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Who we are…
Born and raised in Italy by an Italian mother and American father, I was taught to embrace the best of both worlds and politely ignore the rest. Bed time stories of Etruscans, hikes through olive groves and boat rides between islands led me to believe Italy was a big, wondrous playground. I also learned at a young age that any bi-cultural or bilingual skills (like the difference between carpaccio, Caravaggio and Caciucco) shared with other Americans could greatly enhance their time in Italy. I searched for opportunities to enhance everyone's enjoyment of Italy, and with this as my greatest motivator, I began teaching Italian language and culture classes, and organizing cultural exchanges and tours. Over the years I co-hosted tours with international companies and planned endless adventures for family, friends, and students. Though other company tours gave me great practical knowledge, the trips were not of my own design – they were too big, too commercial and too “cookie-cutter”. I knew they could be better. The “extra”, between ordinary and extraordinary, was missing. I set out to create my own perfected Italian tour recipe: The right amounts of culture, natural beauty, art, history, gastronomy and Italian people, simmered with my experience and passionate commitment…. and Dolce Vita Adventures was born. I’m not a travel agency. Dolce Vita Adventures doesn’t have slick catalogs, glossy pamphlets, a marketing section or middleman. In fact I operate solely and successfully by word of mouth. You probably can’t find this website on a google search. The saved expenses certainly allow you more value for your trip, and the absence of a corporate feel encourages a personal relation with each journey. These classes, events, and tours are not a “business operation” ~ in the end Dolce Vita Adventures is just an organized, materialized passion. Dolce Vita’s “colleagues” are molto special. The families and staff of the villas, Bed and Breakfasts and the few hotels selected are gracious hosts. Our “casa away from casa” is also selected based on location and comfort. We employ careful, professional drivers, and fully-insured vehicles with all modern comforts. Our tour guides are local and licensed, but more important; they are enthusiastic, knowledgeable and eager to share their insight and regional pride with you. Last, you have one very dedicated tour director: myself. I lead every adventure and as a native I feel personally committed to making your days in Italy unforgettably precious. Here in America I continue to search for opportunities to share Italy’s gifts (language, arts, opera, cooking classes…) with others. And, of course, I look forward to each return to Italy, to the complex beauty, to the discovery of its vast cultural and natural richness. I’m honored to share this wealth with others like me, who remain happily captivated in Italy’s warm embrace. For more on how to contact the guides and villas, please refer to the maps & photos page.
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