Testimonials

Testimonial from Dick and Judy Hyder, Williamsburg, VA
Personalized Tour, September 2011

Dear Giovanna,
Thanks to you and your expert planning skills, our September self-guided tour of Italy exceeded our expectations. Your name opened doors from the auto upgrade to the extended smiles and hospitality received at check-ins, following "Giovanna sent us." You have created a first class, quality business with "Discover My Italy" and we will be so pleased to highly recommend you and your services to each and all headed to bella Italia. We hope that that will include us in the near future.

Grazie tanto, Judy and Dick Hyder

Testimonial from Elaine Travis, Lafayette Hill, PA
Personalized Tour, September 2011

Giovanna, just wanted to thank you for all of your advice and help in making our 20th anniversary trip one we will never forget. We had an amazing time, great weather and the stay in Capri was as special as you said it would be. We absolutely loved Casa Morgano. They could not do enough for you to make it a special stay! We will be planning another trip next year with the kids so I will be in touch for your wisdom!

Thanks again. Elaine Travis

Testimonial from Jason Leuck, Washington, DC
Springtime in Tuscany Tour, April 9-16, 2011

I would highly recommend joining a Discover My Italy tour or working with Giovanna to create your own extraordinary itinerary. The 2011 Springtime in Tuscany trip was excellent - Giovanna planned a perfect mix of sightseeing, wine-tasting, shopping and meals. The guides were knowledgeable and fun, the food was delicious, and Giovanna excels at creating unique experiences. Our trip included private wine and olive-oil tastings in spectacular settings, hands-on instruction at a Tuscan cooking school, a tour and dinner at a Sienese contrada, and a beautiful al fresco lunch in a private home. Giovanna also provided very helpful guidance for my independent travel in Rome in advance of the tour. I have no doubt that I will travel with Giovanna again.

Testimonial from Judie Drexler, Wilmington, DE
Springtime in Tuscany Tour , April 9-16, 2011

Springtime in Tuscany is one thing, but springtime in Tuscany with Giovanna is something else..... Giovanna studies the areas to be seen, finds the best guides and constructs the most interesting itineraries.

.... Our preplanned visits were spectacular: the two wineries, where tasting the grape and good tuscan food was delightful; the olive oil press fascinating.... Other aspects of life in Siena: the piazza which turns into a racecourse in July, but is full of life all the rest of the time, the history and customs related to the Palio.

.... With Giovanna, we met her friend Ninfa, an authority on where to find a hairdresser, ceramics or anything else one's heart desires; she's also a superb hostess and cook.

We were lucky in that we all felt like old friends in a very short time; pictures are still being shared, and a reunion is right around the corner....
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Testimonial from Jay and Donna Strug, Center City Philadelphia
Southern Tuscany Grape Harvest & Rome Tour, October  2010

After years of dreaming about our first trip to Italy, we planned a trip to Rome and Tuscany with Giovanna.  Throughout the planning process we felt confident that we were in very capable hands.  When we decided to extend our stay by arriving a day early, and staying a day longer; Giovanna made the reservations, arranged transportation, and even set up a private tour of Ancient Rome for us.  Our experience was absolutely perfect from beginning to end. Our accommodations far exceeded our expectations, as did the entire trip. We would not change a thing. We felt relaxed and totally at ease because every detail was professionally orchestrated for us.  Our small group of travel companions became fast friends.....an added bonus that completely enhanced what will always be remembered as one of the best experiences of our lives.  

Grazie, Giovanna!
Jay and Donna Strug, Center City Philadelphia

More pictures from our tour

Testimonial from Connie and Joe Petitti, Cherry Hill, NJ
Southern Tuscany Grape Harvest & Rome Tour, October  2010  

I would rank this trip #1 in all our travels.

... Thank you for sharing your talent with us.
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Testimonial from Amy Petersen, Conshohoken, PA
Personalized Tour, October  2010

My husband and I had been planning our 25th wedding anniversary trip to Rome and Venice for over a year. When it came to planning our activities while in Italy, we decided to enlist the help of an expert. Giovanna spoke with us several times to determine our interests, and then proposed several options for guides, dining, and other activities. The guides she arranged for us were incredible – their knowledge of the sights, special access to museums, and professionalism enhanced our visit tremendously. She suggested and made reservations at beautiful restaurant in Rome for our official anniversary dinner. However, even more memorable was the dinner she arranged for us at a private home in Rome. The rooftop balcony views over the city, the multi-course gourmet meal, and wines hand-selected by our welcoming hosts made it our favorite night - and an experience we would not have had without her help! We plan to return to Italy soon, and will definitely call Giovanna to ask her to work her magic again!

Testimonial from Krista Clark, Media Planner and Buyer from Clark Communications, Inc.
Personalized Tour, July  2010 

... One of the absolute highlights of our recent cruise to the Mediterranean was our private tour of Rome meticulously arranged by “Discover My Italy”. There was not one glitch during our 9.5 hour whirlwind tour. Our driver, Luca, was waiting for us right up front as we departed the ship in the morning. He kept a close eye on the time as we needed to re-board the ship by a particular time at the end of the day.

... Luca drove us into Rome from the Civitavecchia Port where we met Mauro Girella, our tour guide. I can’t tell you how magnificent it was to be dropped off and picked up at some of the most famous sights in the world. No concerns about parking or worrying about having to stay with a large group. It was just the 5 of us. There was no long waiting in lines because Mauro had previously arranged for all of our passes into the various sights. Mauro was more than accommodating with his interesting stories and great knowledge of Italian history.

... The only problem with the day was that it ended way too soon! However, it will give us a very good reason to return and spend a longer period of time in the beautiful city of Rome.

... The private tour was truly the way to go.

                          Krista Clark, Media Planner and Buyer from Clark Communications, Inc.
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Testimonial from Joseph A. Auteri, MSFS, AEP - President Italy-America Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia, April  2010 

...  I never realized how much thought and planning was needed to organize and run a tour to Italy until I had a chance to see you in action.  Your attention to detail and your willingness to go to great lengths for my travelers was proof that you have a true passion for your work.

...  It seems as if your knowledge of Italy is endless, especially when it comes to organizing very special tours, accommodations and events. 
...  Often times, planning a vacation can be stressful and filled with uncertainty and anxiety.  Working with you over the last 7 years, has not only allowed me to enjoy my own tours, but it has been an amazing learning experience as well.  You have taught me so much about my own heritage through the tours you have organized for me and I will never forget it.   

                           Joseph A. Auteri, MSFS, AEP
                           President, Italy-America Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia

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Testimonial from Danielle Sullivan, Wilmington, Delaware
Personalized Tour, May 2010

Recently my husband and I took our three children on a long awaited trip to Italy.  One of the highlights of our trip was our hotel in Florence, recommended by Giovanna at Discover my Italy.  It was a beautiful boutique hotel located literally on the Piazza della Signoria.  Only an insider would know about this hotel – there is no sign on the door, it was not listed in the guidebooks and not easily  found on the Internet.  We had a gorgeous apartment on the 4th floor.   The view of the Piazza was so much fun – in the evenings we would watch the tourists while sipping wine in quiet comfort of our kitchen.  Best of all, the price was extremely reasonable - no more than that for a typical room in Florence.  Giovanna’s knowledge and connections made this experience possible, and truly made our trip unforgettable.