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active 9 hours ago

Jessica Proietti

I’m the CEO and Founder of Storywalking, an Italian tour operator. Storywalking sprang from my yearlong exploration of Italy from top to bottom, delving into unusual urban and rural attractions, sights, crafts, workshops, kitchens - out-of-the-way places that tourism generally ignores. With tours throughout Italy, we operate under the premise that most people prefer unhurried, satisfying immersive experiences to viewing Italy from a van!

Guided by personable experts, travelers come to know Italy’s creative heart and passionate soul, exploring its nooks and crannies while listening to commentary and stories that bring places to life. Details are everything in this anecdotal approach. It leans more to illuminate the present and the past and less to recitations of building dimensions, dates, and genealogies.

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"On paper, Storywalking is an Italian tour operator that organizes FITs and small group tours throughout Italy. But we are much more than that! We specialize in taking open-to-anything, curious visitors to unique, less-visited places. If we were from a fairytale, we would have a lot in common with Peter Pan and Mary Poppins!

Naturally, we can take you to see all the precious gems of our history and heritage – the Colosseum, the canals of Venice, the Da Vincis, the Caravaggios, the soaring cathedrals, the sparkling lakes. But we can also take you beyond, to the Italy best seen at a walking pace, with time to point out details that enrich the story and deepen the plot. With the “big picture” visible in the background, Storywalking focuses on the vignettes and images, the relationships and experiences that form the truly ‘aha’ moments, whether in grand famous spots or in tiny villages. With so much discovery at hand, we also never forget to pause for an espresso or an aperitivo."

How did you get involved in travel?

"I have always loved sharing the Italian beauties with my family and friends ever since I was a child. That’s why I studied Art History in Rome, and I have been dedicating my time discovering the best-hidden spots as well as food delicacies. I think that Italy is unique in its heritage, food, and traditions: they change from one region to another where you will always experience something different.

That’s why I have always believed that Italy is not only the Colosseum, Florence, etc...Italy is mainly what you see in the surroundings of these most visited cities. That's how our Storywalking company started: meeting locals, having the chance to visit something new, and living authentic experiences are what our customers love most. Storywalking means walking through local stories."

Jessica is part of the following groups: Italy Travel Agents, Italy Family Travel Agents
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Recent trip reviews for Jessica

What an amazing trip! We enjoyed everything a...
Italy | Jul 3 - Jul 13, 2023

Kristen
Kristen G.
Hopatcong Hills, NJ | Reviewed on Feb 10, 2024
What an amazing trip! We enjoyed everything about our custom trip to Italy! Everything was planned so wonderfully that we were able to enjoy every experience without any stress. We are looking forward to planning another trip soon! Thank you for everything! Read more

What an amazing trip! We enjoyed everything about our custom trip to Italy! Everything was planned so wonderfully that we were able to enjoy every experience without any stress. We are looking forward to planning another trip soon! Thank you for everything!

Activity Review
Market Tour & Cooking lesson (morning tour)
Market Tour & Cooking lesson (morning tour)
Rome

This was an amazing experience! I learned a lot and really enjoyed going to the market for fresh local ingredients. I’ve cooked the meal we made in Rome several times since we returned and everyone loves it!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Jessica Proietti
Jessica
Jessica Proietti
Local specialist in Italy | Replied on Feb 10, 2024

Ciao Kristen!

Thank you for taking time in reviewing us!
It was a pleasure to assist you in designing a 100% customised trip and ensuring 100% stress-free journey! Our purpose is exactly this: giving you the chance to experience the real soul of our Belpaese, and it's great that you are sharing Italian recipes with your friends! Arrivederci until your next trip!

We had the trip of a lifetime! Exploring Ital...
Italy | Oct 14 - Oct 23, 2023

Mark
Mark T.
Waterford, MI | Reviewed on Oct 27, 2023
We had the trip of a lifetime! Exploring Italy with our numerous drivers and guides made the travel easy and fun. Every detail was accounted for. We loved Valentina, Suzanne, Roberto and Elizabeth. They assured that we saw all there was to see and added an element of pure Italian hospitality. Our hotels were amazing and our tours were outstanding. Jessica's planning and hard work assured that we would have a great trip. The App was easy to use and made train transfers and meeting times... Read more

We had the trip of a lifetime! Exploring Italy with our numerous drivers and guides made the travel easy and fun. Every detail was accounted for. We loved Valentina, Suzanne, Roberto and Elizabeth. They assured that we saw all there was to see and added an element of pure Italian hospitality. Our hotels were amazing and our tours were outstanding. Jessica's planning and hard work assured that we would have a great trip. The App was easy to use and made train transfers and meeting times and places a breeze. We look forward to using Kim Kim for another adventure. Well done!

Hotel Reviews
Palazzo Salgar
Naples

Crowded lobby and small room. The breakfast was good.

Authenticity & Character
Nothing special here
Location
There wasn't much to do near the hotel.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean and comfortable
Star Hotel Rosa Grand
Milan

Great location, great breakfast!

Authenticity & Character
Very upscale.
Location
Close to the Dumo and other attractions. Close to all things on our walking tour.
Staff
Very helpful staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Albergo Posta Marcucci
Bagno Vignoni

The spa was amazing but the room was hot and small. It. seemed a bit out dated. The breakfast was delicious!

Authenticity & Character
The spa area was FABULOUS! It made our stay exceptional.
Location
This was a great mid-point for us.
Staff
The waiter at the restaurant was rude. We were treated poorly.
Cleanliness & Comfort
It seemed old and outdated. The rooms were hot.
Tree Charme Parliament Boutique Hotel & Bistrot
Rome

This hotel was a GREAT location. The breakfast was marginal and the rooms were small.

Authenticity & Character
This felt like Rome!
Location
Could not have been better!
Staff
They accommodated our schedule and packed us a breakfast for our early tour.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Conca Park 4* Sorrento
Sorrento

Great location. This hotel was beautiful! The breakfast was amazing as was the view! the grounds were immaculate and the amenities were superb. We loved this hotel. I am so glad that we spent multiple nights here.

