Every journey tells a unique story, and at Nada’s Italy, we’re honored to be part of so many unforgettable ones. That’s why we’re excited to launch our new Traveler Stories series—a collection of real experiences from guests who have explored Italy with us.
For Jill, travel didn’t come early in life—but when it finally did, it opened an entirely new world. “I didn’t really have travel opportunities until mid-adulthood,” she recalls. “But once the ability to discover other parts of the world became feasible, I was hooked.”
Like many first-time travelers, Jill began with the big-bus tours: the kind that promise to “see it all,” but often leave little time to truly experience each place. It was a start—but something was missing. Then, in 2016, a casual conversation with another traveler set her on a completely new path.
What began as a simple Google search for “small group tours” led Jill to Nada’s Italy, where she found a travel style that felt intimate, authentic, and perfectly paced. Today, she’s taken three unforgettable tours—and has no plans to stop.
A: I didn’t really have travel opportunities until mid-adulthood, but when I finally could, I fell in love with discovering other parts of the world. Prior to discovering Nada’s Italy, my experiences were with large group coach tours.
On one of those tours in 2016, another guest mentioned having taken a smaller group tour. Once home, I decided to Google small group tours, and Nada’s popped up. I reached out with an inquiry, and my email was answered almost immediately. After several exchanges, I realized I wanted to travel differently—to slow down, connect, and experience each place more deeply.
A: On the large coach tours, I was used to very early morning starts—luggage outside by 6 or 6:30, breakfast at 7, and departure at 8. You’d spend long hours on a bus, with limited time at each stop.
The included meals were usually at hotels, not restaurants that reflected the region’s character. It all started to feel rushed and impersonal. I wanted to be in a place, not just passing through it.
A: So far, I’ve taken three Nada’s Italy tours: Italian Treasures (2017), Puglia Paradise (2019), and Jewels of the Amalfi Coast (2024).
Nada’s overall customer service cannot be beaten. From pre-trip preparation to post-trip follow-up, I felt so valued as a guest. Between communication, hotel selection, itinerary, meals, and Journey Directors, the only word that comes to mind is perfection.
A: Everything—from the pace to the people. With Nada’s Italy, it is so much more relaxed and enjoyable. The itinerary is perfectly balanced: not rushed, but never dull. You actually have time to enjoy each destination and connect with others in the group.
The little touches make it special—like finding a bottle of wine waiting in your hotel room, or making an unexpected stop for gelato. These surprises made the experience feel personal and warm, not formulaic.
A: Every Journey Director I’ve had was so enjoyable and ensured that each detail was handled professionally. Clarissa was so accommodating when I arrived a bit late and helped me learn a few Italian phrases. Leo’s kind personality shone through, and Giorgia’s humor and infectious laughter made each day unforgettable.
They each made sure every detail was handled professionally, but more than that—they made me feel genuinely cared for.
A: The food… where do I begin? On the large bus tours, meals were often at hotels and less likely to be representative of the region and culture. Nada’s included meals are at less touristy places and feature a great selection of the foods typical of the area. With Nada’s, every meal felt like a celebration of regional culture.
If I close my eyes, I can still taste the bistecca in Monteriggioni, the seafood in Venice, and the Limoncello along the Amalfi Coast. You’ll never walk away hungry!
And the cooking classes were so much fun. I’m not usually an adventurous eater, but I tried dishes new to me—and they were delicious. I’ve even made some of those recipes at home since returning.
A: They were all incredible, but I think the Amalfi Coast tour spoke to my soul. Sitting on my hotel balcony every morning, sipping coffee and watching the sunlight shimmer on the sea—it’s something I’ll never forget.
A: It completely transformed my travel experience. I no longer feel like an observer watching Italy go by through a window. With Nada’s, I feel part of the culture—immersed in it. The slower pace, the connections, the attention to detail—it all makes each moment meaningful.
Jill’s story captures what so many travelers discover after their first trip with Nada’s Italy: that travel isn’t about how many places you visit—it’s about how deeply you can experience them.
From her early days on crowded buses to mornings overlooking the Amalfi Coast, Jill found what true travel feels like—connection, flavor, laughter, and beauty in every moment.
What began with one traveler’s curiosity has become a life-changing way to see the world. And for Jill, that journey continues—one small-group adventure at a time.
Ready to write your own travel story?
Are you ready to leave the big buses behind and explore Italy (and beyond) the way it was meant to be experienced?
Discover the difference of small-group travel with Nada’s Italy. Each small group tour (6–12 guests) is thoughtfully designed to reflect the heart of Italian life—whether that’s tasting olive oil in Puglia, learning to make pasta in Bologna, or watching the sun rise over Positano. With passionate Journey Directors and meticulous attention to detail, Nada’s Italy transforms every trip into an experience that feels both luxurious and deeply personal.
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