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active 55 mins ago

Leslie Tranchina

Born and raised in the heart of Italy, in Bologna—a city perfectly nestled between the Dolomites and Rome—I have always been passionate about nature, hiking, culture, and savoring incredible food. My curiosity and love for learning have led me to explore the world, with a special focus on uncovering the treasures of my own beautiful country.

As a travel designer, I specialize in crafting personalized journeys that go beyond the typical tourist experience. My approach is rooted in finding off-the-beaten-path destinations, avoiding crowds, and immersing travelers in authentic, lesser-known places where every trip feels like an adventure.

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"I specialize in designing trips throughout Italy, with a focus on destinations like the Dolomites, Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast, and small, enchanting villages. Whether it's a food and wine journey through Emilia-Romagna, a serene coastal hike, or a cultural immersion in hidden medieval towns, I take pride in curating experiences that showcase Italy’s rich diversity and charm.

Let me help you create your perfect adventure—one that will linger in your memories forever."

How did you get involved in travel?

"My journey into the travel world began with a deep love for planning. From a young age, I dedicated myself to uncovering hidden gems and culinary delights, meticulously organizing trips for family and friends. Over time, this passion evolved into my profession, as I became the trusted guide for anyone seeking meaningful and memorable travel experiences."

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"One unforgettable experience that shaped my perspective was hiking through the Dolomites at sunrise. The stillness of the mountains, the crisp air, and the golden hues of the sun painting the peaks reminded me why I love connecting people to places that stir the soul."

Leslie is part of the following groups: Italy Travel Agents
Top itineraries and travel advice
Best of Mediterranean Food & Wine: Athens, Santorini, Crete, Tuscany, Rome, & More - 14 Days
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Classic Italian Honeymoon: Rome, Florence & Amalfi Coast - 10 Days
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Recent trip reviews for Leslie

Helpful things; great Team
Italy | Oct 13 - Oct 16, 2025

Trisha
Trisha O.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Oct 17, 2025
There were many helpful things that Leslie and the KimKim team did, especially when schedules changed or connections missed, for example. The team helped us to pivot and fulfill tours as planned, as we had some flexibility in our week to do so. They helped find accommodations in Milan, train tickets, and a driver during the train strike, as well new train tickets when we missed another train for Bologna. Also, the daily reminders for the next day was extremely helpful, as we had to navigate a... Read more

There were many helpful things that Leslie and the KimKim team did, especially when schedules changed or connections missed, for example. The team helped us to pivot and fulfill tours as planned, as we had some flexibility in our week to do so. They helped find accommodations in Milan, train tickets, and a driver during the train strike, as well new train tickets when we missed another train for Bologna. Also, the daily reminders for the next day was extremely helpful, as we had to navigate a lot and there were six people in our group, so everyone was on the same page, and it was all so new and different territory! I would recommend KimKim to anyone who is considering, as their experience and resourcefulness was appreciated!

Hotel Review
Palazzo Talamo
Positano

The accommodations were beautiful, clean, and authentic to the area! The instructions to get in were good, and the videos for outside, key retreival, and then inside, were essential! I would add to the instructions about the uneven terrain, especially the first half of the 73+ steps, and to be prepared for that! The bus schedule was helpful but maybe more clear instructions for that would help. It was great that the bus stop was right there at the location!

Authenticity & Character
The Design inside and out!
Location
The view and bus stop.
Staff
There were no staff as it was an apartment
Cleanliness & Comfort
The beds and the bathroom and shower....
Activity Reviews
Day Tour to Amalfi and Ravello from Positano
Day Tour to Amalfi and Ravello from Positano
Italy

The tour was great and Pasqual our tour guide was classy, patient, and funny too! We did ask him to take us to the beach, especially for my daughter who wanted to swim in the Amalfi sea, but he didn't do that, and we did have an extra hour to spare, as he dropped us off one hour early. Perhaps he didn't want sand in the car which was beautiful and comfortable. Aside from that it was great and we had beautiful weather!

