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Authenticus Italy

At Authenticus Italy, our mission is to help clients truly experience Italy in a unique and memorable way. We plan bespoke itineraries with a focus on authentic, captivating and unforgettable experiences.

While there are several ways to see Italy, we give our travelers an insider's view of the country. Whether you are an art-lover, a food & wine enthusiast or a history buff, we will design a trip that immerses you and your senses in a journey you will never forget, creating memories that last a lifetime.

Authenticus Italy is part of the following groups: Italy Travel Agents

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Top itineraries and travel advice

Recent Trip Reviews for Authenticus Italy

Martina did an excellent job listening to my ...
Italy | Jun 9 - Jun 23, 2026

Karen
Karen R.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Jul 10, 2026
Martina did an excellent job listening to my needs (I have trouble walking) and guiding me on what cities would work/be difficult. She made sure I had transfers and rooms without stairs as best she could before she went on maternity leave. When/if she is back, I highly recommend her! Just be careful once you are on the trip as different people help you and are not as understanding/accommodating as Martina Read more

Martina did an excellent job listening to my needs (I have trouble walking) and guiding me on what cities would work/be difficult. She made sure I had transfers and rooms without stairs as best she could before she went on maternity leave. When/if she is back, I highly recommend her! Just be careful once you are on the trip as different people help you and are not as understanding/accommodating as Martina

Hotel Review
Salvadonica - Borgo del Chianti
San Casciano in Val di pesa

The best meal we ate in all of Italy was the cooking class meal we had here! Such a fun experience as well as delicious. Unfortunately, I’m not sure what to say about the restaurant though as our first night’s dinner was so salty neither of us could finish our meals. It made me want to cancel the second night’s meal , but I’m glad we didn’t as the second night’s dinner was delicious. Comfortable rooms and a lovely swimming pool was very relaxing. Gravel walkways to some of the rooms, so if you have trouble walking, select a room carefully

Authenticity & Character
Location
Relaxing and scenic location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Bologna Market & Food Tour
Bologna Market & Food Tour
Bologna
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Tuscan Traditional Cooking Class
Tuscan Traditional Cooking Class
Italy

Best meal we had in all of Italy!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Rooftop bar Opera show
Rooftop bar Opera show
Rome

Such a nice unique experience!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Flavors of Emilia: Food Valley Tour
Flavors of Emilia: Food Valley Tour
Italy

We loved this tour! Only suggestion is to cut down on the a,punt of food or spread it out over a longer period of time

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Small group golf cart tour of Rome's highlights
Small group golf cart tour of Rome's highlights
Rome

Great experience, particularly if you can’t walk well or are in Rome during a heat wave.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
The openness of the golf carts make it easy to see, but only on the side you are sitting on. Try to get the seat behind the driver
Florence Golf Cart Tour
Florence Golf Cart Tour
Florence

They no longer allow golf carts in the heart of Florence, so we did Fiesole. There were nice views, but the main museum was closed. Went to alternate museum that was very small and not well air conditioned. I’d skip this golf cart tour. There were nice views on way up to Fiesole, but not really worth it

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Paper marbling workshop with a local artisan
Paper marbling workshop with a local artisan
Florence

It was so nice to do something a little different, yet also very authentic

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Meeting Venice: boat cruise along the canals
Meeting Venice: boat cruise along the canals
Venice

It was nice to have a private boat tour, but we were in one of the taxi boats which are partially enclosed. It’s tricky for those with physical problems to get to the opened back or it’s a little crowded to stay up front with driver. But we did get a very knowledgeable tour guide who went out of the way to make sure we went by something that is special to me.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Driver went out of his way to accommodate me, but the boats aren’t really built for sightseeing
Local specialist: Martina Venturi

Our 18 day trip to Italy was filled with great food, art and architecture!
Italy | Apr 14 - Apr 28, 2026

Barbara
Barbara H.
Batavia, IL | Reviewed on Jun 25, 2026
Our recent trip to Italy was absolutely amazing! Began in Rome- started with Pantheon, Colloseum, and Forum, Trevi fountain. Our day at the Vatican was so interesting. Our guide studied archeology and art history so loads of information! One very interesting addition was the Villa Borghese with its beautiful gardens and land in addition to hundreds of sculptures- numerous Bernini, masterpiece paintings- Rafael , Rubens, etc. Definitely include it in your itinerary.
Next Florence. Amazing...
Read more