Authenticity & Character
This was a beautiful hotel.
Location
Close to town and easy to walk to where we wanted to go.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Express Milan Duomo Tour with Terrace Access
Express Milan Duomo Tour with Terrace Access
Milan

Our guide was well-informed but spent too much time on the history and did not seem aware of our time constraints. We just barely fit the roof-top visit in and she seemed confused when we told her that we had an early departure for that day. Overall it was a good experience but we felt bad for our tour guide who seemed prepared for a much longer experience.

Quality of Experience
It is simply an exceptional place
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Lake Como and Bellagio – Full Day Trip from Milan with Cruise
Lake Como and Bellagio – Full Day Trip from Milan with Cruise
Italy

Elizabeth was amazing. She kept us on time and on task and allowed time for our own adventure in Bellagio. She recommended a fabulous lunch spot and joined us for a great outing.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Elizabeth was outstanding!
Transport
Winery tour in Chianti Area
Winery tour in Chianti Area
Italy

We loved our vineyard tours but especially appreciated Valentina taking us to a small town for the most authentic experience of our week. She found a lovely lunch spot and communicated in Italian with the owner to allow us to experience a very special lunch. Although it was only a fragment of our tour, it was most memorable. We adored Valentina!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Rome walking tour by night - private
Rome walking tour by night - private
Rome

Vera did a good job of giving us the basics of Rome. She took us to some different places.....the Trevi Fountain and the old Hospital now University which was very interesting. I wish we had seen the castle and DiVinci museum. We were extremely tired and probably not the best audience. She did a great job.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Vineyard Walk and Tasting in an Umbrian Vineyard
Vineyard Walk and Tasting in an Umbrian Vineyard
Italy

We had a fabulous tour and lunch at the Argillae vineyard. We loved the wine and really appreciated the time the owner (female/daughter) Julie? spent with us. She was so professional and fun and made our experience valuable. The lunch was amazing and was paired with the wines. This was a high point of our trip for sure.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our driver was pleasant and a very good driver.
Transport
on time and efficient.
Explore Rome in a Day
Explore Rome in a Day
Rome

Wow! We saw so much and learned so much. The Vatican Museum and Sistene Chapel were amazing. We saw all the sites! Suzanne was wonderful! Very informative and fun. She took us to a great lunch spot and knew how to make the trip very authentic for us. She was one of our best guides. We loved her!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
She was genuine and just a lovely person!
Naples to the Amalfi Coast or Amalfi Coast to Naples - Pompeii en Route
Naples to the Amalfi Coast or Amalfi Coast to Naples - Pompeii en Route
Italy

Good trip. Our driver was very nice. Our Pompeii tour was great.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Nancy gave us a great tour of Pompeii. She had great information and was loads of fun.
Transport
Efficient, on time, we felt comfortable. Nice vehicle
Explore Pompeii Walking Tour
Explore Pompeii Walking Tour
Italy

Nancy gave a very good tour. She knew a lot about Pompeii but didn't overload us with too much information.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Exclusive Capri Boat Tour and Blue Grotto by Sorrento
Exclusive Capri Boat Tour and Blue Grotto by Sorrento
Italy

This activity was cancelled due to strong winds and storms. We were so SAD! This was to be a highlight of our week. No one could help the circumstances. We will need to come back!

Full Day Tour Amalfi Coast: Positano, Amalfi and Ravello
Full Day Tour Amalfi Coast: Positano, Amalfi and Ravello
Italy

We had torrential rain during part of this tour. Our drive Roberto was one of our favorite people on this tour, He took plenty of pictures and really seemed to enjoy his job. He made the day special.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Roberto was FABULOUS!
Transport
Limoncello Tour & Tasting
Limoncello Tour & Tasting
Amalfi Coast

This felt very authentic. We loved meeting the chef and had a wonderful lunch during our tasting.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Roberto took us to this event. The chef was adorable and so funny. He made the experience great!
Transport
Pizza Cooking Class
Pizza Cooking Class
Naples

This class was fun but seemed a bit commercialized and not authentic. There were so many groups at the same time. The pizza making was fun and the pizza was good but it was very hot and a bit uncomfortable.

Quality of Experience
Food
We had much better pizza earlier that day.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Taxi
Local specialist: Jessica Proietti
Jessica
Jessica Proietti
Local specialist in Italy | Replied on Oct 27, 2023

Ciao Mark,

I really wish to thank you for your kind words, It was a pleasure to assist you and your group. I'm glad to know you enjoyed our App, and helps you to handle all details while traveling. We have been working on implementing new tools to make your vacation increasingly enjoyable and always stress-free! See you next time, arrivederci!

Jessica & Storywalking Team

Great guides, drivers and tours:Elizabeth---...
Italy | Oct 14 - Oct 23, 2023

C
Craig J.
Westfield, IN | Reviewed on Oct 25, 2023
Great guides, drivers and tours:
Elizabeth---Lake Como/Bellagio
Roberto--Amalfi coast
Nancy--Pompei
Suzanna/Faustra--Roma
Valentina--driver/Tuscany
Great overall experience--if anyone not mentioned, apologies as all arranged guidance was exceptional. Read more

Great guides, drivers and tours:
Elizabeth---Lake Como/Bellagio
Roberto--Amalfi coast
Nancy--Pompei
Suzanna/Faustra--Roma
Valentina--driver/Tuscany

Great overall experience--if anyone not mentioned, apologies as all arranged guidance was exceptional.

Hotel Reviews
NH Collection Milano President
Milan

in heart of Milano near Duomo and piazza. Very modern, clean, accommodating, Great breakfast. Staff helpful.

