Grand Hotel Tremezzo - the Best Hotel on Lake Como

October 22, 2014 Marlene Iaciofano

I may have blogged about this hotel before but let me refresh your memory. I brought a group of twenty to this divine hotel . We spent our last 3 nights of the tour here. What better place can you be on Lake Como than at this hotel!

The rooms both lake view and park view are excellent. The staff is friendly and helpful. The food is delicious and let me say the breakfast each morning was beyond your imagination.

The terraces, there are two of them, give you a front row view of Lake Como so while you enjoy your breakfast and dinner you can enjoy the sights on the lake. A great time to enjoy the vistas are later in the afternoon while you are sipping your cocktail served by the best bartender, Max, who watches over all the hotel guests staying at the hotel. If you are on the terrace about 5pm you may be lucky to hear the church bells ringing from across the lake.

Going to Milan? Don't Miss the Duomo!

September 19, 2014 Marlene Iaciofano

When I was a child I used to constantly look over the many pictures of Italy that my father took while he served in WW II. The one that stood out most was a picture of the Duomo in Milan. As a child I marveled at the architect and thought someday I am going to Italy to see that.

Years passed and my passion for visiting Italy grew and finally, better late than never, I did manage to take my first trip to Italy and I was hooked. So much so that I created Gourmet Getaways. Through the years of working with clients and putting together their itinerary I would suggest to them that they visit Milan and many of them had no desire. They felt Milan was too industrial and chaotic.

Well, two years ago I decided to take the family to Italy and travel to the northern parts, so we landed in Milan. As we were having the driver take us to Verona I decided that we had to stop to see the Duomo in Milan. Why anyone would bypass this magnificent wonder of the world I have no idea. It truly is something that should not be missed. At this point this is all we had time for and we got back in the van and headed to Verona. Since I decided at the last minute to see the Duomo I could not secure tickets to see the Last Supper this time!

Last year I was approached by a well satisfied client who asked me if I was considering creating a tour of Northern Italy and by chance I was. So I have created a wonderful tour and we are set to go in a few weeks. Cannot wait and of course I have included a visit to the Duomo. I have also secured tickets for everyone to view the Last Supper.

So remember:  Put the Duomo on your bucket list for Italy! — So remember: Put the Duomo on your bucket list for Italy!

More About Gelato in Italy

June 24, 2014 Marlene Iaciofano

While traveling with a group of travel agents in June to the Italian Riviera I did some homework before leaving. As you know I am a gelato-holic ! Since we were going to San Remo, Rapallo, Santa Margherita and Portofino I wanted to make sure I carved out a few minutes in each area to have some gelato.

I have been disappointed in some gelato while traveling in Italy but this time it I was more than pleased with the three selections.

After finishing out tour in San Remo the bus stopped not far from the hotel to let a few of us off in front of the gelateria – Gelateria Vecchia Matuzia on Corso Matuzia. Of course we all enjoyed our gelato as we walked back to the hotel.

One afternoon we took the ferr y to Portofino for lunch and a quick visit. A quick visit it was to this charming little port and of course while I was waiting for the ferry back to Santa Margherita I spotted a gelato bar. I could not resist! While making my selection I noticed the chef creating another batch and storing it in stainless steel drums. I know I was in the right place. Gelateria Bar San Greiogio has a wonderful selection and I was in heaven.

While walking back from the ferry to the hotel in Santa Margherita I spotted another gelateria and decided that I would try that one after dinner.  There were a few of us agents that decided we wanted pizza and wine for dinner that night. … — While walking back from the ferry to the hotel in Santa Margherita I spotted another gelateria and decided that I would try that one after dinner. There were a few of us agents that decided we wanted pizza and wine for dinner that night. After our dinner we walked back to the hotel and of course stopped for gelato at *Lato G.* All of us were extremely pleased so much so that one of the agents went back for another helping.
So if you are in these areas of Italy please go to these gelaterias. You will not be disappointed.

Pick Pocket

June 18, 2014 Marlene Iaciofano

I was traveling on a FAM trip this past June with 15 other travel agents doing sight inspections at hotels in Nice, San Remo and the Italian Riviera. We also had the chance to visit Cinque Terre.

We were traveling by train to Cinque Terre which is very congested with tourists. So much so that in all the train stations there are notices about pick pockets.

While on the train one of the agents said to me and a few other ladies, "Put your purse in front of you". When we got off the train some of us were pushed and shoved. The gentleman traveling with us became a victim of a pick pocket. His wallet, cash and credit cards were taken. So I warn everyone to be cautious. It happens to the best of us!

Please read my recommendations for traveling abroad.

Before you depart the US please call your credit card and debit card company and alert them of your travels.

Make two photo copies (front and back) of your credit card and debit card. Leave one home with someone that is not traveling with you and take the other copy with you and put it in the room safe.
Make two photo copies of your passport and leave one home and take the other with you.
When touring take with you the copy of the passport and leave the passport in the room safe.
Also write down the numbers of the credit card customer service and keep that in the room safe. Also you may want to enter those numbers on your cell phone.

It is always best for the men to use money belts as these pickpockets can easily reach inside your pants pocket. They are pros at recognizing tourists.

Also here is a link you may want to look at: http://clothingarts.com/

My Relationship with JDB Fine Hotels

April 22, 2014 Marlene Iaciofano

Every year I have the privilege of attending the JDB seminar. Who is JDB you ask? JDB Fine hotels and resorts is my supplier for Italy! I have been using this supplier for more than 15 years now and never have I had a disappointed client! When I send my clients to Italy and use JDB they are catered to! Judith Baer created this company more than 33 years ago and stands by every hotel she represents. Each year she brings the managers of these fine hotels to the US so that her agents, me, can personally meet everyone one of the managers and establish a working relationship with them.

The benefits of booking with JDB! Let me explain this little scenario: As I was talking with one of the managers I explained how I wanted to book a family at his resort in Tuscany. Both of us know that the internet can be your friend or enemy! It is ok to do some research on the web but leave the booking to us agents! HE reinforced my feelings about the internet. When he gets a booking from the internet, and also one from JDB, understand that he is going to give the better room to the agent’s client that has booked his/her client through JDB! Enough said? Also understand that my client will be treated with the utmost care and attention.

Understand another fact: Many of your friends that have been to Italy think they are the travel agent and can do a fantastic job planning your trip. I don’t think so! They do not have access to the best guides, restaurant suggestion etc. Going to Italy once does not make a travel agent! Don’t be alarmed if your agent charges you a consultation/booking fee. It is a small price to pay for their expertise and knowledge when putting together your dream vacation.

I have been attending these JDB seminars for more than 15 years and I cannot tell you how much I look forward to them. I also enjoy Judy’s presentations each year. She definitely is an inspiration.

You can always count on Gourmet Getaways using the hotels that JDB represents. I always have and always will.

Nullam id dolor elit

Integer posuere erat