Your Own Italy
Your Own Italy
5
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About
Your Own Italy is a tour company based in Rome presenting 14 private Vacation Packages throughout Italy as well as the option to "Design Your Own Vacation." Your Own Italy also offers alla carte private transfers, walking tours, wine tastings and culinary experiences for those not needing a full package. For cruise travelers, 18 full-day Shore Excursions depart daily from 5 major ports.
Rome, Lazio, Italy
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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5.0
178 reviews
Excellent
177
Very good
1
Average
0
Poor
0
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0
Daniel P
2 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Thank you Carmen! We are definitely sad to be back in the states after an incredible few weeks in Italy! We cannot thank you and your team enough for curating an insanely memorable experience and certainly a trip of a lifetime. From start to finish our experience was seamless and nothing but enjoyable. Each and every guide and driver enhanced our experience and made this a trip we will never forget. Aside from having to cancel our boat tour of Capri due to weather, our agenda was perfect throughout. Our experience far exceeded our expectations, Thank you!
While there were plenty of highlights, I do have to mention Vittoria who was so great to work with every day. She was proactive and responsive and made our experience stress free. Beginning with our Captain in Como, Carlo and our driver down the Amalfi Coast, Alberto Cocacola:), Gabby in Capri, Stefania, Yevgen and Marco (such a cool tour) in Rome, Antonella in Venice and Mirella in Milan, the entire team provided us with a once in a lifetime experience. If there is anywhere else you would us to leave a review, please let me know as we would be more than happy to do so.
Lastly, the one portion of our trip we booked directly was a private wine experience throughout Tuscany with Tom De Vries of Sommelier's Choice. If you are ever looking for a partner in that region or specific to vineyard tours/experiences, I would highly recommend Tom. This too was another incredible highlight as we stayed in the gorgeous town of Cortona and visited 8 vineyards over 2.5 spectacular days in Tuscany. I would be happy to connect you via email if you have an interest.
Thank you again! We will definitely be in touch when we plan our return trip to Italy
While there were plenty of highlights, I do have to mention Vittoria who was so great to work with every day. She was proactive and responsive and made our experience stress free. Beginning with our Captain in Como, Carlo and our driver down the Amalfi Coast, Alberto Cocacola:), Gabby in Capri, Stefania, Yevgen and Marco (such a cool tour) in Rome, Antonella in Venice and Mirella in Milan, the entire team provided us with a once in a lifetime experience. If there is anywhere else you would us to leave a review, please let me know as we would be more than happy to do so.
Lastly, the one portion of our trip we booked directly was a private wine experience throughout Tuscany with Tom De Vries of Sommelier's Choice. If you are ever looking for a partner in that region or specific to vineyard tours/experiences, I would highly recommend Tom. This too was another incredible highlight as we stayed in the gorgeous town of Cortona and visited 8 vineyards over 2.5 spectacular days in Tuscany. I would be happy to connect you via email if you have an interest.
Thank you again! We will definitely be in touch when we plan our return trip to Italy
Written 30 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Clare
Wisconsin18 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
We've been home for less than a week now and all we can think of is, "a week ago today......". Carmen and her staff were absolutely top notch in every aspect of our trip. We heard about Your Own Italy from an acquaintance and quickly contacted Carmen to begin planning our trip. She inquired as to our interests and provided an itinerary for our review to ensure it matched everything that we wanted to see and do. Carmen's associate, Isabel, was in touch with us each day to provide us with any information needed for the next day, for example, the name of our driver, the restaurant reservations, time to be ready, etc. The coordination by Your Own Italy took ALL anxiety out of this trip and allowed us to fully participate in our dream vacation. Isabel did everything to provide a relaxing and enjoyable trip....and was completely on the mark! There is absolutely no doubt that we will use Carmen and Your Own Italy for our next Italy vacation. Thank you to your entire staff!
Written 1 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jen
20 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
We have just returned from the dreamiest trip to Italy. If you are planning a trip to Italy I highly recommend securing the services of Your Own Italy. The owner, Carmen Carbonelli and her staff, curated the perfect vacation for our family of five.
Carmen paired us with tour guides throughout Rome, Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast (Capri, Sorrento, Positano)and Venice that were perfectly matched for us. They were incredibly knowledgeable, charismatic, and easy to connect with and they were dedicated to just us. We felt like we had known them forever. It was hard to say goodbye to a few of them. Each one could not say enough about Carmen’s commitment to her customers and the passion she has to introduce Italy in the most unique ways to travelers.
Every detail was tended to. The hotels selected were unique and lovely. Every guide and driver was professional and prompt. Carmen’s staff proactively kept in touch with us regularly throughout the trip and were always available for questions.