Authenticity & Character
its a modern building. Rooms were great, nothing wrong. Americans don't understand Europe shower in bathroom...made a water mess....LOL
Location
near restaurants and duomo piazza
Staff
accommodating and very good english
Cleanliness & Comfort
room, bath, lobby, restaurant bar
Albergo Posta Marcucci
Bagno Vignoni

Great character in hotel---very comfortable....loved the hot bath pools

Authenticity & Character
old charm feel to hotel lobby and bar. nice rooms, great view
Location
in Tuscany---with real hot bath pools
Staff
we did not feel welcome in the hotel restaurant at dinner. Waiter and (manager?) made us feel a bit not at ease. As if they did not care if we were there. We were late due to travel (drive called ahead and advised hotel). Breakfast staff was much more friendly and accommodating
Cleanliness & Comfort
spa and outdoor water baths/pool
Tree Charme Parliament Boutique Hotel & Bistrot
Rome

great location ... Like much of Roma--tight streets and access. Small reception area and restaurant. Close to eating options. Appeared to be a safe area. Hotel is in a 500 year old building that has been re-purposed---great rooms and good security. Great shower---American comfort.

Authenticity & Character
see above comment
Location
see above comment
Staff
front desk very accommodating for our group
Cleanliness & Comfort
room and bath very clean
Hotel Conca Park 4* Sorrento
Sorrento

wow!! from entrance via tunnels filled w/ art to modern lobby to great hotel room views of Sorrento. Excellent location and accommodation. Opera and jazz singer in bar area the first night--amazing only issue--3Euro per pool towel. really??

Authenticity & Character
its a modern hotel in an old historic city---another great bath and shower
Location
Walk to heart of Sorrento and activities
Staff
we were welcomed!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Palazzo Salgar
Naples

we were only there one night---last of our tour. Nice modern hotel---small but comfortable room. Nice breakfast. A difficult shower---another wet floor LOL Would have preferred a hotel near waterfront area. We walked there and there were a number of options, but assume cost would be higher.

Authenticity & Character
its modern, little character. appeared to be a business trip hotel
Location
appeared not to be a desirable area of Napoli (??) not much to do around hotel---needed taxi to get to activity and restaurants
Staff
lobby staff very accommodating when we interacted
Cleanliness & Comfort
very clean throughout.. lobby, restaurant, room
Activity Reviews
Lake Como and Bellagio – Full Day Trip from Milan with Cruise
Lake Como and Bellagio – Full Day Trip from Milan with Cruise
Italy

great guide w Elizabeth. Beautiful boat ride...Bellagio fantastic. Guide took us to her favorite restaurant for lunch---amazing!

Quality of Experience
Beautiful area of Italy---Bellagio is a jewel
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Great assistance, patient, informative, appreciative
Transport
its a local train from Milan--be prepared for a slow trip to Como
Winery tour in Chianti Area
Winery tour in Chianti Area
Italy

nice tour of a large volume winery

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Valentia--great english, engaging personality--helped us find a great restaurant for lunch
Transport
the guide--Valentina
Vineyard Walk and Tasting in an Umbrian Vineyard
Vineyard Walk and Tasting in an Umbrian Vineyard
Italy

small, family winery. intimate. the owner was our guide ! Very welcoming--great lunch and hospitality!

Quality of Experience
enjoyed the small, intimate atmosphere
Guides, Drivers and Staff
a family member of the winery ownership was our personal guide at the winery!
Transport
got us there on time
Rome walking tour by night - private
Rome walking tour by night - private
Rome

Our guide--Faustra (sp??) was extremely knowledgeable and personable. Very good english. Gave us a great tour and insight of Roma within the limited 2-hour tour. We saw places we wanted to see.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Explore Rome in a Day
Explore Rome in a Day
Rome

we saw what we needed to see in Roma. Fantastic guide...loved having headphones (provided) so we could hear the guide throughout the tour in very crowded areas. Our guide took us to a favorite restaurant and we had a great meal w/ her.

Quality of Experience
the guide
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
the transport from one area to another was prompt
Naples to the Amalfi Coast or Amalfi Coast to Naples - Pompeii en Route
Naples to the Amalfi Coast or Amalfi Coast to Naples - Pompeii en Route
Italy

Pompeii is a must see stop. Nancy was our guide--very informative

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full Day Tour Amalfi Coast: Positano, Amalfi and Ravello
Full Day Tour Amalfi Coast: Positano, Amalfi and Ravello
Italy

Beautiful area--sadly the weather was not good so the clouds and rain kept much of the beauty hidden

Quality of Experience
Roberto was a great driver/guide
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Roberto was great--engaging and friendly
Transport
due to weather, Roberto scheduled a visit to an olive oil factory--totally on his own and to help our day be filled
Limoncello Tour & Tasting
Limoncello Tour & Tasting
Amalfi Coast

WOW!!---great experience. Hands on demonstration. Included our group members in the process. Conducted personally by the chef and restaurant owner! Engaging, funny and a fantastic lunch.

Quality of Experience
everything! People, food, view, kindness
Food
WOW!! one of best meals on our entire tour week
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Truly felt like they enjoyed our group being at their establishment
Transport
Roberto
Pizza Cooking Class
Pizza Cooking Class
Naples

fun and engaging

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
the pizza guide/instructor was very good
Exclusive Capri Boat Tour and Blue Grotto by Sorrento
Exclusive Capri Boat Tour and Blue Grotto by Sorrento
Italy

unfortunately weather cancelled this tour

Quality of Experience
Local specialist: Jessica Proietti
Jessica
Jessica Proietti
Local specialist in Italy | Replied on Oct 27, 2023

Ciao Craig! Thank you very much!

I'm pleased to hear that you appreciated our guides and local representatives. We recognize the significance of having the right guide for each location to ensure you have the opportunity to truly experience the authentic essence of our beautiful country.