Our recent trip to Italy was absolutely amazing! Began in Rome- started with Pantheon, Colloseum, and Forum, Trevi fountain. Our day at the Vatican was so interesting. Our guide studied archeology and art history so loads of information! One very interesting addition was the Villa Borghese with its beautiful gardens and land in addition to hundreds of sculptures- numerous Bernini, masterpiece paintings- Rafael , Rubens, etc. Definitely include it in your itinerary.
Next Florence. Amazing artwork, food, and 2 Da Vinci museums with interactive models of inventions. Our guide for the Uffizi gallery , the Acadamia and Duomo had a masters in art history. We learned so much more with her than if we had done a self guided tour. Do not miss ordering Florentine steak!
Venice was next- greeted at the train and taken to our water taxi to the Hotel Moresco which was classic and charming. The staff was so attentive and quickly taught us how to to get around using water buses which made the trip so easy. Spent a lot of time in San Marco area with the highlight of attending a concert with a string orchestra performing Vivaldi’s Four Seasons at the Chiesa della Pietà. Took the water bus to the island of Burano (known for silk) and Murano ( known for Venetian glass).
Another fast train to Milan. They are so comfortable and easy to use. First class tickets are very reasonable. It was designed week in Milan so it was very, very crowded. Very walkable city. Wanted my husband to see The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci-a 15th-century mural painted on the dining hall wall of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie. Sforza Castle and the Duomo were also full of art work and amazing architecture.
Our final stop was the most breathtaking landscape of Lake Cómo. A boat tour is a must to see all the amazing villas and small,charming towns. We stayed in Varenna which was so nice. 2 beautiful Villas with amazing gardens you can tour. Our most fun was taking a cooking class in a home in Varenna. A charming couple taught us to make fresh pasta- tagliatelle and tortellini filled with spinach and ricotta, an appetizer and Tiramisu! Such a wonderful evening seeing how they raise so much of their food even when they have full time work outside of the home. They practiced their English and we got to practice our Italian!
A train ride back to Rome and an amazing afternoon and evening at the QC Grand Hotel Roma. A full Roman Bath with saunas, steam rooms, and thermal baths. Unfortunately close to the airport which made it easy to leave even though we did not want to go.
In all we had 18 amazing days with the best guides and hotels. Kimkim makes it all work so smoothly! My husband walks with a cane and we can still travel easily thanks to all of their planning.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Moresco
Venice

This hotel is right on the canal. Absolutely old world charm and elegance. Staff was so attentive and helpful. Breakfast eggs to order and large buffet. Evening cocktail hour had so many tasty treats served that you hardly needed dinner. Enjoyed our stay tremendously.

Authenticity & Character
Absolutely charming
Location
Close to water bus terminal and train station.
Staff
Very attentive to your needs.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Royal Victoria
Varenna

Beautiful setting. Hotel is charming. Excellent restaurants Varenna is less touristy than other Lake Cómo towns like Bellagio but has all the amenities- beautiful villas and gardens to tour, charming shops, ferry terminal.

Local specialist: Elisa Sciabica
Elisa
Elisa Sciabica
Local specialist in Milan | Replied on Jun 29, 2026

Dear Barbara,
I’m so happy to read your words! It was a pleasure organizing this journey for you and your husband, and I’m delighted to hear that everything came together so beautifully, from the guides and hotels to the experiences across Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan, and Lake Como. Knowing that you were able to travel comfortably and enjoy each moment makes it especially rewarding for me.

Thank you for trusting us with your trip. I hope these memories stay with you for a very long time!

Northern Italy adventure
Italy | Apr 12 - Apr 23, 2026

Lisa
Lisa D.
New Zealand | Reviewed on Apr 25, 2026
Had a wonderful 2 weeks in and around Tuscany. Martina listened to our wants and needs and planned a fabulous trip - perfect accommodation, great tours, seamless travel and a great mix of cities and small villages. Lorenzo stepped in and provided awesome support throughout the actual trip - always accessible for whatever we needed. I cannot recommend them enough! Read more

Had a wonderful 2 weeks in and around Tuscany. Martina listened to our wants and needs and planned a fabulous trip - perfect accommodation, great tours, seamless travel and a great mix of cities and small villages. Lorenzo stepped in and provided awesome support throughout the actual trip - always accessible for whatever we needed. I cannot recommend them enough!