I cannot recommend the services of Your Own Italy enough and am incredibly grateful for the opportunities that were made available to us.
Carmen paired us with tour guides throughout Rome, Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast (Capri, Sorrento, Positano)and Venice that were perfectly matched for us. They were incredibly knowledgeable, charismatic, and easy to connect with and they were dedicated to just us. We felt like we had known them forever. It was hard to say goodbye to a few of them. Each one could not say enough about Carmen’s commitment to her customers and the passion she has to introduce Italy in the most unique ways to travelers.
Every detail was tended to. The hotels selected were unique and lovely. Every guide and driver was professional and prompt. Carmen’s staff proactively kept in touch with us regularly throughout the trip and were always available for questions.
I cannot recommend the services of Your Own Italy enough and am incredibly grateful for the opportunities that were made available to us.
Written 22 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tori W
1 contribution
Apr 2024 • Family
Our trip with Carmen and Your Own Italy was the trip of a lifetime. We started in Rome - there's just so much to see! I had been before, but our private guides made it a totally new experience. They were all amazing – funny, accommodating, and incredibly knowledgeable. It felt like being shown around by a friend. We scheduled a walking tour for the first day in Florence, which I would definitely recommend! It was a great way to orient ourselves in a new city, to learn about the history and culture, and to get us excited for all that was to come. We packed a TON into a two-week trip and having everything coordinated (especially our transfers) made it not only possible, but worry free. Thank you Carmen and team!!
Written 25 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Journey67055054883
Brentwood, CA1 contribution
Oct 2024 • Family
We (4 of us) recently completed an Amalfi tour that began in Florence and concluded in Rome, and I couldn’t be more impressed. The transfers throughout the trip were seamless, allowing us to enjoy the journey without any stress. The walking tours in each location were incredibly enlightening, offering deep insights into the history and culture of these beautiful cities.
The hotels Your Own Italy arranged were top-notch, providing luxury and comfort at every stop. We also had a few train trips along the way, which were enjoyable and added to the authentic Italian experience. Overall, I’d highly recommend choosing this kind of personalized tour over a cruise. It was an unforgettable way to explore Italy!
The hotels Your Own Italy arranged were top-notch, providing luxury and comfort at every stop. We also had a few train trips along the way, which were enjoyable and added to the authentic Italian experience. Overall, I’d highly recommend choosing this kind of personalized tour over a cruise. It was an unforgettable way to explore Italy!
Written 10 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carol M
Aurora, United States2 contributions
Sept 2024 • Couples
Carmen and her staff made my husband's and my 3-week customized vacation throughout Italy (9/24/2024 - 10/13/2024) a trip of a lifetime - completely stress-free and without a hitch! Everything was perfectly planned and perfectly executed. We stayed in 7 lovely boutique hotels while visiting numerous cities and regions throughout the country. All our train and tour tickets were taken care of, our awesome drivers and amazing and very knowledgeable private guides were always waiting for us at the appointed time and place. Every recommended restaurant was excellent, and seating was reserved for us! Our wonderful concierge, Melissa (who was an absolute joy to work with) was in daily contact and kept us well informed. Even more wonderful was knowing she was available 24-7 should we need anything. Carmen, Melissa and her staff gave us absolutely everything we asked for and so much more than we expected for our Italian vacation! We can't sing high enough praises for "Your Own Italy".
Written 1 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aloysius H
Vienna, VA31 contributions
Sept 2021 • Couples
Thanks to Your Own Italy, I absolutely had the trip of a lifetime, but I can’t take credit for those words, which were the comment of a friend who followed our trip on my Facebook page. I enjoy photography, and the pictures came out fantastic. The wine, food, history, cars, fashion, culture, scenery, art, and seas are not to be missed. Your Own Italy personally knew all the best guides for the private tours, the best dining spots, and the the best lodging for location, style, price, comfort, and convenience, such as our hotel just steps away from the Ponte Vecchio in Florence. Carmen, the proprietor of Your Own Italy who lived in Italy for 30 years and has an office and staff in Rome, was extremely attentive with daily check-ins and made sure every bit of the trip was exciting. As an example, one of the highlights of the trip was the sunset boat tour of the five seaside cities of Cinque Terre. It almost didn’t happen because not one but two of the private tour boats canceled. Carmen would not give up and found us a third captain and boat that took us to swim in the Ligurian Sea, shower in a waterfall, and relax while enjoying the golden hour sun bathed the picturesque mountainside towns in perfect light for photos. Also, Ana was very helpful explaining the COVID travel testing requirements which turned out to be easy with her help. Book with Your Own Italy for the trip of a lifetime!
