Amber Road Tours
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It has been a month since we returned from our trip and we are still singing your praises. We have told everyone about Amber Road Tours and how you have tweaked the itinerary to make it absolutely marvelous. The real tribute to your planning is that:
Words are simply not sufficient to describe how amazing the Tuscany/Umbria tour was to me. It was everything I had hoped it would be, and so much more! For many years I dreamed of visiting the small towns in Tuscany to experience the Italian culture first-hand. You helped make this dream a reality. For 13 wonderful days I enjoyed spectacular panoramic views, outstanding foods and wines, charming accommodations, lovely hill towns, and the most congenial group of people I could ever have hoped for. Add to that our adorable and gracious Ennio and our intrepid leader, our prince of Umbria, Luca, and it was pure perfection. The only downside of our tour was that it will be nearly impossible for any future tours I may embark upon to measure up. Mille grazie a tutti!
It was a pleasure to finally meet both of you in Spoleto. I had a fantastic time on this trip. The quality of hotels and restaurants were excellent. Our guide, Mario, was so charming and had us laughing every day. He even fixed my watch. What a guy! We all wanted to take him home with us. Carmelo, our driver, was very professional and made us feel so safe on this trip. He always greeted us with a warm smile. Thank you so much for giving me a memorable trip and I look forward to taking another Amber Road Tour soon.
I know you want comments on ways to make the tours better and I have really tried to find suggestions for improvements...but I can't! Everything about the Tuscany-Umbria tour was perfect. Luca was a wonderful guide, hotels were excellent, food was delicious, our traveling companions were lots of fun and the variety and pace of the tours and sites visited was just right! I would do it all again in a heartbeat!
Your Amber Road Tour in September to Tuscany/Liguria could not have been done any better. From our timely pick up at the train station in Lucca upon arrival to our safe delivery to the Florence airport for departure, from wonderful accommodations at all three locations, delicious food, abundant and excellent wines, to the superb local guides we could not have been more impressed or better served. But unreservedly our greatest praise goes to Mario, are constant companion, our fearless leader, our source of constant entertainment. His exuberance for life and constantly cheerful demeanor made this trip, this vacation immeasurably rewarding and immensely enjoyable. Many thanks to you & Sonya, and the wonderful people who are privileged to work with you.
I just wanted to take a minute to thank the both of you for the wonderful time we had in Italy this past September. The tour itinerary was well put together and offered a very nice variety of activities for us. The size of the group (and the quality of the participants!) was perfect, and we genuinely felt sad to leave. We also felt very well taken care of by Mario, our guide: he was funny, good-natured, and consistently went out of his way to make our travels more pleasant. I should also mention our driver for much of the trip, "Zio" Alfredo, who we found to be a kind and extremely patient man. My favorite place was Lucca because of its (medium) size and fascinating history; my traveling companions preferred the Cinque Terre because of the views and relaxing atmosphere. But every place we visited was grand in its own way...and, of course, the food was always fantastic. The wine and olive oil tasting events were also quite a highlight.
Thanks again for putting together such a nice tour! We have been home for a week now and find with the many times we are asked how was our holiday, that your Italy tour was the stand out time of the many wonderful places we visited and experiences that we had. The location and hence the atmosphere of the accommodation you choose for the tour adds so much to the whole experience.
It seems incredible that 3 weeks ago we were in Tuscany. Full marks for the best tour. It was superbly organised & we have to hand it to you. Your choice of itinerary was excellent - how much more pleasant to go to some of the smaller, less well known towns than always the better known towns filled with large tourist groups who don't, in my opinion, get to see the "real" Italy. The hotels were well-chosen, very comfortable & always in a good location within easy walking distance of many of the local sites & shopping areas. The view from our balcony in the Hotel La Cisterna in San Gimignano had a view to die for. And oh how I miss the Tuscan/Umbrian food... I am totally hooked - please don't forget to send me recipes, Sonya! The restaurants we were taken to (as well as the ones Luca suggested when we were on our own) were unbelievably good. The joys of a small tour group is that one can go to the family owned & run restaurants.
It's been a week since returning from the tour and the wonderful memories keep going through my mind in sounds and pictures. Now I understand why people fall in love with Italy. The countryside is so beautiful, as are the people one meets along the way. The itinerary you planned was so unique and interesting and took us into beautiful hotels and local restaurants with great food and wine. The small group allowed us to get to know each other and what a great group of people - and what fun we had together!
