Clients of Frosch Travel at Osteria La Francescana
“Riccardo and his team at Deluxe Italy are a fantastic DMC to work with. Riccardo was able to secure (after I’d tried for months!) extraordinarily difficult reservations at the world’s #1 ranked restaurant – Osteria Francescana – for VIP clients traveling through Italy. Clients were delighted with this special experience, capped-off with a personal visit to their table by the famed chef, Massimo Bottura. Additionally, Riccardo arranged wonderful private tours, including the Enzo Ferrari museum which these car enthusiast clients also appreciated. Would highly recommend Deluxe Italy to provide clients with a special custom, bespoke experience
– Eric Lilja – Frosch NYC – Signature Member
Hamid Najeddine – Fischer Travel Enterprises
“I was recently invited to attend a travel agent familiarization trip to Emilia Romagna with Deluxe Italy; Riccardo was an absolute joy to be with! His expertise and easy going attitude is a great asset. He is professional and knowledgeable, and I feel very comfortable entrusting my most discriminating clients with him. I experienced the Emilia Romagna region which I recommended to diehard Food enthusiasts, and luxury Cars fans. We had the opportunity to have an exquisite lunch at Osteria Francescana in Modena, the best restaurant in the world for the last two years, what a treat.
Riccardo is very well connected, he knows all the great restaurants and has a personal relationship with the best chefs in the region. I cannot speak highly enough of Ricardo and Monica, their professionalism is beyond reproach. I will without hesitation recommend Riccardo and his team, and look forward to working with Deluxe Italy in the near future.”
– Hamid Najeddine – Senior Travel & Lifestyle Manager – Fischer Travel Enterprises NYC http://www.fischertravel.com/
Alexandrea Padilha – Fischer Travel Enterprises
“Riccardo and Monica are a Dream Team!
They arranged an incredible 2 days for my husband and I on the Amalfi Coast during our honeymoon in May 2017.
On the first day, we hiked from Minori to Ravello with an incredible local guide, Alessio, who showed us all the ins and outs of his hometown. We stopped by a local olive oil shop in Ravello which is owned run by Alessio’s cousin to try some of their products and it made the perfect gift to bring home for our loved ones. He was also was able to obtain keys to the oldest church in town located in front of Palazzo Avino so we could go inside and see the restoration they have been working on. They were excavating the original remains they found buried deep underneath the church’s basement so it is temporarily closed it to the public. We also explored Villa Cimbrone during the tour which has incredible outdoor gardens/views and a lot of symbolism/messages in all of the creation / design of the statues/monuments. While we were hiking back down from Ravello to Amalfi, Alessio surprised us with a visit to his own home which is located on the cliffs along the route, overlooking the coast. He has his own lemon tree groves where he makes his own limoncello. He and his friends also brew and bottle a local Ravello beer so we got to try both! He also gave us a truffle from his father’s own garden down the road to take with us to Sorrento for dinner that night (he even kept it cool along the way back down so it didn’t go bad).
Riccardo accompanied us the entire day just to make sure it was flawless and we are incredibly grateful for these special memories! The 2nd day was no less special! Deluxe Italy arranged a full day for us on a beautiful yacht to visit Capri. Our captain/crew was so warm and accommodating and they were even able to cut the line at the Grotta Azzurra so we didn’t have to wait on line! Deluxe Italy’s attention to detail and passion for the industry is what sets them apart and most importantly…they will always answer the phone!”
– Alexandrea Padilha – Senior Travel & Lifestyle Consultant – Fischer Travel Enterprises NYC http://www.fischertravel.com/
Bridget Cohn – Four Hundred
“What an incredible partner we have found in Deluxe Italy! Riccardo is without a doubt one of the most hands-on and passionate owners I have ever encountered industry-wide. He is so incredibly thoughtful, hard-working, and detail-oriented. I had the absolute pleasure of personally experiencing his services in May 2017 and it was truly a day I will never forget! My friend and I were staying in Lake Como and Riccardo traveled all the way from his home in Emilia Romagna to personally host us for the day. He planned the most perfect itinerary where he picked us up lakeside at Il Sereno Hotel in an absolutely gorgeous wooden speedboat, fully equipped with champagne and bites, and he transferred us across the entire span of the lake to Torno. We were accompanied by a darling Italian boat captain who pointed out all relevant sights on Lake Como along the way. We made a stop in Belaggio before landing in Torno to meet our expert guide for a hike to one of the highest points of elevation alongside the lake. Our guide was exceptional; she was so incredibly warm and knowledgeable. She was also a proud local which added a charming dimension of authenticity. Riccardo and our guide planned the perfect picnic for when we reached the top, complete with local specialties and wine from the region. The hike was not only fantastic from a visual standpoint but it was also great exercise before our delectable picnic at the top! From start to finish, this experience was exactly what our clients seek–seamless, authentic, tailor-made, luxurious, and overall just delightful! After personally experiencing Riccardo and Deluxe Italy’s services, I couldn’t be more comfortable sending our VIP clients to him! I am looking forward to working with Deluxe Italy for years to come!
