I have always tried to live an extraordinary, adventurous life, one that I can wake up each morning and feel excited about.

It started at age 19 and hasn’t stopped. An idea that was born in 2009 has become my greatest passion. In fact, the day I arrived in Rome in 2009 for my first tour changed my life forever. I just didn’t know it at the time.

Fast forward 16 years and the passion, excitement, enthusiasm and love for Italy has only become more intense through discovery, knowledge and experience. The plan from the beginning has always been to create a holiday that offered total immersion in the Italian way of life.

Small groups, family owned authentic accommodation, eating where the locals eat, three nights in every place. The plan has never changed, except that it’s better now. There are a ridiculous number of gorgeous small towns that epitomise why we love Italy so much. Sometimes they are off the tourist radar; sometimes difficult to get to; sometimes there simply isn’t enough time and sometimes you have never heard of these hidden gems.

This is why they are on a Ciao Italy itinerary.

The world is full of fascinating places to visit and interesting people to meet, but Italy has it all for me. Life changing experiences, deep connections with people and places and 100 notebooks filled over the years with insider knowledge are the reasons you will experience Italy in the most authentic way possible.