Everything You Need to Know
Your Questions, Answered
Planning a luxury trip to Italy is a deeply personal endeavour. Here are the questions we hear most often — answered honestly and in full.
About Exquisitely Italy
What is Exquisitely Italy?
Exquisitely Italy is a boutique luxury travel concierge, based in the U.S. and founded by Janet, a Florence-based Italy specialist with over a decade of firsthand expertise. We craft bespoke, white-glove journeys through Italy — from private villa stays and exclusive cultural access to personally curated itineraries for discerning travelers. Unlike large travel agencies or booking platforms, we offer one-on-one concierge planning, deep local relationships, and end-to-end support from first consultation to final farewell.
Who is Janet, and why does her expertise matter?
Janet is the founder and sole curator behind Exquisitely Italy. A trained pastry chef, writer, and Florence resident who splits her time between Italy and the U.S., she has spent over a decade building relationships with the people, places, and hidden corners that make Italy extraordinary. Every itinerary is shaped by her personal knowledge — not a database. When you work with Exquisitely Italy, you work directly with Janet.
How is Exquisitely Italy different from a regular travel agency?
Most travel agencies work from a catalogue of pre-packaged tours and hotel partnerships. Exquisitely Italy starts with you — your interests, your pace, your idea of the perfect Italian journey. Janet personally curates every element, drawing on a decade of local relationships to unlock experiences that simply aren't available through standard booking channels: private after-hours museum access, dinners with winemaking families, stays in unlisted villas, and introductions to artisans who don't advertise.
Is Exquisitely Italy affiliated with Virtuoso or other luxury travel networks?
Exquisitely Italy is an independent boutique concierge, not affiliated with Virtuoso, American Express Travel, or similar networks. Our value comes from Janet's personal relationships and firsthand knowledge — not from network commissions or preferred-supplier agreements. This independence means every recommendation is made because it's genuinely the best choice for you.
Planning Your Italy Trip
What regions of Italy do you specialise in?
We plan journeys across all of Italy, from the lakes and vineyards of the north — Milan, Lake Como, Brescia, Franciacorta — to Venice and Verona, the Dolomites, and the food and wine country of Emilia-Romagna, including Bologna, Modena, and Parma. Further south, we cover Tuscany, Liguria, Rome and Florence, the Amalfi Coast, Puglia, and Calabria, as well as the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. Wherever you're drawn to, we know these places intimately and can craft an experience that goes far beyond the guidebook.
How far in advance should I book a luxury Italy trip?
For the best availability — especially for private villas, exclusive experiences, and peak summer travel — we recommend beginning the planning process at least four to six months in advance. For travel in July and August, or for milestone events like honeymoons and anniversaries, six to twelve months is ideal. That said, we can often work magic with shorter lead times, so don't hesitate to reach out even if your trip is sooner than you'd like.
What is the best time of year to visit Italy?
Italy is beautiful year-round, and each season has its own kind of magic. Spring brings the countryside into full bloom, with wildflowers and blossoms across the hillsides and gardens waking up after winter. Autumn is harvesting season — the grape and olive harvests are in full swing; the light turns golden, and the pace of life slows with the changing season. Summer is peak season, full of energy and long sun-soaked days, but it also brings intense heat, especially inland and in the cities, and we often recommend avoiding travel during the height of summer if your schedule allows. Winter has its own quiet charm — the towns are peaceful, dressed in holiday lights and Christmas markets, and it's the perfect season for those drawn to skiing and other winter sports in the Dolomites and the Alps. We'll help you choose the timing that best suits your vision.
Can you plan a honeymoon or anniversary trip to Italy?
Absolutely — romantic milestone travel is one of our specialities. Italy is one of the world's great honeymoon destinations, and we know exactly how to make it feel personal and unforgettable: a private villa with a pool overlooking the Tuscan hills, a candlelit dinner on the Amalfi Coast, a sunrise gondola in Venice before the crowds arrive. We handle every detail so you can simply be present.
Do you plan family trips or multigenerational travel to Italy?
Yes. Italy is a wonderful destination for families and multigenerational groups, and we have extensive experience designing trips that work beautifully for everyone — from grandparents to young children. We find the right pace, the right properties, and the right mix of experiences so that every member of the group feels the magic of Italy.
Experiences & Itineraries
What kinds of experiences can you arrange in Italy?
The full range — and then some. Private cooking classes with local nonnas, after-hours access to the Vatican Museums and Uffizi Gallery, wine tastings at family-owned estates in Barolo and Chianti, private boat charters along the Amalfi Coast, truffle hunting in Umbria, opera evenings in Milan, artisan workshops in Florence, and intimate dinners in places that don't take reservations. If it exists in Italy and it's extraordinary, we can find a way to make it happen.
Can you arrange private villas in Italy?
Yes — private villa curation is one of our signature services. We have access to a carefully vetted collection of villas across Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast, Lake Como, Puglia, Sicily, and beyond — many of which are not listed on public rental platforms. We match each villa to your group size, style, and location preferences, and can arrange staffing, private chefs, drivers, and concierge services throughout your stay.
What is a typical luxury Italy itinerary like?
No two itineraries are alike — that's the point. But a typical journey might begin with a few days in Rome or Florence for art, history, and exceptional dining, followed by a slower stay in the Tuscan countryside or along the Amalfi Coast. We weave in private experiences — a morning with a local chef, a private vineyard lunch, an after-hours gallery visit — so that every day feels curated rather than rushed. The pace is always yours to set.
Working With Us
How do I get started with Exquisitely Italy?
The first step is a complimentary consultation — a relaxed conversation where we get to know you, your travel style, and your vision for Italy. From there, Janet will craft a bespoke proposal tailored to your interests, timeline, and budget. There's no obligation, and no pressure. Simply reach out through our consultation page and we'll be in touch within 48 hours.
What does the concierge service cost?
Our planning fees vary depending on the complexity and length of your journey. Rather than billing separately for each hotel, driver, or experience, we build a single all-inclusive package price negotiated directly with our vendors — so you receive one clear number instead of a stack of individual invoices. Our design and concierge fees are built into that price and can vary based on the complexity of your itinerary and the amount of revision involved. We're always upfront about this from the outset, and because many of our vendor rates are in euros, final pricing can also shift slightly with currency exchange fluctuations between planning and travel. During your initial consultation, we'll discuss your budget and outline exactly what's included—and our terms and conditions page has more detail on how pricing works. Our clients consistently tell us that the value of having every detail handled — and handled beautifully — is worth every pe
Do you offer on-trip support while we're in Italy?
Yes. Our service doesn't end when your plane takes off. We provide on-trip support throughout your journey — available to handle any changes, answer questions, or simply reassure you that everything is in hand. You'll travel with the confidence of knowing someone who knows Italy deeply is in your corner.
Still Have Questions?
Let's Talk About Your Italy
The best way to understand what Exquisitely Italy can do for you is a conversation. Book a complimentary consultation and let's start imagining your journey.
Complimentary 30-Minute Consultation
A relaxed, no-obligation conversation with Janet : by Zoom or phone : to explore your vision for Italy and how we can bring it to life.
No obligation. We'll respond within 48 hours.