“Hi Matteo
Sorry that it has taken a while to reply and to write a review for the forum. We posted to the forum recently. I will include a copy of the post at the end of this email. Please use it, or extracts from it, as you see fit. If you require a review of specific aspects of your services, please let us know what you would like, and we will respond as soon as we get a chance. You provide a wonderful service and it is important to us that businesses like yours get proper acknowledgement.
Also, we will send some photos as soon as we have a chance.
We had a good trip home thanks, and are now back into our very busy routine. It is always great to reflect on our holiday after arriving home. It brings a sense of deeper satisfaction, and reinforces some fond memories.
The experiences we have with people we meet are often the most memorable ones we have on our journeys. One very special occasion was having dinner with you. Thanks for driving so far to spend time with us, we felt very honoured.
Rest assured, we will always recommend your services, and if we plan to return to Italy, you will hear from us. Please feel free to have prospective clients make contact if they require a reference.
Also, if you come to Australia, please let us know. We would love to catch up with you again.
All the best
Stephanie and John”
“For several years we have used local travel consultants to assist us in the various places we have been to. It has always served us very well. The benefits for us are that we get to choose what we want to do, and how busy we want to be, but we have the added advantage of local knowledge to assist us to develop an itinerary that flows smoothly. We decide the extent that our trip is structured or not.
Another advantage is that, with basics like accommodation and attraction/event tickets organized in advanced, we avoid the uncertainty, stress and time wasting we used to experience. When it comes to cost, I think we are way in front every time. The local consultants seem to be able to find great deals, and the small commission they take is nothing compared with the advantages for us. Some of the places we have stayed or visited are not well known and we would never have found them without the suggestions of the local consultant.
This type of travel may not suit people who prefer the structure and guidance of a group tour. But if you are an independent traveller who wants to get the best of value, choice and efficiency, this is the best way to travel. You get the experience of being in control plus the excitement and joys that come with unexpected events like weather that require you to make some decisions as you go.
We have just arrived back after a month in Italy. We used Matteo Della Grazia the owner of FuorITinerario Discover your Italy www.discoveryouritaly.com and his excellent team who worked with us to put together a trip that was absolutely wonderful. Before leaving, Matteo talked with us on Skype and emailed us to get a sense of who we are and what would work for us. He masterfully translated what he learned from us into a great itinerary.
While we were travelling, Matteo checked in with us to ensure that everything was going smoothly. On the one occasion that we needed some advice (a bicycle race was going to block off a route we had planned to drive), Matteo quickly provided alternatives that worked perfectly.
We were lucky enough to be able to meet with Matteo and his lovely wife just before we came home – in fact they drove a 3 hour round trip to have dinner with us. They are wonderful, hard working people who take a great personal interest in ensuring that you have the best possible experience in Italy. We can confidently say that if something doesn’t meet with your satisfaction, it won’t be because of a lack of effort on Matteo’s part. Highly recommended, great value, great integrity.
Stephanie Selby”
Stephanie Selby and John Faithfull (Port Macquarie – NSW, Australia), SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013
Panoramic view of Manarola village (Cinque Terre, Italy)
Parma (Emilia-Romagna, Italy) – Main square of the city, with the cathedral and its baptistery