Arrivederci, see you soon in Italy!
Jessica & Storywalking Team

I love Sorrento It was beautiful. I wished we...
Italy | Oct 14 - Oct 23, 2023

C
cindy j.
Westfield, IN | Reviewed on Oct 24, 2023
I love Sorrento It was beautiful. I wished we could of gone to Capri and Blue Grotto but that means we can come back! Enjoyed Tuscany like to go back there and spend more time there. Loved the Roman Ruins and all the history in Rome.
enjoyed Pompei too.! The Amalfi coast was beautiful it rained but enjoy the limoncello tasting.
The hotels were great too! The Sorrento,Tuscany and Milano Hotels.
The guides were great!
Roberto
Susanna
Valenta
Nancy
Elizabeth
Foucha
Barbara
We will...
Read more

I love Sorrento It was beautiful. I wished we could of gone to Capri and Blue Grotto but that means we can come back! Enjoyed Tuscany like to go back there and spend more time there. Loved the Roman Ruins and all the history in Rome.
enjoyed Pompei too.! The Amalfi coast was beautiful it rained but enjoy the limoncello tasting.
The hotels were great too! The Sorrento,Tuscany and Milano Hotels.

The guides were great!
Roberto
Susanna
Valenta
Nancy
Elizabeth
Foucha
Barbara
We will be using Kim Kim again !
It was also nice having the drivers.

Thank you again for an AWESOME vacation!

Cindy Johnston

Hotel Reviews
Star Hotel Rosa Grand
Milan

Loved it!

Authenticity & Character
Location
You could walk everywhere.
Staff
Very nice
Cleanliness & Comfort
Beautiful
Albergo Posta Marcucci
Bagno Vignoni

Hotel was very Quaint.I wish we could of had another day there.

Authenticity & Character
Loved it
Location
It had a beautiful setting!
Staff
They were not too welcoming in the restaurant
Cleanliness & Comfort
very good
Tree Charme Parliament Boutique Hotel & Bistrot
Rome

It was ok very hard to get to with our bags.

Authenticity & Character
Location
You could walk everywhere.
Staff
Very nice
Cleanliness & Comfort
It was very comfy
Hotel Conca Park 4* Sorrento
Sorrento

This was my favorite hotel. It had a beautiful scenery and very welcoming.

Authenticity & Character
Just beautiful !
Location
You could walk everywhere.
Staff
Very nice.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean and comfortable.
Palazzo Salgar
Naples

It was ok .

Authenticity & Character
Not sure
Location
Find somewhere you can walk. We had to take cabs where we wanted to go.
Staff
Nice
Cleanliness & Comfort
It was clean and comfy.
Activity Reviews
Express Milan Duomo Tour with Terrace Access
Express Milan Duomo Tour with Terrace Access
Milan

Barbara

Lake Como and Bellagio – Full Day Trip from Milan with Cruise
Lake Como and Bellagio – Full Day Trip from Milan with Cruise
Italy

Loved the trip

Quality of Experience
Beautiful
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Elizabeth was great!
Transport
Very easy
Winery tour in Chianti Area
Winery tour in Chianti Area
Italy

Beautiful place

Quality of Experience
Great
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Valetina was great
Transport
Yes
Vineyard Walk and Tasting in an Umbrian Vineyard
Vineyard Walk and Tasting in an Umbrian Vineyard
Italy

Very informative

Quality of Experience
Everyone was very nice
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Rome walking tour by night - private
Rome walking tour by night - private
Rome

Very good. Loved to hear about the history.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Very good
Transport
Explore Rome in a Day
Explore Rome in a Day
Rome

It was great. Enjoyed every minute.

Quality of Experience
Perfect
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Susannah was wonderful
Transport
Naples to the Amalfi Coast or Amalfi Coast to Naples - Pompeii en Route
Naples to the Amalfi Coast or Amalfi Coast to Naples - Pompeii en Route
Italy

Everything was great.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Roberto was great and very informative.
Transport
Loved having Roberto
Explore Pompeii Walking Tour
Explore Pompeii Walking Tour
Italy

Loved it!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Nancy was great!
Transport
Limoncello Tour & Tasting
Limoncello Tour & Tasting
Amalfi Coast

This was great had so much fun!

Quality of Experience
Great
Food
Amazing
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Roberto was great.
Transport
Great
Full Day Tour Amalfi Coast: Positano, Amalfi and Ravello
Full Day Tour Amalfi Coast: Positano, Amalfi and Ravello
Italy

Even though it rained. It was great.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Awesome
Transport
Roberto talked about the history.
Pizza Cooking Class
Pizza Cooking Class
Naples

It was alot

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Had to take a cab
Local specialist: Jessica Proietti
Jessica
Jessica Proietti
Local specialist in Italy | Replied on Oct 27, 2023

Ciao Cindy!

Thank you for taking time in reviewing us.
Italy is renowned for its Roman ruins and the Mediterranean Diet, with limoncello being a definite highlight. We always incorporate cultural and culinary destinations into our tours, and with the guidance of our Storywalking knowledgeable guide, you can gain a deeper understanding of the history behind these treasures.

Arrivederci! Ciao :)
Jessica & Storywalking Team

The Best Source for Travelling Abroad
Italy | Oct 2 - Oct 12, 2023

Michelle
Michelle L.
Cedar Rapids, IA | Reviewed on Oct 17, 2023
We were delighted with the trip that Jessica and her team planned for us. They suggested places that we hadn't considered, which proved to be great ideas. Their recommendations for hotels were spot on. The guides and drivers they found were reliable, informative and easy to communicate with. It was easy to communicate with Jessica and her team during the trip, and we appreciated the ability to track our plans using the app they provided. I love working with KimKim because their specialists... Read more

We were delighted with the trip that Jessica and her team planned for us. They suggested places that we hadn't considered, which proved to be great ideas. Their recommendations for hotels were spot on. The guides and drivers they found were reliable, informative and easy to communicate with. It was easy to communicate with Jessica and her team during the trip, and we appreciated the ability to track our plans using the app they provided. I love working with KimKim because their specialists are embedded in each country, giving them unique insights and connections.

