Cultural Italy Reviews 122

Thanks to Marcella at Cultural Italy my husband and I had a wonderful 1st trip to Italy. Our accommodations in each city/town were lovely and our travel from one city to the next was seamless. We were especially grateful that Marcella was able to get us on a train during a transit strike so our trip to five different locations wasn’t interrupted. The three private tours Marcella arranged were great. We especially enjoyed the young girl who guided our private tour of Murano and Burano in Venice (whose name I can’t remember), and Sabrina from LivTours who guided us on our Vatican tour in Rome. Marcella also suggested that we start our trip in Laveno- Mombello, which we loved. Our room there had a beautiful view of Lake Maggiore and the food and ambiance of the restaurant at Hotel de Charme Laveno were wonderful. We will definitely contact Marcella at Cultural Italy when we return to Italy.

Bonnie and Rich Schoonmaker

Marcella is the absolute best. She planned a trip for me and my family of 20 and did the most amazing job. Every detail was perfect. The trip was the best trip that me and my family have ever had. I could not have asked for anything more. She is truly amazing.

Recommended by a friend, who used their services for a trip to Italy in Sept 2023. On their advice, we reached out and worked with Rita. Rita took the time to listen to what mattered most to us, and customized a fantastic vacation that fit our budget and time frame constraints. Everything went as smoothly as possible - transfers, rides and shuttles were on time. Tours were wonderfully coordinated and culturally relevant. Couldn't be happier - highly recommend Cultural Italy!

We cannot be more pleased with our 16-day tour arranged by Pia Accardo of Cultural Italy. Through several phone calls Pia learned what we like and dislike, the things we wanted to see and do, our physical limitations, and the budget we had for hotels, etc. The private tours, guides, and drivers that she lined up were delightful, very knowledgeable, and friendly. Pia is an expert on Italy and she takes great care in designing an itinerary to fit your needs. You will not be disappointed in working with her.

After having a positive experience with them for a trip to Greece, we decided to use them for our 30th wedding anniversary to Italy. We were thoroughly disappointed in our trip to Italy as it cost us almost $20,000 and there was nothing about the trip that warranted such a cost. Our accommodations were subpar as were most of our tours. That cost did not include airfare or food. We were told that they were an expert in Italy and there was nothing expert about anything that we received on this trip. They didn’t even bother to let any of the hotels that we stayed at know it was our 30th wedding anniversary. I made it very clear to them that I wanted the experience to be as good if not better than Greece and nothing was nearly as good as our Greece experience. I also found out that the reason that this was is because they had a different travel agent plan our Greece experience. They used someone who was an expert in Greece instead of using one of their travel agents. We were completely ripped off and we asked multiple times for an itemized statement as to what our expenses were and we were told we could not have one. We were also told that their fee was 25–30% higher than if we would have booked on our own. I did not know this and had I known this prior to booking, I would not have booked with them. They refused to take any responsibility for our subpar accommodations and kept blaming us for our disappointment. The only thing they offered us was when we canceled our last ciry, Venice, they offered to give us some vouchers. They told us if we booked with them again they would make sure we had the trip of our dreams. I thought that was what I was getting when I booked with them originally. I told them I would never book with them again! And if I were you, I wouldn’t either.