– Bridget Cohn – Travel Consultant – Four Hundred NY – www.fourhundred.com – Virtuoso Member
Betsy Polatsch – Valerie Wilson Travel, Inc
“Since I was introduced to Deluxe Italy earlier this year, it is has been my absolute pleasure to work with Riccardo and Monica. I am always impressed with how responsive they are, whether I am asking for a quote, a hotel recommendation, or activity suggestion. That is no easy feat to pull off especially given the time difference with New York.
Monica has gone out of her way to make herself available to my clients directly while they are traveling in Italy, and has helped me organize some very last-minute and labor-intensive requests on several occasions, even over her weekend. I couldn’t have done it without her!
It makes my job much easier knowing Riccardo and Monica are on the ground in Italy to support my clients and I, with their services always being top quality and their recommendations spot on.”
– Betsy Polatsch – Travel Consultant – Valerie Wilson Travel, Inc NY – www.valeriewilsontravel.squarespace.com – Virtuoso Member
Frank Baquero – Mansour Travel Company
“I had the great pleasure of recently spending the day exploring a new area for me, Emilia Romagna/Parma-
Riccardo handled all of the arrangements, and included some lovely surprises for me.
In addition to providing lovely scenery, amazing food, and very informative guidance, he brought along his enthusiasm and professionalism-
DELUXE ITALY should be on the short list when you need expertise and guidance, especially for a region that you may not be as familiar with!
It has made me anxious to discover more, and to provide my clients with some out of the box options for Italy”
– Frank Baquero – Travel Advisor – Mansour Travel Company a VIRTUOSO AGENCY, Beverly Hills, CA – www.mansourtravel.com
Joe Casciola – Destination Travel Advisors – Frosch
“I would like to send my sincere gratitude to Deluxe Italy/Trekking Italy and all your travel partners in Emilia Romagna region for hosting me recently and showing me all that the region offers. I know we saw a tremendous amount of the region and I’m sure we didn’t see it all. However, from the cuisine, wine, sports cars, the Imola race track, olive oil, culatello, parma, balsamic vinegar tasting, the food markets, the wine tastings, the cities and small villages and the activities such like pasta making and pottery session was simply amazing. Besides it being a trip of a lifetime it has led me to believe we can promote and sell the region with total confidence and understanding and knowing our partners there is very important and key to making our clients trips an outstanding experience.
Riccardo, you and your company are quiet well connected and it seems the hoteliers, restaurants, shops and all the facilities from Lamborghini, Ferrari and Pagani offer an amazing opportunity for travelers. I cannot wait to share this with clients and prospects. I truly look forward to expanding my business to the region – now with firsthand knowledge.
Thank you for inviting me and all the wonderful hospitality you showed over the week we were there. Please extend my great appreciation to all involved in hosting me.”
– Joe Casciola, CTC Founder & Travel Advisor – Destinations Travel Advisors – Frosch http://www.dtraveladvisors.com
Rebecca East – Life styled Boutique Luxury Travel Concierge/ Pyrotravel International, LLC
“We had the best day with Riccardo from Deluxe Italy! He picked us up in Florence in the morning and took us to Cinque Terra to explore the “6thtown” of Porto Venere and the beautifully simple Church of St. Peter. It felt very much off the beaten tourist track on a rainy day in March, and we moved on to Riomaggiore for a lovely long Italian lunch at Rio Bistrot – a Michellin star restaurant – a few steps from the marina
After lunch and on the way back to Florence, we stopped at Pisa for a walk around the grounds of the Piazza dei Miracoli and the leaning tower – stunning!
