RECENT TESTIMONIALS

Just a word of thanks - now that I have been back a while and had a chance to reflect.  I thought the ....tour was a wonderful concept.  The company, the food and the daily tours were of the highest standard. ... The tour was well organised: I was impressed.... Your efforts were much appreciated and I shall keep an eye out for further interesting tours in the future. DP (SA) 2008

Thank you so much for providing such an outstanding and well organised tour of Tuscany.  Your selection and balance, given the overwhelming number of choices, was brilliant! We found our time was so well planned and well spent including you created a great balance of places to see, things to do and sufficient free time. The planned food promise was more than fulfilled.  Our shared fun and enjoyment of meals is well recorded in our photography.... Grazie and arriverderci.  JJ (SA) 2011

The tour was well organised, and we also enjoyed the fact that arrangements could be tailored to our preferences.....it was a real indulgence. PH (WA) 2011

This was the first organised tour X and I have been on and it did not disappoint.  We both thoroughly enjoyed Sardinia and Sicily and on our return googled for further information on the islands especially about World War II in the area.  There were many highlights and there is nothing we can suggest to improve the tour.  "Relax and enjoy authentic Italian experiences at a leisurely pace in a small group.  A touch of luxury, great food and wine, history and art". This says it all. KW (VIC) 2011

The tour absolutely fulfilled my expectations….The trip was fantastic and I have passed on your details to so many since I returned. It was everything I wanted it to be plus more. GM (VIC) 2007

I've been telling everyone how fantastic the trip was.....the highlight for me was feeling that I was seeing Tuscany with an insider.... I actually started the trip with an "is it too good to be true" feeling.  I was so pleased that the actual trip managed to surpass my expectations.......I'll confess that I did baulk at the price initially but I feel that it was money well spent. TL (OS) 2010 

Highlights of the tour experience (were the) dinners ..., wineries ..., sights...., countryside.....  A very good balance between city/country - plenty of free time/flexibility - but well structured. The tour fulfilled expectations. Anon (VIC) 2011

Thank you very much for organizing such a good tour – from the morning we met…..to my reluctant parting from our group, I enjoyed it all very much and I enjoyed your company and that of our companions. I do like organized people and I could see you had put a lot of time and effort so things ran smoothly. Everything was tasteful and pleasant. The villa certainly was what I always expected a villa in Tuscany to be and I loved it. Paradise or close to it. JM (NSW) 2008

Thanks for a great tour....beautiful countryside, villages and secenery everywhere... well organised and well paced... (the accommodation) was absolutely beautiful. BM (NSW) 2010

There were many highights, but a special day on a lovely old sailboat exploring the NW coast of beautiful Sardinia, plus lovely lunch on board in a sheltered cove.  Driving high up Mt Etna in Sicily, a very active volcano, and exploring the results of recent eruptions was a  memorable day for me.  .... the tour was very well organised. Mardie is an excellent leader who knows Italy extremely well. DS (QLD) 2010

We enjoyed staying at the villa and enjoyed the tranquil setting.  Very comfortable and loved where the villa is situated. We enjoyed the tour and revisiting paces we visited previously..... Perfect organization. On the whole the tour is well balanced and I think it suits people of various ages - would not change the format.  Keep doing what you are. If anyone has any negative comment I would say they are hard to please. D (QLD) 2011

I am always a little nervous with single accommodation… but I was thrilled with my beautiful room - comfy, large, beautifully positioned, chosen with thought and care. …The tour more than fulfilled my expectations – having travelled frequently I was surprised, and enjoyed the little coffees and gelatos and little personal things we shared, as if travelling with friends – not on a conducted tour… I could not think of one thing you could have done to improve our holiday. JB (WA) 2007

Did the tour fulfill our expectations? Absolutey! Well organised..... we can't think of any improvements! MR (NSW) 2010

Mardie, it was the holiday of a lifetime.  I throughly enjoyed every minute.... excitement, thrill, amazement, indulgence.  An utter delight. It exceeded every expectation. Grazie!!  GM (QLD) 2010

Highlights were the varied programme, good company, good food. Villa accommodation was palatial….information (before commencement of the tour) was accurate and adequate. Tour leader great, cooking great. Full marks for organization. Mardie knows her Italy. BM (QLD) 2006

Highlights were dinner in a private home outside Florence, roof top drinks in Florence, Spa Day, Dinner outside was heaven in San Gimignano, the Bike ride, Cinque Terre etc etc etc!    Omit nothing- it was fantastic! L (VIC) 2010

There were so many highlights.... the villa and the people on the tour, the restaurants, the food both at the villa and when we dined out.  Eating and meeting B... and his delightful family ...  that was very special...In every way it (the tour)  is just how I had dreamed of for so many years.  Thank you so much Mardie.  LS (SA) 2008

The whole time in Florence was fantastic – not that everything else wasn’t, but I had no idea it was so beautiful. The most memorable meal was Valentina’s – the broad beans, pecorino and that bread! Organization was top notch….. the tour more than fulfilled my expectations. We all had a wonderful time. I think the mix of being busy and having relaxing time was perfect. All in all it was the best holiday we have ever had and we are looking forward to doing it again. LT (WA) 2007

The tour exceeded my expectations as much thorough homework and planning had obviously been done to ensure a smooth, unhurried and yet event/activity packed experience. All up – an experience that has one hankering for more. I can imagine that many who participate in a Ciao Bella tour will return time and again. Grazie tanto Mardi for a special life experience. VL (VIC) 2006

One of the special things…. was dinner with P..’s family – to be able to go into a local’s home and enjoy a wonderful meal around a table that was full of local produce was amazing. The way you organized the tour really suited us and your ability to speak fluent Italian together with your knowledge of the areas we visited added to our enjoyment…. The villa was quite amazing. MK (VIC) 2006

Loved all of it… the pace was great which let us see plenty, shop and relax. It was a real holiday. Loved dining with an Italian family in their house – what a wonderful introduction….. accommodation was excellent…..the tour more than fulfilled my expectations. Anon 2007

The tour was extremely well organized – attention to detail was great. (it) actually exceeded my expectations…..especially enjoyed small out of the way places: all places had something special…. Not too rushed- time to absorb…..really enjoyed the company…will highly recommend. ML (VIC) 2007

Thanks for all your attention and helpfulness – and the beautiful food!! TR (WA) 2007

Everything was a highlight: wonderful company, many laughs, and great memories, especially the dinner at Locanda del Moro. The tour in Florence was great, as was the tour of the markets and the Chiant wine tour.  (The accommodation) was marvellous, clean, well positioned and very comfortable. It (the tour) was very well organised without being too strict, very relaxed, wonderful.  It more than fulfilled my expectations.  I was surprised and delighted everyone got along so well. Wishing I could afford another tour: saving madly. HJ (VIC) 2008

The villa and the Tuscan countryside  were highlights of the tour.....(organization) was excellent.... it was everything we hoped for... everything was so enjoyable. Anon, 2008

I just loved every moment of my holiday and the way in which you conducted everything. J (WA) 2007

We enjoyed every moment of the tour. An excellent mix of places, food/wine and accommodation. Very well thought out and presented. Omit nothing! CBD (NSW) 2008