Frequently Asked Questions

What distinguishes Nancy Aiello Tours from other Tour Operators?

The main thing that differentiates Nancy Aiello Tours is that unlike traditional tour operators, we’re not a cookie-cutter travel company. Since 2009, over 9000 travelers took advantage of the freedom and flexibility to personalize their own trip with us. This means that will custom design your dream trip to Italy exactly how you have always envisioned it.

You are always assisted by a seasoned professional to help you with all the little details that make a trip go smoothly. Unlike online travel sites or travel agents who may have visited Italy a few times, we assign a local person to every client; we call them Travel Advisors. Our team of Italian experts focus on the details like route planning for the most efficient use of your time and the little things that only someone who lives here would know. Your personal travel advisor will design your custom Italian experience working with you from beginning to end.

Since we focus on personalized service and custom-tailored itineraries, we do limit the number of trips we design throughout the year. This enables us to dedicate our time and efforts to each of our clients, and give each trip the personal love and attention it deserves. We deliberately don’t advertise; our reputation is excellent and guests come to us by word of mouth and because they know someone else who have traveled with us.

It is important to underline that Nancy Aiello Tours is a 100% Italian and independent travel company. When you work with us, the firsthand knowledge of our local travel experts and specialists is at your fingertips. And with offices in Italy, we're always in the know, we constantly road-test our offerings firsthand and don't rely on secondary sources.

Additionally, we have an outstanding network of tried and trusted partners carefully selected based on quality, reliability, and expertise. They are all very passionate about what we have created together and very much vested in its success.

We are quintessentially Italian travel specialists who live and breathe Italy and want our clients to experience the Italy we personally know and love. Our curated itineraries take you into the heart and soul of Italy, allowing an inside look at daily life. This is why many of the 9000 satisfied clients who have traveled with us continue to choose us.

Are you a fully licensed travel company?

Yes. We are a fully licensed and bonded Italy based Tour Operator & Travel Agency as well as everyone that works with us. This includes all drivers, tour guides and all our travel experts.

Do you offer holidays to any other countries?

No. Nancy Aiello is a bespoke Italian tour operator for Italy only who offers immersive and transformative travel experiences through first-hand knowledge and tight-knit relationships. We are truly destination experts and we know the on the ground details that will make your trip smooth and hassle free. That means that by devoting ourselves exclusively to our home country, we can offer a very detailed service and local assistance while you travel.

What does Nancy Aiello Tours offer through its services?

Nancy Aiello Tours is a thriving full service Italy travel company that offers exclusive private tours and private services through an exceptional range of vacation options – from tailor-made itineraries and tours to shore excursions and short breaks in Italy. Whether an in depth private tour with an art historian, a children friendly private tour guide or a senior visitor slower pace our company offers unrivalled level of attention to your personal needs.

What kind of tours do you offer?

We offer luxury private tours & experiences to suit every travel taste. Go on one of our epic package adventures or simply book single guided services. Regardless of what your trip entails, we strive to deliver the highest quality and service, and we have the feedback to prove it!

Do you arrange in-country transportation and local guides?

Yes. We typically arrange in-country transportation (by private car and/or fast train). Additionally, we coordinate local guides, private activities, tours, excursions, and anything else you’d like our help with.

Do you work with Travel Agents?

Yes. Nancy Aiello Tours is a luxury tour operator, which means we work with both direct clients as well as travel agents. If you have a relationship with a travel agent, please ask them to contact us for more information. If you do not have an existing relationship with a travel agent and prefer to work with us directly, we will put you in touch with one of our Italy specialists.

Who leads your tours?

Our licensed tour guides are a network of local specialists in a variety of fields including art history, archaeology, architecture, and cuisine. Many of them hold Ph.D.s or other terminal degrees in their field and teach at the university level. All of them are deeply in love with their cities and share our values in uncovering hidden gems. With them you will connect with the people and culture of their hometowns like only a local can. In addition to uncovering hidden gems, you’ll experience truly authentic immersion as our expert guides help you navigate your destination like a true insider. Finally yet importantly, our guides have the ability to connect with people of all ages with care and passion.

Will I have the same guide throughout my trip?