Thank you for organizing a really memorable tour, it was a wonderful experience. The itinerary was a perfect balance between organized activities and freedom to explore. A special thank you to our guide Mario for his attentiveness and consideration to all. Keep up the great work.
It was a pleasure meeting both of you. The trip was all anyone could ask for. You put together a wonderful itinerary. The accommodations, food, wine and local guides were excellent. Our guide Mario was such a delight. He was very knowledgeable, conscientious, and very efficient in everything he had to do. He was so much fun. Mario is a great asset to your company. Our driver, Alfredo, was the best. The small group of people was wonderful. You have sold me on small group tours and places where large tour buses can't go. Thank you so much for a wonderful trip.
Having travelled a lot all over the world I can honestly say that this trip was one of the best I have ever taken. I was a bit afraid to join this "mostly couples" tour but it worked out pretty well. Tuscany and Umbria are two little jewels under the Italian sky.
Just wanted to let you know we had one of the best vacations ever with you this past month. The food was one of the highlights!!!. The restaurants that you chose and the menus we had were great. We thought our group was a great mix of fun and interesting people and certainly added to the intimacy of the trip. The towns, tours, and tour guides were terrific as well. We especially liked the Olive Oil Museum. We thought that Luca was well informed and extremely helpful throughout the tour. His sense of humor was refreshing. We like the fact that he took the time to try and help us understand Italian culture and language. Ennio was equally enjoyable, helpful and entertaining - he is an expert bus driver!! Thanks again for a fantastic vacation.
My Husband and Myself have just returned from travelling with Amber Road Tours for the second year in a row. Once again the Tour [Tuscany-Liguria] was wonderful. Well organised, with still enough private time to make the tour work. All the accommodations were excellent and in areas close to the centre of the towns. Once again the coach drivers where polite and drove extremely well sometimes on difficult roads. This time our Tour Guide was Mario, who was a wonderful happy young Man, who would be there for any of us at anytime. He had or found the answers to any of our questions, but best of all he made the whole group laugh. Thank you Jonathan and Sonya for your wonderful tour and we hope to join you again next year for the 3rd in a row.
Thanks for the best trip we have ever taken. The itinerary and accommodations were excellent. Sometimes you have to wait until you get home to realize how good a trip was but we knew day to day yours was the best. We would love to take another one of your tours and will stay in touch. Thanks for all the good memories
… what cherished memories!! We were so fortunate to have such delightful travel companions however the trip could not have been such a success without your organizational skills, thoughtful tour selections and attention to detail - a credit to you both. As we said on departure it was a pleasure to meet you, to have experienced the professionalism and kindness of Luca and to have enjoyed the happy company of Ennio. Thank you all sincerely for such a wonderful holiday.
“I need to tell you what a wonderful and fun holiday I had while in Tuscany and Umbria. I read some of the comments of other participants with your tours and just can not come up with an original thought. I have to say that I agree with every positive comment made. It was the best time and I'm so grateful that I had the opportunity to be part of it all. I will be looking forward to seeing what you put together for the Amalfi Coast and hopefully that will be something I can plan for in the future. All the care and attention you put into the tour comes shining through. Thank you for making possible such a wonderful experience.”
“Jim and I have been home almost a week and we are still enjoying our Italy trip so much that it seems to be the vacation that keeps on giving. We visited places we would never have thought of or known about and learned so much more about Italy and her history. Thanks again for a wonderful vacation in Italy.....you two are very good at what you do.”
“Our heartfelt thanks for organizing such a superb Tuscany/Umbria Tour (May 3-15/2007). Your local knowledge was certainly evident with your well thought out itinerary, and your choice of delightful accommodation and wining and dining experiences for the group. Luca, as our tour escort was a sheer joy. We appreciated Ennio's capable driving and the fun he and Luca had together as we traveled along was infectious.
Meeting you both in person made the Tour even more special for us.
“I’m sure you have received emails from everyone who was on our Tuscany & Umbria tour in May describing how delighted they were with the tour. I too wanted to pass on my warm thanks to each of you for providing me with such a wonderful touring experience. The professional, courteous and kind service you provided was second to none. I don’t think I have ever experienced such a wonderful tour or such a great bunch of people on my travels! I have only great things to say to my family and friends about this wonderful tour and the time I spent in Italy seeing and experiencing the beautiful quaint
villages and cities. I can see why you love this place and call it home.