My wife and I wanted to take a trip to Italy, and I reviewed for weeks on the Internet tons of available tours. Then I learned about Cultural Italy. I believed working with a travel agent in Italy would be far more effective then with one in the USA who might have traveled to Italy but who couldn’t possibly have the insight of a person who actually lived and worked there. Working closely with Fiiorella Sartori, we designed a special vacation that covered all the spots we wanted to see. Fiorella put together an itinerary that included Venice, Florence, Rome, Sorrento, Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast and the Isle of Capri. We told her the sights we wanted to visit. We also gave her specific dates on which we could travel and a budget we could work with. We told her we didn’t want exclusively private tours, but that we also didn’t want to tour with 50 people! Fiorella explained how traveling by high-speed rail would be so much better than traveling on a bus with 50 people because we would get to where we were going in far less time. Fiorella put together a package that included all the cities we wanted to visit, and guided tours to all the major sights in those cities. So of course we saw the Sistine Chapel, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Coliseum and Forum, Michaelangelo’s David, the ruins of Pompei, and so much more. She sent us an itinerary that included all of the railroad tickets and all of the tickets required to see all of these attractions. Everything Fiorella planned for us worked flawlessly. Drivers met us at train stations, guides met us at the sites we were touring, and all the hotels were beyond satisfactory. At the ruins of Pompei we had a fantastic private guide who had actually written a book on Pompei. Our tour of the Coliseum included only about 10 people. Our ride down the Amalfi Coast included only seven people in a Mercedes van. Our boat ride to Capri included only 11 people. Fiorella arranged everything perfectly. Most of the tours I had previously researched included most meals. Now having taken this trip, I realize that, though saving us money, this would have been the worst decision we could have made. Yes, it cost more to buy our own lunches and dinners, but at least we could walk around when we wanted, look at as many menus as we wanted, and eat where and when we wanted. I wouldn’t have it any other way. We experienced very few issues, but when one arose, Fiorella was quick to resolve it. When we arrived in Sorrento, our taxi driver couldn’t drive right up to the hotel because the street it was on was being paved just when we got there. There was wet tar everywhere, and we didn’t know how to get to the hotel without stepping in it. We called Fiorella, who called the hotel, and within a few minutes two men from the hotel met us and carried our luggage to the hotel. Great service. In summary, I would say that Fiorella and Cultural Italy proposed a perfect trip for us, did all of the work (hotels, tours, guides, tickets) to make this a pressure-free and issue-free vacation, and was there when we needed her. We are happy to leave this glowing 5-Star review for a company that has earned our trust and respect.

I have been to Cultural Italy twice before and have enjoyed the experience both times. The guides give a great deal of insight into the history of the country, which is another reason I like Cultural Italy. I would recommend you check them out

One of the best companies to travel in Italy. All my friends travelling to Europe with them and no bad reviews at all. Highly recommend! Hope to book again after travel restarts.

I loved it, have nothing to complain about! 100% recommend!

DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY! They could not deliver on the trip we booked because Italy is closed to USA. We can not go there. We wanted to still go on our trip but not possible. They REFUSED TO REFUND us our deposit. This is the worst travel agent ever.

I am trying to cancel a trip to Italy since we can not even fly to Italy due to the ban for Coronavirus. The response from agent is that some hotels have NO REFUND. Was told they need money now because of everything going on! This is the worst excuse ever! NO one can travel. This should be automatic refund.

We just had an amazing vacation in Italy thanks to Cultural Italy. Laura was amazing to work with and was so quick to respond to any question or concern we had. She handled everything so well from hotels to train tickets to drivers. Manuela was an excellent tour guide and Renato was such a safe driver. We didn’t have to wait for anything or anyone. I highly recommend this company and will certainly use them again. Thank you !!!!

This was a trip of a lifetime and with the help of Emanuela we were given nothing short of white glove service. Emanuela booked tours and guides to suit our interests and schedule, with guides who were personable and knowledgeable. They provided insight and in-depth knowledge of each area we visited. Transfers were punctual and cordial. We especially enjoyed our trip to Murano/Burano as well as the boat ride to Capri. Our hotel accommodations were fabulous with breakfasts that were second to none. We have posted photos of our trip and have already given recommendations for Cultural Italy to our envious friends.

I highly recommend Cultural Italy to anyone planning on visiting Italy. I worked with Manuela and had a great experience. She was knowledgeable and helped me put together a package based on a phone conversation I had with her. The itinerary was perfect for my family. It was very organized and everything went smoothly. Our tours and guides were fantastic. Great experience for our first time in Italy!! Thank you!!

My sister and I just returned from a fabulous trip to Italy planned by Nicoletta Paganucci at Cultural Italy. We went to Rome, Florence and the Amalfi Coast with 2 families with teenagers. Nicoletta put together the perfect trip for us, with some historic tours, a Segway ride, day at the beach and a day on a boat. Everyone in our group loved it! The hotels were all good 3-4 star hotels that fit our budget and the guides were all terrific. She had us to go to less crowded places about half of the time, which helped us deal with many of the crowded must see spots. I highly recommend her for your trip!