Riccardo was the consummate host and his knowledge of the local areas is very entertaining and impressive. Can’t wait to go back!”
– Rebecca East – Life styled Boutique Luxury Travel Concierge / A Protravel Beverly Hills and Virtuoso affiliated agency www.lifestyledgroup.com
Christian Fratello – Protravel International LLC
“I had the great privilege of using Deluxe Italy on a recent trip to Parma. Our wonderful, young, energetic guide – Andrea – traveled with us to a Parmesan Factory, Prosciutto Factory, and Torrechiara Castle tour on top of a hill overlooking Parma. I must say the drive around Parma was breath taking, truly one of the hidden gems in Italy. Our tours were excellently appointed and the tasting afterward – Exquisite. The tour ending with an amazing lunch at Masticabrodo, adjacent to the castle, a wonderful Italian country menu. I can’t say enough about this wonderful boutique company. I highly recommend using them anywhere they serve in Italy, especially Parma”
– Christian Fratello – Protravel International LLC Encino Office CA https://www.protravelinc.com– Virtuoso Member
Luciana Di Marco Paris – Protravel International LLC
As a travel advisor specializing in Italy for many years, I always felt that the region of Emilia Romagna was very overlooked. So I was thrilled when I was invited by Riccardo to join him on one of his amazing educational trips! He and Monica are dedicated to making sure every client is taken by the hand to discover all the amazing food and culture of this area as though they were family.
Our group was taken to a hike up a mountain , bike ride between towns, visits to castles , see cellars of prosciutto, barrels and bottles of wine and balsamic vinegar and finally my favorite, all that pasta and Parmigiano cheese! This region is a foodie’s paradise and Deluxe Italy does it best! I have used their services since with great success.
– Luciana Di Marco Paris – Luxury Travel Specialist – Protravel International – Harrison Office NY – Virtuoso memberhttps://www.protravelinc.com
June Kleier – Luxury Travel Specialist Protravel International LLC
“My fiancé, Mark, and I got to experience an amazing day in Venice with Riccardo and his daughter Sabrina. They took us to the must see spots and the hidden gems of Venice. A trip to Venice wouldn’t be complete without a gondola ride. As a luxury travel specialist and a Virtuoso agent, I chose to work with Deluxe Italy because of their professionalism, knowledge and experience. They treat their clients like family. I was able to see firsthand the type of relationship they’ve built with suppliers, restaurants, tour operators and hotels. When traveling with Deluxe Italy you feel like a VIP. I wouldn’t trust anyone else with my clients. “
– June Kleier – Luxury Travel Specialist Protravel International LLC – Scottsdale AZ – Virtuoso Member www.protravelinc.com
Melinda Gerdts – Manager Roseland Office – Protravel International LLC
I had the pleasure of using Deluxe Italy and Riccardo’s services for a personal family trip to Rome in July. Riccardo arranged private airport transfers and a wonderful VIP private tour of the Colosseum including the usually restricted lower tiers. Riccardo was so accommodating when we added last minute family members to our tour – he quickly and happily arranged additional transportation and tickets for them. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and happy to answer all of our questions, and gave us plenty of time to explore on our own. Additionally, Riccardo arranged timely, private transfers from our Rome hotel to the port in Civitavecchia. I strongly recommend using Deluxe Italy for all services throughout Italy for a truly memorable, worry free experience. They are truly professional Italy specialists! –Roseland NJ – Virtuoso Member www.protravelinc.com
Terry Bahri – TerryB Luxury Travel / Cassis Travel
“I just tra
velled with Riccardo and the trip was amazing. We experienced the Emilia Romagna region which I recommended diehard Foodies and Super Cars enthusiasts. We enjoyed a lovely lunch at Osteria Francescana, voted best restaurant in the world twice. Riccardo is very well connected, he knows all the best restaurants and has a personal relationship with the chefs. He introduced us to Chef Massimo Bottura which was a treat by itself. Transfers were on time and in great vehicles, very comfortable. I highly recommend his services.”
