For some travelers, exploring Italy is about art, food, or landscapes. For Donna, it’s all of that—and something deeper. A lifelong traveler with a love of museums, meaningful conversations, and discovering local flavors, she has spent the past decade immersing herself in the joy of seeing the world.
With five Nada’s Italy tours behind her and a sixth already on the calendar, Donna has become part of the small-group travel community she first discovered by chance online. What began as a simple search for a more personal kind of travel has turned into years of unforgettable experiences, deep connections, and now, a meaningful homecoming.
Q: First of all, tell us a little bit about yourself, please.
A: “I’ve had a lifelong love of traveling, a trait I inherited from my father. Since retiring ten years ago, I’ve been able to truly indulge it. I especially enjoy visiting museums wherever I go, meeting new people, and—of course—the food!”
Donna’s passion for discovery comes through immediately. Travel isn’t a checklist for her—it’s a way to learn, connect, and savor the world one experience at a time.
Q: Was this your first Nada’s Italy tour? How did you find out about Nada’s Italy?
A: “I’ve been on five Nada’s tours to Italy, with a sixth trip to Spain coming up in 2026. I learned about Nada’s while searching online for a small tour company that offered personalized service and unique experiences. Every one of my trips has been fabulous!”
Like many travelers, Donna found Nada’s Italy while looking for something more intimate than a large, impersonal big-bus tour. What she discovered was a company that matched her travel style perfectly—thoughtful itineraries, meaningful encounters, and guides who make every day special.
Q: What was the last tour you were on?
A: “My most recent Nada’s tour was Sizzling Sicily in September 2024.”
Sicily’s culture, food, and dramatic landscapes offered a backdrop to a journey Donna had imagined for years. The island quickly proved why it captivates travelers with both its beauty and its soul.
Q: Why did you want to go to Sicily?
A: “My maternal grandparents were Sicilian immigrants, and I grew up with a strong connection to my Italian roots. I always wanted to visit every part of Italy. On my Sicily journey in September 2024, I finally visited Catania—the city where my grandparents were born. What a fabulous experience!”
Visiting Catania was more than a sightseeing stop; it was a moment of connection across generations. Standing where her grandparents once lived brought a profound sense of belonging, turning her tour into something deeply personal.
Q: What was your favorite food during the tour?
A: “Cotoletta—a thin slice of beef or veal, breaded and fried. My Nonna, aunt, and mother all made this, and this was the closest I’ve come to tasting that wonderful dish since I was a kid. I was so excited! And it seemed fitting that this was our last meal of the tour.”
For Donna, this dish transported her back to family kitchens and childhood memories. Food has a way of carrying stories, and in Sicily, she rediscovered one of her own.
Q: A memorable moment—was there an experience that really stood out?
A: “Walking on Mt. Etna. It was cool, cloudy, a little windy, rocky—quite a thrill walking on top of an active volcano. It was like being on another planet!”
Her description says it all. Mt. Etna offered more than just a view, but a sense of awe—raw, powerful, and unforgettable.
Q: Did anything funny or unexpected happen during your trip?
A: “I hope it’s OK to tell this story—you may want to check with Salvo! We were eating at an outdoor restaurant, and a lovely young lady caught Salvo’s eye. Several ladies in our group (not me!) encouraged him to give her his phone number, and finally at the end of the meal, he did! It was very sweet.”
These are the moments that make group travel so fun—shared jokes, unexpected encouragement, and stories that get retold long after the trip ends.
Q: Was there an activity that truly resonated with you?
A: “Visiting Catania, where my maternal grandparents were born. I had a nice conversation with our local guide about this. When I shared my grandparents’ surnames—Russo and Sorbello—her eyes lit up immediately and she said those were very common names in the area. That really cemented my connection to Sicily.”
A simple exchange with a local guide turned into one of the most meaningful moments of Donna’s trip, strengthening her sense of heritage and belonging.
Q: Was there a moment when your Journey Director went above and beyond?
A: “Salvo went above and beyond to make everything perfect for us. I can’t think of one specific moment—he was simply a joy to be around.”
Donna’s appreciation speaks to what so many travelers feel: the Journey Directors are the heart of every Nada’s tour, bringing warmth and personality to each day.
A: “And on my Amalfi Coast tour with Roberto, I asked for a place to buy dishes. He brought me to a huge and beautiful shop in Ravello where he had bought his own. I had 15 minutes to make my purchase, but I ordered a whole set! They arrived months later. I keep them in my china cabinet and love looking at them every day—reliving that wonderful trip. Thank you, Roberto!”
Some gestures stay with us long after we return home, and Donna’s dishes have become a daily reminder of Italy and the people who make Nada’s tours special.
Q: Did you meet any locals who made the experience more memorable?
A: “In Sicily, I really wanted a meaningful souvenir for my soon-to-be-born granddaughter. A fellow traveler and I walked to the shop of a woman named Maria who made gorgeous lacework. I bought two embroidered bibs. Maria didn’t speak English, but with my limited Italian we managed. As we were leaving, she called us into a back room where she had displayed press articles about her work. Only one was in English—she pointed to it proudly and said, ‘New York Times! New York Times!’ I think those were the only English words she knew!”
Moments like these remind us how human connection transcends language. Maria’s pride and hospitality created a memory Donna will share with her granddaughter for years to come.
Q: Was there anything that surprised you about Italy?
A: “I’m always amazed by the architecture and how so many structures have survived over the centuries. The sheer number of beautiful churches and buildings amazes me.”
Even after multiple visits, Italy still surprises her—its resilience, its artistry, and the way the past remains vibrantly alive.
For Donna, her journey through Sicily was more than sightseeing—it was a way to connect with her family’s history, explore vibrant culture, and savor moments that will last a lifetime.
“It’s incredible how travel can create connections across generations and continents.” Donna said.
With Nada’s Italy, these connections are at the heart of every tour. Our small-group journeys, thoughtfully curated itineraries, and knowledgeable Journey Directors turn travel into something truly personal. For a more private experience, Nada’s Italy also curates custom trips, whether it’s for a big family, group of friends, or celebrating special occasions.
👉 Check out the Sizzling Sicily tour that Donna was so in love with.
👉 Read more about Heritage Travel and how we can help you reconnect with your Italian roots.
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