Nim and Linda McConnell-Anderson, SC-June 2010
My wife and I along with 2 other couples just returned from a 2 week tour of Italy arranged by Joyce Falcone. Everything from the initial planning stages to our return trip to the States went off without a hitch. We visited Rome, Tuscany, Liguria and Venice. Joyce arranged all of our hotels, transportation needs, restaurants, tours, tickets to events etc. She drove us around herself for most of the trip in a large van which was great. Her knowledge of Italy and its history was remarkable and really enhanced our travel experience. She let us set whatever pace we wanted and was always there when we wanted to change directions or split up and go different places.
All 3 couples thought this was one of the best trips we had taken.. With Joyce having made all of our arrangements and driving us around it truly was one of the most relaxing vacations I ever taken. If I ever go back to Italy I will call Joyce and just let her handle it all again.
The Italian Concierge, worth every penny.
Anna and Mike Erickson-May 2010
"Mike and I were blessed by your concern before, during and after our car experience. You have a wonderful gift in planning, encouraging, and communicating the Italian Experience. The trip was truly unforgettable."
Loretta & Bob Hamilton-Uniontown, OH-January 2010
Joyce worked tirelessly on our itinerary for six months. She listened to us, made suggestions, offered advice and recommended special places,. My husband mentioned he would like to visit the Caesar Guerini factory in Brescia.. Joyce went out of her way, doing research and making many phone calls, to secure a visit to the Caesar Guerini factory for Bob.
All of our accommodations (there were 16) were delightful and
many were unique.All the local guides Joyce selected were excellent and her tour
suggestions right on.
Our trip was wonderful. It was on-budget, everything went as planned, we visited all the places we'd chosen and discovered many others thanks to Joyce's expert guidance. Joyces love of Italy is palpable, her enthusiasm contagious and her knowledge of Italy, especially the unique & less known places, exceptional.
While we were in Italy, she watched over us like a mother hen, checking periodically to see that all was well, and if we had any questions or problems that required resolution.
Over the past sixteen years, we've traveled frequently in Europe, including Italy. This was our best trip. When we next visit Italy, Joyce will be planning our trip. We would
recommend Joyce Falcone to anyone who plans a trip to Italy or Sicily.
She is the best!
Dario Santana-San Diego, CA-Italy-June 2009
I contacted several specialists.. and within minutes had an answer from Joyce Falcone, The Italian Concierge. "Her promptness weighed heavily in my decision, however, I also liked her flexibility, the fact that she was willing to act as a consultant or advisor.
. "I signed an agreement that obligated me to consume three hours of her time at a very reasonable rate and within hours I was receiving suggested itineraries, pointers on train travel, recommended hotels, names and contact information for tour guides, restaurants, and much more
As I began to make reservations, I ran into snags"Joyce was always back in touch with me within minutes (she makes good use of her PDA) and always with a good disposition and a willingness to help even when my e-mails arrived on a Sunday or late evenings.
I have nothing but praise for Joyce Falcone, there was not a single aspect of the trip that we did not enjoy the places she recommended were the right ones, the hotel properties were truly special, the tour guides were very knowledgeable, and restaurants were awesome everything clearly chosen by someone who knows Italy. "AND, it was all done at a very reasonable price; I never went over the initial allotment of three hours.
"If the trip is to Italy then, Joyce Falcone is the specialist for you."
J Weiss-California-Private itinerary-May 2009
I cannot recommend Joyce Highly enough. Her recommendations were clear and on target. She had paid for everything we agreed upon well before our trip. " I would use her again anyday. .... All in all it was a wonderful trip and we could not have done it without your help..
Private Family Trip To Northern Italy, February 2007. A. Chandler, Washginton DC.
"I wanted to tell you again how the memories of our trip are still in our conversations. I tell everyone it was a dream trip. You made that happen Thanks again for your personal touch and enthusiasm. You are the best tour guide we could ever have."
Private Itinerary Plan for the Hoffman Family, January 2007. D. Hoffman, Yardley, PA
"Every Once in a while if you are lucky, you stumble upon a diamond in a given field. That is exactly what happened when we found you-by accident no less! You not only took every concern and caution our of planning our family trip to Italy, but you opened new and unexpected vistas to us .Your customer service has been tops; you never once made us feel uncomfortable about our budget; you were understanding and accommodating to our health and dietary needs; and you were right on board thinking about the needs of our children....When we completed our trip plan with you I told my husband for the umpttnth time, how much I loved working with you and how grateful I felt for the guidance you provided."
Joe Longo New Jersey Private Planned Trip, October 2007
Noteworthy is her total immersion in the trip. She has a great feel for Italy and it is most obvious that she has traveled it from head to toe (pun intended). She knows it ... she feels it. In fact, one might say she lives and breaths it!............. Joyce Falcone is super woman and I am most pleased to recommend her to anyone and would be happy to speak with anyone that wanted a first hand reference.
The Cooking School of Aspen-Emiglia Romagna, May 2004. Karol and Lance -Michigan
Thank you so much for sharing your love of Italian food, wine culture, love of countryside....In truth the entire trip was filled with life long memories. We have expanded our love of Italy and became more world citizens thanks to you which is exactly what "travel" is,
J. Berger-Washington DC, August 2001
Joyce's services and expertise came to the attention of my wife and I through Joyce's work for the International Travel Division of the Smithsonian, for which Joyce plans and leads tripsMy wife and I are experiences travelers but very busy.Joyce provided the perfect solution. "For a reasonable hourly rate, we relied on her for suggestions on Italian cities to visit, restaurants, hotels, sites, travel, car rental, weather, etc. "Her advice was excellent and we had a great time.... I have enthusiastically recommended her to several friends and clients