Because our professional local guides are born and bred in the area they are showing you, you will have a different guide in each city. Though your guide may change, the quality of the touring will be consistent, and you can count on the guides to always be friendly and knowledgeable.

What kind of vehicles do you provide?

When it comes to choosing your private tour transport options there are a number of factors to consider, for example your party size, how much luggage you have, the destinations you wish to visit and more. We typically provide air-conditioned Mercedes E Class and S-Class luxury Sedan cars for up to two passengers. For larger families and for large groups of friends traveling together, we provide air-conditioned Mercedes Viano/V Class luxury minivans or spacious MB Sprinter minibuses, which are just as luxurious as comfortable. Because of the small sizes of the vehicles we utilize, most times we can access the historical centers of towns and easily navigate scenic country roads, which larger vehicles cannot.

Do you arrange group tours?

No. We do not offer group tours. All our itineraries are 100% private and can be 100% customized.

Do you have Chinese Mandarin speaking tour guides who also speak English?

No. We do not offer bilingual tours. You would need booking two separate tours –one with an English-speaking guide and one with a Chinese Mandarin-speaking guide – that run concurrently with different guides.

Do you offer Cantonese speaking tours?

No because there are not Cantonese-speaking licensed tour guides in Italy. However, we arrange Chinese Mandarin-speaking private tours in Venice, Rome, Naples, Pompeii and Florence with licensed professional local guides.

Do you book flights?

No. We do not book flights but we can advise on which airport to arrive and depart from based on the best places to start and end your itinerary.

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes, absolutely. Nancy Aiello Tours strongly recommends purchasing comprehensive travel insurance as soon as any trip deposits or full payments have been made. Travel Insurance is a vital part of your travel arrangements. It protects you, your trip and your travel investment in the unlikely event of a cancellation prior to or during your trip.

What transportation services do you provide?

From a simple airport or cruise transfer to a sightseeing drive with frequent stops, we can handle any transportation need in Italy. We also arrange boat services.

Is my Travel Advisor my tour guide?

No, your Travel Advisor will not be your guide but will provide assistance during your trip. Your Travel Advisor is responsible for organizing every aspect of your trip, including carefully selecting a tour guide for you.

Where can I read about other traveler’s experiences in Italy with Nancy Aiello Tours?

You can read what other travelers are saying about us on our dedicated reviews page and on our TripAdvisor and Facebook pages.

Why should I travel with Nancy Aiello Tours?

Nancy Aiello Tours is a bespoke boutique Italian tour operator who calls Italy home. We have been trusted by discerning, time-constrained travelers around the world since 2009. To get under the skin of each destination in Italy, we get to know our incredible local partners. That way, we’re able to open doors to insider experiences that match our travelers’ interests and carefully curate trips that deliver the exceptional. Perhaps more interestingly, unlike most travel agencies we only take a limited number of clients at a time. This lets us take an extraordinarily personalized approach when it comes to your trip and we have the feedback to prove it!

How far in advance should I begin planning my custom Italy vacation?

While we can typically plan around your ideal travel dates, advance planning is essential for the success of your vacation. As demand is always high for Italy, we suggest planning 9 to 12 months in advance, particularly for peak seasons such as spring and summer. This time frame can give you a better opportunity to secure your preferred hotels and activities. Submit your Custom Trip Request now to begin planning for your dream trip to Italy. It takes less than 2 minutes!

I am planning a family trip to Italy. Can you help?

Certainly! Handcrafting meaningful and authentic experiences for families is our specialty. Since 2009, we have helped 1000’s of families turn their travel dreams into reality. As parents/travel experts ourselves, we have personally tested, vetted, jetted, and indulged in the very best of Italy with our children, and have all the answers to help you create the perfect getaway. You can feel confident knowing your trip will be full of age-appropriate activities and tours that are educational and fun for the whole family.

How does the travel planning process work?

Traveling Italy with Nancy Aiello Tours is easy. Here’s how it works:

You tell us how you like to travel by filling out a custom request form that covers your interests, budget, preferred pace of travel, etc.
Then one of our local travel designers will reach out to discuss the preferences indicated in your trip request.
Your personal travel designer will begin designing your private trip (taking your feedback into account along the way).
You’ll have the opportunity to review the itinerary and provide feedback to your travel designer, who will make revisions until everything is perfect.

