Guests of the recent 2019 tours to Puglia and the Italian Riviera & Lake Como share what their experience meant to them…

In Their Own Words…

Introduction: This is Part I of two “In Their Own Words” posts that feature the comments, memories, testimonials of 2019 tour guests. Part II  features “In Their Own Words” from guests of Friends of Victoria on their custom designed Italy experiences…

Since 2014 I’ve had the pleasure and privilege of introducing dozens of guests to the Italy that I love. This has only been made possible by the wonderful local destination experts and other Friends of Victoria that I collaborate with. To say that I am gratified is an understatement…I am overwhelmingly grateful!!

When I scroll through my thousands (yes, thousands!) of photos, I’m speechless with pure happiness… and when I look at the photos of guests  –  their  YOUR smiles mean the world to me…because I have been a small part of making your Italy experience a precious memory. And, frankly, I can talk until I’m blue in the face about how fabulous, unique and incredible these tours and personalized itineraries are but when it’s in your own words…it speaks volumes…

“The best thing about memories…is making them!”
– Anonymous

And, did we make memories?!! I’m grateful, delighted, inspired…so, thank you for taking the time to express how much your experience meant to you! It means SO much to me that it meant so much to YOU! Making memories is what it’s all about!

♥ Grazie di cuore! ♥

Please read and please share- maybe you, a spouse, a friend or other loved one will be inspired for 2020…

♦ ♦ ♦

Kicking Up Our HeelZ Together in Puglia!

This was my 9th visit to Puglia, my 8th tour…and I LOVED it as much as the first time! Falling in love…again! My marvelous friends and partners, Ylenia and Michele and the team of YLTOUR DMC are warm and generous hosts.
And, once again, our time immersing in and sharing the Salento lifestyle with Michelle and Dale made it all the more special.

Please read what they have to say, in their own words:

“In September of 2019, we had the pleasure to go on a tour of the Puglia area of Italy with Victoria De Maio. Victoria’s attention to detail and the quality locals she works with are superb.  From the drivers and tour guides to the incredible cook at the Masseria we stayed at, everything went off without a hitch.

The itinerary was filled with not only beautiful cities to visit, but also many fun things to do such as a cooking class, visiting an olive oil farm and wine tasting.  Victoria is very knowledgeable about Italy and has found excellent partners to work with to ensure your trip is the best it can be. We loved it!”
– Michelle H. & Dale L.

Living the Dream in Genoa, the Italian Riviera and Lake Como

Returning to Genoa and the Italian Riviera and experiencing Lake Como for the first time, a marvelous itinerary and a very fun group = the formula for a fantastic trip!
Thanks to Emanuela and Anna of BeautifuLiguria and their team, we experienced absolutely unique experiences…every detail flawlessly organized.

I’ll let very happy guests share in their own words…

“What a wonderful itinerary! I enjoyed every moment of the trip!!
Grazie per tutto.”
– Susie  M.

“Spoiled! Really spoiled! That’s how I felt on “Live the Dream on the Italian Riviera & Lake Como” and on our Independent travels to Florence and Chianti.
That’s a far cry from my first trip to Europe nearly 50 years ago where I rarely knew where I would be staying after a day of traveling with my Eurail pass.

At this stage in my life, having everything so beautifully orchestrated by Victoria suited me perfectly.  Her thoughtful, unique, and expert guidance provided us with experiences that were way more than we could have experienced on our own. Her recommendations for travel after the tour were very personal, tailored to our preferences and needs.

Everyone one who we came in contact with was kind, friendly, dependable and knowledgeable. My expectations of Victoria De Maio were met and exceeded beyond my craziest imagination.”
– Sarah C.

“My trip this fall to Liguria and Lake Como was my second one with PostcardZ from Victoria. It was fantastic in every way. The locations were gorgeous, the activities were a perfect mixture of touring, cooking, and eating.

I’ll go with her again in a heartbeat!”
– Cheryl L.

“Picture a gorgeous staircase spiraling up six floors, a huge hotel room and bath with lovely decorative molding, a tiny inviting bar, a beautiful marbled floor in the lobby, a spectacular breakfast room, and you are in Hotel Bristol, centrally located in the historic section of Genoa, one of my favorite places on this trip to Italy.

From the mosaic sidewalks and arched stone awnings to the labyrinth “carrugi” and renovated palazzi, our tour guide, Francesca, brought history back to life in this beautiful port city.We heard arias being sung in an alcove of the opera house, made our own pesto in a beautiful room of an elegant palazzo, roamed through rows and rows of dazzling food at Eataly at the port, visited a central market where we seemed to be the only tourists, rubbing shoulders with the locals, and ended a day by donning shower caps and plastic coats to watch a chocolate maker do his thing the old fashioned way with grindstones and pulleys at the back of a tiny chocolate shop.

I loved Genoa! Because our group was small, we were able to walk, drive in a van, take trains, and ride the subway, thanks to the exquisite planning of Victoria and her Italian team. Cinque Terre, Lake Como, Firenze and Tuscany all had their charms, but the stage was set in Genoa.”
– Linda L.

“A few words about my Italy tour experience:

Thank you, Victoria. As I compile a photo/journal book for my recent trip with you and our seven other travelers to Northern Italy (Genoa and the Italian Riviera, Lake Como), I’m reliving many of our in-depth adventures.

Our experiences included rich history, culture, culinary delights and, of course, delicious Italian wines. Some of my fondest memories are the times we had interacting with locals (talking with Heydi Bonanina, a local vintner and tasting his wine, making Genovese pesto with Mario and Cristina, sharing award winning olive oil, tasting famous chocolate made with a 200 year old machine, a private water taxi ride to Portofino).

Victoria and her local guides are superb planners, on top of all details and yet flexible to travelers’ wishes and needs.”
– Jeri R.

It’s YOUR Turn!!

Are YOU ready to put Italy on YOUR 2020 radar?

Say “si” and let’s go together (2020 tour dates coming soon) OR let’s design and plan YOUR personalized dream trip to bella Italia!

There’s no better time than NOW! Let’s begin…

Contact Victoria Today!