DISCOVER THE WONDERS OF NORTHERN ITALY
TOUR, TASTE, EXPERIENCE LIKE A LOCAL WITH ME
Valentina
Your Local Guide
"Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life."
For me, this isn’t just a quote—it’s my reality. Since I was young, I’ve had a deep passion for traveling, meeting people from all over the world, discovering new cultures, and broadening my horizons. This passion led me to earn a degree in foreign languages and a master’s in tourism, and since 2007, I have been working in the travel industry, turning my vocation into my profession.
Being a guide is more than just a job; it’s a privilege. I proudly represent Italy—its fascinating history, vibrant culture, and cherished traditions. I invite you to experience a side of Italy off the beaten paths, to uncover hidden gems, savour our traditions, and see Italy through the eyes of those who call it home.
By the time you return, you won’t just have visited Italy—you will have lived it. You’ll take a piece of it with you, and who knows? Maybe a little bit of Italy will stay in your heart.
Let’s make your tour unforgettable.
NATIONAL LIST OF TOURIST GUIDES
Iscrizione n° 01000322
TOURS
LAKE MAGGIORE
The Lake that embraced me. Come with me to discover Its botanical gardens, unique in Italy, its artistic treasures, and its elegance that enchanted tourists since the 19th century.
Tour with me its three islands:
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Isola Bella: home to the Borromeo Palace with its unexpected artistic treasures, the Italian-style garden filled with the scent of citrus fruits, and a thousand shades of color from rhododendrons and azaleas.
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Isola Madre: featuring its botanical garden—one of the oldest in Italy—filled with rare plants and essences.
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Isola dei Pescatori: taking us back to island life a century ago, with its authentic flavors and charming views.
We can also explore Villa Taranto, with its magnificent gardens, or enjoy a relaxing boat tour, rocked by the warm sun, discovering Art Nouveau villas or famous landmarks such as the Hermitage of Santa Caterina, Baveno, Stresa, and Arona. And why not travelling further to Switzerland?
LAKE COMO
One of the most famous lakes in the world, full of places to explore and visit.
I can organize a boat tour to take you to discover its most famous villas, from those owned by celebrities (George Clooney) to those featured in films and exclusive weddings. I'll reveal all its secrets to you!
We can visit one of its stunning villas open to the public:
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Villa Balbianello
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Villa Carlotta
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Villa Melzi
But that's not all—we can also explore Bellagio and Varenna, with their charming and famous landscapes.
Finally, the city of Como, with its historic center, monuments, and art: a deep dive into the city's breathtaking scenery and the lives of its most illustrious citizens.
LAGO D'ORTA
A lake with a thousand personalities, home to some of Italy’s finest manufacturing excellences. Less famous but definitely my favourite!
I will guide you through
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The medieval historic center
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The Sacro Monte: a UNESCO World Heritage
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San Giulio Island, with its secrets, legends, and its characteristic Basilica church.
MILANO
The city where I was born and raised. You will discover with me its history, culture, and spirit, but also its flavors. Of course, I will take you to discover its most famous landmarks:
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The Duomo
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The Galleria
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The Sforza Castle
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La Scala
But, depending on your interests, I can also show you its hidden corners: Renaissance Milan, Leonardo da Vinci’s Milan, 20th-century Milan, contemporary Milan, and even the Milan of the future.
Art, architecture, and great food will be the start of our journey.
FOOD TOUR
Thanks to my family who ran a deli shop in Milano I have not only a great passion for food and wine but also a unique source of contacts and places to design incredible food tours in the Northern Italy. From the renowned wineries of the Langhe to the authentic flavors of Emilia-Romagna, from the cheeses of Valtellina to the gourmet markets of Milan, I will guide you through the region’s finest specialties. Tastings, visits to local producers, and routes through vineyards and historic villages will make your journey an unforgettable experience.
TAILOR MADE TOURS
Let me know your desires and those of your travel companions, your tastes, and your interests. I can help you organize the best experience to your chosen destination.
I will assist you in planning your day in the best possible way, so you can enjoy your tour without worries. On this page, I have suggested various destinations, but my expertise goes far beyond these. Feel free to contact me for other destinations or interests.
WORDS FROM MY CLIENTS
Catie Liggett
DATE:
9 febbraio 2025
RATING:
5/5
Val was the best tour guide I could have hoped for! She led my college group around Italy and made it absolutely perfect. She rolled with our requests to make extra stops and gave us inside tips of places we should check out that aren't as marketed- and how to discern authentic gelato. I still think back to this trip and would love to schedule more with her in the future!!
Todd Kuethe
DATE:
6 febbraio 2025
RATING:
5/5
I’ve had the pleasure of taking several tours with Valentina (Tina). Each time, she tailored the experience to suit the unique interests and needs of our group. Valentina not only highlights the must-see attractions but also shares hidden gems that often go unnoticed in typical guidebooks. Above all, her professionalism, expertise, engaging personality, and sense of humor turn every tour into a memorable highlight of the trip.
Bergen
DATE:
8 febbraio 2025
RATING:
5/5
I took a tour with Valentina(Tin) back in 2021 with EF tours through the French Riviera. I have to say she is one of the funniest, kindest and most knowledgeable tour guide you will ever get. I hope one day to go back and do another tour with her again. Also her travel campion Luigi is adorable.
Ryan Irvani
DATE:
10 febbraio 2025
RATING:
5/5
I had Valentina as my tour guide in Italy as a part of a school trip. It was the most memorable trip I have had, and which in no small part is due to Valentina’s expertise on Italian culture and her lively and charming personality. Thank you Ms. Tina!
LET’S DESIGN
OUR TOUR
TOGETHER