Italy As You Imagine

Name: Italy As You Imagine
Address: 07430, US
Telephone: +12019613783

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Mahwah, NJ
Italy As You Imagine

Do you dream of visiting Italy? You’re not alone & for good reasons! But don't know where to start.

11/06/2024

Enjoy posh, poetic Portofino from my iPhone.

11/05/2024

We don’t just provide clients with customized itineraries. We also help educate our clients to feel comfortable on their Italian adventure, including arming them with wealth of information from Italian customs to what to wear to the Vatican.

Last week, we released a new guide detailing the differences to expect in accommodations to assist our clients when they are deciding between the private and hotel options we provide for their stays.

We’re often reminding clients that Italy is not America. Our guides help details the differences - the good and the…opportunities for a good sense of humor.

11/02/2024

Shared additional 2024 stats earlier this week, and here is where clients most visited.

The first is the NIGHT STAYS.
Of 364 nights planned stays for clients in 2024, in order:

• # 1 - 22 PLUS 12% were spent in Florence and other Tuscany

• #2 - 24% were spent in Rome

• #3 - 22% night were spent on thr Amalfi Coast (primarily Positano and secondarily Capri and Ravello)

• #4 - 20% all other, including Venice, Milan, Modena, Lake Garda, The Dolomites, Sicily, Cinque Terre and Portofino.

The second visual is LOCALES VISITED, Including day trips. What I call the “Core Four,” includes:

• 84% of clients visited Rome

• 73% visit Florence, 65% also the rest of Tuscany

• 65% the Amalfi Coast

• 32% Venice

#2024

11/01/2024

❗PLEASE NOTE❗

Italy As You Imagine is open for departures after May 2025. April/Easter is now closed.

For those interested in discussing travel for 2025, my scheduler is open now to set a time to chat after November 15th. It will be open through the month of November and then closed most of the month of December.

Here is the link to my scheduler >>> https://calendly.com/italyasyouimagine

11/01/2024

These are Italy’s incredible DOLOMITI. It’s almost impossible to properly share them. Instead you have to experience them.

They were formed 250 million years ago when this part of the now Alpes was underwater. Their origination is of coral reef that grew up from under the water to reach the sun above. And the result is the most sheer vertical orientations you’ve ever seen. They’re simple incredible!

Along with Milano, they’ll cohost the Winter Olympics in 2026. I’ve been fortunate enough to visit the Dolomites in both winter and summer. They’re magical in both seasons. Here’s a little footage from when I returned in September.

I’d love to see them in the fall too. Currently planning summer and fall 2025 trips including these majestic mountains of northern Italy.

Happy first day of Novembre.

10/31/2024

Yesterday, I shared some information about 2024 trips planned by Italy As You Imagine. Today, I share data about the number of days my clients spent in Italy, NOT including the exit day they fly home.

The magic number has remained the same for the 2 1/2 years I have planned....between 10 and 11 days.

The longest 17 days and the shortest 4, which represents a client that I assisted before and during a Mediterranean cruise for excursions.

I will be sharing next about WHERE clients visit most.

#2024

10/30/2024

This week, additional clients arrived in Italy to end the peak season of 2024. I have hardly had a day since May without clients in Italy. And the trip starting this week ends 2024, with exception of two trips I am thrilled to be planning for families visiting over the holidays.

Each year, I like to review the year of trips planned.

In 2024, Italy As You Imagine has
- Planned 364 days in Italy for clients (not including their exits days in which they fly home).
- Planned for 170 people to enjoy all Italy has to offer.
- The average trip was 4.5 people. The most 12 and least 2.

June was most definitely the busiest month.
Followed by July, then May, August and October.

There are no trips departing for Italy in November, which is a lovely time to visit.
2024 saw no April departures, whereas I am busy planning many for April 2025, which hosts Easter next year (Easter fell in March in 2024).

I will be sharing addition stats this week, including where clients visited.

#2024

10/28/2024

Today is my youngest son’s 14th birthday. Bobby has been utterly blessed to have been in Italy three times in two years. The love of travel is one of the best gifts I think we could have given him.

I thought it would be appropriate today to share some pictures of him enjoying Italy. 🇮🇹

If you ask him his favorite thing about Italy, it’s an unexpected “bolognese at the retirement home” (aka my family’s former villa in Tuscany).

His favorite place is likely still Positano, although he’s a big fan of Venice, which he actually brought me back to fall in love with it again. That said, after being there again in August, he recommends visiting in cooler months.

He’s been so fortunate to have seen the Dolomites in both winter and summer.

He loves the pizza anywhere and everywhere in Italy, although I have to make clear here, pizza is a southern Italian highlight.

In the northern part, the ragu is his favorite (aka “bolognese”). He also enjoys Florence’s famed steak.

