Transparency, balance & memories of a lifetime

Italian Tours and Travel by Diana was founded quite by accident in 2001. I say by accident because clients from my jewelry company asked me to take them to Italy. I thought they were joking! But they were not! A few years prior to this, my father had retired back to Italy and every August my family and I would visit him. As well, I was already spending 2 months or so per year in Italy for my jewelry business so going back and forth was natural. Recalling the wonderful times at home, we always arrived with friends in tow. Our days and evenings were filled with wine, laughter, food and incredible memories of lazy days spent at home with our family. Of course we always made time to visit the sights and I loved discovering new and off the beaten track places which one might not always find on their own. The Italy I grew to love and embrace throughout my childhood had definitely become a second home. 

The first journey was so much fun. My clients were happy and I realized that I had something very precious to share. Still, I did not think of starting another company. Unexpectedly, these clients starting referring people to me! It was surprising at first, but then then I saw the need for exactly the type of specialized service which I could provide. Travelers were in search of first hand advice and guidance and I could provide that. I knew from the beginning that I did not wish to be like the other tour companies out there. A niche market with proven expertise to back it up was where I wanted to be as I was not interested in being a generalist. I knew from my own experience that when I visited a country in which I did not speak the language or know the culture, I wanted to have an organized approach while visiting. I did not wish to ‘stick out’ like the proverbial tourist. Instead, I wanted to travel as a guest of that country. This is such a better disposition for a foreigner abroad. Being thousands of miles from home and in a different time zone is challenging. Italian Tours by Diana takes the guess work out of the planning. Balance is the primary goal here. In other words, if you have an organized tour in the morning then you should have free time in the afternoon to discover something new, have a coffee and people watch, drink a beautiful glass of wine, go shopping or take a nap like the Italians!! 

I do not like surprises. As a result, our goal is to prepare you for your visit overseas by giving you as much information as possible before your departure. When you travel with us, you will be received like family because the relationships which I have built in Italy, Sicily, Malta and now France, are solid. They are tried and proven. When travelling independently through our customized programs we hold your hand. Even though an ocean separates us, we are available for your every need. You become a part of my family….“Famiglia” which is so important in Italy. When you are thousands of miles away you are always on our minds. We are constantly confirming and reconfirming everything for you. Always one step ahead of the group, we are a simple phone call away. 

I am so fortunate to share my passion for the land that I love so very much with so many travelers. I do it seriously and transparently so that you return with everlasting memories of “La Bella Italia”. Buon Viaggio!!

---

When you travel with Diana and staff,  our years of personal residency
and travel benefit you directly.  
You are truly our guest abroad- not just another tourist.

​We provide an authentic, meaningful, custom experience, not just an average vacation. Join us! ​​

---

"Diana's tours never feel commercialized. They are instead, very personal and intimate. With Diana I discovered off the beaten track places that have become so much a part of my cherished memory bank.  We never ate in places that were overwhelmed with tourists. Instead, she made sure that we experienced the authentic and diverse cuisine of every region. I am first generation Italian, and with Diana's tour I was able to appreciate my true heritage because we were always in the hands of experts who thoroughly explained the art, culture, and history around us. Each day was so well balanced. We had organized time and free time each day. There is always room for flexibility, and Diana can create opportunities which are not on the itinerary."

~ JOANNE D.L.