TESTIMONIALS
We are very proud of the fact that we have not only many repeat clients, but also many clients who have
referred their friends and colleagues to us.
This is our first chance to write since our arrival in Italy. Wanted you to know how wonderful
everything has been here. Pre-Tuscan itinerary went well and other than rainy weather,
everything was perfect. We all came together at the lovely Villa Fontocchio and have enjoyed
every minute of the vacation. The meals at the Podere la Coppella and Nottola wineries with
Natasha and Danielle were wonderful. Florence, of course, was a whirlwind, but Elvira made sure
we hit the highlights and was so entertaining...she has given us all reason to read up on all of the
history. Oh, and our cook at the Villa makes pure magic. What a treat to have him here ready with
perhaps some of the best meals we've ever had. Only sorry we didn't schedule him more often!!
Email #1 from D &D L from North Carolina 2010
We are home and, while still very tired, we are ready to go back to Italy again. After traveling we
usually take several weeks/months to be ready to go again but not this time. You and all of your
contacts have given us the most wonderful vacation we've ever had. Without your continued and
precise arrangements and attention to details, the 10 days with 12 people would have been
difficult at best. The time spent together as a family in beautiful surroundings and full of
wonderful discoveries has been a treasure for us all. Thank you and your entire group for all the
attention given to us. I don't know about most of your clients, but this trip to Italy that you were so
much a part of, may have changed our family. Thank you. Email #2 from D & D L from North Carolina
2010
With the distance of time I still have to say that it was absolutely marvelous and I am very happy
that we linked up with you. The guides were all first rate and extremely helpful but more
importantly also very knowledgeable but not in a boring way, we enjoyed them very much. Can't
say enough good things about the "home meals" what a great addition to a long trip away from
home. We loved this feature and you did a superb job in selecting. All the hotels fit perfectly and
a nice mixture of luxury and reasonableness. Locations were singularly perfect and you always
picked beautiful rooms, thank you. I have taken the liberty to forward your contact to a couple of
friends whom I know would love the wonderful job you are doing. GB & KE from New York 2010
We had an absolutely incredible 10 days in Italy. Thank you so much for working with us. I think
we must have made it extra challenging for you given the short notice but you really came
through. We loved the entire itinerary. The hotels were fantastic and the rooms themselves very
memorable. We had a lovely courtyard off of our room at the Inn at the Roman Forum. It was a
wonderful retreat after extensive touring around the city. In Perugia, the view we had of the
Umbria countryside was wonderful. In Venice, it was tempting to just stay in the room and watch
everything that was going on outside our windows on the Grand Canal. The locations of all three
hotels were perfect. All of the guides were extremely knowledgeable and personable. I think
Christina, in particular, had the biggest challenge – trying to keep us entertained throughout the
festival in Bevagna and at the vineyard. She did a wonderful job showing us the town and
introducing us to her acquaintances there. The setting was remarkable and the evening one we
won’t forget. We are so happy you encouraged us to explore Umbria. One of the highlights of our
trip was exploring the different towns in the region. As you warned, parking was not always easy
but we figured it out. Getting the navigation equipment was a smart move. We also found your
guidebook extremely helpful. We sampled many of the restaurants and were never disappointed.
We also took in many of the sites you suggested. Thank you again for your help putting together
this trip. We are already trying to figure out when we can get back there with our two teenage
boys. You may not have gotten rid of us just yet! MB from Virginia 2010
We are back and finally getting settled in a bit after being gone for 3 weeks. I've been meaning to
send a note to you to let you know how much we enjoyed the trip; you did an outstanding job with
the planning (drivers, accommodations, guides, etc) and we especially appreciated your additional
support when all the travel disruptions (volcano in Iceland) occurred at the start of the trip. All in
all, we considered ourselves lucky to have only lost a day and a half and made certain to enjoy
ourselves each moment we were there. Thank you so very much for all of your time/assistance.
Concierge in Umbria is a wonderful agency and we will be sure to spread the good word to our
friends, family, and colleagues! KM from Virginia 2010
Let me begin by saying that it is difficult to “WOW “us because we have some pretty high
standards, but that is what you did; you ‘Wowed” us. You were able to take a sketch of our travel
ideas and pull them all together in a splendid way. Our accommodations while varying widely in
cost were all memorable and we were always warmly greeted and treated as special guests. (The
balconies were fantastic!)
Our drivers were always on time if not 15 minutes early, and each went out of their way to make
sure we saw what we wanted to see, and took care of us as if we were family. When asked by our
friends what the best part of the trip was our answer is “Our guides”. (The cooking class at Casa
Gola was certainly great as was dinner at Alchemista.) You have truly put together a great group
of people that love what they do, and enjoy sharing their passion with others. We learned a lot-
that is an understatement! We were given a whole new appreciation and understanding of the
beautiful country of Italy.
Finally – the whole trip just worked well. The details were taken care of. Everything clicked just
like it should have. Only a lot of planning on your part could have made it so. Thank you. We had a
great time JC and RC from Virginia 2010
Everything was wonderful. We enjoyed every moment. Visiting with Natasha and her father and
Ettore and Lorella was special. All the guides and drivers were great. please tell them all
"Bravissimo!". Spending that Saturday with you and Cristina and meeting Brian was a lot of fun.
Everybody made us feel right at home. Italy is great and Italians are the best.
I am singing your praises to all who ask about the trip. Grazie ancora per un vacanza bellissima.
Arriverderci. FF from Maryland 2010
Everyday I check the weather in Sorrento, Florence, Perugia and Rome and wish I could be back in
Italy. Now that I have had a sample of Italy, I must return. Now that I have had a taste of each
area and know what I can handle I can plan for another fantastic trip. You provided the best plan.
