugal. Wishing you all the best and many more amazing travels ahead! 😊
Kind regards,
Anita

Anita planned us an excellent trip in Spain. ...
Spain | Dec 22 - Dec 31, 2024

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Kate G.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on Jan 17, 2025

Anita planned us an excellent trip in Spain. She saved us hours of planning time and eased the stress of travel days with thoughtful instructions. We particularly liked the H10 hotel in Seville, and had fabulous tour guides in all of the cities we visited. Barcelona was our favorite, and Anna, our guide to Sagrada Familia was a particular treat.

Local specialist: Anita Matijasevic
Anita
Anita Matijasevic
Local specialist in Madrid & Florence | Replied on Jan 17, 2025

Hello Kate & Family! 😊
Thanks so much for taking the time to share the highlights of your trip and for your kind words! I am glad to know that you've enjoyed your time in Spain 🥰It was a pleasure creating this experience with you and hopefully, we get in touch again for future adventures through Italy, Spain, Portugal or Morocco! All the best, Anita

Beautiful and unique trip that we never could have dreamt up on our own!
Italy | Nov 28 - Dec 8, 2024

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Bianca M.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Dec 09, 2024
Absolutely beside myself at how well-planned our trip to Italy was. Anita and her team did such an incredible job taking our vision and making it much more than we could have imagined. I feel like we took such a unique trip that we will be reminiscing about for the rest of our lives. Everything from the off-the-beaten-path tours to the smooth and professional drivers and transfers...we were blown away at the experience. Thanks so much! Read more

Absolutely beside myself at how well-planned our trip to Italy was. Anita and her team did such an incredible job taking our vision and making it much more than we could have imagined. I feel like we took such a unique trip that we will be reminiscing about for the rest of our lives. Everything from the off-the-beaten-path tours to the smooth and professional drivers and transfers...we were blown away at the experience. Thanks so much!

Hotel Reviews
Sorrento City Hotel
Sorrento

Great location and attentive staff. The breakfast had wonderful variety and felt very homey.

Authenticity & Character
Small but well thought out. Not the coziest hotel I've ever been to, but gets the job done well.
Location
Right on the main street of Sorrento. Very easily walkable and lively.
Staff
Kind staff. Breakfast attendants were very warm.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Pietra Campana Italian Villa
Orvieto

Cannot give this villa enough praise. The location is absolutely breath-taking. The service and warmth of the staff was so wonderful. The spaciousness of the room was also wonderful. Highly recommend!!

Authenticity & Character
I felt like I was staying with a family member in the Italian countryside.
Location
Unbelievable panoramic views of Orvieto, while still being a very short drive from the city.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
La Maison du Sage
Florence

What a cool, unique guest house in such a fun part of town!

Authenticity & Character
The art deco decor was so cool while still giving a very cozy environment.
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean and super comfortable. The couch/daybed was an amazing touch. We loved!
Activity Review
Private Full Day Amalfi Experience
Private Full Day Amalfi Experience
Italy

It rained the whole day but we made the most of it. Was really fun to travel the Amalfi Coast during off-season. If there's any way to request Giuseppe as your driver/guide, you MUST!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Giuseppe was top notch!
Transport
Local specialist: Anita Matijasevic
Anita
Anita Matijasevic
Local specialist in Madrid & Florence | Replied on Dec 12, 2024

Hi Bianca, thank you for taking the time to write your trip review! I am glad to hear that everything went just as we planned (except the rain on the Amalfi Coast) and that you enjoyed your vacation! I hope to be able to help you again for your future trips to Italy, Spain, Morocco or Portugal. I wish you all the best 😊 Kind regards, Anita