Hotel Review
Palazzo Petrus
Orvieto

Amazing service and such a beautiful room - cannot fault!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Central to everything
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Rialto Market and "Cicchetti" food tour
Rialto Market and "Cicchetti" food tour
Venice

Georgia was great - took us to some hidden gems and historical places to sample traditional Venetian food and culture. Highly recommend - such good fun!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Discover Orvieto Underground
Discover Orvieto Underground
Orvieto

Very knowledgeable guide and really interesting to learn all the history. Was well worth the visit!!

Local specialist: Martina Venturi

We had the trip of a lifetime and Elenora mad...
Italy | Aug 6 - Aug 15, 2025

Jenny
Jenny L.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Mar 22, 2026

We had the trip of a lifetime and Elenora made sure every detail was perfect! The travel between Milan to Lake Como to Venice was seamless. We will definitely be using KimKim to plan future vacations!

Local specialist: Eleonora Arrigoni
Eleonora
Eleonora Arrigoni
Local specialist in Milan | Replied on Mar 23, 2026

Hi Jenny,
Thank you so much for your wonderful words! I’m truly happy to hear you had the trip of a lifetime and that everything went smoothly!
It was a pleasure organizing your journey, and I’d love to help you plan another unforgettable trip in the future!
Best,
Eleonora

Amazing Sicily
Italy | Sep 24 - Oct 10, 2025

Anne
Anne W.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Feb 13, 2026
We had an amazing 17 days traveling the island of Sicily!! Eleonora was great and worked with us to get everything exactly how we wanted it. They checked in almost daily to make sure everything was in order for the day. Would highly recommend!! Read more

We had an amazing 17 days traveling the island of Sicily!! Eleonora was great and worked with us to get everything exactly how we wanted it. They checked in almost daily to make sure everything was in order for the day. Would highly recommend!!

Activity Review
Palermo and its street food walking tour
Palermo and its street food walking tour
Palermo

So fun, would highly recommend!!

Local specialist: Eleonora Arrigoni
Eleonora
Eleonora Arrigoni
Local specialist in Milan | Replied on Mar 23, 2026

Hi Anne,
Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m thrilled to hear you had such an amazing time exploring Sicily and that everything matched your expectations.
It was a real pleasure assisting you throughout the journey, and I’d love to help you plan another unforgettable trip in the future!
Best,
Eleonora

Everything was incredible
Italy | Oct 16 - Oct 25, 2025

Amy
Amy G.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Nov 01, 2025
Everything was incredible. Trip was better than expected. Having everything planned ahead of time with Elisa and well coordinated, it was a pleasure. Our driver Salvatore was great and our walking guide Simone was awesome! Both hotels were perfect for our trip and the staff were wonderful. Read more

Everything was incredible. Trip was better than expected. Having everything planned ahead of time with Elisa and well coordinated, it was a pleasure. Our driver Salvatore was great and our walking guide Simone was awesome! Both hotels were perfect for our trip and the staff were wonderful.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Villa Belvedere
Taormina

Beautiful location and well appointed rooms. The noise from rooms above with moving furniture/chairs was very disturbing and annoying. I would not stay on a lower floor again. Only top floor . Other than that it’s a great hotel, breakfast was great, location great and views were amazing!

Authenticity & Character
Classy and beautiful
Location
Views and easy to walk around
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean but the noise from room above was an issue our entire stay
Palazzo Arone dei Baroni di Valentino
Palermo

Having the two bedroom apartment was great for the amount of time we were in Palermo. Lots of stairs!! The hotel staff were so incredibly kind and helpful. It’s a great location but due to its good location it is loud. Overall we loved it!!