Quality of Experience
We haf a helpful navigator throughout our trip!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
They were positive, patient,knowledgeable, and professional.
Transport
Positive, patient, helpful, personable
Olivia - Private Transfer from Positano to Naples Station
Olivia - Private Transfer from Positano to Naples Station
Italy

Olivias driver was very kind and stopped to get her a water, as she wasn't feeling well on her departure.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Olivia - Train service from Naples to Florence
Olivia - Train service from Naples to Florence
Italy
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Olivia - La Residenza Dell'Orafo Hotel in Florence
Olivia - La Residenza Dell'Orafo Hotel in Florence
Italy

Olivia really liked the accommodations and the location as well!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Leslie Tranchina
Photo taken by Trisha O
Photo taken by Trisha O
Photo taken by Trisha O
Photo taken by Trisha O
Leslie
Leslie Tranchina
Local specialist in Bologna | Replied on Oct 18, 2025

Hi Trisha,

Thank you so much for this thoughtful feedback — it means a lot. I’m really glad we could jump in quickly during the train strike and those missed connections, keep your tours on track, and sort out the Milan stay, drivers, and replacement tickets. Hearing that the daily reminders helped keep your group of six aligned is the best compliment!

It was a pleasure supporting you and your great group through a busy week in new territory.

I’m so glad you had such a wonderful time and were able to soak in so many amazing experiences and stunning landscapes!

Warmly,
Leslie

Read all Italy reviews

.From Puglia to Sardinia—Our Honeymoon Was Perfectly Planned
Italy | Sep 8 - Sep 21, 2025

J
Jennifer A.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Sep 28, 2025
We worked with Leslie and the KimKim team to plan and book our honeymoon to Italy, spending 14 unforgettable days exploring Puglia and Sardinia. From the very beginning, the team made the process seamless and stress-free. They arranged excursions for about half of our trip and gave us the freedom to explore on our own the rest of the time, which was the perfect balance. What stood out most was their incredible availability and attention to detail. They were just a chat or phone call away... Read more

We worked with Leslie and the KimKim team to plan and book our honeymoon to Italy, spending 14 unforgettable days exploring Puglia and Sardinia. From the very beginning, the team made the process seamless and stress-free. They arranged excursions for about half of our trip and gave us the freedom to explore on our own the rest of the time, which was the perfect balance.

What stood out most was their incredible availability and attention to detail. They were just a chat or phone call away whenever we needed them—whether it was helping us find parking when we were short on time, coordinating a meeting spot when we couldn’t locate our guide, or even offering last-minute restaurant recommendations. Their local knowledge was invaluable, and their suggestions for things to do during our free days gave us some of our favorite memories of the trip.

Overall, KimKim made planning and experiencing our honeymoon in a completely new part of the world not only easy, but truly special. We would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a travel agent who combines expert planning with personal, on-the-ground support.

Hotel Review
Musae al Mare
San Vito

We had an unforgettable stay at Musae al Mare, a stunning oceanfront hotel in Polignano a Mare. The views were breathtaking, the atmosphere was serene, and the attention to detail made the experience truly special. Dom was an exceptional host—helpful, kind, and generous—always making sure every need was met. His warm hospitality made us feel completely at home and elevated our stay to something truly memorable. We can’t recommend Musae al Mare enough for anyone looking for a luxurious and welcoming getaway on the Adriatic coast.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Leslie Tranchina
Leslie
Leslie Tranchina
Local specialist in Bologna | Replied on Sep 29, 2025
Hi Jennifer, Thank you for this wonderful review—and for trusting me with your honeymoon. I’m thrilled to hear the balance of curated excursions and free time felt just right, and that our on-the-ground support was helpful when you needed quick answers, parking tips, or last-minute dining ideas. Puglia and Sardinia are such special places; I’m so happy Musae al Mare in Polignano a Mare was a highlight. Your kind words about Dom and the experience there mean a lot—I’ll be sure to pass them... Read more

Hi Jennifer,

Thank you for this wonderful review—and for trusting me with your honeymoon. I’m thrilled to hear the balance of curated excursions and free time felt just right, and that our on-the-ground support was helpful when you needed quick answers, parking tips, or last-minute dining ideas.

Puglia and Sardinia are such special places; I’m so happy Musae al Mare in Polignano a Mare was a highlight. Your kind words about Dom and the experience there mean a lot—I’ll be sure to pass them along.

It was a joy planning this milestone trip with you both. When you’re ready for the next adventure—I’d love to help you craft something just as memorable.