“We arrived back home early this morning, and wanted to send you a note of thanks right away for all that you did to make our vacation in Italy so special. Your hard work, attention to detail, excellent choices, and outstanding customer service provided us with an unforgettable itinerary, a truly enjoyable trip, and that rarest of things,... a vacation with no stress, no worries, lots of walking, delicious food, lovely accommodations,
lots of laughter, and the spectacular, heart stopping beauty of Tuscany and Umbria.
“The tour was wonderful. We loved the itinerary and the fact that you included high quality meals and experiences that we would not have found on our own. We did not feel "nickle and dimed" ...a complaint that I have often heard about other tours. Luca is an exceptional guide. His great sense of humor and attention to detail placed this tour another cut above the rest. We will certainly be recommending your company to our friends. Thanks for an outstanding experience.”
“Our time in Italy was grand! We both felt you and Sonya had really done your
homework in arranging hotels, meals and activities for us. We so enjoyed Ennio and of-course, Luca. And....we really enjoyed all our fellow travelers. We bonded quickly. That does not always happen. I fully understand why you have made Italy your home. It is a beautiful country, very diverse and filled with wonderful art, music, food and history. Thank you for putting together something that allows people like Jim and
myself the opportunity to experience a "taste" of that!
”
“People have been asking me about the trip, and I can't tell them enough good things about the way our vacation was handled. The only bad thing is that when they ask me for my favorite place, I have to say that each small town or area we visited had its own little gem tucked away. I really loved the wine museum, and I know we never would've found it on our own. I'm so glad that you found them and decided to share them with us. I also appreciated the free time worked into the tour, so that we had time to do our own things in the different towns.
“Your "back road" tour was First Class in every way -- the superb food, plentiful wine, 4-star hotels, a congenial group, and an unexcelled staff. Maria Elena was perfect as a tour guide. We cannot say enough good things about her. And Ennio! What a great guy and friend, not to mention an excellent driver. We spent quite a bit of time together and really enjoyed each other's company. I can' t thank you and Sonya enough for all the help you all gave us during our trip. It was one of THE best trips we have ever taken, and that's saying a lot!”
“Cindy and I had a wonderful time in Italy and enjoyed spending time with you and Sonya. You've put together a terrific tour and we're recommending it to all of our friends. We're thinking of another trip to Italy next summer; perhaps we will see each other again.”
“Justine and I cannot begin to express our deepest appreciation for all the work you did to make our tour an unqualified success. There simply are no adjectives that can describe the enjoyment we experienced every moment we were with the group. The hotels, the food and the itinerary were absolutely superb. All of the activities were well planned out, varied in scope and immensely interesting. I know we both learned more history than either of us experienced in our combined schooling. Then there was the wine! What great selections, in copious amounts, with tastings and vineyard tours to top everything off. Thanks again for everything and give our best to Luca who made our tour the most enjoyable travel experience ever. ”
“I can’t say enough about the tour. I have come back home totally fulfilled. The tour was excellent and I shall certainly spread the word. I think the format that you have is perfect.....please don’t change a thing. I'll certainly be checking your website from time to time and who knows I just may make it for another trip someday. Thankyou both for all your care and attention and I wish you both the happiness and success you deserve.”
“We loved the tour. It was everything I wanted and more. I would return to Tuscany in a heartbeat. Thanks for the memories. Let us know about any more tours you are planning. We are ready.”
“We really enjoyed our trip with your company - it was just what we wanted. We would highly recommend it for anyone who really wants to see the best that Tuscany and Umbria have to offer. Thank you and Sonya for all your assistance”
“Our tour of Tuscany was the one of best trips I’ve ever taken. The hotels were lovely. The food was awesome. Our tour guide, Luca, was very knowledgeable, incredibly helpful, and always cheerful. Every place we visited was an adventure; I often felt I had been taken back hundreds of years in time. I can’t pinpoint a favorite city or event because I had many favorites. I don’t believe we could have experienced Tuscany with such intimacy on any other tour. Thank you for making it so special.”
