Re: Honeymoon to France, Loire Valley, Lake Como and London

Margaret and I have been so busy since we returned that we haven't had time to send you a note telling you how wonderful our honeymoon was!

There is only one word for this honeymoon: PERFECT! You did a fantastic job identifying places for us to go, things to see, accommodations, dining, etc…

You met our needs and wishes precisely!

In France, the Domain des Hauts was a lovely place to stay, and the food was terrific. It was, as you said, a perfectly located for our exploration of the Chateaux. The arrangements we made for the chauffeur were perfect and we saw exactly the right chateaux and gardens. Each of Chambord, Cheverney and Blois had their own distinct character. It was great having a car and driving ourselves around the second day and the gardens at Villandry knocked our socks off. And ending at Chenenceau capped it all off with the most spectacular of all the chateaux.

You were wise not to over-schedule us for the third day in the Loire, as we were able to make an unplanned excursion by TGV to Paris to shop.

We lucked out on the balloon ride too, since the early morning flight was scrubbed due to fog. After, we returned from Paris, we did the late afternoon flight over the Loire River and Chenenceau and it was AWESOME!

Lake Como was everything we expected and more…what a beautiful plae! We enjoyed our room at the Villa D'Este very much indeed.

We were both certainly very charmed by Silvio our water taxi driver and Edoardo our chauffeur for the second day. Bellagio and the villas and gardens were lovely.

The flight to London from Milan worked out just fine, though we were a little late for dinner at the Hempel (no problem there tho!). The Hempel…what an INTERESTING hotel. We're definitely glad we stayed there (and ate the first night's dinner there). The décor was truly unique! We ended up finding a great French restaurant in the theatre district: L'Escargot - probably the best meal of the trip! Ending with Les Miserables was quite the topper to a great trip.

So you can see we had a FANTASTIC TRIP!. We have already decided that for our tenth anniversary we'll be back! You can expect us to contact you if we have the occasion to take a similar trip either ten years hence or sooner!

We will of course recommend your services to anyone interested in a customized vacation to Europe. Nothing could have made this trip better other than making it longer! Thanks for all your help throughout the process of planning the trip and arranging it all for us. You definitely made our honeymoon the vacation of a lifetime!

Take care and thanks again,

KEN JACOBS and MARGARETH LASECKE

Re: 3 week tour of Italy Sicily to North

May 20, 1999

... thought you would appreciate hearing some of the highlights of our journey. So, grab a cup of that delicious coffee and join me.

As Lou mentioned to you by phone, I could take up residence at the Villa Igea (Sicily). I've always wanted to live in a castle and our accommodations there were quite similar. The hotel staff was warm and gracious; the food was wonderful, especially the breads and sweets. Our room (I believe, #109) was huge and elegantly furnished with antiques and oriental rugs; it seemed to take minutes to traverse the room, and the marble bathroom was also very spacious. What a wonderful welcome to Italy (thankfully, after that hair-raising taxi ride from Palermo's airport!).

Rita, our personal guide, was prompt and very knowledgeable, as were all of your handpicked colleagues. She proposed a trip to Monreale which sounded quite interesting, so we spent the morning viewing the magnificent mosaics in the Cathedral and around the cloisters. We also saw the Palatine Chapel at the Palace and, for a totally different look, Palermo's huge Il Duomo. Spent the evening in Mondello and had a great all-seafood dinner at Café Simpaty, recommended by the Villa Igea Concierge.

On Monday, we headed over to Avis to pick up our car for the trip to Cefalu/Taormina. Once outside of the Palermo traffic zoo, we managed well and found Cefalu very inviting and someplace we'd like to return.

Met Barbara and decided we'd benefit most from her expertise at the Vatican museum and St. Peter's which ended up filling our morning. We could have probably spent an entire week there and not seen everything; a bit overwhelming to say the least. We continued on to all the typical sites that afternoon and covered most everything on our agenda...Great dinner (pizza and antipasti) and service at Le Grotte.

Sabrina was a delightful guide and worked very hard at trying to relay the wealth of information and knowledge she has regarding art as we squeezed in the Uffizi and Bargello galleries in one morning. Rain plagued us in Florence which didn't matter much in the museums, but didn't flatter the Boboli Gardens. So, we retreated to the "Rivoire" to experience "the richest hot chocolate in Italy" - d'accordo, we loved it! Best meal: Café Garga in Florence - expensive, but well worth it.

The only possible reason to leave Tuscany was to attend the opera in Venice. I'm sure if it weren't for that, our trip would have taken a detour!