All the guides and drivers were wonderful. I learned so much. Each of the hotels/inns while
different in their own way seemed to match my energy level at the time. We have to come back
because we never got a picture of you and Brian and Natasha and her father. We were so involved
in enjoying our meal, the wine and tour of their vineyard we forgot to take pictures. Genius Loci
was excellent and it was nice to be in the country and enjoy nature and beautiful scenery. Every
place we stayed at was excellent. Shopping was great to; my daughters now have the go to Italy
bug. I plan to email thank you’s and pictures to Natasha and her father and Ettore and Lorella as
we were grateful for allowing us to be their guests. I hope all is well with you and Brian and give
our best wishes to Christina and all you may have contact with that made our trip enjoyable.
Thank you (and I hope to start learning Italian and may have to learn how to drive stick-shift,
ugh!). MF from Maryland 2010
Just wanted to tell you what a terrific time we had in Italy. The Borgo San Pietro was so amazing -
everything about it was perfect. We enjoyed all the tours and one of the highlights was definitely
lunch at the private vineyard. It was a perfect vacation. Hope you're having a great summer.
Happen to know a good travel agent in Asia??
Thanks again CG from New York 2010
It kept getting better and better. It is a familiar story I suppose, but we did not want to leave.
Maura was great fun, as was Roberto who we hope to see when they travel to the States next
March. Please send them our best regards. Tell Bruno that Patty tried her hand at strozzapreti and
it turned out great (although it’s never as good as Mama's). Alesandro was personable and
knowledgeable and we really enjoyed our extensive conversations with him. Sabatini's was
amazing, topped off with an incredible 1999 Brunello. We also really liked the fellow who drove us
around Rome for the night tour -- he's a life-long resident of Rome who really loves the City -- we
are unfortunately drawing a blank on his name. Magdelana's tutorial regarding the Sistine Chapel
was eye opening. Again, her love of the Chapel and the works in it was contagious. KK & PM from
New York City 2010
What a great trip! Thanks so much for organizing (even though some of my friends proved to be a
tad difficult in the scheduling)! We all had a blast. I miss Italy so much. Thanks for helping make
it such a great experience! MM from New York City 2010
Let us start by saying we appreciate so much the role you played in making our trip such an
amazing one. The itinerary was perfect. The information you gave us along with the itinerary
was very helpful. And having you there, just an email away and so responsive to our
needs/requests 24/7 was something we have never had the benefit of/never experienced. We
could not be any more pleased and appreciative. The bigger treat was having the opportunity to
meet you guys and spend time together. We had so much fun with you. Our day in Gubbio, our
evening at Lucciano’s restaurant, Roberto's lunch and our lunch at Luciana’s were definitely some
of the highlights of our trip. Again, we cannot thank you enough. MP from Florida
so obviously i have been having such a great time i was too busy enjoying myself to let you know
everything has gone swimmingly! this trip is one that i will never forget. the agenda was
organized beautifully, the guides and drivers were professional and very helpful, your suggestions
for restaurants were all perfect and the hotels top rate. all this amidst the utter beauty of italy. I
must also make special note of our last tour and guide emanuela. she was quite possibly one of the
most knowledgeable tour guides (if you can call her that, more of a scholar) combined with the
private tour of the ancient corridor from the uffizi to the pitti palace. I can only say extraordinary.
RR from Canada 2010
We had the most wonderful time in Italy filled with memories to last a lifetime. We very much
enjoyed our tour guides and our drivers, all very patient, reliable, and knowledgeable. Having
spent so much time with Alessandro and Francesco, we felt they were part of our family. Our day
in Chianti, was amazing, and you were right on with Natascia, her delicious cooking, outrageous
wines and playful loveable dogs. We had a blast spending the day at her home. Our excursions
were perfect, fitting in all of the cities that we wanted to visit and leaving our afternoons free gave
each couple the opportunity to do our own thing. We all agree that JK Place in Firenze was
unbelievable, with excellent service, immaculate rooms, rooftop lounge, breakfast area, etc. helped
us to feel as if we were "at home" in the middle of our trip. Each hotel was special and had its own
character. The rooftop restaurant at the Danieli allowed us to see the Grand Canal for breakfast and
then again for afternoon cocktails or tea above the hustle of the city below, heavenly. All
accommodations were excellent. Rooms were spacious, clean, modern, lively and the concierge
service were helpful. We were very happy with all selections. Having all of the details so well
planned in advance, afforded Nick and I the opportunity to spend quality time with our family,
without concerns. We couldn't have asked for more. Thank you, from all of us, to all of your team
who helped make our trip so fabulous. It was wonderful to meet you and Brian in Perugia. Please
give our regards to Francesco, Natascia, Yago (won our hearts) and Alessandro. Many, many
thanks! The S Family from New York City 2010
Erin and I literally had the time of our lives on this trip. We could not have imagined a better
itinerary. Every single event that you planned for us was exceptional and it was exactly what we
were looking for. It was so important to us to get a feel for the ‘real’ Italy and to balance the
touristy spots with quieter out of the way places that would allow us to experience what life in
Italy is like on a more personal level. You delivered on that in spades and we are already telling all
of our friends about you and how they MUST get in touch with you when they are planning their
own trip to Italy. It was great getting to know you over lunch Maria. You and Brian are always
welcome in our home should you visit Seattle. Erin and I are in love with Italy and already trying
to figure out when we can return with the kids. There are so many places yet to explore, but we’ll
definitely want to make Umbria and Florence a part of any future visits. We captured a ton of
beautiful photos while we were there and we’ve uploaded some of the better ones to Flickr.
Thanks again Maria for making an experience for Erin & I that is trumped only by our wedding and
the birth of our children, DS from Washington 2010
Thank you for arranging a wonderful trip that exceeded our expectations. The destinations and
sites, to include hotel accommodations, made for an interesting experience. Mary and I especially
enjoyed the Grand Contiental Hotel in Siena. Guides and drivers were excellent. I agree with Bob
regarding Lorenza our guide in Milan. Francesco was the epitome of a professional driver, the best
we have ever had. Please extend our thanks to him. It was nice of Alessandro to compliment us,
we feel that he is outstanding and a pleasure to be with. Tuscany and Umbria were the highlights
of the trip. Lunch at Podere la Cappella turned out to be a pleasant surprise... to finally meet the
"real" Maria. Bruno and Natascia provided a wonderful experience to taste local food and great
wines in the surroundings of their comfortable kitchen. I will always remember the beautiful
morning of cooking at Casa Gola. However, I feel two rolling pins and a fork have a dubious
distinction. Personally, I feel my effort was not fully recognized. But then, how can I complain
when our hosts, Cristina, Aurora and Luciana were so gracious and fun...a memorable experince!