Authenticity & Character
So unique
Location
Walked everywhere
Staff
I can’t say enough about the staff they were wonderful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean and comfortable
Activity Reviews
Boat tour of Isola Bella
Boat tour of Isola Bella
Italy

Such a great day and way to experience the area. Enjoyed the small group and meeting travelers from around the world!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Captain/Guide was wonderful
Transport
We had to taxi from hotel but it was easy
Scenic stroll with a local & craft gin experience in historic Palermo
Scenic stroll with a local & craft gin experience in historic Palermo
Palermo

Well worth the walk and time spent strolling with Simone. He was awesome and it was a joy to talk with him and learn the history of the area we stayed in. His twist at the end with a gin tasting was perfect!!!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Elisa Sciabica
Elisa
Elisa Sciabica
Local specialist in Milan | Replied on Nov 05, 2025

Dear Amy, thank you so much for your wonderful review! 😊 Sabina and I are absolutely thrilled to hear that you had such a fantastic vacation. It was a pleasure working with you, and we’re so happy we could help make your trip so special. We hope to welcome you back soon for another unforgettable experience!

Our Trip to Piedmont
Italy | Oct 6 - Oct 19, 2025

J
Jay B.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Oct 26, 2025
This is the third trip we've taken with Kim Kim and possibly the most enjoyable. We took this trip with our friends Abby and Robert Belafsky. Having read their review we echo all of the positive things they said. The trip was essentially seamless. And, to the extent there were minor bumps in the road, handled quickly and efficiently by Sabrina.
As stated in the Belafsky review, we were disappointed in the "tour" of the Ferrari factory, which was merely a drive around many buildings. Should...
Read more

This is the third trip we've taken with Kim Kim and possibly the most enjoyable. We took this trip with our friends Abby and Robert Belafsky. Having read their review we echo all of the positive things they said. The trip was essentially seamless. And, to the extent there were minor bumps in the road, handled quickly and efficiently by Sabrina.
As stated in the Belafsky review, we were disappointed in the "tour" of the Ferrari factory, which was merely a drive around many buildings. Should others put the Ferrari museum-which was interesting and well laid out- on their itinerary they should be aware that they will be unable to see the inside of the factory.
All of the guides were fine with our two favorites being the guides in Parma and Turin.

Hotel Reviews
Turin Palace Hotel
Turin
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Cascina Galarej Villaggio Narrante
Alba
Authenticity & Character
Location
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Corona D'oro
Bologna
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Manzoni
Milano
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Museo Egizio
Museo Egizio
Turin
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Turin Walking Tour
Turin Walking Tour
Turin
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit the Synagogue of Turin
Visit the Synagogue of Turin
Turin
Quality of Experience
Transport
Free afternoon in Alba
Free afternoon in Alba
Alba
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Modena Walking Tour
Modena Walking Tour
Italy
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Day Trip to Parma: Parma Food Walking Tour with Parmesan and Balsamic Vinegar tasting
Day Trip to Parma: Parma Food Walking Tour with Parmesan and Balsamic Vinegar tasting
Italy
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Bologna cooking class
Bologna cooking class
Italy
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Walking food tour of Milano
Walking food tour of Milano
Milan
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit the Theatre La Scala
Visit the Theatre La Scala
Milan
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Guided-walking tour
Guided-walking tour
Milan
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Welcome to Milan!
Welcome to Milan!
Milan
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Alberto Buzzanca

First time in Rome experience
Italy | Oct 6 - Oct 10, 2025

Frederick
Frederick P.
Dublin, OH | Reviewed on Oct 25, 2025
Our group of 4 had never been to Rome before and the kimkim team put us in an excellent well positioned hotel, suggested and booked all encompassing tours and worked with us to fine tune our time in Rome. It was a very pleasant and easy way to introduce ourselves to a city we have always wanted to visit. Read more

Our group of 4 had never been to Rome before and the kimkim team put us in an excellent well positioned hotel, suggested and booked all encompassing tours and worked with us to fine tune our time in Rome. It was a very pleasant and easy way to introduce ourselves to a city we have always wanted to visit.

Hotel Review
Hotel Navona Colors
Rome

Excellent location, we were able to walk to almost all the major areas. Comfortable rooms and extremely helpful and friendly staff. Lots of restaurants right outside their doors and even more less than a 5 minute walk away. This was a great choice for our group.

Location
Central to everything
Staff
Friendly and helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Guided Visit to the Colosseum, Palatin Hill and Roman Forum
Guided Visit to the Colosseum, Palatin Hill and Roman Forum
Rome

Great overview of the areas, our guide was personable and knowledgeable.

