For some travelers, the joy of discovery lies in checking destinations off a list. For others, it’s about immersing themselves so deeply in a place that it begins to feel like a second home. For Jack and Jo, a retired couple originally from New York and now enjoying life in Nevada, travel has always been a central part of their shared journey. Having explored all 50 U.S. states and more than 60 countries, they’ve seen the world’s wonders up close—but nowhere, they say, has captured their hearts quite like Italy.
When they’re not on the road, Jack spends time on the golf course while Jo enjoys Mahjong with friends. Yet every year, there’s one trip they eagerly look forward to: their next adventure with Nada’s Italy.
Q: Have you always enjoyed traveling? How did you first hear about Nada’s Italy?
A: “I wanted a small-group tour of Italy—one where I didn’t have to worry about the details. We’d been to the major cities before, so I wanted something that highlighted the hidden gems along the way. Nada’s Italy came highly recommended, and now we’re about to take our fifth tour with them! Every tour has been wonderful. Our goal is to see all of Italy, and Nada’s is helping us do that. The Journey Directors are fantastic, the hotels and restaurants superb, and our yearly travel calendar just wouldn’t be complete without a Nada’s tour.”
Jack and Jo’s introduction to Nada’s Italy came, as many do, through word-of-mouth. What began as a simple search for a more intimate, hassle-free travel experience soon became a tradition—and, eventually, a passion. Over the years, they’ve explored Italy from the hill towns of Tuscany to the sun-kissed coasts of Sicily, finding that each journey brings new memories and friendships.
Q: What keeps bringing you back to Nada’s Italy?
A: “The friendships we form are immediate and genuine—whether with the Journey Directors, drivers, or fellow travelers. You’re not just part of a group; you’re part of a traveling family. And then there’s the surreal feeling of standing in front of places you’ve only seen in pictures. The food and wine? Absolutely out of this world!”
It’s a sentiment shared by many Nada’s Italy travelers: what begins as a tour often blossoms into something more personal. The small-group format—usually between six and twelve people—creates an atmosphere where connections form easily. Conversations flow over long dinners, laughter fills the air on scenic drives, and by the end of each journey, it feels as if everyone has known each other for years.
Jack and Jo recall countless moments when their fellow travelers turned into lifelong friends. “We still exchange holiday cards and updates,” Jo said with a smile. “It’s amazing how travel bonds people together.”
Q: Any moments that stand out from your travels?
A: “There are so many. In Montepulciano, we visited Ramaio’s metal shop, featured by Rick Steves—the owner was hilarious! On the Northern Delights tour, we went truffle hunting. Watching the dog dig up a white truffle felt so authentic. And the wine tasting at a family villa in Tuscany? They called the snacks ‘nibbles,’ but it turned into an elegant feast—you could feel the love in every detail.”
Jack and Jo laugh as they recall these experiences, the way only seasoned travelers can when each memory feels like a favorite chapter in a beloved book. The “nibbles” that turned into a feast have become a running joke, a perfect example of Italian hospitality—where generosity and passion are served as freely as the wine.
They’ve also learned that Italy’s magic often lies in the unexpected: a craftsman sharing his story in a tucked-away workshop, or a local truffle hunter revealing centuries-old traditions that still thrive today.
Q: What’s unique about the Journey Directors?
A: “They truly connect with people, both locals and travelers. I remember Ilaria sitting and chatting with an elderly man outside a small church—she wasn’t performing or guiding; she was genuinely engaging. That kind of authenticity makes you feel like you’re seeing the real Italy.”
Jack and Jo credit much of their affection for Italy to the Journey Directors, who bring each region to life with warmth, humor, and local insight. For them, these guides aren’t just leaders—they’re ambassadors of the Italian spirit.
The couple recalls how their guides made every day feel personal, whether sharing a hidden trattoria, introducing them to local artisans, or simply translating a spontaneous conversation with a villager. “It’s those small, genuine interactions that make all the difference,” Jack added. “You’re not a tourist—you’re a guest.”
Q: Any memorable encounters with drivers?
A: “On our Sicily tour, our driver Massimo mentioned that his cousins owned a restaurant near where we live in the U.S. We’ve visited several times since, and the food is incredible. It’s funny how travel can create connections that follow you home.”
Even after the tours end, the connections often continue. For Jack and Jo, a conversation on a bus in Sicily led to a favorite new restaurant back in Nevada—and a reminder that travel’s reach often extends far beyond geography.
“It’s amazing how a shared love for Italy can bring people together in ways you’d never expect,” Jo said.
Q: What makes dining with Nada’s Italy special?
A: “Every meal is an experience. When Giorgia joins us for a day on tour, we know we’re in for the best meal. She curates experiences that capture the soul of Italian hospitality—it’s not just food; it’s a story.”
Dining, for Jack and Jo, is one of the most unforgettable parts of traveling with Nada’s Italy. Whether it’s a farm-to-table lunch on a family estate, a seaside dinner with fresh-caught seafood, or a long, laughter-filled evening in a Tuscan trattoria, every meal tells a story—of the land, the people, and the centuries-old traditions that continue to thrive.
Q: How would you describe Nada’s Italy in a few words?
A: “Genuine, personal, unforgettable. Nada’s Italy isn’t just about sightseeing—it’s about feeling Italy. You connect deeply with the people, the history, and the culture. And I have to give a special shoutout to our Journey Directors—Ilaria, Enzo, Dino, Daniella,and Giorgia. Each made our adventures uniquely special. With Nada’s Italy, you don’t just visit a country—you fall in love with it.”
After five tours—and with more on the horizon—Jack and Jo say that Italy now feels like an old friend, one they can’t wait to visit again.
“Every time we go back, it feels familiar but still full of surprises,” Jo said. “That’s what keeps us coming back.”
For Jack and Jo, traveling with Nada’s Italy tours has become much more than exploring beautiful places—it’s a way of deepening their love for life, for culture, and for the friendships that make every journey meaningful.
As they plan their next adventure, one thing is certain: with Nada’s Italy, they’re not just seeing Italy. They’re experiencing it—one unforgettable connection at a time.
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