Again, thank you and give Brian our regards. It was also a pleasure to meet him. We enjoyed our
time together as you enhanced the trip. ST and MT from Colorado 2010
Thank you for checking in. Stacey and I had a wonderful time on our trip. Each element of the
vacation added a unique experience, so now when anyone asks us what the best part was, we
have a very difficult time answering. We always say, they were too different to compare, but all
fantastic and "not to be missed". Unfortunately for us, the weather didnt cooperate for most of
our trip, but it really was not a deterent to our enjoyment. The best weather days occurred while
we were in Ravello (luckily for us) allowing us to take in the beautiful coastline, and enjoy the
breathtaking boatride that you coordinated for us. While we enjoyed each hotel experience, both
Stacey and I agree that the Hotel Caruso was one of the most spectacular places we have ever
stayed. The entire experience from the grounds, to the view, to the professionalism of the staff,
was exceptional. We too very much enjoyed the time we spent at Podere La Capella. Natasha
was a very gracious host. We felt welcomed and very comfortable. The meal was authentic and
the company and conversation was alot of fun. It is these types of experiences that are
unforgettable, and Im sure few people are fortunate enough to enjoy. Stacey and Natasha even
became friends on Facebook. While we were in Florence, we had a very nice time walking the
city. Elvira was an amazing guide and we really liked her. Anyway, our trip was a resounding
success. We enjoyed every bit of it and want to thank you for your insights and
recommendations. We are certain to recommend your services to anyone we know looking for a
great Italian experience. AV & SP from New York 2010
Oh my god - it was the best!!!! Everything you picked and coordinated for us was absolutely
perfect...and Daria was incredible.. she made the whole experience amazing. I just can't say
enough good things. Everything went so smoothly and I could relax and be a guest as opposed to a
host.. It was so great. The baccaratta was so fun and a great way to break the ice and start off the
trip. Then the trip down the Grand Canal was so interesting and Daria is so knowledgeable on
everything..we even tried to stump her with questions and couldn't!. The garden and private
palazzo were very interesting and unique and the glass blowing was so much..they even asked
Rob as the birthday boy to go up and try his hand at it. The dinner at Al Covo was really lovely -
they were so friendly and warm and the food was of course terrific. We just had a magical
weekend thanks to you. BZ from New York 2010
In response to your question of how was our trip, IT WAS AWESOME!!!
Having professional drivers took the stress out of traveling in an unfamiliar country where we did
not know the language and the driving protocols. The drivers were courteous and punctual. They
occasionally pointed out points of interest and added commentary along the way, which added to
the enjoyment of the scenery in the countryside.
The hotels were excellent and were located in the heart of the areas we wanted to be.
…Occasionally we would catch a glimpse of other rooms in our hotels as they were being cleaned.
It appeared that we had the superior choice of rooms. Either we had a balcony, view, or a room
larger than the others we saw.
Our tour guides were excellent. They were very knowledgeable and responded to our questions.
They provided insights which added to the enjoyment of our tours…We appreciated your joining us
at various points on our trip to make the visits to places where only Italian was spoken more
meaningful. This of course included clarifying the shipping instructions for our ceramic shopping in
Deruta, the tour and lunch at the winery, and the luncheon extravaganza in Spello.
We also appreciate your discreet monitoring of our trip progress. (The title “Shepherd One” is
already taken, but I suppose we can dub you “Shepherd Too”). We saw the note you sent to our
hotel in Rome, advising us to leave earlier for the airport because of traffic considerations. As it
turns out, this was a very wise thing to do. The day we were leaving was the very first day which
our airline started operations in a new terminal, Terminal 5. This terminal is away from the main
grouping of terminals, and involved traveling on an airport side road. Our driver had to stop a
couple of times to get directions to this terminal but he got us there. Being the first day of
operations in the new terminal, procedures and signage were not clear. Because of the earlier
departure time you suggested, we made our scheduled flight on time.
Thank you for all you did for us. We had a great time! RS & JS, Newport Beach, CA
The return trip was uneventful and everyone is safely home. Once everyone got to Mondello the
trip was on a roll. The accommodations, food, activities and tours were excellent. Not one person
was ready to return home, and could not have been more pleased.
Thank you for arranging such an amazing trip. Villa … was excellent, just as advertised… The
tours and guides were well matched, even the Terrasini excursion was greater than expected, such
a beautiful place. Rome was also a wonderful experience. Alessandro gave us a tour that was
geared especially for us. Everyone remarked about how he paced the tour and how he related to
our group…Thank you both for everything and especially help with the airline mess. ST & MT, CO
I just wanted to let you know we had an absolutely wonderful time in Florence. Elvira was an
delight, we can certainly see why you think so highly of her. She was warm, engaging and very
knowledgeable in both the touring and shopping arenas. The tour of the Vasarian Corridor was a
highlight of our trip, I was able to take some great photos from the windows as we crossed the
bridge. The trips to Pisa and Siena were very well worth our time and we liked our guides. We
also had a great time in Rome … Our shopping day was lovely, Ann and I enjoyed our guide,
Maria. She was charming and very helpful. She was the same size as Joel and my younger
daughters as well as Ann and Don's younger daughter, she was happy to try on clothes for them!