My warmest wishes,
Leslie

Read all Italy reviews

Italian made easy
Italy | Sep 11 - Sep 24, 2025

B
Brannon G.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Sep 27, 2025
KimKim did a great job coordinating our 4 city, 10 day trip. Kept to our budget and scheduled excursions to maximize our experiences. The daily update messages were appreciated. Coordinating our transportation schedules was something I don’t think I could have done on my own—it was extensive.
The Coliseum and grounds and of course the Vatican in Rome was time well spent. The hustle and bustle of Florence (and the leather!) was enjoyable. The relaxed and quaint atmosphere in Cinque... Read more

KimKim did a great job coordinating our 4 city, 10 day trip. Kept to our budget and scheduled excursions to maximize our experiences. The daily update messages were appreciated. Coordinating our transportation schedules was something I don’t think I could have done on my own—it was extensive.
The Coliseum and grounds and of course the Vatican in Rome was time well spent. The hustle and bustle of Florence (and the leather!) was enjoyable. The relaxed and quaint atmosphere in Cinque Terre was a good third stop and the water city of Venice and its rich history was a great final stop. Did I mention the food and wine? I miss it already.
Looking forward to working with the company of another country soon…..

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Corte dei Greci
Venice

Great central location. Hotel a bit dated, however. Have to leave your room key at the front desk when you leave-that was a first.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
I used a bath towel as a blanket since they only offered one thin sheet.
Hotel Palazzo Guadagni
Florence

Very good location with restaurants and shopping just steps from the front door. Be ready to walk up some stairs, but it’s worth it!

Authenticity & Character
The windows and uniqueness of each room.
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Margherita

Great location and very friendly staff.

Authenticity & Character
Our room overlooked a garden of tomatoes!
Location
Right on the main road.
Staff
Kind and responsive.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Venice at Sunset: Cicchetti, Food & Wine Tour
Venice at Sunset: Cicchetti, Food & Wine Tour
Venice

You’ll certainly get to know the food and culture! Hit a few places I would have never gone to-that was a gift. Certainly helps to have a good group of people and we did!

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

Crowded. Our gondolier didn't talk or offer any information. Just going through the motions. Short trip as well.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Pesto Experience
Pesto Experience
Italy

Must do. Food and fun the whole time. Die Die Die!!!! You’ll understand if you go.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Cinque Terre Trekking & Train Card
Cinque Terre Trekking & Train Card
Italy

The walk from Monterosso to the next town was the highlight of the few days there.

Quality of Experience
Sunset Cinque Terre Boat Tour from Monterosso
Sunset Cinque Terre Boat Tour from Monterosso
Italy

Thankful to have a good boat of fun people. The seas were a little rough so take your necessary meds or sea bands.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Chianti Full Immersive Wine & Olive Oil Experience
Chianti Full Immersive Wine & Olive Oil Experience
Florence

Knowledgeable hosts with tasty products. I ordered wine and olive oil to ship home!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Vatican Tour with Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica
Vatican Tour with Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica
Rome
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Colosseum & Ancient Rome Tour with Roman Forum
Colosseum & Ancient Rome Tour with Roman Forum
Rome

Our guide was awesome and she sure loves Russell Crowe!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Leslie Tranchina
Leslie
Leslie Tranchina
Local specialist in Bologna | Replied on Sep 29, 2025
Hi Brannon, Thank you so much for sharing this great review! I’m delighted to hear that your 10-day journey through Rome, Florence, Cinque Terre, and Venice was everything you hoped for — from the iconic sights to the unique atmospheres in each city. I’m especially glad that the daily updates and transportation coordination made your travels seamless and stress-free. It’s always our goal to let you simply enjoy the experiences, food, and wine (which, yes, Italy makes easy to miss... Read more

Hi Brannon,

Thank you so much for sharing this great review! I’m delighted to hear that your 10-day journey through Rome, Florence, Cinque Terre, and Venice was everything you hoped for — from the iconic sights to the unique atmospheres in each city.

I’m especially glad that the daily updates and transportation coordination made your travels seamless and stress-free. It’s always our goal to let you simply enjoy the experiences, food, and wine (which, yes, Italy makes easy to miss already!).

Thank you also for sharing your specific feedback about some of the activities and hotels. I truly value your input, as it helps me continue refining and providing the best possible experience for future travelers exploring Italy with me.

It was such a pleasure planning this journey for you, and I look forward to the chance of working together again whenever you’re ready for a new adventure!

