Melanie Rapuano

I had an outstanding experience with Kim Kim Travel consultant Melanie. From the very beginning she was professional knowledgeable and attentive to every detail of our trip she took the time to understand my preferences and created a travel plan that exceeded my expectations.

Her recommendations for accommodations transportation and activities were excellent and she was always available to answer questions provided assistance. Example we were 10 minutes late to our boat in Capri I called her she said wait a minute then she called the captain and they came back and got us. Second example we were at the Vatican we had a private tour with a gentleman named Rich and he asked how good we were with stairs, my husband said fine I said I don’t know. Without saying a word he tested us out and knew I wasn’t good at stairs without saying a word he took the no. stairs route Rich called Melanie and told her that I was not good at stairs. Melanie immediately canceled the group tour in Pompeii and treated us to a private tour so that I would be safe then we had lunch at a local winery which was wonderful thank you Melanie and thank you Rich and Kim Kim group our honeymoon was stress-free and enjoyable Pat and Jack Drewiega from Clearwater Florida

Hotel Reviews

Hotel Barberini Roma

Rome

The bathroom was strange the location was great,

Authenticity & Character

Location

Close to the fountain

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

No

Aquae Romanae Bed and Breakfast Sorrento

Sorrento

It was absolutely spotless they were helpful the room was really nice and it was centrally located which was wonderful the coffee was wonderful the little store downstairs was great it was great great great

Authenticity & Character

Everything

Location

I already told you.

Staff

Everything

Cleanliness & Comfort

Everything

Activity Reviews

Vatican & Sistine Chapel Highlights with St. Peter's Basilica

Rome

Rich made it special he was going to be a priest but then met somebody and has three children he was very good and knowledgeable took pictures to show us certain things to look for superb and understanding that I needed to not walk upstairs

Quality of Experience

Rich

Guides, Drivers and Staff

All were helpful and knowledgeable

Transport

Small group boat excursion to Capri from Sorrento

Italy

The girl was great at explaining things the captain was good because he came back and got us when we were late.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

They were all great.

The Ruins of Pompeii & Winery on the Vesuvius

Italy

Very knowledgeable. Very careful because of my walking. I have her any day of the week

Quality of Experience

Food

I am

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Ravello, Amalfi & Positano

Sorrento

Beautiful experience gorgeous the driver was perfect stopped at a beautiful restaurant loved all of it

Quality of Experience

Melanie, and the driver was excellent

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Lemon tour and lunch (or dinner) in Sorrento

Sorrento

We could walk to it from our hotel or B&B and it was very interesting and learning how to make lemon cello will be lots of fun at home.

Quality of Experience

Highly recommend! My friend and I planned a multi city trip through Italy in 9 days and Melanie and her team were amazing! She was very accommodating and responded quickly to any questions and requests we had. She set up an amazing trip for us. She and her team were very responsive and had great communication throughout our trip. I would absolutely have her plan my next trip!

If you're a travel advisor collaborating with a multi-generational family on a stay in Tuscany and/or the Amalfi Coast, you owe it to yourself to reach out to Italy Charme (Melanie is my go-to there) to have as your in-country partner. They go above and beyond to make sure clients experience Italy like a local! No question I (or any of my clients' 1000s ;)) had was too difficult (or dumb) for them to assist me -- making me look like the expert in the US with my expert partners in-country in Italy. We had worked on this itinerary for over 6 months, and Melanie (and the rest of the team at Italy Charme) allowed me to breathe a sigh of relief, even while my clients (family of 10, ages 3 to 85) were going from one villa to the next . . . and all the little towns worth seeing in between. I wouldn't hesitate to collaborate with Melanie and her team at Italy Charme with future client requests in Italy!

This was my second client trip in Italy, where I was able to collaborate with Melanie and her team at Italy Charme. Her (and their) assistance in helping me understand the intricacies of the two destinations that I wasn't that familiar with (Palermo/Sicily, and Puglia) was how it started, and their care for my clients during their entire time in Southern Italy-- even changing tours at the last minute-- was the icing on the cake for how they made us look like Rock Stars to our shared clients. They even assisted me with snags that neither of us could have planned for (caused by the clients) without creating more chaos or issues. I highly encourage other Travel Advisors and agencies to collaborate with Italy Charme for your client needs in all of Italy-- you won't regret it!

Melanie did a great job of listening to what we wanted and providing it. It was our first time to Italy so wanted a mix of "the things you have to see" and time to really appreciate the country and culture. It was perfect for our needs.

We ended up really appreciating the slower pace of Salerno. Still beautiful with lots of amenities, but not as touristy as other things.

Our guides were all great. We learned a lot in every place we went - history, architecture, cultural significance. All amazing.

Agota was incredible in keeping us informed and shifting things as needed. I'm pretty sure this is a 24 hour job.

Thank you!

Activity Reviews

Explore Pompeii Walking Tour

Italy

Our guide was educated in historical architecture and gave us such a good understanding of the place and importance of the different areas.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Easy train trip

Semi private Chianti and San Gimignano tour

Florence

Claudius was our driver and was so fun and engaging. I loved that he pointed out things on the drive. The tour guides at each location were informative and we appreciated learning more about Chianti Classico wine. San Gimignano was incredible and we liked the loose schedule - we could walk around at our leisure.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Florence cooking class and market tour

Florence

Giulia was our instructor and was so good at giving us information about buying the ingredients, the cooking techniques, etc. We also loved the family we shared the experience with. So much fun. One of my favorite things.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Easy walk from the hotel

Food & Wine Sunset Walk in Trastevere

Rome

I loved that we ate things that were not the normal things you have everywhere. My favorite was the cheese, meat, bruschetta at the first restaurant. All of the food was excellent and Marta was great at explaining everything and ensuring we were all organized and enjoying ourselves.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Marta's explanations and keeping us together.

Transport

Walked over. Easy taxi back.

Vatican, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica Visit

Rome

Due to some changes, we did the Basilica on our own and then the Vatican and Sistine Chapel with a guide. Roberta was knowledgable and really enthusiastic about everything. She was really good at explaining what we were going to see before we saw it and helping us understand historical themes. Basilica was amazing. We went to a small mass during our visit. The art is incredible. Just an amazing building.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

We had a driver over and uber on the way back.

Colosseo and Roman forums adventure

Rome

Sara was an excellent guide and was really good at ensuring we were at the Forum early (which wasn't quite as busy) and the Colisseum afterward. She was also really good at checking in with us regarding taking photos, resting, getting drinks, and keeping us on time. It's all amazing but more than you can see in the tour. We are putting the Forum back on our list for the next visit.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Very short walk from the hotel.

Thanks so much, Melania! The trip to Rome was amazing and really well organized. Thanks also for all your support during our stay.
Next time we’re in Italy, we’ll definitely get in touch.
Take care! 😊

Hotel Review

Condominio Monti Boutique Hotel

Rome

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Rome food tour: A deliciously cultural tour for foodies

Rome

I can’t wait to come back to Italy just to do a tour like this again!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Colosseo and Roman forums adventure

Rome

A real dive into the past, something I’ll remember for many years.