Thanks for doing such a fantastic job on such short notice. It was a pleasure to work with you. I
would most certainly recommend you to friends headed in that direction. I am already dreaming
about another trip to Florence........ FO, Cleveland, OH
I have been busy catching up with work and also spending time telling friends and family about
our wonderful experiences in Florence. The week was perfect. The hotel room was beautiful and
the staff both charming and helpful. The personal guides and drivers were very professional,
knowledgeable and extremely friendly. We felt as if we were surrounding by a group of caring
friends who wanted us to fully experience and enjoy their city. Each of the excursions was
memorable and flawless. Of course, the food and wine lived up to its reputation and every
restaurant provided us with a lasting memory. And the art is breathtaking. We were able to visit
with our son most every night for dinner and hosted several evenings with many of his friends
joining us. In short, our week in Florence was an extraordinary experience which we will always
treasure. Thank you so much for your special efforts. Bravo!!! …we plan on many more visits to
Italy and I cannot imagine taking a trip without seeking out your services…Thanks again. JM, New
York, NY
We had such a fantastic time... Everything you helped us out with was amazing! The band was
perfect. The dinner in Spello blew everyone away…I cannot thank you enough for all your help.
Our wedding was a perfect!!! LS, Sausalito, CA
Thank you again for all your help. It was great meeting you two...Re our feedback, your tour
guides were terrific. ..The location of the hotel in Venice was great as was the hotel. Of course the
hotel in Florence was our absolute favorite. That terrace and view was divine. As we also told you
we liked the Rome hotel quite a bit and would definitely stay there again…
The driver was also quite a pleasant fellow, he recommended a restaurant in Florence… which was
outstanding… One of my favorite dishes in all of Italy was at the restaurant you recommended 5
minutes from our hotel in Venice. It was an amazing octupus dish in a red sauce on polenta. The
seafood dish you recommended there was also quite good. Now of course, between your great
restaurant recommendations and dozens of gelatos besides, I have 7 new pounds to work
off…Thank you again SOOOO much for all your help. The trip was really wonderful with memories
enough to last several lifetimes. NB, San Francisco, CA
I just wanted to send you a quick thank you note for setting everything up for my trip. Despite the
weather (it rained constantly) …we had an amazing time and have you to thank. The hotels were
great, the restaurants excellent and the wine tasting …was probably one of the highlights of the
trip. Also, the personal guide was fantastic… I really appreciate all your help and suggestions.
CC, New York, NY
Your planning made the trip what it should be -- a real delight, relaxed, fun, and virtually worry-
free. The hotels were all ideally located, the guides were helpful and informative, and all the
arrangements were very well-orchestrated. I really enjoyed that my biggest challenge was
figuring out where to eat every night, and you had even given guidance on that. For someone
who usually manages events, trips, and well, life, down to the second, I loved the luxury of not
having to plan, organize, or worry. MS, South Riding, VA
We had a fabulous trip, with much of the credit to your great advice and connections. It didn't hurt
that we had 14 days of practically perfect weather, too.
We absolutely loved Perugia as a base for Umbria. I'm so glad we didn't pay any attention to all
the tour book advice against even visiting there. What a great City. By the way Brian's directions
were flawless, and without them, we'd still be trying to find the hotel. Your restaurant
recommendations were great too; we especially liked the off the beaten path place…
The Umbrian tour to Bevagna, Montefalco, and lunch at the winery were ( I'm running out of
adjectives) terrific; probably our favorite thing…and Bevagna is a real treasure; never expected to
see the remains of a Roman bath and amphitheater in a town that small; the theater and churches
are great, too. Our guide was great - very impressive, in addition to art history and culture, we
also managed to cover American and Italian politics, what it's like to work in the higher education
system in Italy, refurbishing his home in Perugia, etc. It was very much more engaging than the
usual "guided tour".
Obviously we had a great time, and enjoyed all of your efforts tremendously, and I could go on for
quite a long time. We are very happy with all the services you provided, and the way you provided
them. The itinerary book was great, and we used it wherever we went, in Tuscany as well. …
Again, extremely well done. Thanks for everything. Grazie mille, and buona fortuna, J and LC,
University City, MO
A couple of hours ago, I thought this was the best day of our trip, now I think it's the best day of
my life! NR, Fort Lee, NJ
It is difficult to tell you how much we appreciate the tremendous, skillful effort you put forth in our
trip to Umbria. Every detail of the visit was worked out to perfection. KS, St. Louis, MO
Everyone agrees that one of the high points was the day that we spent with you guys on the wine
tour. Thanks again for that experience. CB, New York, NY
I've been wanting to write to tell you what a wonderful trip David and I had to Rome in Feb. and to
thank you again for putting us in touch with Maria Gabriella. She took very good care of us! We
had a wonderful guide, she (Maria Gabriella) steered us toward a lovely hotel . . . , and had good
tips on shopping and restaurants, too. She runs a first class business. We sent her some other
clients, too, who were also very pleased with their trip to Florence. RM, Washington D.C.
Out trip to Italy was wonderful!!!! We had a grand time. When we tell people about our trip they
can't believe all that we did. We can't either. And of course it is all thanks to you two. You did a
wonderful job of planning everything for us. There were absolutely no hitches at all. Travel,
transportation, hotels, guides, tickets, everything just like clock work. Thanks again for making our
dream trip a reality. DG, Old Lyme, CT
Just a quick note to let you know that we had a wonderful trip to Florence and Paris and to thank
you for all of your help. We loved the hotel. It was just what we were looking for. Having had
the chance to go by a few of the hotels that I was looking at on the Internet, I realize how difficult
that can be in a new city and I am especially thankful for your help. I hope we get a chance to
return to Italy soon -- maybe Rome or Venice with a stop in Umbria! -- and will be sure to contact
you if you do. TS, CT
What a wonderful trip! We fell in love with that country....the food, the wine, the people, the
countryside, the beautiful little towns and villages we saw, as well as the magnificent cities....it
was magic! Thank you both for all the effort you put in to making this a trip we'll never forget.
One of the real high lights for me and Bob was getting to know you both and spending time with
you! It was great fun!! MF, Rye, NY
Perugia was a special place - as was all of Umbria - that we discovered through you. We wished
for more time in Umbria, Tuscany and Florence area. BW, Vermont
We are very proud of the fact that we have not only many repeat clients, but also many clients who have
referred their friends and colleagues to us.