The entire day was something you'd read about in a novel. Silvo's enthusiasm for Tuscany, his unending supply of local contacts, and his genuine charm can cause normal Americans to re-evaluate their entire lives. I've never envisioned myself living in a rural setting...until Tuscany! It couldn't have been better, and we have you and Silvio to thank.

The Luna Baglioni was friendly and very efficient. In fact, it was their concierge who informed me that La Fenice had not reopened (in over 3 years). The performance was one of the most memorable we'd ever seen. Our seats were perfect, and the voices were magnificent despite the strange acoustics of a tent! Who cared??? We were humming the contagious melodies at every intermission, and throughout the balance of our trip. The Tuscany withdrawal symptoms had abated.

Mrs. Sesani arrived at our hotel at precisely 11:00 a.m. the following morning. She led us through the wall-to-wall flesh at St. Mark's square, sharing Venetian anecdotes regarding the Palazzo Ducale and providing enough charm and elegance for the entire square! Soon we were on a quiet street tucked far away from the bustling crowd and in her beautiful home. Although very proper at all times, she made us feel very comfortable and at home in the intimacy of her kitchen. I enjoyed listening to her philosophies on true Venetian cooking, her opinion of Tuscany cooking ("do you call Ribolitta cooking?") and, especially, the personal nature of the overall experience. We devoured the fruits of her labor over lunch and then, at her invitation, spent time visiting in her lovely salon.

We found our way to Garda without incident, and only took two wrong turns once we exited the autostrada. As we circumvented the town, we spotted the tower of the Grand Hotel and were very pleased with the beautiful setting, the hotel grounds and our balcony.

Again, we spotted the gleaming crown of the Grand Hotel Des Illes Borromees from the top of the mountain and followed the road down to the sea. The reception and service at the Grand Borromees was warm and gracious. In fact, the food at both Garda and Stresa was among the best we experienced.

In sum, we have already decided that our next trip will definitely NOT be shorter in length (1 week in Sicily, 1 week in Amalfi, 1 week in Tuscany, and 2 weeks in the Lakes). Perhaps we should rent a villa for the summer and have an Italian home base so train transfers are less difficult minus heavy luggage. Until then, we have a journal filled with memories, and hundreds of photos to provide the visual aid, all of which will be fun to visit from time to time. But nothing will ever erase from our minds the wonderful times, and even the challenges, that come with "la dolce vita" which we were fortunate to live for three weeks. Mille Grazie to you and your team for making our trip the experience of a lifetime.

Warmest regards

Caterina and Luigi

Re: London Tour

"Without a doubt, travelling with Travel to Italy was one of the most memorable and delightful experiences of my life. London for the Holidays was in itself a trip worth taking, but with Travel to Italy's Tours as a guide it couldn't have been better.

The itinerary you put together was perfect: perfectly executed and timed! Each outing, each restaurant and event and each day was scheduled in such a thoughtful manner. I never felt frazzled…only exhilarated, enjoying the trip to the utmost. A fast paced shopping day at Harrods was cushioned between a luxurious breakfast, a walk in the Park and High Tea at the Savoy. The Royal Ballet was tucked inside a day full of history, and a lovely supper and a late night dessert at one of London's quaint café's.

...travels with a keen sense of history, luxury, comfort and fun she was able to put together an itinerary that flows flawlessly and left me completely satisfied and committed to traveling with her again in the future. Top our London 'holiday menu" off with a demitasse of elegance, a spoon full of country charm and several slice of pure pleasure and you have a trip worth taking and a guide worth taking you there!

Katy A Garrett

Former Manager, AP Broadcast

Re: Tour of Tuscany

I'm just back from a great trip and a great vacation. I made the right decision when I chose a your tour. Now that I am home I don't have that feeling that I need a second vacation from the one I've just taken. This time, on this vacation, there was none of that too familiar struggle to survive in a foreign country.

Most importantly, unlike other "package" tours that I have taken, this one never reminded me of what I wanted to leave behind; agendas, schedules and deadlines.

My experience with the way the tours are planned has taught me that you get your vacation's worth on a tour that is small in numbers and meticulously catered. At the end of each day we could count on hot showers, comfort and cleanliness. This particular tour included a massage and facial. The sites we visited were off the beaten track as we explored the beauties of Italy.

Every meal was memorable, excellent and some were even accompanied by visits and instructions by our chef.

All in all this vacation tour lived up completely to my hopes and expectations. I consider myself a seasoned traveler not liable to be taken in by promises or appearances. I look for substance and pleasure in a tour, and this one had both.