And super north, he adores the Germanic influence in the cuisine, most poignantly the chicken schnitzel in Bolzano.

We’ll never forget him getting LOST IN ITALY TWICE!

He’s spent both Christmas and Easter in Italy. And seen a good majority of the country from the Amalfi Coast to the Dolomites.

He accompanied me this past trip for 8 days before he flew home solo (escorted by united Airlines). He now towers me and looked like my bodyguard. It’s time with him I’ll cherish forever. It was truly special!

Happy 14th birthday to my boy, Bobby Bohde!

10/27/2024

Beautiful Bellagio (Lake Como)

I admittedly crush more on Lake Garda, but Como is also stunning.

And Bellagio its jewel. 💎

Pro tip - enjoy her outside of peak months when these small towns are utterly inundated. This was early June.

10/26/2024

Scenes from dinner with my boy in Sirmione, Lago di Garda. Truly a can’t even begin to capture the beauty in pics kinda of place.

I personally am a huge fan of Lake Garda. It puts you in proximity to the Dolomites and to Venice. And with far less a tourist feel than George Clooney Lake. Most the people visiting are from Italy and other areas of Europe, including many Brits.

It’s also the largest lake in Italy, about an hour and a half from north to south. Sirmione is a peninsula in the most southern portion of the lake.

The best way to take in all that Lake Garda has to offer includes a stay on both ends of the lake. The northern portion really features the incredible Dolomiti. When clients don’t have time for both, I recommend a stay in the north and a stop in Sirmione for lunch, overlooking her incredible castle in the water, on the way in or out of the area.

10/25/2024

I ♥️ Cefalu.

See my prior post today about enjoying Cefalu and the many other flavors of Sicily.

10/24/2024

One year ago today…

• woke to my last morning in beautiful TAORMINA
• stopping at a wonderful winery for lunch on MT. ETNA as we transferred to our next location.
• arrived into what would become one of my favorite coastal towns in Sicily, CEFALU, which I’ll share more about tomorrow.

Many are surprised by the sheer size of the island of Sicily. If you have visited Maui in Hawai’i and marveled at its size, Sicily is more than 13.5 times larger! It is the largest region of 20 in Italy and the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea with almost 10,000 square miles of land.

Add to the equation, Sicily’s topography is hilly to rugged and with island’s highest point, Mount Etna, an active volcano. And the region is not as advanced in tourism, which is often most evident when comparing its slower, local trains to that of advanced, highspeed trains on the boot.

Taking this all into consideration, unless you are visiting Sicily for multiple weeks, seeing a targeted portion of the island is the most realistic plan. The “Sicily C” has been a successful way clients of Italy As You Imagine have enjoyed the diversity of the massive island in less than a week.

The “C” includes
• TAORMINA | Arrive into Catania’s airport from Italian mainland, a short transfer to the splendid Taormina, which is the most advanced area in Sicily for tourism and hospitality. Boasting a beautiful coastal position, it’s called the pearl of the Ionian Sea and offers wonderful resorts and private seaside accommodations.

• CEFALU | Next, enjoy a train along the coast or take a private transfer to the charming, old-world town of Cefalù on the Tyrrhenian Sea and dominated by the imposing profile of La Rocca.

• PALERMO | Finally, arrive in Palermo by short train or private transfer, for an open-air Cabriolet tour of the best of the urban area and surrounding areas. Depart from the Palermo airport for the boot later that afternoon or evening.

(See last pic for the map.)

It’s a great way to get a wonderful taste of the many flavors of Sicily when you don’t have weeks to devote to the massive island.

10/22/2024

A little irony. This is where I was one year ago today. And this morning I unknowingly worked on an itinerary page featuring this wonderful seaside resort hotel in Taormina, Sicily.

I like to use MY photos (vs marketing photos) when I can and noticed the date being the same.

Planning for my fourth year of client trips, I have placed an even greater focus on presenting quality over quantity in accommodation options. I’ve most definitely learned (and sometimes the hard way) what works for clients over the years.

I provide clients with options of both hotel and private accommodations. (Since I’m a travel planner vs agent, I can do that.)

In hotels, I take the commissions out and extend the savings to my clients. And my clients are given perks like upgrades, early check-in/late check-out (based on availability).

Did you know even when you book accommodations directly online, there’s a commission built into what you’re paying? Taking those out can save a good deal.

Hotels in Italy are strict on occupancy maximums and family/adjoining rooms are rare. This often leads families to private accommodations for affordability and keeping the family together.

At the same time, shared living space allows a more family-like atmosphere and ability to do things like have an in-villa chef cook for you or even enjoy as a private cooking class. Some love the convenience of a mid-trip washer and dryer (you NEED to pack light for Italy, I assure you!)

I think the best trips actually combine a mix of hotel and private accommodations.

