Creating the personal Italian experience of a lifetime.

We loved our trip. Our favorite part was Florence overall and the Chianti Wine Tour was the BEST guide and day we enjoyed.  I would highly recommend this to anyone.  I have talked to 4 people going to Italy, 2 have not planned trips yet and I am going to give them your name.  We want to go back and rent a villa in Tuscany for sure, thinking Siena since it is an easy midpoint to get to places.  Probably in 3 years or so when our kids are older and we can take them and they can enjoy it (as can we).
Perugia was just okay.  We've been there, and would not go back.  Give you more feedback later, but it was not horrible in any sense.  Just not enough to do.  BUT the food was very good there. Rome, glad we saw it, but too commercialized in some respects.  But enjoyed all of the sites we saw. The hotels were all outstanding, but you are right, we did not need the Junior Suites. At least wanted to jot you a quick note, will write more later when I have time.  Next few weeks are super busy too. Tell Anthony the food was great and my cousin may be using him in a month for another party too. I lost 8 lbs on this trip from all of the walking!
Cheryl Anderson, Elmhurst, Illinois

I am at a loss for the proper way to say THANK YOU. As you know this trip was special to celebrate our 25TH Wedding anniversary. Everything was absolutely great. Your arrangements were right on target. We did every thing we wanted to and more. Italy is beautiful, fun, historical and relaxing. Your suggestions of limiting ourselves to a region vs. attempting to include Pompeii, Pisa & Sicily (maybe next time) was absolutely correct. Your suggestion to utilize drivers vs. driving ourselves (Rome is nuts) again right on target. I really thought that service was dead but Maddie and Francesco & staff really took care of us. Nothing went wrong even the weather was great. As I told Francesco I “did good” for surprising Pam with this trip back in December but you guys made me a hero in carrying out the plan flawlessly!!! 

Our accommodations were superb. Our Guides were excellent – it became obvious that my education in history was lacking. The drivers were great. The food at Le Macinaie was to die for. The staff at Le Macinaie treated us like family.

I will be recommending you to any one I know who is considering a trip to Italy.

Again THANK YOU does not say enough!
Jim and Pam Keeney, Florida

I want to thank you for the wonderful vacation that you planned for Ron and me!  The drivers, tour guides, hotels were exceptional.  Thought I would run through the itinerary and add specific comments and suggestions for any future trips that you might plan.
Ron and Karen Falese, Barrington, Illinois

I cannot believe this--it seems I have entered my dreams here.  I keep blinking and pinching myself to be sure that this wonderful place is my reality!  All is going unbelievably well.  It is as you said, every word, only better as we are living it.  Thank you so very much for putting this together for us. 
We are so relaxed and yet doing quite a bit.  I haven't had one headache and Brian hasn't had any stomach aches the entire trip---and this is most unusual for our lives.  Today it is off to Cortona and the Lake!
Brian & Mary Roscoe, Chicago, Illinois

I just wanted to say that I loved the Tuscany region. It was my most favorite part of the entire trip!! We should have stayed in Tuscany the entire time, but good that we visited other cities like Venice and Rome. Now I can say, "I've been there - done that!" Someday I would like to come back, but only to visit Tuscany. Thanks to you and your staff it was a very successful and wonderful experience!
Dawn Fochs

We are having a wonderful time, in spite of rainy, cool weather. You did a great job planning our tour...saving the best for last. We looooove Tuscany. I'll e-mail when we get home.
Ciao, ciao.
Marlene and Lazzara Family, South Carolina

     We are having a great time. it's everything you promised & more!!  We need another month or more to see everything!!  We will not be ready to leave next Sunday.  I'll call you when we get home & we've taken many, many pictures!!!
Ben, Mary, Betty & Al Alessia, Chicago, Illinois

     We are having a great time here in Monte Amiata.  The food and people are wonderful. Francesco is taking great care of us.  We have had excellent service throughout the whole way. The drivers were great. The hotels have been excellent.  The food has been out of this world.  Awesome!
Ed & Rhonda Bartosik, Addison , Illinois

      This note is to thank you for this wonderful journey we've just had. Really unforgettable. So special. I miss all our friends over there and I am so grateful that you introduced them to us. You spoke of the personal touch you had to offer with your friends in Tuscany and that is exactly what you delivered!!!. Grazie Mille Jim and Lisa Torres after they returned from Italy
     The food has been very incredible here at the lodge. and everywhere. Perazetta winery was great yesterday. today off to big brunello. i will give everyone your best. we all smile and laugh when we mention you, you "big-hearted" senora, you!   thanks for everything. its awesome.
Jim & Lisa Torres, Inverness, Illinois

