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Rosanne, We had the trip of a lifetime! Everything flowed so well and it was so great to have everything handled. The tour guides, drivers, and everyone we encountered was so professional and excellent at what they did. We came back with a wealth of information. Thank you for everything!
Rosanne was my family's hero. The details that Rosanne put in place eliminated all worries and stress. I never could have picked up the subtle information from books that Rosanne shared with me during our conversations. Every single one of the restaurants Rosanne suggested was amazing. In assisting me in the planning of the trip, Rosanne took into account theunique needs of my family. Debbie Jacobs, Hinsdale, IL Rosanne, Many, many thanks! This was the trip of a lifetime for all of use. and of course, you were a huge part of that success. We adored Monica and Giuliano! So looking forward to planning our next trip with you. Robyn and David Lupica, Alpharetta, GA Rosanne, it was the trip of a lifetime! David and Patti Hobson, Arlington, VA Ciao Rosanne! We had a fabulous time....THANK YOU for all your help in planning our trip! The girls loved the private tours ~ the guides were wonderful with them! You were right…it was definitely the way to go (NO LINES!!!) The girls asked when we were going back. . . . Grazie mille! Maria Dusky and Family, Hinsdale, IL Rosanne, The time in Rome went by far too quickly but we want to thank you for all of your help. The hotel in Rome was perfect in terms of location, size of the hotel, and the gracious staff. We could walk to everything which is the way to enjoy Rome. Our guide, Sylvia, was so wonderful. We had her for both of our tours so everything could be tied together based on what we had already talked about. We learned so much and know we can learn so much more, but our studies will now have a good focus. I think the only way to do the Vatican for the first time is to do it the way we did with a private tour. Obviously one could spend days there, but this way we were able to put what we had learned to good use in our visits to the other churches in Rome. We feel very blessed that our daughter heard about you because your help made our trip so special and meaningful. John saw our original hotel on our way to the airport yesterday and we were so grateful that you had alerted us to how far away we were going to be if we stayed there. We would have been miserable and would have had to figure out something else once we were there, and with your help we avoided that problem. John and Sallie Stockdill, Edison, NJ We had a wonderful time at the Gran Baita. The staff was so comforting. I am forever changed after the New Years Eve we spent with them. Also, I love Londra Palace. It was a pampered existence different from Baita. We were pampered in both places but in different ways. I got gifts of cd's , hot chocolates and ideas for my teaching music. The staff was incredible at the Baita. I felt like a rock star. I loved every minute of it. I exchanged numbers with several of them and hope they come to the United states to visit. I also loved our driver Ceasar. He was cute , smart, and quiet. I know he was only suppose to drive us places but he was also informative. It was the best time ever. You did a wonderful job. Sandra and David Cefali, Indian Head Park, IL We got back safely today. Rosanne, I can't tell you what a wonderful job you did for us. Everything was wonderful. Thank you so much. Our family is in love with Italy for different reasons---so I know we'll return. Valerie loves the ancient ruins. Natalie is our fashion girl and shopper. I loved the people, the food, and the wine. Eric loves history. We had great weather, great tours. we loved all the hotels, ...... We'll talk soon. Ciao! Patty Yoder and Family, Arlington, VA Mary, The trip was astounding. Thank you for all your help. Dr. John Benedetto & family, Winnetka, IL
Mary, Susan Marshall, Lake Forest, IL Mary--Thanks so much for everything you have done re planning the trip. Working with you to plan the trip really made it all much more fun for me, and your emergency help in re-scheduling things after our flight delay (while you were on your camping trip!) was MOST appreciated. Barbara Rose - Nashville, TN Hi Mary--The Italy portion of our trip was AMAZING, just fantastic. All of the hotels you arranged were just what we wanted and your supporting materials were excellent – so well thought out. All of our feedback – Ischia was exceptional, and Positano great too. Castelllo Gargonza was so cool and the accommodations unique...only wish we could have stayed longer. Thank you again! Mary Evans assisted us with our recent trip to Italy. She was absolutely delightful! She was accommodating, polite, resourceful and most of all dependable! Our trip to Tuscany was an absolute dream. The best vacation ever!!! Bill & Catherine Hauer – Warren, NJ Mary, John & Susan Sidwell – Boulder, CO Thank you so much for all of your help in planning our trip. We were very pleased. The lines at the Vatican were frightful, and having our tour guide was absolutely the only way to go. Betsy Hidaka and 3 women relatives – Glenview, IL Dear Rosanne, Thank you so much for planning our recent trip to Italy. I knew a few of the places we wanted to visit, but I loved the way you filled in the blanks, came up with additional suggestions, and offered unique ideas to make the destinations more interesting. We loved the hotel in Rome, the