Travel Review: Italy Anniversary Tour, Rome, Venice, Florence, Cinque Terre, Tuscany, Sorrento, Art & History, Culture, Wine

We had a tremendous experience with this travel agency from beginning to end. We are two couples in our early 50's, celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary.  They were terrific through the Planning phase, very patient, as we asked for a number of different options and quotes. We also arranged a time to call and discuss our broader wishes and expectations of the trip when we were planning.  Working with a travel agent based in Italy made a very significant difference in our trip we believe. They were able to meet and exceed our expectations. They had access to wonderful hotels and very unique and private tours. They made terrific suggestions and recommendations for each stop in our trip. They have travel guides who work full time for them, and they were all unbelievable. What a privilege to be taken to major arts and cultural sights with just the four of us and a guide who in every instance was exceptionally knowledgeable and well qualified. Our guides on the private tours held doctorates in relevant fields. As someone who works at a University, the knowledge and engaging approach of the guides helped make our stops in each place terrific. Our travel agency also made all of our in-country travel whether it be train (first class was wonderful) or private drivers. All their drivers were very professional and came in Mercedes vehicles, so our driving experiences were luxurious and very pleasant. They were also very responsive to the few questions or requests that we had while we were on our trip. They made a very quick change in transportation at our request. We rented a vehicle while in Tuscany, and we were very pleased with our BMW. It met all our needs. Our accommodations were all very good, and they also provided a restaurant recommendation service each place we stayed which was based on staffs own experiences, which we also appreciated. Getting local recommendations was very helpful! In terms of concerns, they were almost nil. In Florence, our tour sheet indicated that we were to see the Aacademia, but as our tour was on a day when that museum was closed we could not see it. While initially disappointed, the tour we received was exceptionally good, and perhaps better than seeing David, so while it wasn't exactly as promised, it was still a wonderful and full day. One other tour we had booked for Castelli Hills in Rome indicated that there would be wine, olive oil and cheese tasting. Again, while we did not do those specific things, the tour we had was very good, and we enjoyed every minute, so please do not take either of these as complaints, just a suggestion that the tour details be verified with the tour guide. So overall, I still say this is and was a five star company. All the staff, the hotels, travel and tours were outstanding, and our trip to Italy couldn't have been any better...unless perhaps longer.  Thanks so much to our travel specialist and his hardworking staff at this agency. I won't hesitate recommending them to friends and family who are looking for a special experience in his home country Italy!!