Francesca Cichella
Ciao! My name is Francesca and I'm a professional Travel Advisor at Igo Travel Network. Before being a Travel Advisor, I am a curious traveler with a passion for traveling off-the-beaten-path, in search of the real soul of the place I am visiting. I am always looking for new destinations and new experiences even in well-known destinations because traveling is not just about buying a plane ticket, booking accommodation or finding the best deal on the web. Traveling is much more than this and I love to turn ordinary trips into authentic and unforgettable travel experiences.
Born and raised in Abruzzo, I am an expert about this undiscovered Region in Central Italy but, thanks to my deep knowledge and network of reliable partners, I cover most areas of Italy and other selected destinations worldwide. I have a great passion for foreign cultures and languages and for everything homemade and handmade. I love my home country and I want to share my passion with all Italy lovers, trying to go beyond the surface. I like to uncover hidden gems and organize out-of-the-ordinary travel experiences for my travelers.
If I am what I am today and if I am so passionate about my job, it is because of my wonderful travelers and to all the amazing travel experiences we have been sharing together!
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"I specialize in combining classic Italian destinations like Rome, Venice, Florence, and the Amalfi Coast with Italy's hidden gems like Abruzzo, Piedmont, Le Marche, and Umbria. I love turning ordinary trips into truly authentic travel experiences and do this through custom-made trips designed around your specific needs and expectations. I believe that slowing down and traveling mindfully are keys to creating truly unforgettable and life-changing travel experiences. "
How did you get involved in travel?
"I started my career in the tourism industry in 2005 after graduating in Economy and Management of Tourism Services. I have worked in several hotels but then I realized that becoming a Travel Advisor was the right choice for me. As a Travel Advisor I can take care of my travelers from the planning stage to all the duration of the trip, and even beyond as my travelers usually become lifetime friends!"
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"It was 1997 and before attending University I decided to spend some time in the UK to improve my English. I left Italy like many other students, just thinking about attending an English course but with no other expectations. What I thought was "just" an English course turned out to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Among many other things, being in close contact with my English host family and other students gave me the chance, for the first time, to talk about Italy with foreign people. I realized that every single person I met had the same stereotypes about Italy! Pizza, spaghetti, Roma, Venezia, Firenze and gelato!
When they asked me about my hometown (a seaside resort in the Abruzzo Region) and I showed them some postcards, everyone wanted to learn more! We started to exchange letters and all became more and more curious about my tales and my photos! After some time, Japanese, Brasilian, and other European friends started to travel to Abruzzo. What a surprise to them! That's the moment in which I realized that my future was in the tourism industry, and I had a dream...to show travelers the most authentic side of Italy through unique travel experiences in close contact with the local community. I can really say that I'm so grateful for that trip to the UK!"
Francesca's favorite itineraries and travel advice
Top itineraries and travel advice
This 9-day itinerary is perfect for adventurous travelers who are short on time. Start in the floating city of Venice to explore city canals and tour ornate palaces, then...
Spend 10 days discovering historical wonders, eating incredible cuisine, and taking in the natural beauty of Italy in this tour through Rome and the Amalfi Coast. Start in...
This packed five-day itinerary is perfect for travelers with a thirst for adventure who are on a time crunch. Explore the glass-roofed Galleria Umberto shopping center, enjoy...
Recent trip reviews for Francesca
Everything that Francesca planned for us was ...
Italy
|
Jul 1 - Jul 9, 2023
Everything that Francesca planned for us was highly enjoyable from the drivers to the accommodations and especially the tour guides she assigned to us.
I highly recommend Francesca and KimKim. We traveled at the peak of the season and would never had been able to accomplish as much as we did had I planned this on my own.
Ciao Chris & family, I am so happy to know your trip went great! Thank you for taking the time to write this review! Not only sharing your overall experience keeps me motivated in pursuing with my mission but I'm sure it's gonna be very helpful for other travelers who are considering organizing their vacation with a Travel Specialist. Thanks again and all the best!
A Trip of a Lifetime!
Italy
|
Mar 3 - Mar 10, 2023
Dear Andrea & Reid,
It has been such a great pleasure to organize your Italian getaway, and even a greater pleasure to know it has been a lifetime memory!
Thank you for sharing your review and your wonderful photos!
Ciao from Italy!
A presto!
Francesca
Excellent trip and would refer any one to Kim...
Italy
|
Nov 19 - Nov 26, 2022
Hi Larry & family,
Thank you so much for taking your time to write this review !
It was such a pleasure to design this tour for you and assist you during your trip to Italy.
Thank you!
Arrivederci!
Our Family's Dream Trip
Italy
|
Jul 13 - Jul 25, 2022
Ciao Angelo & Family!
First of all, let me say thanks to you! For choosing me as your personal travel advisor, for trusting me, and for putting your dreams in my heands.
It's been so nice to assist you during the whole process, and finally being able to meet you in person in Pescara!
Traveling is an investiment of time and money, and I am so happy that you have invested your time and money in creating memories that will stay with you for a long time.
A presto!
Francesca