You can find out more about our personalized, bespoke trip planning service here.

What information do you need from me in order to build a custom itinerary?

We can help you realize your Italy travel dreams if you give us an idea of what kind of experience you seek. Please provide us with the details on the trip you are considering and the activities you’d like to engage in. The more information you can share with us, the better your trip will be. Helpful details include:

how many people (including their ages and interests)
travel dates (arrival and departure dates)
accommodation preferences
the special occasion behind your trip
personal style and pace of travel (e.g. whether you’re a museum person or not, whether you’re a see-it-all or leisurely traveler)
the type of experiences you are looking forward to

How long does it take to plan the trip?

It depends on a variety of factors (i.e. how far in advance of the trip you contact us, hotels availability, complexity of the itinerary, changes you may decide to make along the way). We’ve planned trips in as little as a week, while others have taken months to finalize. The more advance notice we have, the faster and easier it is to plan the trip as some accommodations and activities get booked up 6-12 months in advance, especially over peak travel periods. If you wait until the last minute, it’s invariably more difficult to secure availability.

Last-minute requests require an extra degree of flexibility and the planning process gets compressed. Some destinations, such as Rome, Puglia and Amalfi Coast, should be planned way in advance (think 10-12months prior to departure). And if you want to travel over the Christmas/New Year holidays or during summer season, please give us plenty of notice.

How do you choose the hotels you recommend?

Over the last 14 years, we developed an amazing list of tried and tested accommodations that satisfies our high standards for quality. We only recommend hotels we have personally approved and think you will love. Your personal travel consultant would be pleased to discuss the options available to you during the trip planning process.

How do you plan trips?

Our approach in preparing your Travel Plan is to assess not only your interests, but also any previous Italian travel experiences you may have had. First-time visitors seek a week or two that will enrich their knowledge of the country and lifestyle, while providing the perfect Italian experience.

Those who are returning for their second, fifth, or tenth visit usually want to recapture what made earlier visits so enchanting while also extending both knowledge and appreciation of Italy. Take a look at our sample itineraries for insight into how we optimize your journey through Italy.

What class of hotels does Nancy Aiello Tours offer?

We stick to 4- and 5-star hotels that we have personally vetted.

Can you organize Italian vacations for LGBTQ travelers?

Yes, we can and we do frequently. Indeed members of our team have firsthand experience of LGBTQ travel within Italy.

Can you help me with rental villa and apartment reservations?

Nancy Aiello Tours does not promote any property or service that has not been experienced firsthand. We are unable to work with Airbnb and VRBO as they do not allow for proper screening of their properties. If you plan on using home and apartment rentals, please let us know this at the beginning of the process. We are unable to book these on your behalf.

Do you provide price breakdowns?

Your custom-tailored itinerary is offered as a completely bespoke package with no breakdown of the prices for its different components. As a tour operator, we receive contracted and confidential, bundled rates from our partners that include non-disclosure clauses, which is standard practice in the luxury travel-planning world.

Sometimes we can provide a partial breakdown by type of expense (e.g., accommodations, private touring, transportation, etc.). In addition, we send you links to the accommodations we recommend so you can make informed decisions. If you need to cut costs, explain that you’d feel more comfortable investing X thousand euros in this trip, and ask your personal advisor how they would suggest that you reach that figure.

What is included in the price of your private trip packages?

Every private trip package indicates a list of inclusions and exclusions, such as accommodations, in-country transportation, experiences, meals, and so on. That being said, there are some things that are generally not included in your trip price such as travel insurance, flights, visas, city taxes, tips and gratuities, personal expenses and most meals.

How does Nancy Aiello Tours' rates compare with other Tour Operators and Travel Agencies?

Some travel companies tout their access to discounts, but the main reason travelers book through us is to gain access to our firsthand knowledge of Italy and extensive network throughout the country. Not only will we help you dream up a completely unique itinerary through our personalized trip-planning process, but we’ll also save you countless hours expertly coordinating the nitty-gritty logistics of your trip.