This is our first chance to write since our arrival in Italy. Wanted you to know how wonderful
everything has been here. Pre-Tuscan itinerary went well and other than rainy weather,
everything was perfect. We all came together at the lovely Villa Fontocchio and have enjoyed
every minute of the vacation. The meals at the Podere la Coppella and Nottola wineries with
Natasha and Danielle were wonderful. Florence, of course, was a whirlwind, but Elvira made sure
we hit the highlights and was so entertaining...she has given us all reason to read up on all of the
history. Oh, and our cook at the Villa makes pure magic. What a treat to have him here ready with
perhaps some of the best meals we've ever had. Only sorry we didn't schedule him more often!!
Email #1 from D &D L from North Carolina 2010
We are home and, while still very tired, we are ready to go back to Italy again. After traveling we
usually take several weeks/months to be ready to go again but not this time. You and all of your
contacts have given us the most wonderful vacation we've ever had. Without your continued and
precise arrangements and attention to details, the 10 days with 12 people would have been
difficult at best. The time spent together as a family in beautiful surroundings and full of
wonderful discoveries has been a treasure for us all. Thank you and your entire group for all the
attention given to us. I don't know about most of your clients, but this trip to Italy that you were so
much a part of, may have changed our family. Thank you. Email #2 from D & D L from North Carolina
2010
With the distance of time I still have to say that it was absolutely marvelous and I am very happy
that we linked up with you. The guides were all first rate and extremely helpful but more
importantly also very knowledgeable but not in a boring way, we enjoyed them very much. Can't
say enough good things about the "home meals" what a great addition to a long trip away from
home. We loved this feature and you did a superb job in selecting. All the hotels fit perfectly and
a nice mixture of luxury and reasonableness. Locations were singularly perfect and you always
picked beautiful rooms, thank you. I have taken the liberty to forward your contact to a couple of
friends whom I know would love the wonderful job you are doing. GB & KE from New York 2010
We had an absolutely incredible 10 days in Italy. Thank you so much for working with us. I think
we must have made it extra challenging for you given the short notice but you really came
through. We loved the entire itinerary. The hotels were fantastic and the rooms themselves very
memorable. We had a lovely courtyard off of our room at the Inn at the Roman Forum. It was a
wonderful retreat after extensive touring around the city. In Perugia, the view we had of the
Umbria countryside was wonderful. In Venice, it was tempting to just stay in the room and watch
everything that was going on outside our windows on the Grand Canal. The locations of all three
hotels were perfect. All of the guides were extremely knowledgeable and personable. I think
Christina, in particular, had the biggest challenge – trying to keep us entertained throughout the
festival in Bevagna and at the vineyard. She did a wonderful job showing us the town and
introducing us to her acquaintances there. The setting was remarkable and the evening one we
won’t forget. We are so happy you encouraged us to explore Umbria. One of the highlights of our
trip was exploring the different towns in the region. As you warned, parking was not always easy
but we figured it out. Getting the navigation equipment was a smart move. We also found your
guidebook extremely helpful. We sampled many of the restaurants and were never disappointed.
We also took in many of the sites you suggested. Thank you again for your help putting together
this trip. We are already trying to figure out when we can get back there with our two teenage
boys. You may not have gotten rid of us just yet! MB from Virginia 2010
We are back and finally getting settled in a bit after being gone for 3 weeks. I've been meaning to
send a note to you to let you know how much we enjoyed the trip; you did an outstanding job with
the planning (drivers, accommodations, guides, etc) and we especially appreciated your additional
support when all the travel disruptions (volcano in Iceland) occurred at the start of the trip. All in
all, we considered ourselves lucky to have only lost a day and a half and made certain to enjoy
ourselves each moment we were there. Thank you so very much for all of your time/assistance.
Concierge in Umbria is a wonderful agency and we will be sure to spread the good word to our
friends, family, and colleagues! KM from Virginia 2010
Let me begin by saying that it is difficult to “WOW “us because we have some pretty high
standards, but that is what you did; you ‘Wowed” us. You were able to take a sketch of our travel
ideas and pull them all together in a splendid way. Our accommodations while varying widely in
cost were all memorable and we were always warmly greeted and treated as special guests. (The
balconies were fantastic!)
Our drivers were always on time if not 15 minutes early, and each went out of their way to make
sure we saw what we wanted to see, and took care of us as if we were family. When asked by our
friends what the best part of the trip was our answer is “Our guides”. (The cooking class at Casa
Gola was certainly great as was dinner at Alchemista.) You have truly put together a great group
of people that love what they do, and enjoy sharing their passion with others. We learned a lot-
that is an understatement! We were given a whole new appreciation and understanding of the
beautiful country of Italy.
Finally – the whole trip just worked well. The details were taken care of. Everything clicked just
like it should have. Only a lot of planning on your part could have made it so. Thank you. We had a
great time JC and RC from Virginia 2010
Everything was wonderful. We enjoyed every moment. Visiting with Natasha and her father and
Ettore and Lorella was special. All the guides and drivers were great. please tell them all
"Bravissimo!". Spending that Saturday with you and Cristina and meeting Brian was a lot of fun.
Everybody made us feel right at home. Italy is great and Italians are the best.
I am singing your praises to all who ask about the trip. Grazie ancora per un vacanza bellissima.
Arriverderci. FF from Maryland 2010
Everyday I check the weather in Sorrento, Florence, Perugia and Rome and wish I could be back in
Italy. Now that I have had a sample of Italy, I must return. Now that I have had a taste of each
area and know what I can handle I can plan for another fantastic trip. You provided the best plan.
All the guides and drivers were wonderful. I learned so much. Each of the hotels/inns while
different in their own way seemed to match my energy level at the time. We have to come back
because we never got a picture of you and Brian and Natasha and her father. We were so involved
in enjoying our meal, the wine and tour of their vineyard we forgot to take pictures. Genius Loci
was excellent and it was nice to be in the country and enjoy nature and beautiful scenery. Every
place we stayed at was excellent. Shopping was great to; my daughters now have the go to Italy
bug. I plan to email thank you’s and pictures to Natasha and her father and Ettore and Lorella as
we were grateful for allowing us to be their guests. I hope all is well with you and Brian and give
our best wishes to Christina and all you may have contact with that made our trip enjoyable.