“…transported us back to medieval times in modern transportation, stopping in many medieval villages to stay in quaint hotels, have dinners in old inns, or lunch along a narrow cobblestone street. In all our many travels, my husband and I found Tuscany and Umbria to be one of the most picturesque areas. One of the most quaint villages that we enjoyed was Pienza, where we walked the narrow streets, admired the beautiful flowers, and joined in the fun of a Pecorino cheese rolling contest at a local festival. All of this and more under the direction of Jonathan, Sonya and our charming guide Luca who took such good care of us. Thanks for a wonderful scenic trip back in time.”
“In our early investigations, Ruby and I scoured the internet for a tour that caught our fancy. We found many but the tour muse always seemed to point us back to yours. Our choice was made on the aspects of small group and visits to well-known as well as out-of-the-way places. The reality of the tour surpassed anything that we anxiously anticipated from the itinerary. The mix of history, art, churches, palaces, fortresses, abbeys, castles, piazzas, shopping, food and wine provides a recipe for full days followed by the comforts of the well-chosen hotels. You have put together a prize-winning experience. Luca, our tour escort, and Ennio, our faithful driver, can't be beat for professionalism along with personality. Grazie! to you all with best wishes to each of you in all you do.”
“Arrived home yesterday and wanted to let you know what a wonderful time we had. Your company does a fabulous job. Many thanks for the Tuscan experience!”
“Your tour was absolutely wonderful. It offers everything anyone might want to see and do in Tuscany and Umbria. We experienced more than we anticipated on your tour. Many thanks for all your work and fine planning. Your special dinners were evenings to treasure. And Luca, tour escort, and Ennio, driver, added a great deal of pleasure to our trip. Luca is so knowledgeable of all the places we visited, and Ennio could drive around those curves in the mountains like we couldn't believe. They are both so professional and so entertaining. We now have great memories and pictures to share with our family and friends.”
“It may be redundant to applaud here once more the excellent professional and friendly service of Luca and Ennio. They made the tour group always feel good and every day's outing feel like a family picnic!”
“I would highly recommend the tour to anyone All in all a great holiday. Well done on your organization. Would love to do another trip with you sometime.”
“A random click on the internet fulfilled our dreams of a wonderful Tuscany holiday. Thank you, Jonathan and Sonya for putting together a well organized tour covering so many out of the way places that the normal traveller would miss. With just 15 of us on your tour it was not long before we all became friends. Luca our friendly guide and Ennio (my grandfather – private joke) who drove us safely through those winding back roads made our vacation even more special. Claire and I would highly recommend your tours to anyone who wants that little something different from a guided tour. We have recommended your tours to our friends, and we will most certainly be a return customer. Thanks again.”
“I wanted to thank you for such a lovely trip. Since I have been home there is hardly a day that I don't think about something that we saw or something that we did on our fabulous trip with Luca and Ennio. Everyday I crave a different flavor of gelato.
Without question this was one of the most well coordinated trips I have ever enjoyed. From long before we arrived until we reluctantly left Italy behind you were a wonderful coordinator and tirelessly answered my endless list of questions.
I loved the back roads, the kindness of the people, the beauty of the countryside, the centuries old history of the area, the amazing architecture and the endearing culture of the Tuscans and Umbrians who welcomed us for an all too brief look at their day to day lives. I hope to see you again on another one of your back road journeys.
”
“David and I had always dreamed of the Tuscany adventure for years. We finally decided to make it happen. From the moment we made contact with Jonathan the tour flowed. All questions answered. On arrival at the pick up destination we met the delightful Luca and Ennio the gentleman. The tour was well planned - only having 15 guests made it manageable and an opportunity to establish a friendship with all. Hotels, meals all of a good standard Independent city guides were knowledgeable Ennio was a wonderful driver, did not frighten me once. I would recommend this tour to all.”
“From the first day, with a lunch of pasta and truffles under a spreading linden tree in San Mommè, to the fond farewells of new friends and great travel companions in the Piazza della Cisterna of San Gimignano on the final morning, we enjoyed every moment of our tour. Each event, activity, hotel, and meal was just as it should be, often perfect, but even when not, a truly Tuscan or Umbrian experience. We took over 500 pictures and nearly all were as beautiful as the countryside and towns that we visited. These are indeed memories for a lifetime.”
