We took a 30-day trip to Italy in May. Starting in Venice and ending in Catania. From the initial planning - more than 6 months in advance I knew we were in good hands with Marina. For one week, my husband and son traveled with us, but the remainder of the trip it was just me and our 3 girls. It was important to me that things were as seamless/safe as possible and I hoped to not stress about our exchanges/transfers/reservations. It was worth every penny having Marina and her team take care of us. I never felt alone - we had a couple hiccups and I just reached out to the team and they helped us or handled things for us.
We wanted the trip to focus on history and special outings for us and not just seeing crowded tourist sights. Marina really listened to what we wanted and suggested several things I would never have known about. The hotels were all lovely - amazing locations and exceeded our expectations. The app and daily notes and recommendations came in handy too.
There were several times the travel team arranged for little extras for our family - like a delicious birthday cake delivered to our hotel for our daughter’s 21st birthday.
Truly an experience we will remember forever.
Our favorites:
Capri and our private guide was worth the splurge!!
My favorite - the hotel in Agrigento and the location and apartment in Florence and the team being available to help when fun travel things come up - like train strikes.
Husband - wind surfing on Lake Garda and Venice
18 year old daughter - visiting churches in Venice
13 year old daughter- the food. All of the food and wind surfing
21 year old daughter - hiking around Lake Garda and the Agrigento hotel
23 years old son - Lake Garda and wandering around Venice
Thank you so much for all the attention and planning that went into our trip
Hotel Reviews
Hotel baglio della Luna
Valle dei Templi, Agrigento
The best stay of our trip. It felt like we were in our own little luxury villa. The staff went above and beyond. Dinner outdoors over looking the Valley of the Temples - we ate here every night. So special. At this point in our trip we needed to rest and recharge - it was perfect. Excellent recommendations from the staff. Only a small number of rooms so it felt like it was just the 4 sometimes
Authenticity & Character
The gardens - beautiful. So many places to sit, read, have a glass of wine
Location
This location - a little bit of heaven
Staff
Charming. Helpful. Kind. Everyone - from breakfast and check in to drinks in the bar and the staff who kept our rooms tidy
Cleanliness & Comfort
Attention to details - just lovely.
The staff was so lovely. The rooms were beautiful. We loved the location - not in the busy area and gave us a chance to wander. Breakfast was delicious.
Authenticity & Character
So cute. Unique.
Hotel Lago di Garda Torbole
Torbole sul Garda
Hotel location is amazing. Breakfast delicious. The rooms needed refreshing - linens thin and the sheets had holes. Walls needed painting. Mold in shower - the hotel did fix this as soon as our travel agent let them know.
Authenticity & Character
The rooms felt very basic and cheap.
Authenticity & Character
The rooms felt very basic and cheap.
Location
Gorgeous. Gorgeous location.
Location
Gorgeous. Gorgeous location.
Staff
We let the front desk know we had a package coming and it was important - they refused delivery of it. It had $37 due upon receipt - we were not aware at the time. The hotel did not contact us while we were out on a hike. We had to get a private car to go pick up the package. We missed one of our planned activities and had to pay $150 for the private car. It was more the time we lost as a family together that bothered us. And that the hotel didn’t try to fix it. It was only $37 - we had 3 rooms for 4 nights. They were nice - just wish they had contacted us or paid for the package - which they had our credit card information- they could have handled it differently
Staff
We let the front desk know we had a package coming and it was important - they refused delivery of it. It had $37 due upon receipt - we were not aware at the time. The hotel did not contact us while we were out on a hike. We had to get a private car to go pick up the package. We missed one of our planned activities and had to pay $150 for the private car. It was more the time we lost as a family together that bothered us. And that the hotel didn’t try to fix it. It was only $37 - we had 3 rooms for 4 nights. They were nice - just wish they had contacted us or paid for the package - which they had our credit card information- they could have handled it differently
Cleanliness & Comfort
There was mold in our shower - the hotel did paint over it as soon as notified. The sheets were very thin and had multiple holes in them. The walls throughout the lodging part of the hotel were scratched and needed repair. It was clean - just seemed that no upkeep was happening once you got upstairs to the rooms.