rooftop pool and bar were incredible. We felt VERY international! The tour guides in Rome were all very well informed and professional. We loved, loved, loved the Villa in Lucca. What a peaceful and wonderful place to relax and use as a base to explore that region. We didn't want to leave. But the most impressive part of your service is that you are never more than a phone call away. I swore I would not call you on our trip, but we did...twice! You were even out of town yourself, but you tended to our requests, and when we were panicked about a long drive back to Rome, you found us the perfect country inn halfway there. We can't thank you enough, and my father-in-law will always remember his trip to the Bedonia area (his parents birth area) and the true meaning of Parmigiano-Reggiano! Dona, Joe, Julia, Joey and Joe Sr. Squeri, Bethesda, MD The Tompkins Family experienced the Triple Crown of Italian Vacations thanks to La Dolce Via Travel. Rosanne, our trip to Venice, Florence and Rome as truly the experience of a lifetime thanks to in large part to your careful planning and attention to the details. The hotel accommodations, the customized tours and of course your restaurant & gelato recommendations were outstanding...Thanks for making this a vacation to remember for the entire family.... The Tompkins Family, Hinsdale, IL Thanks Rosanne – it was a fabulous trip. The Keating Family, Bronxville, NY
Tom and I had a wonderful time! There were absolutely no complications or troubles of any kind. We loved both Rome and Florence and now are talking about when and where we'll take the kids. Thank you for all of your hard work planning our trip. It will be remembered by us forever! By the way, our tour guide, Monica, was fabulous! She was with us for two days in Rome, and was fantastic. A real pro. We both felt she was very worth while having and we learned so much about the history, art, culture, etc. My favorite day was the drive to Florence, driving through Tuscany, and visiting the small towns. It was a delight!
Rome was perfect.... ALL of your suggestions were exactly right. The tour guide was WONDERFUL! All of our expectations were exceeded! Rosanne - Thanks for arranging such a wonderful trip for our family. We loved all three cities that we visited and felt the accommodations and the tours were perfect. Both Grazia in Florence and Fausta in Rome were great. We especially loved Fausta and felt fortunate to have her guide us thru 2 days of tours. I have to add a note about our hotel in Rome. I have owned about 15 hotels in my career and I think I know the hospitality business pretty well. The property is as nice of a place in terms of the building, the decoration, the attention to detail, the rooms, the service, etc. as anything I have ever seen. The Four Seasons in most of its locations is not as nice and I am not exaggerating. It was a fabulous recommendation and one of the many things you did so well for us. Victoria Morhous, Yorkville, IL We had an absolutely fabulous trip! Truly, the most memorable that we've ever taken together as a family. We laughed and talked together, while enjoying the wonderful accommodations, and beautiful tours and excursions of our trip. I felt that through the special accommodations and tours, we got to experience Italy not just as tourists, where you feel 'on the fringe', but as native Italians! Rosanne, for planning such a wonderful trip for us - even your restaurant recommendations were great!
Linda Lozier, Hinsdale, IL
Loved it! Nancy, MK, Dick and I had a super time. The booklets were great because it allowed us to have tons of options tochoose. All hotels could not have been nicer or more accommodating. The tour guides were extremely well versed on their subjects and very easy to work with and find.
Robert Haugen--Grayslake, IL
Thanks so much for putting together such a wonderful trip for Carrie and I. We had a great time and each hotel upgraded us at least one level. Will call you later this week to thank you better. Thanks again so much and talk with you later this week
Skip Gordon—Livonia, MIThe trip was fabulous, ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS. I have talked to 2 couples who want your card! Mary Ellen Heckel--Wauwatosa, WI We had a wonderful fun filled experience. Thank you so much for your help!
Steve Weiss—Palm Harbor, FL Just at the airport to start the journey home. Everything was fanastic. The guided tours were wonderful. Bypassed all the lines and got a great description of everything. Our guide Monica was outstanding. All the drivers were always right on time and did a very prefessional job. Thanks for arranging and booking everything. Could not have any better and we throughly enjoyed everything. The cooking class was unbelievable.
Brent Eshleman, Calgary, Alberta Canada
I have to say that our trip to Italy was the most exciting trip I have ever been on. The guided tours enhanced our experience greatly. We loved all three of our guides-we had the same guide in Rome for both tours! The train travel was so easy and it was great having the tickets to the different exhibits. The last night we went to Croce street in Rome and it was so great having three restaurant recommendations to choose from in your guidebook in the two block area. Then we went to Trevi fountain and threw in our coins and made wishes to return. I just put together a photo album that is being printed through Kodak—that is how much I liked the trip. Thank you, thank you for planning a most memorable trip.