Thank you (and I hope to start learning Italian and may have to learn how to drive stick-shift,
ugh!). MF from Maryland 2010
Just wanted to tell you what a terrific time we had in Italy. The Borgo San Pietro was so amazing -
everything about it was perfect. We enjoyed all the tours and one of the highlights was definitely
lunch at the private vineyard. It was a perfect vacation. Hope you're having a great summer.
Happen to know a good travel agent in Asia??
Thanks again CG from New York 2010
It kept getting better and better. It is a familiar story I suppose, but we did not want to leave.
Maura was great fun, as was Roberto who we hope to see when they travel to the States next
March. Please send them our best regards. Tell Bruno that Patty tried her hand at strozzapreti and
it turned out great (although it’s never as good as Mama's). Alesandro was personable and
knowledgeable and we really enjoyed our extensive conversations with him. Sabatini's was
amazing, topped off with an incredible 1999 Brunello. We also really liked the fellow who drove us
around Rome for the night tour -- he's a life-long resident of Rome who really loves the City -- we
are unfortunately drawing a blank on his name. Magdelana's tutorial regarding the Sistine Chapel
was eye opening. Again, her love of the Chapel and the works in it was contagious. KK & PM from
New York City 2010
What a great trip! Thanks so much for organizing (even though some of my friends proved to be a
tad difficult in the scheduling)! We all had a blast. I miss Italy so much. Thanks for helping make
it such a great experience! MM from New York City 2010
Let us start by saying we appreciate so much the role you played in making our trip such an
amazing one. The itinerary was perfect. The information you gave us along with the itinerary
was very helpful. And having you there, just an email away and so responsive to our
needs/requests 24/7 was something we have never had the benefit of/never experienced. We
could not be any more pleased and appreciative. The bigger treat was having the opportunity to
meet you guys and spend time together. We had so much fun with you. Our day in Gubbio, our
evening at Lucciano’s restaurant, Roberto's lunch and our lunch at Luciana’s were definitely some
of the highlights of our trip. Again, we cannot thank you enough. MP from Florida
so obviously i have been having such a great time i was too busy enjoying myself to let you know
everything has gone swimmingly! this trip is one that i will never forget. the agenda was
organized beautifully, the guides and drivers were professional and very helpful, your suggestions
for restaurants were all perfect and the hotels top rate. all this amidst the utter beauty of italy. I
must also make special note of our last tour and guide emanuela. she was quite possibly one of the
most knowledgeable tour guides (if you can call her that, more of a scholar) combined with the
private tour of the ancient corridor from the uffizi to the pitti palace. I can only say extraordinary.
RR from Canada 2010
We had the most wonderful time in Italy filled with memories to last a lifetime. We very much
enjoyed our tour guides and our drivers, all very patient, reliable, and knowledgeable. Having
spent so much time with Alessandro and Francesco, we felt they were part of our family. Our day
in Chianti, was amazing, and you were right on with Natascia, her delicious cooking, outrageous
wines and playful loveable dogs. We had a blast spending the day at her home. Our excursions
were perfect, fitting in all of the cities that we wanted to visit and leaving our afternoons free gave
each couple the opportunity to do our own thing. We all agree that JK Place in Firenze was
unbelievable, with excellent service, immaculate rooms, rooftop lounge, breakfast area, etc. helped
us to feel as if we were "at home" in the middle of our trip. Each hotel was special and had its own
character. The rooftop restaurant at the Danieli allowed us to see the Grand Canal for breakfast and
then again for afternoon cocktails or tea above the hustle of the city below, heavenly. All
accommodations were excellent. Rooms were spacious, clean, modern, lively and the concierge
service were helpful. We were very happy with all selections. Having all of the details so well
planned in advance, afforded Nick and I the opportunity to spend quality time with our family,
without concerns. We couldn't have asked for more. Thank you, from all of us, to all of your team
who helped make our trip so fabulous. It was wonderful to meet you and Brian in Perugia. Please
give our regards to Francesco, Natascia, Yago (won our hearts) and Alessandro. Many, many
thanks! The S Family from New York City 2010
Erin and I literally had the time of our lives on this trip. We could not have imagined a better
itinerary. Every single event that you planned for us was exceptional and it was exactly what we
were looking for. It was so important to us to get a feel for the ‘real’ Italy and to balance the
touristy spots with quieter out of the way places that would allow us to experience what life in
Italy is like on a more personal level. You delivered on that in spades and we are already telling all
of our friends about you and how they MUST get in touch with you when they are planning their
own trip to Italy. It was great getting to know you over lunch Maria. You and Brian are always
welcome in our home should you visit Seattle. Erin and I are in love with Italy and already trying
to figure out when we can return with the kids. There are so many places yet to explore, but we’ll
definitely want to make Umbria and Florence a part of any future visits. We captured a ton of
beautiful photos while we were there and we’ve uploaded some of the better ones to Flickr.
Thanks again Maria for making an experience for Erin & I that is trumped only by our wedding and
the birth of our children, DS from Washington 2010
Thank you for arranging a wonderful trip that exceeded our expectations. The destinations and
sites, to include hotel accommodations, made for an interesting experience. Mary and I especially
enjoyed the Grand Contiental Hotel in Siena. Guides and drivers were excellent. I agree with Bob
regarding Lorenza our guide in Milan. Francesco was the epitome of a professional driver, the best
we have ever had. Please extend our thanks to him. It was nice of Alessandro to compliment us,
we feel that he is outstanding and a pleasure to be with. Tuscany and Umbria were the highlights
of the trip. Lunch at Podere la Cappella turned out to be a pleasant surprise... to finally meet the
"real" Maria. Bruno and Natascia provided a wonderful experience to taste local food and great
wines in the surroundings of their comfortable kitchen. I will always remember the beautiful
morning of cooking at Casa Gola. However, I feel two rolling pins and a fork have a dubious
distinction. Personally, I feel my effort was not fully recognized. But then, how can I complain
when our hosts, Cristina, Aurora and Luciana were so gracious and fun...a memorable experince!