– Terry Bahri – Luxury Travel Designer – TerryB Luxury Travel /Cassis Travel https://terrybluxurytravel.com/ Virtuoso Member
Pam Gay – Luxe Travelers International/Travel Experts
– Pam Gay -Group and Global Travel Advisor at Luxe Travelers International/ Travel Experts – Kennsaw, Georgia – www.travel-xperts.com – Virtuoso Member
Barbara Kaufman – Vagabond Travel
“My first introduction to Deluxe Italy was when Riccardo visited my office and did an impressive presentation on his company . Since I was planning a trip to the Emilia Reggio region with my husband to celebrate a special occasion, I contacted Riccardo to plan two days touring in Bologna and the surrounding area.
Riccardo managed to arrange a fantastic day that included the Maserati factory, the Ferrari museum, a wonderful lunch in Modena and a visit to a cheese farm whose owner also had a fascinating car collection. The day was packed with highlights that we could not possibly have achieved on our own.
The following day we stayed in Bologna and visited the highlights of the University, had an interesting walking tour, visited the market and had a delicious lunch that included many delicacies that have made that area famous.
Riccardo and his team are very professional and zero in on the guests interests, while adding unexpected surprises to the itinerary. I highly recommend this company for first-time visitors as well as guests familiar with the destination, but looking for new experiences.”
– Barbara Kaufman – Luxury Travel Consultant Vagabond Travel – http://www.vagabondtvl.com/ Virtuoso Member
Lindsay Betts – North South Travel
“I have had the absolute pleasure of working with Deluxe Italy to arrange a number of amazing itineraries for my clients traveling to Italy. They are very professional, respond promptly to any request and I trust that my clients will always be taken care of. They take great pride in their work. I was recently invited to attend a travel agent familiarization trip, and was treated to the best quality accommodation, tours and even had the pleasure of experiencing my first Michelin Star restaurant! Everything they do is done with attention to detail, quality and with a focus on providing the best service. I trust Deluxe Italy to always do an amazing job, and they never disappoint!”
– Lindsay Betts – Travel Advisor North South Travel www.northsouthtravel.com – Virtuoso Member
Francesca Venturi – Incentives Manager and Quintessentially Travel
“Working with Riccardo and his lovely team is always a pleasure. Their knowledge professionalism ensures the service always goes above and beyond and his contacts and relationships within the hotel industry always ensure your clients are looked after with the very best service. Not only is his knowledge far reaching, but his connections and with luxury suppliers are fully vetted and become an extension of your team.”
– Francesca Venturi – Incentives Manager and Quintessentially Travel London UK – Virtuoso Member http://www.quintessentiallytravel.com
Deborah Gellis – Ovation Travel Group
“I can’t say enough about how much I enjoy working with Deluxe Italy. Since I met Riccardo, I have used their services for all of my clients travelling to Italy. Every one of them comes back from their trip with rave reviews. They loved all of their guides, drivers, tours as well as their restaurant recommendations. Monica and Riccardo’s response time is amazing. They are always accessible to myself as well as to my clients. They are creative, have unique tours and go above and beyond to create unforgettable memories for my clients.”
– Deborah Gellis – Luxury Travel Advisor & Concierge Ovation Travel Group NYC – Virtuoso Member http://www.ovationvacations.com/Vacation/Home
Silvana Re – Ovation Corporate Travel
“Deluxe Italy is the most professional and knowledgeable company in Italy that you can entrust your most discriminating clients with. My client roster is made up of professional, well-travelled individuals that know what they want and are always in search of an authentic, unique experience. Riccardo and Monica with their team never disappointed me or my clients. If you are looking for deluxe, different, not the run of the mill type of trip. they are team to book with. I was very lucky to have attended one of Riccardo tours of Emilia Romagna this past October; but before I tell you about my experience, I need to say the I am “ Italian born and bred”. Riccardo and his amazing team was able to show me an Emila Romagna experience that was unknown to me. Italy, more so than other countries. is imperative to have not only the connections, but also the knowledge of the areas that you are selling to create a perfect trip for a client. Deluxe Italy is just that and more!”
Keep up the great work.
– Silvana Re – Senior Corporate Group Consultant Ovation Corporate Travel NYC – Virtuoso Member https://www.ovationtravel.com/
Lynn Klinger – Singer travel
“Feb 2018,
Had the opportunity to learn about Bologna first hand from Ricardo of Deluxe Italy.
The History and food are some of the best I have even experienced in Italy. Piazza Maggiore, the 7 Churches, Basillica of San Francesco, even experienced the University of Bologna founded in 1088, is the oldest university in continuous operation,.