Sarah Shaw--Hinsdale, IL Thank you for putting together a fabulous trip! We had a blast. Your suggestions were top notch. Every one of our tour guides was waiting for us at the appointed time and they were all wonderful. Radda was a dream of a choice and we thoroughly enjoyed the Volpaia wine-tasting tour. Honestly, I can't imagine this trip without your help. It wouldn't have been nearly so perfect. The kids loved everything about Italy. It was a wonderfully broadening experience for them in so many ways. And Keith and I (who had been to Rome and Venice before), fell in love with Tuscany. Absolutely gorgeous country. I can't wait to go back. And when we decide to go again, you'll be the first person I call! Thanks, Rosanne!
Pamela Palmer (Author of "The Dark Gate") Fairfax, VA Hi Rosanne,
The trip was better than fantastic -- perfetto!! We enjoyed Todi, Orvieto, Montefalco, Bevanga and Perugia in the north, and the villa was fantastic. Great views, company, accommodation, and of course, food and wine. Rome was extremely exciting. I must say our tour guide, Erica, was outstanding. I couldn't imagine having done it without her! Thank you for your suggestions; you were right on target with our tours and we thoroughly enjoyed them. Ponte Sisto was fabulous; it was worth it just for the courtyard. Thanks again, Rosanne. You will be highly recommended to everyone! We all have such wonderful memories from Italy (other than having no luggage for 4 days!) and I hope we'll be able to go back someday soon. If we do, we'll certainly use La Dolce Via Travel again!!
Fondly,
Peggy McVicar—Fairfax, VA
Hi Rosanne,
I wanted to let you know what a wonderful time we had! We had the time of our lives and we thank you for everyting you did to make our trip a dream come true. Everything was flawless in terms of tours, accommodations and the sights! Thanks so much. Can't wait to show you our pictures....we can't wait to go back to Italy and we will definitely be in touch with you. Dawne T.—Riverside, IL My experience with La Dolce Via Travel revealed how well Rosanne Cofoid understands Italy, and how she was willing to customize my trip to my family's needs. She offered many useful suggestions, and and a variety of options for accomodations, restaurants, tours, etc. She offered arrangements that were out of the ordinary. I also was impressed with her flexibility, thoroughness, and professionalism when it came to helping me make arrangements. As a result of her efforts, my trip to Italy went very smoothly, and allowed us to enjoy La Dolce Vita!
Joe Conway, Cleveland, OH The trip you set up was great; we had a wonderful time . Each hotel was fantastic and in a great location. Thanks again for all your help, we had a great time and want to go back as soon as we can.
Jeff Liljeberg, Hinsdale, IL Thanks very much, we could not have done this without you! I don't know how we could have booked an apartment like Bollo without you. Thanks for all the special arrangements you made for my son's wheelchair as well. We're already planning to go back again!
Joe Langenfeld, Burr Ridge, IL Ah, Italy. I had dreamed of going there my entire life. Two years ago, I had planned our family trip to Europe...England and Scotland. Using the Internet, guidebooks and word of mouth, I mapped out a vacation for my husband, myslef, and our three young sons. Unfortunately, our kids were bored stiff for the majority of the trip. I did not want to make the same mistake on our Italian adventure. Enter La Dolce Via Travel. When Rosanne Cofoid and I met for the first time to discuss our trip to Italy, I shower her the itinerary I had prepared. She studied it carefully and then suggested that the plan might be a little too "ambitious." Reflecting on our England trip, I knew immediately that she was right.