Again, thank you and give Brian our regards. It was also a pleasure to meet him. We enjoyed our
time together as you enhanced the trip. ST and MT from Colorado 2010
Thank you for checking in. Stacey and I had a wonderful time on our trip. Each element of the
vacation added a unique experience, so now when anyone asks us what the best part was, we
have a very difficult time answering. We always say, they were too different to compare, but all
fantastic and "not to be missed". Unfortunately for us, the weather didnt cooperate for most of
our trip, but it really was not a deterent to our enjoyment. The best weather days occurred while
we were in Ravello (luckily for us) allowing us to take in the beautiful coastline, and enjoy the
breathtaking boatride that you coordinated for us. While we enjoyed each hotel experience, both
Stacey and I agree that the Hotel Caruso was one of the most spectacular places we have ever
stayed. The entire experience from the grounds, to the view, to the professionalism of the staff,
was exceptional. We too very much enjoyed the time we spent at Podere La Capella. Natasha
was a very gracious host. We felt welcomed and very comfortable. The meal was authentic and
the company and conversation was alot of fun. It is these types of experiences that are
unforgettable, and Im sure few people are fortunate enough to enjoy. Stacey and Natasha even
became friends on Facebook. While we were in Florence, we had a very nice time walking the
city. Elvira was an amazing guide and we really liked her. Anyway, our trip was a resounding
success. We enjoyed every bit of it and want to thank you for your insights and
recommendations. We are certain to recommend your services to anyone we know looking for a
great Italian experience. AV & SP from New York 2010
Oh my god - it was the best!!!! Everything you picked and coordinated for us was absolutely
perfect...and Daria was incredible.. she made the whole experience amazing. I just can't say
enough good things. Everything went so smoothly and I could relax and be a guest as opposed to a
host.. It was so great. The baccaratta was so fun and a great way to break the ice and start off the
trip. Then the trip down the Grand Canal was so interesting and Daria is so knowledgeable on
everything..we even tried to stump her with questions and couldn't!. The garden and private
palazzo were very interesting and unique and the glass blowing was so much..they even asked
Rob as the birthday boy to go up and try his hand at it. The dinner at Al Covo was really lovely -
they were so friendly and warm and the food was of course terrific. We just had a magical
weekend thanks to you. BZ from New York 2010
In response to your question of how was our trip, IT WAS AWESOME!!!
Having professional drivers took the stress out of traveling in an unfamiliar country where we did
not know the language and the driving protocols. The drivers were courteous and punctual. They
occasionally pointed out points of interest and added commentary along the way, which added to
the enjoyment of the scenery in the countryside.
The hotels were excellent and were located in the heart of the areas we wanted to be.
…Occasionally we would catch a glimpse of other rooms in our hotels as they were being cleaned.
It appeared that we had the superior choice of rooms. Either we had a balcony, view, or a room
larger than the others we saw.
Our tour guides were excellent. They were very knowledgeable and responded to our questions.
They provided insights which added to the enjoyment of our tours…We appreciated your joining us
at various points on our trip to make the visits to places where only Italian was spoken more
meaningful. This of course included clarifying the shipping instructions for our ceramic shopping in
Deruta, the tour and lunch at the winery, and the luncheon extravaganza in Spello.
We also appreciate your discreet monitoring of our trip progress. (The title “Shepherd One” is
already taken, but I suppose we can dub you “Shepherd Too”). We saw the note you sent to our
hotel in Rome, advising us to leave earlier for the airport because of traffic considerations. As it
turns out, this was a very wise thing to do. The day we were leaving was the very first day which
our airline started operations in a new terminal, Terminal 5. This terminal is away from the main
grouping of terminals, and involved traveling on an airport side road. Our driver had to stop a
couple of times to get directions to this terminal but he got us there. Being the first day of
operations in the new terminal, procedures and signage were not clear. Because of the earlier
departure time you suggested, we made our scheduled flight on time.
Thank you for all you did for us. We had a great time! RS & JS, Newport Beach, CA
The return trip was uneventful and everyone is safely home. Once everyone got to Mondello the
trip was on a roll. The accommodations, food, activities and tours were excellent. Not one person
was ready to return home, and could not have been more pleased.
Thank you for arranging such an amazing trip. Villa … was excellent, just as advertised… The
tours and guides were well matched, even the Terrasini excursion was greater than expected, such
a beautiful place. Rome was also a wonderful experience. Alessandro gave us a tour that was
geared especially for us. Everyone remarked about how he paced the tour and how he related to
our group…Thank you both for everything and especially help with the airline mess. ST & MT, CO
I just wanted to let you know we had an absolutely wonderful time in Florence. Elvira was an
delight, we can certainly see why you think so highly of her. She was warm, engaging and very
knowledgeable in both the touring and shopping arenas. The tour of the Vasarian Corridor was a
highlight of our trip, I was able to take some great photos from the windows as we crossed the
bridge. The trips to Pisa and Siena were very well worth our time and we liked our guides. We
also had a great time in Rome … Our shopping day was lovely, Ann and I enjoyed our guide,
Maria. She was charming and very helpful. She was the same size as Joel and my younger
daughters as well as Ann and Don's younger daughter, she was happy to try on clothes for them!
Thanks for doing such a fantastic job on such short notice. It was a pleasure to work with you. I
would most certainly recommend you to friends headed in that direction. I am already dreaming
about another trip to Florence........ FO, Cleveland, OH
I have been busy catching up with work and also spending time telling friends and family about
our wonderful experiences in Florence. The week was perfect. The hotel room was beautiful and
the staff both charming and helpful. The personal guides and drivers were very professional,
knowledgeable and extremely friendly. We felt as if we were surrounding by a group of caring
friends who wanted us to fully experience and enjoy their city. Each of the excursions was
memorable and flawless. Of course, the food and wine lived up to its reputation and every
restaurant provided us with a lasting memory. And the art is breathtaking. We were able to visit
with our son most every night for dinner and hosted several evenings with many of his friends
joining us. In short, our week in Florence was an extraordinary experience which we will always
treasure. Thank you so much for your special efforts. Bravo!!! …we plan on many more visits to
Italy and I cannot imagine taking a trip without seeking out your services…Thanks again. JM, New
York, NY
We had such a fantastic time... Everything you helped us out with was amazing! The band was
perfect. The dinner in Spello blew everyone away…I cannot thank you enough for all your help.