Ricardo’s knowledge and expertise is top notch and I can not wait to have my client experience the passion he has to teach about his country.”
– Lynn Klinger – Travel advisor – Singer Travel, Wyomissing, PA – Virtuoso Member www.singertravel.com
Leah Smith – Tafari Travel / Coastline Travel
“Riccardo and Deluxe Italy was an absolute joy to work with! They were always quick to respond even though I was asking for last minute arrangements during peak season. Riccardo had organized an early morning tour of the Vatican, which was highly informative and the guide was excellent. She was able to get us to the Sistine Chapel before anyone else! After the Vatican we were taken on a food tasting tour through one of Rome’s most interesting neighborhoods. The stops we made along the way were so tasty, we even went back for seconds. I would highly recommend Deluxe Italy for their attention to detail and relationships through Italy.”
– Leah Smith, President of Tafari Travel affiliate Coastline Travel – Denver CO – Virtuoso Member https://coastlinetravel.com/tafari-travel/
Andrea Ortega – Coastline Travel Advisors
“I cannot speak highly enough of Ricardo and Monica, owners of Trekking Italy! They helped me arranged a very complicated, 70 person student group with tickets and guides in multiple cities across Italy. Having Trekking Italy take care of the entire trip took a huge load off my plate. The guides were all Italian and extremely knowledgeable on the subject matters at hand. Monica was very responsive during our trip and was able to answer my questions along the way and gave me peace of mind! I very highly recommend Trekking Italy to anyone who wants a professional and knowledgeable guide able to explain the history , art and culture of Italy!!”
– Andrea Ortega -Travel Advisor Coastline Travel – Garden Grove CA – Virtuoso Member www.coastlinetravel.com
Mishelle Ying – Founder Bi-Coastal Travel / Montecito Village Travel
“I enjoy working with Riccardo and Monica, they are very helpful and responsive. They created a very memorable trip for my client’s 50 birthday, with just the right mix of adventure and sightseeing. Everything was very well planned and work out seamlessly. I would highly recommend them for anything Italy!
Look forward to work with Deluxe Italy!”
Mishelle Ying – Travel Advisor /Founder Bi-Coastal Travel /Montecito Village Travel – Virtuoso Member https://montecitovillagetravel.com/
Jennifer Detar – Solaz Travel / Travel Edge
“When I have clients traveling to Italy, Riccardo and his team are my go to Italian experts. His passion for what he does shines through in each and every communication that I have with him. He is a true expert with all the skills and connections for the most discerning clients. Not only is his knowledge far reaching, but his connections with luxury partners are invaluable. I know that my clients will be in good hands when Deluxe Italy is involved. Whether it be exclusive private tours, reservations at Michelin-starred restaurants or bespoke itineraries- I can without hesitation recommend Riccardo and his tea
– Jennifer Detar – Luxury Travel Advisor at Solaz Travel Independent Affiliate of Travel Edge Palm Beach FL – Virtuoso Member http://www.solaztravel.com
Kate McGrath – TravelEdge/NYC
“Discovering Emilia Romanga through the eyes of Riccardo Solmi, President of Deluxe Italy, is a rare and extraordinary experience. It exceeds all expectations!
His attention to detail is phenomenal. He takes you on a journey where
you explore the very best of town and country life. The gastronomic and
wine stops are outstanding! You can’t imagine all there is to see and do
here. You can trust Riccardo, Monica and the staff of Deluxe Italy to create a unique adventure for you and your clients everywhere in Italy. Anytime of the year. It gives you great peace of mind to know that your travelers are in excellent hands from the beginning to the end of their trip!”
– Kate McGrath – TravelEdge/NYC – Travel Group Virtuoso Member https://www.traveledge.com
Juan Fernandez – Elli Travel
“ I have worked with DeluxeItaly for the past 3 years. They are incredibly responsive and devise wonderful custom experiences for our clients. We have used them throughout Italy and would highly recommend their services. We were also lucky to have traveled w/ Riccardo & Monica in the Emilia Romagna Region. They customized an itinerary that combined food, hiking, biking and music. An amazing experience and one of my personal favorite trips in years. We absolutely love working with them and highly recommend their services…”
– Juan Fernandez – Operating Partner Elli Travel Group – Larchmont and Rye – NY Virtuoso Member
Caroline Kehm – Beau Voyage Travel / Bayside Travel
“As a travel agent, I value authenticity everywhere I go as it is the definition of traveling for me. I want to see and experience the real thing with locals and make sure my clients get the same.