But you need to be careful in selection, especially in private accommodations. (Yes, there are real horror stories.)

Generally speaking VRBO and Airbnb are not Italy’s preferred way of featuring private accommodations. And instead, they use other websites…VRBO/Airbnb are often a secondary market for late cancellations or accommodations with poor ratings.

I made a decision after last summer that I only use private accommodations I have direct knowledge of or have multiple clients to have recommended. In both, I have developed strong relationships with the host of the private accommodations. And I am generally able to book WITHOUT the VRBO/Airbnb fees, which seem even higher in Italy.

If it’s an accommodations I don’t have direct experience with (because new things are coming to market all the time), I let the client know. Otherwise, all that I present as options to my clients come with the Italy As You Imagine seal of approval.

Again quality options over a million options!

By chance, I also have a wonderful series of private accommodations immediately behind this hotel to recommend.

10/22/2024

That’s Italian for THE NUTCRACKER. So damn excited to have booked a box for a sweet family to enjoy at the famous La Scala over Christmas holidays in Italy! 🌲 🩰

10/15/2024

Post - Part 1 of 2 🍋

This is the Amalfi Coast mid October from my camera roll last year.

The Coast has a shortened tourist season. Theirs runs Easter/April to a hard and fast end of October. (This is really not a tourist destination in the winter as most hotels and restaurants close.)

The weather is generally still sundress weather (MAYBE a jacket at night on cooler nights). And generally you can still get in the water.

Most days in October are usually still beautiful - the water, the skies, the flowering foliage.

And the lines for the Blue Grotto trypically shorter than the high summer months.

Tomorrow I will show some of the challenges in October.

10/10/2024

All Christmas itineraries are out. ✔️
Have I mentioned lately what a wonderful time it is to visit Italy over the holidays?

My clients’ Christmas itineraries are filled with

💥 Fireworks over Venice for New Years Eve

🩰 The Nutcracker ballet at Milano’s famous La Scala

⛪️ Magical Christmas markets, special midnight masses and so many incredibly decorated public Christmas trees!

💡 A special annual light show in Florence. This year’s theme is 50 year since the moon. 🌙

🏎️ Racing around the test track in a Ferrari.

👩‍🍳 Cooking with a local in Florence.

Below is part of my client education , included in their itinerary.

As I worked on Christmas, I simultaneously moved into in depth Easter and spring planning.

Here we come 2025!

10/03/2024

Feels like Christmas with all the client testimonials coming in, as I work on Christmas departures.

I adored reuniting with Karen, a childhood friend, and getting the honor of planning for her family in the Burke's return to Italy, this time with their kids.

It was difficult to pick from so many pictures this sweet family shared with me from their adventures. I selected this one because it was their first time in Modena, and I love to share all the wonderful places outside of the "core 4" most visited spots in Italy.

Modena is known as the valley of "fast cars and slow food" and the Burkes enjoyed both in their time there. A sonic speed whirl around the test track with a professional Ferrari driver. A family-friendly tasing menu, including a mini burger, from the famed chef Massimo Bottura. And as the home of balsamic vinegar, Modena offers interesting taste and tour of a renowned balsamic "acetaia" (the Italian word for the place traditional balsamic vinegar is made), which they also experienced.

Italy is certainly not only Rome, Amalfi Coast, Florence/Tuscany and Venice. The Burkes enjoyed 3 of the core 4 and also added time in the midsize Italian town of Modena in the Emilia Romano region of Italy.

Thanks you, Karen and Kelly, for trusting me with planning an adventure for your treasured family time.

10/03/2024

Italy has a seeming endless number of local festivals. I love adding them in as options to my clients’ itineraries. Nothing is more authentic!

10/03/2024

Grateful for another client testimonial.

Krista, her husband and brother/sister-in-law had plans for a European cruise and asked me to plan time ON LAND before and after their cruise and also excursions for their Italian ports-of-call.

I have handled a number of cruise enhancements this year. Most want to return to Italy sans cruise. (For my non-Latin speakers, that’s without a cruise.) 😉

I love this picture she shared with me of their fun riding on the wonderful medieval walls of the Tuscan town of Lucca, which they enjoyed after their cruising.

Love reconnecting, Krista, and giving you the Italy bug. So happy you are excited to return!

10/03/2024

Grateful for another client testimonial.

Krista, her husband and brother/sister-in-law had plans for a European cruise and asked me to plan time ON LAND before and after their cruise and also excursions for their Italian ports-of-call.

I have handled a number of cruise enhancements this year. Most want to return to Italy sans cruise. (For my non-Latin speakers, that's without a cruise.) 😉

I love this picture she shared with me of their fun riding on the wonderful medieval walls of the Tuscan town of Lucca, which they enjoyed after their cruising.