Hotel Reviews
Rinuccini Relais Hotel
Naples

A perfect oasis in the heart of busy Naples.

Hotel Continental
Sorrento

Everything about this hotel was wonderful. The decor and views are beautiful, and it's located close enough to walk to the sights, restaurants and stores of Sorrento, while providing a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle. We especially appreciated the friendly staff, who helped us immensely with restaurant reservations and overall navigation.

Torre Sant'Angelo
Forio

I almost hate to review this hotel because I'd like to keep it a secret. It's an absolute gem of a hotel, intimate and family-run. Everyone was incredibly gracious, and the views are incomparable. All the produce is grown from their own gardens, and the meals are nourishing and affordable. They even offered to save bottle with leftover wine for our next night (although the idea of leftover wine in Italy is highly unlikely). I will return as often as I can.

Naplesuite
Naples

The owner actually met our car and walked us to the hotel as it can be difficult to navigate the twisting streets of Naples. She's created a welcoming suite of rooms with all the you could ask for. We were very pleased with the hotel and our host's hospitality.

Local specialist: Jessica Proietti
Jessica
Jessica Proietti
Local specialist in Italy | Replied on Oct 24, 2023

Dear Michelle,

Thank you for your review. It was a great pleasure to assist you in designing this Italian trip. We often do local inspections and meet our suppliers to ensure we provide you with the best possible experience tailored to your preferences. Thank you for entrusting your travel plans to us!

Arrivederci! See you soon in Italy!
Jessica & Storywalking Team

Stress-free, Focus on locals, small groups - Just what we wanted!
Italy | Sep 14 - Sep 27, 2023

Laurie
Laurie W.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Sep 29, 2023
Just got back from Italy: Milan, Lake Garda, Venice, Florence, Cinque Terre, Chianti area, Pompei, Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi, Ravello. Jessica delivered my dream! While I wanted some of the most famous tourist attractions, I also wanted a variety, including "off the beaten path" opportunities with the local people. Additionally, we hoped for smaller more private groupings to be able to really talk and learn about the places we visited. Jessica listened and chose beautifully! Lake Garda... Read more

Just got back from Italy: Milan, Lake Garda, Venice, Florence, Cinque Terre, Chianti area, Pompei, Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi, Ravello. Jessica delivered my dream! While I wanted some of the most famous tourist attractions, I also wanted a variety, including "off the beaten path" opportunities with the local people. Additionally, we hoped for smaller more private groupings to be able to really talk and learn about the places we visited. Jessica listened and chose beautifully!

Lake Garda was INCREDIBLY beautiful. We circled the lake visiting Salo, Limione, and staying in Riva (which I felt was the best.) Elena in Sirmione was fantastic at completing the historical perspective of the lake. Sara in Venice gave us the lay of the land, the history, and introduced us to incredible cicchetti! Unusual and delicious! Saura took us to the best of Cinque Terre (Manarola), Chiro the best of the Amalfi Coast (Ravello!), and Pompeii with Mario was fantastic...blew our minds with the knowledge. In Florence, I booked a 6:30 Arno River ride, the Accademia, Palazzo Vecchio tour, and the special tour of the Duomo including the terraces! Swimming in the Sea with our small group near Capri will never be forgotten. Tulio Bondi and his gelato making experience, Christina at Campanelle Winery, and Chef Fiore in his restaurant on the Amalfi Coast were highlights for the tastebuds and made us feel like royalty! So special.

Transportation could have been intimidating...but not with Storywalking. Professional, courteous, punctual, and kind, we loved talking to all of them - and learned so much about their lives. David, Giuseppe, Max, Ricardo, are just a few that shared their love of home. Ricardo's personal history of being German, Greek & Italian was so interesting. You don't get that on a bus or train! And don't forget the women who helped us with our water taxis and train in Venice. Not sure how long it would have taken me to figure all that out.

We had a major car issue (on a Sunday) and were so glad to have Jessica, Barbara, and all their local connections to save our day, our trip! What would we have done without them?? Not really sure! Honestly.

Lodging - I asked for a few upgrades and Jessica didn't disappoint. Beautiful and memorable.
And the weather (September) - downright perfect! Most days in the 70s and low 80s. Some rain, but didn't stop anything.
Pacing was good....never felt rushed!

Hotel Reviews
NYX MILAN by Leonardo Hotels
Milan

BIG room, great sitting area. Too bad we were only there one night. Close to public transportation and rental cars. Restaurants were near. Ohio from Nigeria was very helpful!

Authenticity & Character
Contemporary Italian
Location
Near trains, car rental.
Staff
Ohio helped with a map.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Sole
Riva del Garda

Right in the center of everything! Views from the balcony - fantastic. Restaurant - delicious!

Authenticity & Character
Old pictures on the wall, but totally well kept and up to date. Circular staircase.
Location
Quiet in the morning, busy and fun during the day. Near lots to do!! Our balcony - fantastic!!
Staff
Morning breakfast folks weren't the happiest, but everyone else was good.
Cleanliness & Comfort
good bed, robes, towels - nice
Ca' dei Proverbi Suites
Venice

Very centrally located! Tucked away and quiet. Completely new and clean. Breakfast was fantastic and the young woman who served was extremely gracious. She wa from the Phillipines. Linzane was her name?

Authenticity & Character
Totally like the pictures....and so new.
Location
Easy walk anywhere, but away from crowds
Staff
The amazing breakfast server.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Air conditioning was needed that day and felt great.
Hotel Balestri
Florence

Location!!! The best. Our room - kind of small and tight, but serviceable. Maybe because we had had two really nice rooms ahead of this one.