Although we aim to provide the best possible value for your trip, we focus on creating outside-the-box itineraries with personally vetted hotels, activities, and transportation. We compete on personalized service and meaningful experiences, not price. If you are looking for the best deal, perhaps we are not for you.

How much is the cost of a custom Italian vacation with Nancy Aiello Tours?

Each trip is a custom made creation for each client, so unfortunately we can't tell you in advance how much your trip will cost. It depends on:

Which hotels you include
Which tours you include
What type of transportation you use
The number of travelers in your party
When you visit
How long you stay
And a whole lot of other factors

For a rough estimate, our trips typically cost between €700-1200 per person per day excluding airfare (based on a 2-person trip). This estimate would include all hotels, ground transfers, guided excursions, trip planning services and support as follows:
Customized travel planning for your style. Insider recommendations for immersive authentic experiences.
4-star and up accommodations. All of your accommodations selected based on your taste and priorities.
Private tours & experiences. Unique private tours and experiences with local experts, curated around your interests — along with as much free time as you’d like.
Ground transport. Your in-country transport and expertly planned logistics in line with your preferences— with private drivers and/or by high-speed trains.
Essential pre-departure information. Customized information to help you prepare for your trip, and answers to any questions you may have.
In-country support. Personalized assistance during your Italian vacation.

Obviously, the final price of your trip can change based on the specifics of your unique itinerary along with factors such as your travel days and dates (your trip may cost more if you travel during peak season).

What if I don't see the tour package I want?

We are happy to customize one for you! We’ve been handcrafting luxury travel for more than 13 years. Fill out our Custom Italy Trip Planning form to give us an idea of your unique travel style and what you’re looking for in a vacation.

How do you design your family trips?

Each private tour is unique and created on a family-by-family basis with itineraries considering children’s ages, current school curriculum and personal interests to engage, educate and (most importantly) make sure the whole family has fun.

Are the destinations listed in your website the only places you plan trips?

No, we’ve got a bunch of other destinations in Italy, fresh or developing expertise up our sleeve. So if you’re wondering where else we can help, just contact us and we’ll give you a straight answer.

Do your tours include skip the line access?

Yes. All of our private tours include skip the line access as standard. This means that we pre-reserve timed-entry tickets to avoid the lines.

Should I tip my guide?

Tipping is not compulsory in Italy. However, it is a great reward for outstanding service. If you were pleased with the service offered, then rewarding your guide with a tip is really appreciated!

Do I need to bring my confirmation email on the day of the tour?

We strongly encourage you to bring your booking confirmation email in order to be at the right place at the right time, and to have a telephone number to call in case something should happen.

How to book your tours?

Browse the tours we offer and choose the ones you would like to book. Complete the request form of your tour. We will reply within 24 hours (or 48 hours on weekends) with availability and price. Upon confirmation we will send over a payment link for that.

Do you take last-minute bookings?

We will do our best to accommodate your last-minute request however, it may not be always possible due limitations in guides, ticket availability, etc. We strongly encourage you to book as far in advance as possible in order to avoid disappointment!

Will you pre-purchase skip the line tickets?

Yes, absolutely. We will purchase your admission tickets as soon as you book for your tour with us.

How will my tour be confirmed?

As soon as we receive your order, we will request our guide's availability, as well as availability for any relevant museum tickets. Once we have reconfirmed the service, we will email you a voucher document. The voucher will include all the service details, such as time, date, description, and meeting point with the guide. You will use the voucher to redeem the service in Italy.

You can expect to receive your voucher within 3 business days of placing your order. Please note that the processing of some tours may take longer. It is best to book at least 4 weeks before your departure date.

Where will I meet my guide?

The meeting point depends on the particular tour chosen. In some cases, it will be at your hotel; in others, it will be at the first site on the itinerary. The meeting point and instructions are explained on the tour voucher, which you'll receive once the service has been confirmed.

Are museum and entrance tickets included in the tour?

For tours where an advance museum reservation is required, the cost is included in the tour price, and Nancy Aiello Tours will take care of reserving the spots. For places where it is not possible to make an advance reservation (such as churches or other small sites), you will need to pay the ticket costs on location.