     We became friends while taking yoga class. You spoke of Italy frequently and your eyes would just sparkle. " I will take you there on day." you would say to me. And you did!  Thanks you so much for the most wonderful trip! You , Todd, Judy, and I were the perfect traveling team. Your itinerary was splendid. Wonderful accommodations, cooking classes, wine tours, olive oil tours and shopping! You introduced us to some of the most warmest, sincere, loving people I have ever met.  All of your friends in Italy greeted us with open arms.  You have given Todd, Judy and myself memories which will always warm our hearts.
Andrea Sakoff, Lake Zurich, Illinois

Gina, We had a wonderful time in Italy. We are ready to go again.  We loved everything. Thanks
Dottie and Phil Saia, Buffalo Grove, Illinois

Hi Gina,
We are having so much fun at Le Macinaie. Francesco, et al are all wonderful. I understand you called earlier - sorry we missed you. We spent the day at Santo Stefano and Saturnia.
We will talk when I get home if we do not catch up with you sooner.
Ciao, ciao -
Jackie Kareb, Forest Park, Illinois

     I had been to Italy on several occasions prior to our trip with you and Andrea, but I have never had such an adventure.  We will never forget this trip!!! Todd sings your praise to anyone he knows that is planning a trip to Italy.  We cannot wait until November , 2005 for the second adventure with you and Andrea.  You both will always have a special place in my heart.  Todd and I could not ask for better traveling companionship.
Judy and Todd Johnson ,Algonquin, Illinois

     I have never taken any vacation anywhere in the world where the staff at Le Macinaie was as accommodating nor as friendly. The food was truly outstanding, When we left, I told my new family there that I would return in a short time. Viva Siena made my life very easy.  Grazie mille,
Jeff Feffer , D.D.S, Northbrook , Illinois

     Before I left for my trip, I had my own vision of what it was going to be like. Then we landed. Everything I saw and did was 10 times better than I could ever imagine.  I have never been taken care of on vacation better then when I was at Le Macinaie.  The people cared so much for your wants and needs. It was truly unbelievable.  The views of the mountains and the towns that we went on were spectacular.  If I could, I would have never left.  Truly an amazing experience
Katie McGinty, Lake Zurich, Illinois

     When I was on my plane here , I couldn’t have imagined how good the service was at Le Macinaie.  They carried our bags and everything.  The view from all the windows was awesome and you were never bored.  I really want to come back to Le Macinaie.
Mariiana Feffer,  Northbrook, Illinois

I had a great time on this trip!! It was perfect. I can’t wait to come back!!!
Katya Feffer, Northbrook, Illinois

     Gina, thank you for including our family on this trip.  This will be a vacation we will all remember for a long , long time.  The hotel was the best one for our children.  They bent over backwards to accommodate us; certainly over and above anything we could have expected!! Thanks again for everything.
Yvonne Feffer, Northbrook , Illinois

   Bella Gina,
     You have made it possible for me to experience one of my most memorable vacations.  First to be with my daughter and granddaughters and then to spend our time at Le Macinaie.  The care and love that we were shown was truly exceptional .  The food waws beyond belief. The passion for their mountains was extended to us and therefore it becomes home.  With love and Gratitude.
Ida Busscher, Deerfield, Illinois 

     Gina, Never have I had an experience as great as our trip to Tuscany.  You will forever be special to us for sharing your passion.  It is contagious.  We are blessed to have had this trip.  I knew everything would be fine and you would take care of us.  This is a trip I have always dreamed of from my daughters and my Mom.  You made our dreams come true!!! Grazie Mille,
Pam McGinty, Lake Zurich , Illinois

Words can’t describe the impact this trip had on me.  It was absolutely the best trip I have ever been on. From the incredible sweet hotel staff, to the lovely tour operators we met along the way.  I loved visiting Lucca, the olive oil tasting, and the cooking class.  Le Macinaie was the best hotel I have stayed at in my life.  Thank you so much for making this wonderful experience happen for us.  I will never forget this trip and I can’t wait until I can come back again next summer.
Megan McGinty, Lake Zurich , Illinois

Principesa,
I would like to express my experience as a wonderful vacation in Tuscany.  I will always remember the fun we had together. The pizza was outstanding!!!!!!! I love their sauce they use for the pizza.
Anthony Arcidiacono, Capri Deli
Palatine, Illinois