Yours truly,

Dr. Susan E. Dughi

Re: French and Italian Riviera plus Rome and Florence

Fantastic! Incredible! Exciting! These are but a few words which describe the wonderful trip. arranged for me in France and Italy. The 17-day adventure was the most memorable and enjoyable vacation I have ever experienced.

As a frequent business and leisure traveler, having traveled to over 20 countries in four continents, I have obviously been accustomed to a certain level of service and travel experience. However, the tour went beyond my expectations! The hotels, the recommended restaurants and planned excursions were perfect! The itinerary truly maximized the time spent in each of the five cities visited, even allowing time for needed rest and relaxation.

Visiting the Italian and French Riviera was probably my favorite part of the trip, especially being able to enjoy the drive along the coast. I never imagined the Riviera was so beautiful and pristine, and even so diverse!

Thanks again for a great vacation program! I will be travelling again to Europe in the next year and will definitely contact you to plan my vacation once again.

Sincerely,

Roxana M. Santana

Re: Paris and London Tour

I just want to write and thank you for all your help in my preparation for my family's trip to Paris and London. I am a poor planner when it comes to this kind of thing and without your help, the trip would have been a disaster. Your most difficult challenge was developing an agenda that met the needs of 5 very different people: me, Julie, my two teenage daughters and Julie's sister…

The Aparthotel in Paris accommodated us all very well. Julie and I had private space and the rest of the gang had comfortable accommodations. The people that ran the hotel were excellent. They could always sense when we needed something as were leaving and they always did what they could to meet our needs. They arranged for the city tour company that per you advice as well as dinner reservations. Julie and I the dinner cruise that you recommended. This was terrific. The Seine River Cruise was most spectacular at night. We enjoyed dinner with another couple from Brazil. We now communicate through the Internet! The museums were worth every minute we were there - you were right, two days is really not quit enough for even a brief visit of this city but your help in the planning process helped us get the most out of our time in Paris. Per your recommendation, we had dinner at La Coupole one night. This was indeed an entertaining place to have dinner and the food was excellent. The waiters performed their jobs like it was an art form. I scored a lot of point with the gang this night! ! ! We got a brief visit to the Louvre the morning before we left for England - AWESOME! ! ! !

The ride on the Eurostar was neat. When we arrived we were greeted with great British hospitality - the Taxi Cab drivers. The hotel was a great choice. We were located near some great places to eat. My daughters were especially impressed because they stayed in a hotel that was very near "Crhristy's Auction House". We were within easy access to a number of popular attractions in London. The Tube was only a short 2-minute walk. We took in most of the attractions and eating establishments that you recommended. These were great choices that seem to please the entire group which I had originally thought would be IMPOSSIBLE. There were many memorable places in London (London Tower, Westminster, Harrods, Big Ben, Windsor Castle, Buckingham Palace, etc.) however, one of the most memorable places we went was also on your list of things to do - The Criterion. It was located in a place with the all the "glints" and glamour of the New York but WE WERE IN LONDON! All the girls thought this was cool. We took in a play there and we all did some shopping.

Overall this trip was an unqualified success and it wouldn't have been possible without your expert help!

Thanks,

Robert D. White

Re: Italy

I can’t tell you how many times I’….counted the wonderful events surrounding our trip to Italy with my wife, Susan. We would not have so many fine memories to share with others were it not for your considerable preparation going before us and your execution along the way. I am so glad we decided to go with you – thank you.

You put many new and wonderful places on our family map of the world. I will not forget the train ride to and from Venice with the countryside groves of trees so perfectly inscribed into the earth, or our wanderings through Udine, or the view from San Daniele. You placed us so well throughout the trip at each point so we were able to capture all of the subtle details and wonders of that other world called Europe.

I shall always be in you debt, if only for the memories of Florence. You indulged our constant impulse to stop at every cafe we passed for yet another cappuccino. You did not allow us to have a single bad meal in Florence—or in all of Tuscany for that matter. What was that hunter’s stew we had the first night in Florence? And the wine they served!! I recall that spot was packed from top to bottom with very happy people. I can’t wait to go back. In fact as I remember, we were not taken to a single place that was not being enjoyed by the locals themselves, and with great enthusiasm. That night in Florence you even thought to choose a hotel that came with a very friendly cat who kept watch over our room from the chair outside. And, you selected a room with a view, literally, of the cathedral.