Kind regards,
Leslie

We had such an incredible time thanks to Lesl...
Italy | Sep 6 - Sep 17, 2025

Michael
Michael B.
Danbury, CT | Reviewed on Sep 22, 2025
We had such an incredible time thanks to Leslie! All the coordination with pick ups, drop offs, boat rides to and from hotels and cities were flawless. Some really special memories would be the truffle Hunting and wine experience in Tuscany at Tenuta Torciano. The truffle lasagna and food were some of the best of the trip not to mention the incredible wine. Speilo the truffle dog made our vacation! The capri boat ride from Sorrento was remarkable. The captain and is helper were... Read more

We had such an incredible time thanks to Leslie! All the coordination with pick ups, drop offs, boat rides to and from hotels and cities were flawless.

Some really special memories would be the truffle Hunting and wine experience in Tuscany at Tenuta Torciano. The truffle lasagna and food were some of the best of the trip not to mention the incredible wine. Speilo the truffle dog made our vacation!

The capri boat ride from Sorrento was remarkable. The captain and is helper were amazing. Toured us thru many different grottos not just the blue grotto. They also helped coordinate transportation once we arrived in Capri which was very helpful.

We could go on and on about what a wonderful trip we had. Leslie hit it out of the park! Thank you so much!

Hotel Reviews
Grand Hotel Flora
Sorrento

Hotel room was huge with a small patio. Very clean and great location. It was nice to have a bar, restaurant and pool.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Could walk to the city center
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Charme Spagna Boutique Hotel
Rome

Nice hotel. Unique set up. Very tight elevator and many floors to walk up.

Authenticity & Character
Very old hotel, Wild set up.
Location
Location was great. Could walk everywhere we wanted to go.
Staff
Very friendly
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Palazzo Guadagni
Florence

Very cool hotel. Beautiful bar overlooking Florence.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Palazzo Vitturi
Venice

Very nice hotel. Check in was easy and the staff there was great. Perfect location, easily walkable to all the key locations.

Authenticity & Character
Very old hotel in the center of Venice
Location
Very convenient to everything.
Staff
Very friendly. Eager to help with any requests.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Room was very clean
Activity Reviews
Venice Private Food Tour
Venice Private Food Tour
Venice

Tour guide was incredible. Took time to get to know us as she showed us Venice. Made many recommendations for dinner and things to see.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Vineyard, Cellar & Ancient Caves Tour with Tasting Experience
Vineyard, Cellar & Ancient Caves Tour with Tasting Experience
Italy

Incredible day. The tour guide was exceptional and really took her time to make us feel welcomed.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sorrento Food Tour & Limoncello Tasting
Sorrento Food Tour & Limoncello Tasting
Italy

Best Limoncello we ever had. Shipped 6 bottles homes for friends and family.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Colosseum & Ancient Rome Tour with Roman Forum
Colosseum & Ancient Rome Tour with Roman Forum
Rome

Incredible. Tour guide was very knowledgeable and extremely pleasant. We had a small fun group.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Exclusive Capri Boat Tour from Sorrento
Exclusive Capri Boat Tour from Sorrento
Italy

Incredible day. The Grotto and swimming was unreal.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Truffle Hunting with Lunch
Truffle Hunting with Lunch
Italy

Highlight of the trip

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Leslie Tranchina
Photo taken by Michael B
Photo taken by Michael B
Leslie
Leslie Tranchina
Local specialist in Bologna | Replied on Oct 05, 2025
Hi Michael, Reading your feedback absolutely made my day — thank you so much for taking the time to share it! I’m thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your trip and that everything, from the transfers to the experiences, flowed smoothly. I’m delighted the truffle hunting and the day trip in Tuscany was such a highlight — I knew Speilo would steal the show! And the Capri boat ride is such a magical experience; it’s wonderful to know the captain and his helper made it even more special for... Read more

Hi Michael,

Reading your feedback absolutely made my day — thank you so much for taking the time to share it! I’m thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your trip and that everything, from the transfers to the experiences, flowed smoothly.

I’m delighted the truffle hunting and the day trip in Tuscany was such a highlight — I knew Speilo would steal the show! And the Capri boat ride is such a magical experience; it’s wonderful to know the captain and his helper made it even more special for you.

It was a real pleasure planning this journey for you.
To your next adventure to Italy — there’s still so much beauty and culture to discover!

My warmest regards,
Leslie