Let’s customize YOUR Italian adventure.
Planning a trip to Italy?
Are you DREAMING of an unforgettable trip to Italy? You’ve likely already prepared your own list of must- sees and experiences, picturesque landscapes and piazzas etched in your mind, carefully balancing authenticity with iconic moments… but now you’re navigating for hours through endless websites and well-meaning advice from friends. Too many options? Overwhelmed? Annoyed navigating train station websites, maps, advance booking requirements, language barriers and impossible restaurant reservations?
Don’t worry, YOU CAN “Have it Your Way”. I’ll help you create a stress-free, seamless, tailored Italian adventure that is truly yours.
Why choose me?
Personalized itineraries: I take the time to listen to what you want and then craft a unique experience tailored to your style, pace and passions.
Expert coordination: From your arrival to departure, I handle every detail with care.
Insider knowledge: You’ll have a pre-travel checklist and arrive with authentic local insights and cultural tips to make the most of your days.
Hassle-free reservations: I’ll arrange accommodations, transfers, guides, tickets, dinners and experiences for you – no stress, no guesswork.
My accountability for your peace of mind: Throughout your trip, I’ll be available, along with a trusted network of local friends and contacts, so you’ll feel supported and cared for, every step of the way.
Let’s create YOUR dream trip!
Need inspiration?
Are you looking for INSPIRATION for a curated, tailor made, Italian adventure? Got it. I can help you craft an unforgettable experience, no matter the occasion – or even better, for no occasion at all!
Here are a few ideas to spark your imagination
Friends’ Adventure or Women’s Retreat: Celebrate milestones, birthdays, or just the beauty of friendship.
Private Getaway: Set aside some time to discover new places together, reconnect and relax in the most romantic landscape.
Custom Italian Wedding: Turn your big day into a uniquely Italian experience, an intimate escape for two, or a celebration with 40 of your closest friends.
Family Reunions & Heritage Tracing: Reconnect with loved ones while exploring your roots in the land of “la famiglia.”
Language & Culture Immersion: Elevate your Italian skills while soaking in authentic local traditions.
Food & Cooking Tour: From fresh pasta to world- class wines, indulge in Italy’s irresistible culinary treasures.
Destination Packages, Corporate Events & Team Building: Whether it’s gourmet dining, expert-led experiences, boating adventures, or Ferrari thrills, we’ll design activities that match your group’s goals.
Pre and Post: - and if you’re joining one of our small group tours, why not make the most of it, tag on a few days and extend your adventure – I always include pre and post planning help at no extra charge.
But do you really need an excuse to go to Italy?
The sky’s the limit!
DVA’s Private Tours are tailored exclusively for “you and yours”. Meaning - you choose your travel partners, your theme, your destination, it’s your trip, your way. You can choose from one of our tried and true itineraries, or craft something entirely, uniquely yours. Interested in your family’s roots? Let’s cross Sicily from coast to coast. Or, travel with your Garden Club through Italy’s most breathtaking gardens. Passionate about art? Let’s take the Renaissance Routes through Italy's most iconic masterpieces.
How does a private tour work?
It all starts with your vision. Together, we’ll design the perfect adventure, tailored to your desires. Once every detail meets your approval, we’ll send you a DVA Save the Date invitation to share with your guest list, setting the tone for your exclusive journey. From there, we take care of everything - planning, reservations, and all the logistics, from arrival to departure.
All you have to do is gather your friends and show up!
Reach out and let me know how I can help you. No obligations, your first consultation is always free.
DIY ITALY – a little help if you like planning your own adventure
To & Through Italy
Aggregators and best flight combo searches
Kayak, Skyscanner, Hopper
Online travel agencies
Orbitz, Expedia, Travelocity, Cheap tickets
Italy’s main airport links and codes
Venice(VCE)
Milan (MXP)
Florence (FLR)
Naples (NAP)
Bari (BRI)
Palermo, Sicily (PMO)
Catania, Sicily (CTA)
Travel tools, reviews and forums
Rick Steve's Europe, Fodor’s, SeatGuru, The Points Guy
Italy’s railway system
There are TWO Train companies, TRENITALIA (state owned) and ITALO (privately owned), and Pros & Cons to both. Trenitalia may have more seat and route selections than Italo. Italo may have lower prices than Trenitalia. When possible, select direct/no change routes with fares that allow a change of time (postponement) with minimal penalty. *Search The Train Line for the best selections since both Trenitalia and Italo options will be listed.
TRENITALIA’s main SLOW trains for smaller stations (starting with slowest): Regionale, Regionale Veloce, InterCity (IC), Eurostar, Italia (ES)
TRENITALIA’s newer, HIGH SPEED trains, are best for journeys to main, larger cities, lasting longer than an hour:
1. Freccia ROSSA
2. Freccia ARGENTO
3. Freccia BIANCA
Approximate train route times:
*Venice - Rome = 3hr 20 min
*Venice - Florence = 2hrs
*Venice Milan = 2hrs 30 min
*Florence - Rome = 1 hr 40 min
*Florence - Pisa = 45 min
*Florence - Naples = 2 hrs 50 min
*Rome - Naples = 1hr 15 min
*Rome - Milan = 3 hrs 30 min
*Naples - Milan = 4 hrs 20 min
Click to view a larger map
In Italy
Accommodation, transport and experiences
Hotels
TripAdvisor, Venere, Booking.com, Hotels.com, HotelTonight
Alternative accommodations
Agriturismo (Farm houses), Vacation Rentals, AirBnB
Private Drivers for local and regional excursions or transfers
Tuscany: Massimo and Luca at Tuscany Luxury Tours
Amalfi Coast/Campania: Umberto at Umberto Limos
Umbria: Alessio at Orvieto Transfers,
Sicily: Maurizio at Maurizio Contino Travel
Lake Como/Lake Garda: Stefano at Stefano Sancassani
Puglia: Francesco at BariNCC
Official sites for ticket purchase
Venice (St Mark’s Basilica, Bell Tower etc.)
Pompeii (Express Ticket for main Archeological Park)
Florence (Uffizi Gallery, David’s Accademia, Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens etc.)
Rome (Vatican City and Museums , Colosseum and Forum Areas)
Unique activities and research opportunities
Tuscany - Archaeology (2025 dates)
Pompeii (2026 dates)
WWOOF volunteer organic Farming/Cultural exchange
Worldpackers volunteer Work/Exchange
UNESCO site list
(“protected sites of outstanding universal value”)
Money to go and do
Euro exchange calculator and graph history