Our wedding was a perfect!!! LS, Sausalito, CA
Thank you again for all your help. It was great meeting you two...Re our feedback, your tour
guides were terrific. ..The location of the hotel in Venice was great as was the hotel. Of course the
hotel in Florence was our absolute favorite. That terrace and view was divine. As we also told you
we liked the Rome hotel quite a bit and would definitely stay there again…
The driver was also quite a pleasant fellow, he recommended a restaurant in Florence… which was
outstanding… One of my favorite dishes in all of Italy was at the restaurant you recommended 5
minutes from our hotel in Venice. It was an amazing octupus dish in a red sauce on polenta. The
seafood dish you recommended there was also quite good. Now of course, between your great
restaurant recommendations and dozens of gelatos besides, I have 7 new pounds to work
off…Thank you again SOOOO much for all your help. The trip was really wonderful with memories
enough to last several lifetimes. NB, San Francisco, CA
I just wanted to send you a quick thank you note for setting everything up for my trip. Despite the
weather (it rained constantly) …we had an amazing time and have you to thank. The hotels were
great, the restaurants excellent and the wine tasting …was probably one of the highlights of the
trip. Also, the personal guide was fantastic… I really appreciate all your help and suggestions.
CC, New York, NY
Your planning made the trip what it should be -- a real delight, relaxed, fun, and virtually worry-
free. The hotels were all ideally located, the guides were helpful and informative, and all the
arrangements were very well-orchestrated. I really enjoyed that my biggest challenge was
figuring out where to eat every night, and you had even given guidance on that. For someone
who usually manages events, trips, and well, life, down to the second, I loved the luxury of not
having to plan, organize, or worry. MS, South Riding, VA
We had a fabulous trip, with much of the credit to your great advice and connections. It didn't hurt
that we had 14 days of practically perfect weather, too.
We absolutely loved Perugia as a base for Umbria. I'm so glad we didn't pay any attention to all
the tour book advice against even visiting there. What a great City. By the way Brian's directions
were flawless, and without them, we'd still be trying to find the hotel. Your restaurant
recommendations were great too; we especially liked the off the beaten path place…
The Umbrian tour to Bevagna, Montefalco, and lunch at the winery were ( I'm running out of
adjectives) terrific; probably our favorite thing…and Bevagna is a real treasure; never expected to
see the remains of a Roman bath and amphitheater in a town that small; the theater and churches
are great, too. Our guide was great - very impressive, in addition to art history and culture, we
also managed to cover American and Italian politics, what it's like to work in the higher education
system in Italy, refurbishing his home in Perugia, etc. It was very much more engaging than the
usual "guided tour".
Obviously we had a great time, and enjoyed all of your efforts tremendously, and I could go on for
quite a long time. We are very happy with all the services you provided, and the way you provided
them. The itinerary book was great, and we used it wherever we went, in Tuscany as well. …
Again, extremely well done. Thanks for everything. Grazie mille, and buona fortuna, J and LC,
University City, MO
A couple of hours ago, I thought this was the best day of our trip, now I think it's the best day of
my life! NR, Fort Lee, NJ
It is difficult to tell you how much we appreciate the tremendous, skillful effort you put forth in our
trip to Umbria. Every detail of the visit was worked out to perfection. KS, St. Louis, MO
Everyone agrees that one of the high points was the day that we spent with you guys on the wine
tour. Thanks again for that experience. CB, New York, NY
I've been wanting to write to tell you what a wonderful trip David and I had to Rome in Feb. and to
thank you again for putting us in touch with Maria Gabriella. She took very good care of us! We
had a wonderful guide, she (Maria Gabriella) steered us toward a lovely hotel . . . , and had good
tips on shopping and restaurants, too. She runs a first class business. We sent her some other
clients, too, who were also very pleased with their trip to Florence. RM, Washington D.C.
Out trip to Italy was wonderful!!!! We had a grand time. When we tell people about our trip they
can't believe all that we did. We can't either. And of course it is all thanks to you two. You did a
wonderful job of planning everything for us. There were absolutely no hitches at all. Travel,
transportation, hotels, guides, tickets, everything just like clock work. Thanks again for making our
dream trip a reality. DG, Old Lyme, CT
Just a quick note to let you know that we had a wonderful trip to Florence and Paris and to thank
you for all of your help. We loved the hotel. It was just what we were looking for. Having had
the chance to go by a few of the hotels that I was looking at on the Internet, I realize how difficult
that can be in a new city and I am especially thankful for your help. I hope we get a chance to
return to Italy soon -- maybe Rome or Venice with a stop in Umbria! -- and will be sure to contact
you if you do. TS, CT
What a wonderful trip! We fell in love with that country....the food, the wine, the people, the
countryside, the beautiful little towns and villages we saw, as well as the magnificent cities....it
was magic! Thank you both for all the effort you put in to making this a trip we'll never forget.
One of the real high lights for me and Bob was getting to know you both and spending time with
you! It was great fun!! MF, Rye, NY
Perugia was a special place - as was all of Umbria - that we discovered through you. We wished
for more time in Umbria, Tuscany and Florence area. BW, Vermont
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Maria Gabriella Landers and Brian Dore Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialists since 2006. Bon Appétit Travel Board Member - Brian Dore Concierge in Umbria is an independent, boutique travel service. Our specialty is custom luxury travel to Italy. Web: www.conciergeinumbria.net Email: info@conciergeinumbria.net Phone: +1 212-769-4767 In Italy: +39 349 369 0413 ©2009 Concierge in Umbria, LLC. All rights reserved. Privacy Statement |