“The tour was everything we had hoped for and Much more. We have raved to everyone here, shown pictures to those who were willing to look at 250 pictures, and passed out your card to several. Ennio and Luca were the best. Luca made the trip very special for all of us and went out of his way to take care of our every need - always with that wonderful smile on his face. He made the difference in a good trip and a fantastic trip. We loved all of the towns and our accommodations were exceptional. I think our favorite town was Gubbio (and we did skip the day trip to Urbino and spent the time touring Gubbio). Loved the little hotel in Pienza and we had a balcony and spectacular view in San Gimignano.”
“We just wanted to tell you how wonderful our tour was. We couldn't have asked for a nicer trip. And Luca and Ennio added so much. What a very talented and knowledgeable person Luca is. On a scale of 1 to 10 we rate our tour a very strong 9.9. We'd give you a 10 but that implies perfection and no one is perfect even though our trip seemed that way. And thank you for your tour guide recommendation for the Vatican museum. She was extremely good. Once again, thanks for a great and unforgettable trip.”
“This is to thank you again for a very well put together tour that we really, really enjoyed. The places we visited were wonderful and having a tour escort such as Luca with his nice personality, patience and energy, helped. We will be following up with your new planned tours for 2007 providing that we will still be in good shape to participate and enjoy. Until then please do stay well and continue to show the beautiful Toscana and Umbria to many more tourists.”
“Stan and I want you to know how much we enjoyed our recent trip to Tuscany and Umbria that you organized. Your itinerary covered much more of the region than other tours that we investigated even though the amount of travel time was the same. We thought that the location of the hotels was very convenient, the included meals were very good, and the choice of attractions was varied and representative of the area. Please keep us on your mailing list, as we are interested in returning to Italy.”
“We had a terrific time on your tour. Luca was the best. It was great to meet all of you. Your choice of restaurants was really great. We hope to come back and see you again soon. Thanks again, the trip was great!”
“Quite often, Jane and I reflect on our recent trip to Tuscany/Umbria in October, with warm memories. The tour group was of a comfortable size, and with them we shared our discoveries and treasures, laughed often, and learned a bit more about the places they call home. Luca, our terrific guide, could not have been a more professional, yet friendly and humorous escort, especially as he tried to teach us some vocabulary, meanwhile tolerating our many fumbles with the accent. Always pleasant, cheerful, informative and welcoming, he is a friend in a truly special country, making sure we enjoyed his beautiful homeland.
“I want to say how thankful I am that I was able to see Tuscany and Umbria with your tour company. I have recommended your group to almost everyone that I have come in contact with since arriving home. It was truly a wonderful lifetime experience, and Luca and Ennio were the best!”
“I just
wanted to thank you again for sponsoring such an incredible
and awesome trip. I can't stop raving about it- I have done
a lot of traveling and this was by far one of the best trips!”
“We truly had a wonderful time and we can't say enough about the entire
experience. We certainly hope to travel again and you will hear from us
when we do. It was a pleasure to meet you both and I think that special
touch you have helps to make the tour successful.”
“We had an absolutely fabulous time! I can't stop thinking about the
wonderful places we've seen, the people we met and the food we had!
I just finished preparing a Tuscan feast for my family who are coming
for dinner tonight. I wish you were both here to join us. We will let
you know when (not if ) we return to Italy, for sure.”
“…two wonderful weeks in Tuscany & Umbria. The personal touch you
and Sonya brought to the trip was a definite advantage to us tourists!
Luca was an organized, informed and personable tour guide and helped
make the trip a pleasant experience. Keep me posted on any new
itineraries and activities you plan.”
“Marsha and I had a wonderful time. It was a revelation for Marsha who
has done relatively little traveling. We both really enjoyed the tour. Your
focus on detail allowed us to attend to our own discoveries. Luca is a gem.
He can do his job and make it fun for everyone simultaneously. I'll be
telling some friends who want to visit Italy next year about y'all.”
“I can't say enough about what a wonderful time I had on your trip. Other
than a little rain, it couldn't have gone better and Luca and Ennio couldn't
have done a better job. I'll definitely be checking out your future trips.”
“Thank you both for all your hard work putting the tour together. We can
honestly say, in 25 years, Italy was the best vacation we have ever had.
We didn't want to go home!”
“I wish to thank you for the great tour, delightful places chosen for us
to see and experience, to tour and to stay. Each one different, with meals
and wines all carefully chosen. I also appreciate meeting you both and
your personal overseeing of the trip. Your guide Luca was a great choice.