Do walking tours include transportation?

Private walking tours do not include transportation. If you would like to add a private vehicle with driver to your itinerary, we are happy to provide you with a quote for the additional service. Please include the request in your initial email inquiry or contact us directly.

What is Nancy Aiello Tours schedule?

We do not have a set schedule of tours; all our guided services are designed as private tours for you and your traveling party. As soon as we receive your order for a specified date, we contact our extensive list of specially vetted guides for their availability.

When will my credit card be charged?

Your card will be charged once we have confirmed the availability of our guide and any museum tickets for your requested date and time. If for some reason we are unable to confirm your tour, we will notify you and your card will not be charged.

How do I pay?

Payment can be made by credit card. We also accept bank transfers. Note that payment via bank transfer is only accepted if the start date of your tour is more than a month away. For full payment details, please read our Booking Terms & Conditions.

What are your payment terms for private trip packages?

Once you’re 100% happy with your custom itinerary, we’ll process any deposits required and start booking all your hotels, transportation and touring. To secure reservations on a trip departing within 90 days, a full payment is required at the time of booking. We highly recommend you take out travel insurance at this stage. Final payment is required 90 days prior to your tour start date. Our Booking Terms & Conditions outline the payment details.

What are your payment terms for private day tours & private shore excursions?

For private tours and private shore excursions we require payment in advance by credit card through Stripe. Our Terms & Conditions outline our booking procedures.

Why are your prices in Euros?

We’re an Italian travel company based in Italy and hence all of the prices for Nancy Aiello Tours services are quoted in Euros currency “€”, which is the local currency here. We have designed our pricing structure based around the local currency where we're providing our service. By quoting in Euro this gives you the best price and exchange rate. Companies who quote in US dollars for Italian travel are marking up the price to compensate for the exchange rate. Nancy Aiello Tours does not hide any fees in its pricing and gives you the price in the currency it is issued.

When can I contact Nancy Aiello Tours?

Nancy Aiello Tours’ hours are from 9:00 am until 6:00 pm Central Standard Time, Monday through Friday. Nancy Aiello Tours is not open on Saturday or Sunday. You may contact us by e-mail at any time, however, should you try to contact us outside of normal business hours, we will not be able to assist you until the following business day.

Are there any clothing restrictions when visiting sites in Italy?

Churches in Italy and other religious sites have a dress code that requires shoulders and knees to be covered. This means no sleeveless shirts and no short skirts, dresses or shorts. During the hot summer months, ladies can keep a scarf in their bags to drape over their shoulders and men should wear longer shorts.

Do I need vaccinations before traveling to Italy?

Vaccinations are not normally required to enter Italy. However, please check with your government’s health authorities for their latest advice, especially in light of the ever-evolving Covid-19 situation.

Do I need visa?

Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter Italy.

Do I need a passport?

Yes. For entry into Italy, your passport must have at least six months validity remaining beyond your planned date of departure from the Schengen area. It is best to look at your passport’s expiration date before booking your travels.

When is the best time of year to visit?

The simple answer is anytime! Italy is truly an excellent destination year-round and we usually recommend taking advantage of any opportunity to visit, regardless of the season. Generally, we personally feel the months between March and May, and the months of September and October are the best all-round times to visit. The off-season months between November and February can also be great options to experience our country with fewer crowds. The downside at this time is that some coastal properties in the Italian Riviera and the Amalfi Coast are seasonal and close down for the winter. Beginning of June through August are the busiest time of the year.

Which destinations are popular for arts and cultural trips?

Italy’s contribution to the art world is immeasurable. If you’re keen on arts tours or cultural vacations, you can’t go past cities like Rome, Florence and Venice.

How long should I spend in Italy?

We recommend at least a week, if not longer. With 7-10 days, you can get a good introduction to Italy and with 2 weeks or longer you can experience even more.
When possible we recommend devoting as much time as you can to your trip, so you can visit more places and minimize rushing around. On the other hand, even with a limited schedule you can have a profound, fulfilling trip. For travel inspiration, here are some trip ideas.

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