Cleanliness & Comfort
There was mold in our shower - the hotel did paint over it as soon as notified. The sheets were very thin and had multiple holes in them. The walls throughout the lodging part of the hotel were scratched and needed repair. It was clean - just seemed that no upkeep was happening once you got upstairs to the rooms.
Hotel della Torre Argentina
Rome
The rooms and breakfast were lovely. The location was great for all we wanted to do.
Location
The location was great - the bus stops right in front of the doors and that makes it difficult to get in and out sometimes.
Staff
The front desk staff were not as warm as all of the other places we stayed. The breakfast staff was lovely.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Nice rooms - we enjoyed and slept well
Del Guanto Apartment by Mamo Florence
Florence
We loved this apartment. The location was perfect for all the things we wanted to do and see. The rooftop patio was lovely.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The couch seemed to be missing pillows.
Palazzo Caracciolo Napoli - MGallery
Naples
Just a lovely and beautiful hotel. Wonderful staff. Very helpful and great with recommendations - we chose to walk from the train station and that was not a wise decision. (Our travel agent suggested a private transfer - and we should have listened).
Authenticity & Character
It feels very special. Unique. The rooms were large and very nice.
Authenticity & Character
It feels very special. Unique. The rooms were large and very nice.
Location
You just have to be more aware of your surroundings and not go exploring in part of the area across from the hotel. Once the hotel gave us suggestions - we were fine!! And the taxi service they suggested was perfect
Location
You just have to be more aware of your surroundings and not go exploring in part of the area across from the hotel. Once the hotel gave us suggestions - we were fine!! And the taxi service they suggested was perfect
Staff
Very nice - great recommendations
Cleanliness & Comfort
Beds were very comfortable. Rooms were quiet. So nice.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Beds were very comfortable. Rooms were quiet. So nice.
Location
Thankful for Valet!
Staff
Helpful and calming. I was a bit anxious from driving - but they were very welcoming
Cleanliness & Comfort
Small rooms, but comfortable!
Habitat Boutique Hotel
Catania
Despite the construction on the street in front of the hotel - this hotel exceeded all of our expectations. The staff was wonderful and had the best recommendations. We loved our rooms too.
Authenticity & Character
Very unique hotel. Loved
Location
Great location for walking and felt so safe walking around late. We had a lot of fun in this area.
Staff
Everyone. Sooooo helpful and friendly.
Cleanliness & Comfort
So comfortable. We were at the end of a 30 day trip and felt at home
Activity Reviews
Discover the Vatican: From the Museums to the Sistine Chapel
Italy
This felt very rushed. And not a lot of information. She was very nice. It felt more like she was helping us short cut getting through. Unfortunately, we were there on a very busy day - not the guides fault.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Very nice.
A Day Among Roman Castles & Medieval Hilltop Villages
Rome
Very cool to get out of the hustle and bustle of Rome. LOVED the wine tasting - we were the only ones there and the staff was incredible. We met the owners at the winery. The papal palace and grounds were very cool to see and the little town outside was lovely. We stopped for lunch on the way back to Rome. Great.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
We would have loved to hear a bit more about the history of things while he was driving but it was still great.
The Pearl of the Mediterranean: A Day on Capri Island & Anacapri
Italy
Our guide, Lucia, was the best. The day started out with a major glitch, but Lucia calmed us all down and set the perfect tone for the day. It was the best having our own guide - it was special. She asked us what was our goal - I said to see Capri but not with all the crowds - she delivered ! We felt like we hit everything. The cloud covered mountain top and chair lift was soooo cool. Her food recommendations were perfect We loved the knowledge and the history she shared with us. Perfect day.
So nice to have the whole day handled - no checking ferry schedules/buying tickets/choosing where to eat. Wonderful
Quality of Experience
100% worth every penny. Lucia made it special. So nice to have everything taken care of
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our driver was prompt - so nice to have it all arranged.
Explore Mt Etna: Volcano Hike & Lava Cave
Catania
Salvatore was an amazing tour guide! We had an excellent day. Mt Etna was wonderful. The wine tasting was ok.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Salvatore - so kind, interacted with everyone. Excellent information
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Salvatore - so kind, interacted with everyone. Excellent information
Local specialist: Marina Courtaut