Authenticity & Character
Has been there awhile, but up to date. Nice terrace on the roof. Bar was always hopping at night.
Location
Perfect - central and walkable
Staff
Great intro to Florence at arrival
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Lorelei Londres
Sorrento

Gorgeous room with view of the sea. Private "beach" area at the bottom of the cliff. Morning breakfast outside overlooking the sea. Cocktails at night, too.

Authenticity & Character
Loved the aqua and white - sea feel.
Location
Walkable, too!
Staff
Great intro upon arrival! Helped with bags, showed us everything. Bottle of champagne.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Perfect!
Activity Reviews
Sirmione Walking and Boat Tour & Scaliger Castle
Sirmione Walking and Boat Tour & Scaliger Castle
Italy

Elena was really good! Knew her history and gave us a fantastic restaurant recommendation. The only thing we wished is that we could have left for Venice a little earlier. We aren't much for shoppers so had a couple extra hours there that we didn't need.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Guiseppe - personable!!
Transport
Guiseppe and his Mercedes! Comfort plus!
The Grand Canal by Gondola and Venetian Cicchetto - private
The Grand Canal by Gondola and Venetian Cicchetto - private
Venice

Sara was perfect - she not only introduced us to Cicchetti, but all of Venice. Being born and raised, she took us down side streets, gave us the history, and also points about Venice of today! We loved talking travel and motherhood with her, too.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Gelato Making Florence Class
Private Gelato Making Florence Class
Florence

Tulio Bondi!! Do this....so much fun! He is a hoot and so smart. Has been on the Food Network and trains apprentices from around the world. Plus...it's the best gelato in Italy!

Quality of Experience
Cinque Terre Private Day Tour from Florence
Cinque Terre Private Day Tour from Florence
Italy

Saura took the best care of us! She shared all about Manarola - gorgeous and fascinating history! She took us places we wouldn't have know were there. We then learned how to take the train....and went to Monterosso. Loved the winery experience and shopping a bit in the city. She introduced us to a chickpea flat bread, that was delicious. We did go to Riomaggiore, but quite frankly, it wasn't needed. We had had the best time in the other two....and it was busy and just lots of shopping. We could have headed back to Florence earlier. (Or even better to The Campanelle Winery - our next day's excursion - to stay for the next two nights!)

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Train - was fast!
Chianti wine tour
Chianti wine tour
Florence

We woke up in Florence after coming back from Cinque Terre the previous day. It was a day excursion and we LOVED the first winery - Capannelle!! What a gorgeous place and amazing experience with Christina. Magical!! Ricardo was our fantastic driver. Loved talking with him. He took us to Greve for lunch and that was wonderful, too. We went to a second winery, but it paled in comparison to the first. More commercial and slooooow. We decided to skip the tour portion (we waited and waited to begin) and head back to Florence as it was almost 5:30 and we had left at 8:00. In hindsight, we wished that we had checked into the Capannelle Winery Inn after Cinque Terre, woken up to the breakfast and tour, then had another night there to enjoy the pool and walk the countryside. We ended up in the car a bit more than we needed?? This was the only thing we would have changed about the whole trip!!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Naples to the Amalfi Coast or Amalfi Coast to Naples - Pompeii en Route
Naples to the Amalfi Coast or Amalfi Coast to Naples - Pompeii en Route
Italy

Pompeii is mind blowing, especially with Mario explaining everything!

Quality of Experience
Mario and just us!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Exclusive Capri Boat Tour and Blue Grotto by Sorrento
Exclusive Capri Boat Tour and Blue Grotto by Sorrento
Italy

We arrived around 9:30 and decided to just enjoy the harbor area. We were near the end of the trip and kind of tired of big crowds. We enjoyed coffee and pastries...and later had lunch. People who went up (the LONG line ) of the funicular enjoyed the garden and shopping. We got on the boat around 1:15 and the skies cleared and it was FANTASTIC! No blue grotto due to tides, but the rest, including swimming was wonderful! Loved it. Food included was a ciabatta bun with tomato and mozzarella. Fruit cup later, chips, wine, beer, limoncello. Fun!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Luisa - so fun!
Transport
Boat driver was excellent and they played fun music.
Full Day Tour Amalfi Coast: Positano, Amalfi and Ravello
Full Day Tour Amalfi Coast: Positano, Amalfi and Ravello
Italy

Chiro was smart about our trip! Took us directly to Amalfi before the crowds arrived. It was lovely to be in the square and feel the peace before the chaos (which we saw when we came down from Ravello. Ravello was our favorite! Gorgeous villa, gardens, square and quiet shopping. We headed to our Limoncello experience next, which went from about 12:30 - 3:30. Chiro squeezed Positano in at the end....and we wished we would have skipped it. We were on a high after our Limoncello experience and the 5 course gourmet lunch. It had been the PERFECT ending to our trip!! Instead we walked through a very crowded Positano just to see it. Hindsight, for us, not needed. Got back to Sorrento about 6:30. Long day.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Ask for Chiro!
Transport
Limoncello Tour & Tasting
Limoncello Tour & Tasting
Amalfi Coast

So... you think you are going to learn about lemons and taste it, but Chef Fiore takes it to a whole other level. A tour and information about his lemon garden at his rental home, then back to make some Limoncello as a group, followed by a 4/5 course gourmet meal....each course having a bit of lemon in it! We had no idea that we were going to get a meal like that!! The food just kept coming. :-) And the view - incredible!! Perfect final touch to our trip!

Quality of Experience
Food
Best of the whole trip!! Seafood, fish, pasta, lemon desserts & of course, limoncello
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Jessica Proietti
Jessica
Jessica Proietti
Local specialist in Italy | Replied on Oct 04, 2023
Dear Laurie, We consider ourselves fortunate to have had the opportunity to assist you during your recent visit to Italy. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your generous feedback and for dedicating your valuable time to compose this review. As a boutique tour operator, we are committed to meticulously assessing and verifying our services through firsthand experiences and thorough inspections. Our primary objective is to ensure that your journey not only meets but exceeds your... Read more

Dear Laurie,

We consider ourselves fortunate to have had the opportunity to assist you during your recent visit to Italy. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your generous feedback and for dedicating your valuable time to compose this review. As a boutique tour operator, we are committed to meticulously assessing and verifying our services through firsthand experiences and thorough inspections. Our primary objective is to ensure that your journey not only meets but exceeds your expectations, aligning perfectly with your desires.

