You May Have the Universe but give me Italy
(19 Reviews)
100% Recommended
Marcie Boyle
Chesterfield, MO
Group Travel & President's Club Trip Specalist
As the proud owner of Travel Leader St Louis/Chesterfield, I bring a vibrant world of experience directly to you. My globe-trotting adventures have equipped me with first-hand insights to craft personalized journeys for every traveler. Whether it'...
As the proud owner of Travel Leader St Louis/Chesterfield, I bring a vibrant world of experience directly to you. My globe-trotting adventures have equipped me with first-hand insights to craft personalized journeys for every traveler. Whether it's a luxurious family vacation, a romantic honeymoon, a fun-filled group escapade, or a dream destination wedding, I'm here to design the perfect itinerary tailored to your wishes.
Are you dreaming of a stress-free family getaway filled with laughter and bonding? Or perhaps it's the allure of an intimate honeymoon on secluded shores? Whatever your travel aspirations, I've got you covered. I curate everything from serene retreats to adventurous voyages, ensuring your travel experiences are unforgettable and seamless.
When it comes to treating your top performers to the vacation of their dreams, my extensive background in event planning means I can design a luxurious and rewarding program that leaves a lasting impression. From Caribbean beach retreats to enchanting all-inclusive stays in Mexico, I oversee every detail—travel negotiation, destination selection, marketing, and comprehensive travel documents, ensuring nothing is overlooked.Recognizing your President's Club members with an exceptional incentive trip? I specialize in rolling out the red carpet to make every moment extraordinary. Incentive travel isn't just a perk; it's a strategic tool to enhance motivation and garner a substantial return on investment, celebrating the outstanding achievements of your organization.
Ready to explore the world? Let me help you orchestrate everything, from bonding family vacations and romantic getaways to inspiring group adventures and prestigious recognition events. Sit back, relax, and watch your travel dreams take flight!
Can Be Reached At
1-636-778-1081 ext:101
"You may have the universe, but give me Italy" - Giuseppe Verdi. And once you visit, you'll understand why. My recent trip to Italy was nothing short of spectacular, and as a travel advisor, I now speak with even more enthusiasm when recommending this amazing country to my clients. The unparalleled beauty, warmth and vibrancy of the people, the richness of its history and culture, the mouth-watering food and wines, and of course, the unforgettable memories you'll make - it's all why I have a passion for planning trips to Italy.
My own journey to the "Bel Paese" (beautiful country) started in the eternal city of Rome. We arrived jet-lagged but determined to make the most of our time, and we knew just the cure: A private tour of ancient Rome. We met our guide at our hotel and walked through the ruins of the Roman Forum and the Coliseum. It was the perfect way to acclimate to the time change and get our bearings in the city. Our guide was fantastic, he was able to cater to our specific interests and answer all of our curious questions. To top it off, he took us to a local spot for an Aperol Spritz and some snacks, a great way to end the tour and start the Roman holiday.
We stayed at the Hotel Savoy, we walked for hours on end, taking in the sights and sounds of Rome. We saw the Trevi Fountain,the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and the Spanish steps. We browsed the charming little shops for beautiful scarves and handmade leather. We stopped for gelato, pizza and wine at a sidewalk café. We put more than 20,000 steps on our fitness trackers and loved every single step of it.But the highlight of the first day was the dinner. We found a tiny little restaurant with al fresco dining just a few blocks from our hotel. I will never forget the flavors and the freshness of that meal. From the burrata with local tomatoes, to the handmade butter and cheese pasta, and the bread, oh the bread! The bread was so good, it was still warm and fragrant when we got it, it was a perfect end to the day.
The following day, we had early access to the Vatican, and let me tell you, there is a certain mystique about the Vatican whether you are Catholic or not. It's a must-see for everyone visiting Italy. The Vatican Museum, St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel were all breathtaking. We walked from the square past the Church of St Agnes, down little narrow alleys and streets,browsing shops and taking in the sights. It was such a great way to start the day, with all the hustle and bustle, the sights, sounds and smells of Rome.
From there we boarded a Crystal cruise and visited several Italian ports, each one different and perfect in its own way. The first port we visited was Santa Margarita, a charming seaside village.We took a boat tour of the Gulf of Poets, and we stopped at a local trattoria for lunch. The seafood pasta was to die for, and the local white wine was excellent.Our next port was Portovenere, it's a small town that's famous for its seafood and wine. It has a Cinque Terre vibe but with fewer people, making it even more charming. We walked the narrow streets, admiring the colorful houses, before climbing to the gorgeous Church of San Pietro. We stopped at a Focacceria for some focaccia, it was so good that we couldn't resist getting another one. We sat on a step to eat it, the warm bread with olive oil and rosemary was heaven on earth. After lunch, we walked down to the seafront, and it was absolutely breathtaking. The scenery was like something out of a movie, the blue sea, the rocky cliffs, the little boats dockedi n the harbor. It was the perfect place for a photo shoot, and we took a lot of pictures to remember this special day.
Our next stop was Livorno, a port city that serves as the gateway to Tuscany. We decided to visit the historic center of Florence for the day. We hired a driver to take us there, and it was the perfect decision. The drive was scenic, and we stopped for a coffee at the famous Café Gilli before sightseeing around the Duomo and shopping through the street vendors and shops. We had a sidewalk café lunch with a dear friend and Italian partner. It was a busy but beautiful city.After lunch, we walked to the Uffizi Academy to see the statue of David and other works of art by Da Vinci. We spent the afternoon walking the streets, exploring, and strolling along the Ponte Vecchio. Florence will most definitely be on my must-visit list again when returning to Italy. From there we could easily venture into Tuscany, San Gimignano, Siena, and even Montalcino.Finally, we ended our cruise in Livorno and had a private car to take us back to Rome.
Italy has left a lasting impression on me and my group, the memories, the moments, the sights,the sounds, the flavors and the people. It's a place that I cannot recommend enough, it is indeed a beautiful country, and I would be honored to be your guide to plan your own trip to Italy, a trip that will be unforgettable.