Love reconnecting, Krista, and giving you the Italy bug. So happy you are excited to return!

10/02/2024

Many think of Italian food as simply pasta with red sauce and pizza. And, yes, that’s authentic and delicious in places like the Campagna region and Roma where the tomatoes are grown. But Italian cuisine differs region to region and always is driven by availability of fresh, local ingredients.

In Florence, cow is king! A special breed of cattle, in fact, bred for the Medici family for centuries. Bistecca alla fiorentina!

In Tuscany, spaghetti is replaced with more rolled pastas, like cannelloni. Spinach is the common vegetable.

I love bringing my clients what’s authentic to each region. And especially dinner at this, the oldest restaurant in Florence, which sells out each month. I’m lucky enough to get an advance on the public for reservations.

Yes, you can get pasta pomodoro and pizza all over Italy and enjoy the heck out of it. But if you want authentic to each region you’re visiting, I got ya! 😉

My itinerary for Florence comes with pointers of how to order steak in the Renaissance city.

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+12019613783

Website

https://calendly.com/italyasyouimagine

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POSH POETIC PORTOFINO

Enjoy posh, poetic Portofino from my iPhone. #italy #portofino #italyasyouimagine

One of those IF YOU KNOW, YOU KNOW (IYKYK) kind of things. Planning for our fourth peak season of trips to Italy, I think how much I’ve learned each year. How deeper the connections have grown to truly bring my clients the very best of Italy. Italy As You Imagine isn’t about booking a bunch of group tours on Viator. Anyone can do that (and pay more!). Much of what we plan you can’t even find on the internet. Instead of endless tours, these experiences, like this one along the Amalfi Coast, are cultivated with people passionate about what they’re sharing and when possible, away from the masses of tourists. Here Chef Fiore takes you out on the Amalfi Coast to share his ancient lemon trees and through the steps of making their famed limoncello. Then you return to his family-run restaurant, right on the coast, to enjoy what many clients call one of their best meals of the trip. There’s no inundation of tourists because again, this isn’t a mass tour offered on the internet. And his restaurant is located on the Amalfi Coast in a town WITHOUT the trappings of a port where day trippers are dumped daily. Instead Italy As You Imagine clients can enjoy an authentic, tasty experience with views unencumbered by overtourism. Italy may not have changed a whole lot over the decades, but how we want see it most certainly has. #italy #amalficoast #italyasyouimagine

These are Italy’s incredible DOLOMITI. It’s almost impossible to properly share them. Instead you have to experience them. They were formed 250 million years ago when this part of the now Alpes was underwater. Their origination is of coral reef that grew up from under the water to reach the sun above. And the result is the most sheer vertical orientations you’ve ever seen. They’re simple incredible! Along with Milano, they’ll cohost the Winter Olympics in 2026. I’ve been fortunate enough to visit the Dolomites in both winter and summer. They’re magical in both seasons. Here’s a little footage from when I returned in September. I’d love to see them in the fall too. Currently planning summer and fall 2025 trips including these majestic mountains of northern Italy. Happy first day of Novembre. #italy #dolomites #italyasyouimagine

For your Friday viewing pleasure… Part III of the “Sicily C”… After enjoying Taormina, then Cefalu, it’s an easy, quick trip to Palermo. This area offers so many gems! 💎 At the same time, clients often find it very urban and gritty (even more than Rome) and its gems very spread out. What they’ve enjoyed in arriving into Palermo in the mid-morning for an open-air Cabriolet tour of the best of the urban area and surrounding areas. Then departing from the Palermo airport for the boot later that afternoon or evening. #italy #palermo #sicily #italyasyouimagine

I ♥️ Cefalu. See my prior post today about enjoying Cefalu and the many other flavors of Sicily. #italy #cefalu #sicily #italyasyouimagine

Another way to experience history…

I am not sure I ever thought this would be a repeat client business, but certainly not after just two years of planning…but here I am entering my third year of planning Italian adventures and already with a number of clients having me plan for their 2025 return. Careful what you say when you utter “once in a lifetime”….you may just fall in love with Italy and how I show it to you. That’s why I’m grateful to only plan in Italy. That enables me to continue to explore more and more off the beaten path to bring my clients, and my return clients in particular, more and more incredible ways to experience Italy. The perfect trip should be a harmony of doing AND BEING! These private baths, from an ancient Roman cistern of a 15th century monastery in Tuscany, provide a memorable mid-trip respite. Guests reserve time for themselves to fully relax in this historic, calming (and truly unbelievable) atmosphere. #italy #italyasyouimagine

Getting a lot of questions from Italians about what's happening in America. I simply respond"Un altro gelato per favore!"#theyreeatingthepets #theyreeatingthedogs #theyreeatingthecats

Italy As You Imagine

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POSH POETIC PORTOFINO

Another way to experience history…

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