Travelling to Emilia Romagna with Riccardo felt just like that, a local guy born and bred in this spectacular part of Italy where nothing was left to chance. The trip started in Bologna where I discovered a beautiful old city and kept going through the whole region for an enchanted FAM trip. The trip was a mixture of castles, palaces, museums, wineries, Parma ham, Parmesan cheese, Michelin star lunch, pottery making, old Lamborghini tractors, very very fast cars factories as in Ferrarri, Lamborghini, Pagani,…and time for a SPA afternoon, a real delight. Everything was organized to perfection thanks to the Deluxe Italy team. I understood the region thanks to Riccardo who transmitted us his passion for his country and his culture. I feel very confident sending my clients to Italy with him, they will surely get the best of everything. “
– Caroline Kehm – Beau Voyage Travel Division of Bayside Travel – Westchester NY http://www.luxurytravelservice.com/ Virtuoso Member
Stefanie Pichonnat – Owner of AAV Travel
“Connecting with Riccardo and Monica from Deluxe Italy has been a wonderful experience from the start. Specializing in customizing trips to Europe for discerning clients, their personalized service has proven invaluable. Meeting them in person and experiencing their hospitality in Italy, gave methe confidence to trust them with my most important clients. They handle my client requests promptly, often within 24 hours, making changes until everything is perfect. They keep in touch with me, as well as my clients, during their stay in Italy. If an issue arises, they step in immediately and handle it very professionally. Some of my clients even get the opportunity to meet them personally. Deluxe Italy not only makes planning a trip for my clients a breeze, but they also give me peace of mind. I can be sure that my clients will have the time of their lives. Way to go Deluxe Italy!”
– Stefanie Pichonnat – Owner of AAV Travel http://www.aav-travel.com/
Dolly Shukla-CEO The Savvy Traveler, LLC
“As the CEO of a luxury boutique agency, that handles A-list clientele on a global scale-it is crucial to experience first hand- the products and services that we refer to our sophisticated, mega savvy clients. Whether it is a private jet, luxury resort, sporting events, or a hard to attain restaurant reservation- having the right business contacts is paramount. The partnership formed with Deluxe Italy and Riccardo Solmi, is priceless. The seamless manner in which Riccardo and Monica finessed the 5 star hotel reservations in Bologna, arranged the VIP tour to experience Lamborghini (on a Sunday), and a unique luncheon in Modena at a farm house. along with transfers to the airport- was highly impressive! For all our Italian bound clients- I can take a deep sigh of relief, knowing with certainty that it will be a win-win, when I hand them over to a well known expert with great contacts; Riccardo Solmi & Deluxe Italy. Why trust anyone else??”
– Dolly Shukla – CEO The Savvy Traveler, LLC Santa Monica CA www.The-Savvy-Traveler.com
Laura Hanaford – The Trip Trotter/Tzell Travel Group
“I’ve booked many trips with Deluxe Italy. They are wonderful to work with and very responsive if there’s an issue. Their pricing is very competitive and fair and the payment and commission process is easy and convenient. They have access to unique experiences and properties to make my client’s trips extra special and memorable.”
– Laura Hanaford – The Trip Trotter/Tzell Travel Group – NYC Virtuoso Member
Josephine and Monica – Endless Italy
– Josephine and Monica – Endless Italy Long Island NY http://endlessitaly.com/
Amanda White – Apple Leisure Group
“I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to travel with Riccardo throughout the Emilia Romagna region of Italy. Riccardo and Monica organized an incredible authentic itinerary including a Parmigiano Reggiano factory tour, castle accommodations and dinner prepared by a Michelin Star Chef. My personal favorite was cycling to Montese and hiking Monte Belvedere. The exciting itinerary coordinated by Monica and Riccardo offered something for everyone and I highly recommend them for all of your unique, one of a kind Italian requests.
– Amanda White – Product Coordinator Europe – Apple Leisure Group -Long Island NY http://www.appleleisuregroup.com
Pia Accardo – Cultural Italy
“It was an honor to be part of the FAM in Emilia Romagna organized by Riccardo and Monica of Deluxe Italy! Riccardo has the most joyful demeanor and a unique passion for the job. He literally brought the culture and history of the region to life! His knowledge, professionality and attention to details made this experience unforgettable. Real moments our clients will treasure for life!”
