"My two-week trip with Private Italy was the most memorable experience of my life. I would drop everything and do it all over again tomorrow if given the chance."

PGJ, Carolina Shores, NC

" The overriding benefit was the personal touch. What we experienced was a vast departure from any tour we had ever been part of. Residing in a medieval villa as our "home" for two weeks and having wonderful meals prepared by local people was a special treat. This attention continued as we explored the many treasures Tuscany offers. Our small group led by people with local knowledge and a passion for what this region has contributed over the centuries could not have been experienced elsewhere. We returned home with memories that will last a lifetime and a burning desire to return one day."

JD, Sunset Beach, NC

" We thoroughly enjoyed our trips to Florence, Lucca, Assisi, Siena, Venice (oh my!), San Gimignano and Pisa (one must-see we had not visited during earlier trips). But what we remember are sitting in the sun, eating a gelato in the square of Impruneta on a quiet Sunday afternoon, waking up in the morning to the sunrise over Florence, sharing dinner with a fox on the terrace of a former abbey, strolling through century old gardens of private villas in hills outside Florence, lunching with a young family in their new old house in Assisi, walking through the fish markets of Venice, enjoying a glass of Spumanti in St Mark's Square and a Bellini in the Daniele, coming back to our villa each night to talk over our day with our new friends, anticipating dinner prepared by Stefano and Janet. And of course, each day's experience was enhanced by the company of our guides, one an Italian by birth and one an Italian by choice."

RG, Wilmington, NC

"Mark Smith thought of everything on our trip. The only decision we had to make was what to wear the next day. It was wonderful! Staying in a villa in the midst of an olive grove allowed us to capture the true old-world charm of Tuscany."

PG, Shallotte, NC

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" If you never again do anything for yourself, go with Mark and let him share with you his private Italy. He will show you the real country, you will meet the real people, and you will be a partner in the real culture. His passion will become your passion. You are not a tourist when you travel with Mark, you are an old friend who has come home to Tuscany. I will keep my Tuscan memories with me always, and some day I will return."

SR, Ocean Isle Beach, NC

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" Our trip through Tuscany with Private Italy opened up a world of experiences that we will carry with us always. Hardly a day goes by that we do not mention one or more of the wonderful times we had while touring with Mark. I had been to Italy several times before, but never saw it like this. It was truly a trip of a lifetime."

PK, Houston, TX

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" Mark and Paulo (our private driver) graciously attended to any and all requests and added interesting and humorous insights along the way. Planned activities were personalized and tailored to the wishes of our small group and conducted at a comfortable pace. Traveling with Mark and Paulo truly gave us the opportunity to visit unique locations and experience the flavor, customs, and culture not available to structured tour groups."
“ One of the most memorable trips we have ever taken."

JL, Southport, NC

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" This trip was not about being just a tourist but more like being a Tuscan. Sure we saw the major attractions, but we were also guided, fed and welcomed by Italians into their homes and hearts in a relaxing and personal manner. Mark attended to our every need and even had a basket of stars waiting for us to view from the villa, our home for two too short weeks."

CM, Camden, SC

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" (Mark) shared with us your love for - and the beauty of - the people and the land, as well as the magnificent art, architecture, history and FOOD of Tuscany. It was an incredible experience, and we loved every minute of it."

SK, Sunset Beach, NC

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" More than a vacation, a truly wonderful experience we will always remember. We felt the passion of the Italian people and their history. The Villa was the perfect place to relax in the evenings. Certainly the best food we have ever had and the wine oh!!! We are looking forward to joining you on another trip in the future."

RP, Katy, Texas