We promised you an authentic insider experience and we are here to deliver. Meet some of our trusted local contacts who after the years are not only our respected colleagues but also our dear friends. You will meet them soon in person too, and we hope after doing so you will call them your friends as well. Buon divertimento!
Meet Paolo
Paolo, a local expert guide in Florence, was actually born in Salerno! But over coffee one beautiful Winter day in Florence at Gilli (where you will also go for coffee on our Florence + Tuscany trip) he told me the story of how he came to Florence unexpectedly 25 years ago and loved it so much he never looked back. He has made it his home ever since, in fact he loves Florence so much that he created a very successful career showing the city to others, and helping them love it as much as he does. He knows all of the best local shops and recommendations – ask him! He loves questions, loves to help, loves to meet and interact with new people. When you are with him walking down the street he will probably greet 10+ people, he knows everyone I call him the Mayor! And the locals know him – exactly who you want by your side for a truly insider experience. Paolo is salt of the earth, unbelievably kind, and super fun to be around. We already love Florence but he makes us love it even more! If you are lucky enough to meet him as your guide we know you will adore him.
Meet Massimo
Massimo lives in Sicily, Ragusa to be exact, and he is one of the most talented and meticulous travel designers we have ever met. He is also one of the nicest people you will ever meet – guaranteed. We absolutely love doing trips with Massimo – he is truly one of the most happy and enthusiastic people we know, and especially about Sicily. You would think he lives everywhere in Sicily because he knows so much of its history, so many details, people, stories from the small towns. We love our Zoom calls with Massimo we always have so much fun (usually over coffee or spritz!) and even more fun when we are in Sicily with him in person. Wait until you get to know him too!
Meet Elisa
Elisa, from Trieste, is a long time friend of STC. Journalist and accomplished career woman in her own right, exceptional linguist and also one of the best teachers of the Italian language around. Now living in Milano with her husband and beautiful son, you’ll see and hear from her a lot in STC circles. Here she is in Friuli in the Summer time bringing ‘spritz originale’ to friends on the beach, one of the Summer traditions she makes sure to participate in every year! Cin cin!