James Snyder

Orlando, Florida

Re: Rome/Florence/Venice/Paris

We had been planning a second honeymoon for several years, when a good friend of ours from Italy recommended us to your tours.We were tired of traveling on escorted bus tours with 55 strangers.We wanted to visit the four great cities of Europe (Rome, Florence, Venice and Paris).We chose these four cities because of their vast history, culture, art, and romantic atmosphere. fantastic comprehensive fourteen day trip was planned for us.

The most incredible planning done for us on this trip was the choice of centrally located hotels in our price range.The four hotels she chose had fantastic locations, comfort, and service.In Rome, it was the Santa Chiara right behind the Roman Pantheon.We were within walking distance of the Pantheon, Roman Forum, Coliseum, Plazza Novona, Doria Pamphili Gallery, and the via del Corso.We arrived in Rome o a Sunday, which is the evening during the week that the Romans stroll down via del Corso to show off the latest clothing styles.We were impressed with the beautiful Roman people as they walked alone, in pairs, or as families.This event was a weekly affair that should not be missed.It was a lasting memory for us.

In Florence, we stayed at the Hotel Pierre in the hub of the historical center.We were located around the corner from the world's most picturesque Piazza della Signoria and the Uffizi Gallery.The hotel room was expansive and on the top floor of the Hotel Pierre with a great view of the Basilica of S.maria de Fiore.It was the best hotel on the tour.The hotel manager was cordial, spoke fluent English, and gave precise directions.The breakfasts were excellent.

We traveled from Rome to Florence and Florence to Venice on the Euro-Star; it is a fast and smooth train ride (we wonder why the United States doesn't have more of these trains).Also, the train stations were close to our hotels.

In Venice, we stayed at the Giorgione Hotel, near the Rialto Bridge.It was located within walking distance to St.Mark's Square, St.Mark's Cathedral, and Doge's Palace.The Giorgione was comfortable and delightful! The hotel personnel were friendly, cordial, and spoke good English.The breakfasts were the best on our tour! (By the way, the lunches and evening meals suggested were excellent.)

On to Paris, where we stayed at the Hotel de Deux right on the Ille de St.Louis between Notre Dame and the Marais Quarter.It is a small hotel, and we had a typical Parisian breakfast in our room every morning.The manager, a young Asian Indian lady by the name of Rani, made our stay a very pleasant one.She had a wonderful sense of humor, a very pleasing smile; and was very competent.She was the best hotel manager on the tour! We were located right on the Seine River at night was very romantic, appropriate for our second honeymoon.

The high points of our wonderful trip were many.In Rome, it was the Sistine Chapel.We were so awe-struck with its magnificent beauty, we stayed sitting there for two hours.Then on to the mammoth St.Peter's Basilica, the immense Coliseum, the ancient Roman Forum (where the Caesar's walked), and the Borghese Gallery (with all its classic paintings and sculptures).

In Florence, it was the Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, Pitti Palace, Signoria Plazza, Michelangelo's David at the Academia, and a visit to Tuscany with Silvio Toccafondi, a friend. Silvio and his wife, Anne,prepared a wonderful Italian pasta meal at their villa overlooking their olive groves.We were introduced to Ribollita (special bread), peconinol (cheese from sheep's milk), Tuscany Virgin Olive Oil, and Brunello wine.It was a beautiful setting for our lunch, and on our way back to Florence, we visited Macchivelli's home and an ancient St.Benedictine's Monestary.

In Venice, the highlights were St.Mark's Square (and all the pigeons),St.Mark's Cathedral, Doge's Palace; the Gondola ride in the evening with music; the tour of the three islands off Venice, including Murano (Venitian glass) and Burano (lace industry).We purchased a beautiful lace tablecloth and napkins we couldn't resist.But the big highlight of the trip to Venice was our dinner.

Then on to Paris where the highlights were the Dinner Cruise on the Seine, Notre Dame, the Lido show (ala Las Vegas, but better), the Louvre, Marias Quarter, the Orsay Museum, and Fountainbleu (the region where the impressionists painted their first landscapes).We especially enjoyed "people watching" at the Cafe Flore on St.Germain on the Left Bank (close to the Sorbonne).We walked leisurely back to our hotel.Paris is truly a romantic city!

We want to say thank you to Travel to Italy Tours and especially to the beautiful little dynamo, who has personality, charm, a sharp wit, enthusiasm for life, and good looks.

The next trip to Europe will be the country side's of either France, Spain, Germany, Switzerland, or Italy (Tuscany).Also, Scandinavia and St.Petersberg, Russia, look inviting.But we want you to do our planning!

Olaf and Gwen Langland

San Antonio, Texas, USA