– Pia Accardo – Cultural Italy – San Diego CA https://culturalitaly.com/
Beth Rubin – President Olive Tree Escape
“I spent a lovely three days exploring some seriously off-the-beaten-path areas of Emilia Romagna with Riccardo. This is his home region and he really knows it well. We visited several locations where we were literally the only tourists in town. That’s how I like to travel, and it’s what my clients like, too. I wouldn’t hesitate to work with him again in the future.”
– Beth Rubin – President Olive Tree Escape https://otescapes.com
Isabelle Hanssen – Professional freestyle Skier
“Reflecting back on a few amazing days, full of incredible experiences. Being pushed out of my comfort zone, and experiencing a type of luxury I’ve never experienced before. Learning amazing things about the history and culture of Italy and Emilia-Romagna while hiking and Ebiking through the beautiful Foreste Casentinesi and visiting various amazing places like Bologna city and La Verna. I fell in love with the Italian ways and I share their love for food. Big thank you to Riccardo Solmi at Delux Italy for the wonderful fairytale like experience!”
– Isabelle Hanssen Professional freestyle Skier – www.instagram.com/isabellehanssen
Veroniqi Hanssen, Professional Snowboarder
“Had an absolutely amazing time in Emilia-Romagna, Italy. From staying in beautiful authentic hotels, strolling through Bologna City to E-biking and hiking in the beautiful nature of the Foreste Casentinesi, everything was perfect!
The friendliness of the Italians makes you feel so warm and welcome, the wine and food I tasted here was some of the best I’ve ever tasted. Couldn’t have asked for a better host than Riccardo Solmi at Deluxe/Trekking Italy, with the extensive knowledge he had of the area he was able to tell us interesting stories about everything we saw.
Truly appreciated his genuine attitude and you can tell he has a passion for making you sure you get everything you need. Thank you so much for the incredible experience!”
– Veroniqi Hanssen, Professional Snowboarder https://www.instagram.com/veroniqi/
Sonya Lai – The Globalite
“As someone who has traveled to 60 countries and flown over one million miles, it is hard for me to experience something new. But Riccardo Solmi of Deluxe Italy created an amazing food tour throughout Italy’s famed gastronomic region, Emilia-Romagna, fit for a princess. I spent my days enjoying the best foods of the region: the ultra rare black pig ham Culatello di Zibello, Parmigiano-Reggiano from the source, and generous helpings of black truffle everywhere (since Solmi is basically a magician and timed the trip perfectly in the peak of truffle season). At night, I retreated to canopied beds in medieval castles. It was fantasy Italy exactly as I had imagined it, perfectly curated just for me. It was one of the best trips I had ever experienced. Thank you, Riccardo”
– Sonya Lai – The Globalite https://www.instagram.com/theglobalite/
Bobbie Murphy – Active Travel
“Deluxe Italy helped me create a fantastic active foodie adventure in Emilia Romagna recently for my small group of ladies, and we had an incredible five nights! There were so many unique experiences that I could not begin to say which was my favorite, but all of our guides and drivers were professional, completely fun and entertaining, spoke very good English and perhaps most importantly were extremely knowledgeable. Monica’s attention to every detail made a big impression on me and on each of my special guests. I can highly recommend them to my fellow travel planners who are seeking authentic Italy for their clients. Deluxe Italy will not only take care of all the details, but they will make you look like a genius for choosing them!”
– Bobbie Murphy – Active Travel Pro from Cincinnati, Ohio Travel Planners International https://www.activetravelpro.com
Melissa Lonsk – Vacation Curation LLC – A Member of Tzell Travel Group
“Riccardo and Monica of Deluxe Italy are a pleasure to work with! They are incredibly knowledgeable and responsive. They help craft individual itineraries to suit the various desires and budget of the clients based on both mine and the clients’ request but also suggest wonderful alternatives/additions. They are always working to make sure everything is just how the client wants. They are my first stop for Italy!”
– Melissa Lonsk – Vacantion Curation LLC – A member of Tzell Travel Group NY – Virtuoso Member
http://www.vacationcuration.com