Both you and he were so very helpful and the trip was more than I ever
dreamed it would be.”
“I have to say that this was the best vacation I've had since I was a
little kid! Everything about our tour with you was wonderful.
The start times each day were very manageable. The pace also was
just right; we never felt rushed which is a good thing on a vacation! Everyone
associated with the tour that we came into contact with was warm,
friendly and helpful. You and Sonya were so very gracious and I loved
the fact that you interacted with your customers. You were people to
us and not some faceless tour operators. I highly recommend your
tours and look forward to an opportunity to travel with you all again. ”
“I can't say enough about your tour and have been telling
everyone who is thinking of a trip to Italy that it is the best way to
go. I loved every minute of the tour and can honestly say it was better
than I had dreamed of. It was my first tour of any kind as I have always
planned my own travel so I did not really know what to expect. What
I do know is, I would not have been able to put together such a
comprehensive trip myself. It included all the sights I like, churches,
abbeys, museums and walking tours. The group was fun to be with
and just the right size. I think you and Sonya are to be congratulated
on the type of tours you are putting together and I hope they continue
just as they are in size and itinerary.…”
“Dick and I thoroughly enjoyed the unique experience of seeing Tuscany and
Umbria and touring medieval, well preserved towns. cathedrals and abbeys.
It was perfect to relax and be driven through beautiful scenery and vistas of
ancient, medieval hill top towns. The Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore,
built in the lovely forest setting, with the story told of St. Benedict in the
frescos around the Great Cloister was a delightful sight. Then the Siena
Duomo is an experience in itself, awesome! Tasting the regional foods and
the wine and more wine was delightful and fun. Traveling with a small group
not only allowed us entry into areas not traveled by others but an opportunity
to meet new people in a most charming, beautiful setting.”
“We thoroughly enjoyed our tour with you which met and exceeded
our expectations. What a joy to "see" Tuscany and Umbria through
the eyes of those who know and love it. We are happy to recommend
you to any and all. Special commendation to Luca who did an excellent
job making the tour very pleasant. Thank you all! ”
“When deciding to join a pre-arranged tour, what attracted us to you was
your unique itinerary and small group size. Please never change your
approach - I know this is what contributed most to our enjoyment.
Everything went so smoothly, it was truly a pleasure.”
“Just wanted to drop you a line to let you know that I thoroughly enjoyed
the whole trip and have recommended your tour to several people. The
accommodations were great, the towns won my heart, and Luca was very
helpful and fun. I can't say enough and it was very hard to come back,
so if you ever need help, let me know!!!!!”
“I can not even begin to tell you how wonderful the 13 days were!!!!!
… absolutely the best ever vacation! Each day was a wonder that
ended with a great part of the Italian culture-great food and friends!!!!”
“I just wanted to let you know that the trip our group took surpassed
all expectations. I came hoping for a great, relaxing trip and that is just
what I got. The trip was well planned; the food was out of this world and
the wine was the best I ever tasted. You gave us all a wonderful taste of
Italy by going on the "back roads" and staying at the small Italian Bed and
Breakfasts. All in all it was an absolutely wonderful trip and I do thank
you for helping to make it such an experience for us.”
“Our tour guides could not have been better - very friendly, very helpful,
and very knowledgeable. Luca did a great job of herding us around and
Maria Elena, besides being helpful, was charming and her presence added
a touch of beauty. This is the first small group tour that we have been on
and we found the size just perfect. Fourteen people is a lot better than 42,
as were our previous experiences.”
“Anne
and I enjoyed your tour immensely. We have been on many tours
and yours was the best one we have been on and hope to do
one with you again in the future with our whole family.”
“Your tour completely exceeded our expectations. Complex
logistics that were seamless, almost transparent. Enthusiastic
and knowledgeable tour guides. Interesting accommodations.
Great food. A program that allowed us to experience Tuscany
and Umbria on a level that most tourists can only dream about.
You have created a remarkable experience for those that wish
to risk a 'non-traditional' tour.”
“The tour
was way more than I expected. The dinner at Bevagna, by the
way, was too much. I felt like I should be throwing bones
to scavenger dogs, and waving to peasants as they stood and
watched the wealthy eat. As the days go by, I remember snippets
of our journey that are so wonderful. It was an "over
the top" trip from start to finish.”