Thank you once again for choosing us, and we hope to have the pleasure of serving you on future adventures.

Arrivederci!
Jessica & Storywalking Team

Loved it all: Florence, Sorrento, Rome.
Italy | Jul 11 - Jul 22, 2023

D
David D.
Wauwatosa, WI | Reviewed on Sep 04, 2023
Loved it all: Florence, Sorrento, Rome. The guides were excellent. The children's tour guides did a fantastic job engaging the boys (7 and 5). The drivers were incredibly patient, courteous, and flexible. Francesco saved the day by getting us to a wine tasting when the originally planned event fell through at the last second. Accommodations were top notch. An all around great experience. Read more

Loved it all: Florence, Sorrento, Rome. The guides were excellent. The children's tour guides did a fantastic job engaging the boys (7 and 5). The drivers were incredibly patient, courteous, and flexible. Francesco saved the day by getting us to a wine tasting when the originally planned event fell through at the last second. Accommodations were top notch. An all around great experience.

Hotel Reviews
Plaza Hotel Lucchesi
Florence

Rooftop pool makes this hotel probably the best option in the center of florence.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Lorelei Londres
Sorrento

Loved this place. Restaurant has a Michelin Star! Wish the private balconies were a little more "private" but the oversized jacuzzi was awesome.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Martis Palace
Rome
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Tour of the Vineyard and Lunch with Wine Tasting in Furore
Tour of the Vineyard and Lunch with Wine Tasting in Furore
Italy

The wine was some of the best we had in Italy. The vines are 200+ years old and producing absolutely stunning quality wine. paired with the local lunch, this was one of our favorite experiences, set above Positano with a view unparalleled.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Jessica Proietti
Jessica
Jessica Proietti
Local specialist in Italy | Replied on Sep 05, 2023

Hi David,
I truly appreciate your thoughtful review. It brings us great joy to hear that you had a wonderful experience with our local suppliers and thoroughly enjoyed your stay at our hotels. We always meet in person our partners and do inspections at the hotels in order to ensure a memorable Italian journey. Arrivederci, and once again, thank you for your feedback!

Smoothest, No Worry Travel with Piece of Mind for a One of a Kind Experience
Italy | Jul 3 - Jul 13, 2023

Brian
Brian G.
Bridgeport, CT | Reviewed on Jul 21, 2023
A superb, 4 city vacation in Italy with a very customized itinerary with every travel detail and ticket clearly laid out with no work on our part. Every taxi/boat driver was available on time in every transfer point (8+) as soon as we got off the train/plane. Unique cooking experiences, private tours of the Vatican, and so much more. In a country where we didn't know the language and there were various unknowns, our travel reps (Jessica and Barbara) were available every step of the way giving... Read more

A superb, 4 city vacation in Italy with a very customized itinerary with every travel detail and ticket clearly laid out with no work on our part. Every taxi/boat driver was available on time in every transfer point (8+) as soon as we got off the train/plane. Unique cooking experiences, private tours of the Vatican, and so much more. In a country where we didn't know the language and there were various unknowns, our travel reps (Jessica and Barbara) were available every step of the way giving us daily reminders. I 100% would use this service again as our experiences were one of a kind!

Activity Reviews
Market Tour & Cooking lesson (morning tour)
Market Tour & Cooking lesson (morning tour)
Rome

Fantastic!! Michaela took us to get the best, fresh food from the market. Outgoing, fun, and friendly telling us every step and asking every detail of what we like, what to try, etc. This felt like one of the most local experiences we ever had with a lot of fun. We learned to cook pasta with her, my wife and I while enjoying the best appetizers and meal. This was so personal, unique, and local that you can't miss out. Plus prosecco, wine, and a fantastic air conditioned apartment with a rustic feel that you can't replicate!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Evening Gondola Ride Venice & City Stroll
Private Evening Gondola Ride Venice & City Stroll
Venice

Our guide was fantastic (Ontavia I believe) who knew so much of the city. Personable, friendly, and knowledgeable. We learned so much about Venice along with the private walk that made it comfortable. Then the gondola ride was one of the best things we ever did while she dropped us off. Highly recommend.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Jessica Proietti
Jessica
Jessica Proietti
Local specialist in Italy | Replied on Jul 24, 2023

Dear Brian, thank you very much for your review! I'm glad to know that you enjoyed your time in Italy together with us and our customer care services pleased you. We offer a finely custom experience, and we are always committed to guaranteeing a 100% stress-free holiday!

Arrivederci until your next Italian adventure! Ciao :)

I cannot say enough good things about Jessica and Storywalking
Italy | May 19 - May 30, 2023

Cathy
Cathy I.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Jul 14, 2023
I cannot say enough good things about Jessica Proietti and Storywalking. From planning our special trip to Italy to being with us every step of the way, during our vacation.
Jessica showed much patience with us as we changed the number of people attending, changing dates and changing cities we wanted to visit. We ended up with seven iterations of itineraries! We ended up having 8 people touring together from Rome to the Amalfi Coast, and then our vacation continued with 4 of us going...
Read more