I cannot stop raving about the experience we had using Cultural Italy as our travel agency. It almost felt too good to be true when they first responded back to my inquiry but in fact the travel agents were unbelievably responsive, professional, and invested in the trip we were trying to plan. Every single detail of what they planned exceeded our expectations and led to the trip of a lifetime

I am sure all the agents are amazing but we were particularly fortunate to have Franca w r Fiorella plan our trip. The guides on our Various tours each day were so knowledgable. The accommodations they suggested were exquisite and they planned the perfect amount of sightseeing within our window of time that we had to be away from home.

I’m already sad to be home and it’s only been a little over a week!!! I was so apprehensive about traveling abroad and they made it such an easy experience. I am truly forever thankful for their guidance!

I can not say enough wonderful things about how fabulous Cultural Italy made our trip. My husband and I went to Italy for our 35th Wedding Anniversary celebration and Manuela nailed it! She was attentive to my input and truly help create "The Trip of a Lifetime." We have traveled quite a bit in the past but have not utilized a professional agency like Cultural Italy before, but now I can't imagine having been able to accomplish anything like our Italian experience. Manuela really listened to the activities and attractions that we were interested in and came through with amazing results. Our private drivers were all professional, punctual and personable. I was thrilled that my husband actually relaxed without worry about transportation or times to get us where we needed to be.
Starting in Venice we loved the Jewish Ghetto walking tour, it was yummy & educationally informative. In Florence we loved everything and our day trip with a private driver to Assisi was amazing, but my ultimate day was our 4-hour e-bike tour. This is a must for anyone wanting a great view and history of the area. Our guide was so friendly I felt like I was riding with my daughter's friend! This particular day concluded with a pasta making class. The group of fellow chefs was diverse with the hosts on the Tuscan farm so fun, it felt like cooking at your Italian cousins home.
By far I will have to say that ALL of the accommodations in Venice, Florence, Montepulciano and Chianti were amazing beyond my expectations. All very unique, authentic properties with friendly helpful staff and each boutique accommodation served ample, delicious breakfasts.
Tuscany was the highlight of our Italian visit, as we are avid red wine connoisseurs and these 5 days were enough to make me move to Italy!
The entire Cultural Italy team ensured all details, big and small were perfectly executed.
Thank you all for the most Fabulous trip of my travel life experiences!!

Three years in a row, we have used Cultural Italy for our private tour trips to Italy. Each trip has been fantastic. We love the way they allow us to organize the trip in terms of what we want to see, when we want to see it, and how long we want to be in a place. For example, this May we went to Bologna, then Modena, then Parma, then Florence. Every transfer was perfect. Every Hotel was better than the other. And every excursions was what we wanted and we enjoyed them all. If you want a full day of activities, they'll provide it. If you want 3 hours, they'll provide it. If you want to learn how to make mozzarella, they'll take you to a place that will show you hands on! I have nothing bad to say. Great organization and great people to work with. You decide your itinerary. They lay it out. You tweak it. And, voila! you're doing exactly what you want. All at a fair price.

Our travel consultant, Marcella, put together an amazing 20-night itinerary with details on each and every location and activity. Every aspect of our trip went so smoothly - private transfers, accommodations, train tickets, excursions, museum tickets, private guides, and more. She and her staff were available to help at any hour while we were in Italy, but we only had one instance when we needed assistance and she was on top of the situation immediately.

Our 4-star accommodations were superb in every city we stayed - Venice, Varenna, Monterosso, Florence, Gaiole in Chianti and Rome.

We were especially pleased with the private guides we had in Florence and Rome. They helped us focus on the highlights and get us through the crowds. We were also very satisfied with the small group tours in Venice and Rome. We found all of our guides to be knowledgeable and passionate about their cities.

Marcella also suggested some food-related activities that we may not have considered. The pasta making class and wine tasting at Castello di Meleto in Tuscany was way more fun than we expected! Also, the evening food tour in Trastavere, Rome was a highlight. The location, guide, and food were all excellent!

There's so much to see in Italy so we will definitely be going back and we will gladly work with Cultural Italy on our next trip.

Wonderful experience with Cultural Italy. Exceeded Expectations in every facet.