Rosanne is nothing if not thorough, thoughtful and eager to please her clients so that they experience maximum enjoyment in Italy. She interviewed me for almost two hours in order to ascertain our likes, dislikes, and any special needs or desires to put together the perfect Italian family vacation. She did not disappoint. I was so impressed by her insights, experience, and the extent of her knowledge of everything wonderful that Italy has to offer, especially for families. She worked diligently and with our wishes at heart to plan the most incredible holiday for us. All was in place several months before we were bound for our dream vacation. I was thrilled and so excited. Then it seemed Murphy's Law was hard at work to foil our plans. Much to my dismay, a few weeks before our trip the dates had to be completely changed in order to accommodate my husband's work schedule and my son's tryout ofr freshman soccer team. Distraught, embarrassed, and in a total panic, I called Rosanne. Then a family emergeny arose which placed me out of town in the weeks just prior to our departure. Nothing short of a miracle worker, Rosanne worked patiently and tirelessly to ensure that our dream vacation became a reality. She rearranged EVERYTHING, soup to nuts, and with surprisingly little added expense to us. With Rosanne planning our trip, nothing was left to chance, no detail was overlooked. Travelling to a foreign country where we did not speak the language or know what to expect, the experience was completely stree- and worry-free. Every aspect was taken care of , some things we would not have even tought of or considered. All we had to do was enjoy, and enjoy we did!! The planning was impeccable. My fourteen year old said our villa was the best. Our sons declared "we're coming here next year, too!" Rosanne prepared a personalized guide (over 100 pages!) for our family to delight in Italy to its fullest. The guide included history, geography, mpas, shopping, hiking, rentals, dining, musuems, cathedrals, all types of sightseeing and, most importantly, where to get gelato! (Try the melone, you'll die happy.) The guide was fun, informative, and invluable for negotiating our way through this beautiful country. Because of Rosanne's incredible expertise, perserverence, guidnace, wisdom, and hard work, our Italian vacation was nothing short of wonderful for each and every one of us. Rosanne is simply a delight to work with, always cheerful, always professional, and always wanting the best for her clietnts.
We will visit Italy again and again, but not without the pleasure of La Dolce Via Travel! Dear Rosanne,
Cathie and I can't stop raving about the great trip you arranged for us and the Halligans . It all went like clock-work and far exceeded our expectations - and we have some pretty high standards. The Palio was an experience of a lifetime and thank goodness for your experience in arranging it for us. We would not have known that we needed "seated and not standing" tickets (our rustic Italian had not covered "stare in piedi"). We thank you for encouraging us to attend the contrade dinner -- what fun and we will now alwasy counder the Lupa "our" contrade! The Villa near Cortona was lovely. In fact, we retruned for extra days, canceling a reservation we made after one disappointing night. It is a visual delight, with a friendly, competent staff and a great "al fresco" breakfast and dinner patio. From previous experiences, we thought we know the best hotel in Firenze until you sent us to the Palazzo. It is visually stunning with large rooms, beautiful bathrooms, and lovely antiqueses. You can't beat the view from the terrace bar! You did a wonderful job in selecting hotels and thank you for encouraging us to make the decisions regarding the Palio. We had a wonderful trip and we owe it to you. William C. Thiede
President, POWMET, Inc. Rosanne Cofoid helped our family plan a vacation to Italy. She was amazing! Her efficiency and creativity made our trip full of history, beauty and comfort. We relied completely on her recommendations and suggestions and we were TOTALLY satisfied and DELIGHTED! Rosanne knows the ins and outs of Italy. We felt that we had a friend on the inside. She knew every detail and secret travel info! My daughters and I LOVED her enthusiasm and personal touches. Rosanne even came to our home to meet with us. It was defintely meeting with a friend and someone we would recommend and intend to keep in our lives!!! If everyone could run a business with such style and integrity! Our family trip to Italy was absolutely amazing thanks to Rosanne Cofoid at La Dolce Via Travel. We had three unbelievable weeks, which were expertly planned and perfectly paced. There is no way we could have planned this trip as well on our own. Thanks to Roseanne’s suggestions we were able to save time and money, while still enjoying everything we had hoped to see and do on our trip. Rosanne created a travel guide specifically for our family’s trip, which was like having a personal guide with us every step of the way. Tips from where to park, what time of day to see certain sights, interesting facts about churches and historical sights, as well as restaurant recommendations were priceless. We never had to buy a guidebook or pay for a guide in any city. Rosanne covered every detail. Unlike any other travel agent we’ve ever used, Rosanne didn’t just lay out the major sights and tourist traps. She listened to each of our interests and likes and incorporated them into every suggestion in every city. My husband loves cheese, so she always had restaurants and cheese shops listed that kept him happy. Rosanne listed shops my teenaged daughter loved, as well as all the best gelato places for my son. I love art, so there were interesting facts about specific pieces and artists wherever we went. I know that we saw so many more things that we never would have discovered without Rosanne’s suggestions. We ate in amazing restaurants, stayed in really fun and eclectic hotels, and traveled throughout Italy with ease because of her intense dedication to detail, as well as her absolute love of Italy. Next we want to visit France. We’re just hoping Rosanne decides to expand the borders of La Dolce Via! You do the most incredible job! You are really, really good at what you do. It is obvious that you love your work. We are so impressed with all the detailed information that you have given us. As you may have guessed, Mike is also very detail oriented and he is amazed. Because of your help, this trip is going to be the best it could possibly be. I am laughing to myself because I am thinking that you have saved us from arguing about directions, what to do... Thank you doesn't seem to be enough. You deserve a fantastic trip, Buon Viaggio! Grazie,
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