Late Entrance Tour of the Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel
Late Entrance Tour of the Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel
Rome

Sec was extremely knowledgeable about the Vatican. However his manner is more of a college professor than a tour guide, aloof and stern. It was a fairly large group and at times he seemed irritated. That said, his knowledge was incredible and we were shown a lot the area with a lot of detail in a very short time.

Private guided tour of Rome in Golf Cart
Private guided tour of Rome in Golf Cart
Rome

Alex was a very personable and knowledgeable guide for a panoramic tour of the sights around the city. He asked what areas we had already seen and found different and interesting places to show us. We took some really beautiful photos from some of the great vantage points around the old city.

Transport
It’s really nice to hop on and off a golf cart at the different spots. Easy on and off. Excellent way to get a feel for Rome.
Small group Testaccio Market food tour
Small group Testaccio Market food tour
Rome

Julia was a great guide, knowledgeable of the area and fun to chat with. We experienced several delightful food choices and were introduced to different types of establishments from a pastry shop to street food stalls to sit down restaurant. Excellent experience. I do wish the tour was closer to our hotel, so we could revisit, but getting away from the tourist hustle and bustle made for a more relaxed time.

Local specialist: Martina Venturi

Our trip was amazing in every way.
Italy | Sep 27 - Oct 12, 2025

ELIZABETH
ELIZABETH S.
Rosemont, CA | Reviewed on Oct 15, 2025
Our trip was amazing in every way. Each person that we dealt with was professional, friendly, on time and very knowledgeable. Our accommodations were well located and very comfortable. A special shout out to Marco who gave us a spectacular experience on our hike of the Valley of the Mills. Alfonso who guided us on the wine tasting in Amalfi Coast was very knowledgeable. The lunch was fantastic. Our guide Ivan in Pompeii was also very knowledgeable and was a great guide. Christian who... Read more

Our trip was amazing in every way. Each person that we dealt with was professional, friendly, on time and very knowledgeable. Our accommodations were well located and very comfortable.

A special shout out to Marco who gave us a spectacular experience on our hike of the Valley of the Mills. Alfonso who guided us on the wine tasting in Amalfi Coast was very knowledgeable. The lunch was fantastic.

Our guide Ivan in Pompeii was also very knowledgeable and was a great guide. Christian who gave us a Wine tour in the Tuscan countryside was very friendly and knowledgeable.

We enjoyed our walking tour of Rome with Fiona who gave us lots of history and made the tour very interesting. Paola who guided us on a walking tour of Siena was very knowledgeable and explained in great detail the communities of walled city and its traditions including the annual horse races.

Montalcino Tours Chirra our driver and Giovanni our on-foot guide provided us with a most memorable day hiking 10K through the vineyards and ending with a delicious and much deserved lunch with the best wine.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Metropole
Santa Margherita Ligure

Again great location

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Relais Riserva di Fizzano
Castellina in Chianti (SI)

Beautiful surroundings, great restaurant but not open every night. However, the apt does have a stove top to cook. The sunset is to spectacular.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Very accommodating and friendly.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Damaso Hotel
Rome

Great location to good restaurants. Friendly staff

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Floridiana
Amalfi

Great location but lots of stairs.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Elisa Sciabica
Elisa
Elisa Sciabica
Local specialist in Milan | Replied on Oct 24, 2025

Dear Elizabeth,
Thank you so much for your kind words! We're so happy to have been part of such a memorable adventure. It fills our hearts with joy to know that your trip was everything you hoped for.
We hope to welcome you back for even more unforgettable moments!💫

Amalfi coast
Italy | Oct 8 - Oct 14, 2025

B
Barbara K.
New York, NY | Reviewed on Oct 15, 2025

Great trip to Naples and the amalfi coast . Every tour and experience was fantastic , the guides were knowledgeable and fun! The hotels chosen were beautiful. Will use Kim Kim again !

Local specialist: Elisa Sciabica
Elisa
Elisa Sciabica
Local specialist in Milan | Replied on Oct 16, 2025

Barbara, thank you very much for your great review. 😊 We’re thrilled to hear that your trip to Naples and the Amalfi Coast was fantastic! It’s wonderful that you enjoyed all the hotels, the tours, experiences, and guides – we’ll be sure to pass along your kind words to them. 🌟
We can’t wait to welcome you back on your next adventure with KimKim!