“I don’t like group tours!”
Well, I don’t blame you and I get it! No one wants to be stuck on a hot double-decker bus, fumbling with headphones, travelling like a herd of sheep and chasing a tour guide waving a plastic yellow sunflower.
“So what makes Dolce Vita Adventures different?”
It’s our native expertise and years of strong relationships built with locals who have become friends. It’s the personal touch of being a small company, free from greedy overhead. It’s the vibrant, close-knit DVA community – a bunch of curious, easy-going travelers (now friends) who keep coming back after more than 20 years.
And finally, it’s our small group sizes. Unlike other companies, where small means 24, we limit to 12, sometimes 14 in a pinch. That “small” size is the secret to a truly personal and authentic experience.
Our Small Group Tour Philosophy is simple:
MOBILITY WITH ACCESSIBILITY and CONNECTIONS WITH AUTHENTICITY
MOBILITY WITH ACCESSIBILITY
Traveling in a small group allows us to access Italy’s hidden gems that bigger buses can’t reach. In a small group we can skip long lines, grab front-row seats at a medieval show, or trade a crowded ferry ride for a private sail along the coast. It’s so much easier to slip into the local spots, enjoy a panino at Fratellini or a private aperitivo at our friend’s art gallery. Whether it’s a spontaneous cooking class or a quick stop at the town hall for nonna’s birth certificate, our small group gives us more mobility and access to Italy’s magic, in ways larger groups simply can’t.
CONNECTION WITH AUTHENTICITY
In a smaller group, you’re not just another tourist. You’ll meet locals as friends, not outsiders. go ahead and quiz our local guide about Etruscan life until your heart’s content, she’s with us for lunch, and this isn’t a crowded lecture hall. Plus, you’ll have the time and space to connect with fellow travelers and even with yourself, creating unforgettable moments along the way. It’s about more than just the sights - it’s about the experience.
A note about me - born and raised in Italy, to an Italian mother and an American father, I’ve been bi-culturally blessed with the unique privilege of experiencing both cultures firsthand. Growing up in Italy gave me a deep understanding and love for Italy, which I gladly share with others eager to discover the true essence of La Dolce Vita.
From a young age, I was drawn to helping others experience Italy. I spent many years teaching Italian Language and Culture and I also led Italian tours for larger, cookie-cutter travel companies (which mostly taught me what I did not want to do). Over time, my passion-hobby for creating personalized itineraries for family and friends grew big and had to be reckoned with, so in 2002 Dolce Vita Adventures was born. I never intended to create a traditional travel agency - no glossy brochures or middlemen. Dolce Vita Adventures was, and still is, a way for me to share with you my love for Italy and connect you with the real Italy.
Sybil Haynes
Founder/Owner, Dolce Vita Adventures
I believe that travel broadens our horizons and fosters cultural understanding, offering opportunities for personal growth and gifting us rich and memorable experiences. My mission is simple: to provide you with knowledgeable, reliable and personalized experiences in Italy that go beyond the ordinary. Focusing on authenticity and genuine connection, I aim to make your Dolce Vita Adventure memorable and fun! Let’s travel…
xoxo,
Sybil
THE DVA TEAM
Dolce Vita Adventures’ COLLABORATORS are the heart of your Italian experience. We’re blessed to work with passionate professionals who bring specific skills to your adventure.
Our villa, B&B, and boutique hotel hosts graciously offer you a warm welcome to your “home away from home”, selected for its location, comfort, and value. Your English speaking drivers will take care of your needs in fully-insured, comfortable vehicles. We also believe in supporting local businesses, so we work exclusively with licensed, knowledgeable LOCAL guides eager to share their expertise and regional pride with you. Outstanding service is rare enough, but our collaborators usually go above and beyond. Their individual expertise and personal care through the years continues to amaze and reassure travelers like you.
Last on “your team”, and as the founder of DVA, I will be with you every step of the way. I’m personally committed to making every moment of your adventure magical.