I cannot say enough good things about Jessica Proietti and Storywalking. From planning our special trip to Italy to being with us every step of the way, during our vacation.
Jessica showed much patience with us as we changed the number of people attending, changing dates and changing cities we wanted to visit. We ended up with seven iterations of itineraries! We ended up having 8 people touring together from Rome to the Amalfi Coast, and then our vacation continued with 4 of us going north to the Dolomites and Lake Como. Jessica was able to coordinate our different flights schedules, price points and varying interests in activities. One month before our trip was to begin, my daughter decided to join us, and Jessica was able to include her in everything. And then, unfortunately, four people had to cancel at the very last minute and Jessica was able to provide some refunds and juggle around the cars and hotels.
We booked multiple private drivers and had many private transfers. All were wonderful, friendly, and professional. Our private driver and tour guide for Herculaneum and Pompeii were fantastic. I highly recommend the private guide. We also booked an Exclusive Capri Boat Tour from Positano. It was an 8-hour excursion with snorkeling and swimming, with a stop in Capri and another island for lunch. Again, the captain and guide were friendly, fun and professional. They also had a variety of snacks and drinks. The hotels Jessica booked for us met our needs and requests perfectly.
Once the itinerary was set, Jessica and Barbara were available to us, using their app AXUS, any hour of the day. They would respond in minutes to any questions or concerns we had. I have to mention one such issue that Jessica resolved by going above and beyond. The self-serve ticket kiosks were not working at the Bologna train station, and we were not able to get our tickets printed or downloaded. Jessica went to the Milan train station and sent me pictures of our tickets, so we did not miss our train!
In the end, Jessica took the worries of planning away from us and provided us with fantastic service, planning and guidance.

Hotel Reviews
Goldenstern Townhouse
Bolzano

Great location, friendly staff and clean! Goldenstern Townhouse had a very unique layout and our room was spacious and had a full kitchen. It was close to everything.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel de Len
Cortina d'Ampezzo

Hotel de Len was probably our favorite location and hotel of our entire trip. The staff was amazing. Everyone was friendly, kind and professional. We had drinks in the bar, dinner at the restaurant and massages in their spa. We took advantage of everything and we were not disappointed. And the location... WOW... simply beautiful and our rooms matched the location with it's beauty.

Authenticity & Character
The hotel felt like it belonged in the mountains but with all the amenities.
Location
centrally located and beautiful
Staff
From checking in to checking out and everyone in between were fantastic.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rooms were clean and spacious
Local specialist: Jessica Proietti
Jessica
Jessica Proietti
Local specialist in Italy | Replied on Jul 17, 2023

Dear Cathy, thank you very much for taking time in reviewing your experience with us.
It has been a great pleasure! As a boutique tour operator, we always experience in person all services before promoting them, to make sure they are great and your trip runs smoothly. I'm also glad to know that our app was helpful and you were able to handle all details easily.

Ciao from sunny Italy :) see you soon!
Jessica

All the guides were excellent. I especially ..
Italy | May 15 - May 31, 2023

Debra
Debra D.
Sandy, UT | Reviewed on Jun 10, 2023
All the guides were excellent. I especially appreciated Silvia who took us on a hike and exploring Bellagio. She was outgoing, informative & prepared with hiking poles and other things, just in case. She customized our outing based on weather. She even brought supplies to make us tea once we arrived at the highest point.
Phillip was outstanding too. He customized our Bellagio bike trip to suit our needs. We were introduced to people we saw along the way & who knew him, which was a great...
Read more

All the guides were excellent. I especially appreciated Silvia who took us on a hike and exploring Bellagio. She was outgoing, informative & prepared with hiking poles and other things, just in case. She customized our outing based on weather. She even brought supplies to make us tea once we arrived at the highest point.
Phillip was outstanding too. He customized our Bellagio bike trip to suit our needs. We were introduced to people we saw along the way & who knew him, which was a great way to learn about their culture. Janis & I discovered the most amazing restaurant for dinner that evening because Phillip showed us the property during our bike ride. We would have never experienced it without phillip’s help. He provided so much information & was very helpful to Janis when she needed to find a dentist.
Several of the guides took us on tours that were longer than the itinerary stated, because we were all having a good time. You can tell how much they enjoy sharing their knowledge by their willingness to spend time with us travelers.
The wine tour & tasting was amazing (in the Piedmont area) &i loved the truffle hunt. Both exceeded my expectations. I learned so much from each experience.
And WOW! The pesto making experience was a memory I’ll always cherish.

Hotel Reviews
Andirivieni Bellagio Guest House
Bellagio
Authenticity & Character
Charming….
Location
I got a bit lost a time or two. My fault.
Staff
Very helpful by providing information about the town & restaurants.
Cleanliness & Comfort
B&B Cortiletto d'Alba
Alba

I loved everything about this place. Their restaurant was a wonderful place for dinner too. The hotel had so much character. The owner went out of her way to help us find free parking.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Royal
Stresa

Beautiful hotel & property. I prefer hotels that are less fancy, however. The staff was adequate, but not as personable as staff in the other locations. The bartender, however, was very outgoing & friendly. The hotel restaurant would not allow us to order ala Carte for dinner. We prefer not eating two or three course meals.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
STAR HOTEL ECHO
MILANO

Excellent breakfast buffet. Hotel staff was very welcoming too.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Stella della Marina
Monterosso

I loved this hotel & the hard working owner who carried our bags up the stairs, checked us in, was also the breakfast cook & server.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Alba & Barolo Exclusive Experience
Alba & Barolo Exclusive Experience
Italy
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Cinque Terre Trekking Card
Cinque Terre Trekking Card
Cinque Terre
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Cinque Terre Train Card
Cinque Terre Train Card
Italy
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Pesto Experience
Pesto Experience
Italy
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Cinque Terre Sunset Boat Tour
Cinque Terre Sunset Boat Tour
Italy
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Wine Experience in Cinque Terre
Wine Experience in Cinque Terre
Italy
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
I’m
Local specialist: Jessica Proietti
Jessica
Jessica Proietti
Local specialist in Italy | Replied on Jun 12, 2023

Dear Debra, thank you very much for taking time in writing this detailed review. I'm glad to know you enjoyed your time together with our guides, we always meet each of them before setting up a collaboration, in order to give our traveler the best experience ever!
Arrivederci! See you soon in Italy!