“We had a wonderful time on the Tuscany/Umbria tour - Luca [our tour escort] was great!
We learned more and saw more and did more than we ever could have if we had tried
to organize our own trip. THANKS!!!!!“
“Jonathan and Sonya did a marvelous job of organizing our custom one week Tuscan
adventure for thirty people. Everything was perfect - from the comfortable coach, to
the excellent restaurants, to the fascinating sites (we particularly loved Pisa and Carrara).
I was very impressed that they had visited every place in advance, even eating at each
restaurant, to ensure that we would have a great experience. They were creative in
meeting our needs, whether finding a hike that would be near our villas or renting a
wheelchair for my mother. I highly recommend them if you want
a custom Italian adventure!“
“Sylvia was an excellent tour guide and we were very lucky to have her. We highly
recommend her. All in all, our [custom] trip was delightful. All of the planning
went well and we enjoyed every facet of the trip. Thanks for a wonderful job.“
“A lucky
click of a website and we found you! Thank you again for a
most magnificent trip! This tour was more like visiting a
family member who would take you to the best places in the
area....all the little towns and scenic spots that you would
never find on your own. We highly recommend it! “
“Thank you for our wonderful Tuscany custom tour. It
far exceeded our expectations. The special events which you arranged were highlights
of the trip; the cooking class, Brunello vineyard tour, dinner at the castle
and the special wine tasting in San Mommè. We have recommended your tours
to several travel agencies and to all our friends who may be planning a trip
to Italy.
Again, thank you.”
“Your
tour of Tuscany was the best trip Carolyn and I have ever
been on. You made us feel like we were visiting a relative. Your knowledge of
the area, history and places we visited was very impressive. The restaurants you selected
were all great. The people of Tuscany were wonderful, especially our driver. I really
enjoyed our cooking class.”
“Peggy
and I wanted to thank you both for a wonderful experience
in Italy. We've compared notes with friends that have gone and none of their
trips compare....”
“The tour
of the small, historic villages of Tuscany was an experience
of a lifetime. Away from the bustle of large city influence, one could truly
experience the real Italy, its food, wine and people. San Gimignano is a truly “must see” and if you are lucky enough to get one of the top two rooms in the La Cisterna
Hotel, you will be provided an unbelievable view of the town square (Piazza della
Cisterna) from one side and a breathtaking countryside view from your balcony
on the other! With all windows open, a constant breeze will refresh you while you
soak up the true Tuscany countryside with a refreshing glass of wine. This
tour leaves one with memories for a life time!
“…
to the medieval festival in Bevagna. There were no tourists
in this small town for their festival which lasts a week, and this night featured
townspeople dressed up in medieval fashion serving medieval food with medieval wine.
A brief rainstorm, the first of the trip, interrupted the supper, but we managed
to commandeer a dungeon and the wine washed away all the problems while I had an excellent
duck, medieval style. We then attended an archery contest in the main square
which had probably not changed in 800 years with the priest conducting the ceremonies,
twin trumpets announcing each major event, multiple archers shooting
at three dummies in knight's armor holding ceramic plates, and much
ceremony throughout including a monk who judged the event. We were
completely charmed once again…”
“…
the night we were in San Mommè at Il Gufo. The town
was not busy with tourists, to my knowledge our group may have been the only
outsiders. The town had turned out for a wedding that afternoon and while we ate
pizza, drank wine and birra at the outdoor pizzeria and cafe', a street dance was
being set up. We enjoyed watching the entire scene and the locals were gracious enough
to allow us to enjoy the music and dance. For that moment I felt like we were part
of the San Mommè community. Though we didn't speak much Italian, we communicated
with that community, through dance, music and laughter… The second
evening where we felt like we were part of something that the average tourist
is not privy to, was the night in Bevagna. We felt part of the celebration, not outsiders
looking in...
“The guided
tour at the Banfi Vineyard was better than anything in Napa
Valley. We learned a great deal, enjoyed beautiful scenery, and the
lunch with great wine for each course was incredible. In San Gimignano we stayed
in a lovely hotel with a great restaurant looking over an amazing view of the surrounding
valley. Touring Raffaello's home in Urbino, we were struck by the fact that
it had been built before Columbus landed in America. We had such a wonderful time… Thank you so much for all of your hard work and patience.”
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Paintings of Sant'Antimo by Pam Kennon |
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