Written 3 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael F
1 contribution
Aug 2022
We just returned from our trip to Italy planned by Carmen Carbonell. Amazing times 10!!!!! If you are looking for personalized treatment which focuses on your families desires for a one on one guided tour through Italy this is the company you want to book with.. First the planning of our trip was easy and delightful. Carmen is absolutely a master at designing a trip which truly ranks as one of the best vacations we have every had. Every detail of our trip was orchestrated to perfection and Melissa was always a person you could text or contact if we had any questions. Our guides for every city were incredible, charming, knowledgeable, personable, and we were amazed by each and every one. Every guide was able to ensure we felt as if we were part of our surroundings and not just someone spitting out facts and numbers. Our guides helped us be part of Italy as if we had lived in the neighborhoods ourselves. They ensured we knew how to navigate the cities so after the tours we were very comfortable in walking around exploring on our own. Our guides maneuvered us around all the other cattle car tour companies ensuring we had the best picture taking locations and views. Our guides knew many of the local merchants and shopkeepers and ensured we were at reputable locations for our special Italy souvenirs. Our guides actually felt like family members and we hope to see them again in the future.
Our transportation was first class and every driver was courteous and friendly. We had the full range of transportation from personal drivers to boat captains and each one was amazing taking a personal interest in ensuring we stopped for pictures and shopping.
Carmen and her guides will absolutely exceed your every expectation in designing a magnificent Italy vacation which will be the experience your family will never forget. You will leave Italy with new friends and experiences which will have you ready to return as soon as possible.
Carmen, To you and your guides I leave my family's eternal gratitude for a family vacation we will remember forever. Thank you for an amazing experience.
Our transportation was first class and every driver was courteous and friendly. We had the full range of transportation from personal drivers to boat captains and each one was amazing taking a personal interest in ensuring we stopped for pictures and shopping.
Carmen and her guides will absolutely exceed your every expectation in designing a magnificent Italy vacation which will be the experience your family will never forget. You will leave Italy with new friends and experiences which will have you ready to return as soon as possible.
Carmen, To you and your guides I leave my family's eternal gratitude for a family vacation we will remember forever. Thank you for an amazing experience.
Written 28 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barbara C
Atlanta, GA3 contributions
Jun 2022
Carmen and her team did an outstanding job of planning our one-week family trip to Florence, Tuscany and Cinque Terre. Carmen planned an excellent itinerary and was flexible and patient when we had to change the original plan due to changes in our schedule. All of her recommendations were terrific, including hotels, car service, restaurants, tour guides, and cooking school. Her team that worked with us while we were in Italy were responsive and helpful in handling many details. She is very honest - we had a boat trip cancelled due to bad weather and she was proactive in refunding the cost. We definitely recommend Carmen and Your Own Italy in helping plan a trip!!
Written 2 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Katerina T
Brooklyn, NY1 contribution
Oct 2021 • Couples
This is our second time going to Italy though this company, and both times Carmen has constructed our intinary from day one to the very last day.
Everything was expertly organized, such that we didn’t have to think about anything other than just how to enjoy ourselves.
The moment we arrived in Rome we were picked up at the airport and transferred to our boutique hotel. The same for Florence, in which we stayed at one of the cutest and coziest hotels that I have ever been in. We were the only ones who had a balcony over the boardwalk with a panoramic view of the Arno River. Location of both hotels was super convenient. We had a private guide Denis in Rome that gave us an exceptional tour of the city. He spent 3 days with us. Showed us colosseum, the Vatican and Rome. He was very knowledgeable, as his major was art history, and he was a passionate and great story teller. Afterwards we went to a town called Tivoli, well worth the visit, and had an amazing lady guide that showed us Emperor Hadrian’s villa during the early Roman times. An absolute must-do day trip, in my opinion. Once again the guide was knowledgeable, enthusiastic and very easy to talk to.
Going to Florence we had a fast train ride. While in Florence we celebrated our wedding anniversary at the restaurant Carmen suggested. One of the best dinners we’ve had in Italy.
Once again in Florence we had a personal guide Lisa that took us to see Uffizi Gallery. What I realized throughout the trip is how important it is to have a guide who is educated and knowledgeable in art and history. The visit the gallery with just the three of us was fantastic. Lisa pointed out things we would have never thought about. She told us interesting stories. During the whole trip we had plenty time to be alone as well and roam the streets of Rome and Florence. We also had a day in Tuscany and visited a town named San Gimignano, known as the "city of beautiful towers" and Sienna. That was great too, and again we had a great guide for a few hours who gave us stories and showed us a few important highlights of each town. The whole trip did not feel overwhelming, in fact, it was just right.
Next trip to Italy we will be talking our kids and we will be contacting Carmen and her great team to assist us with the planning. So yes, I would recommend her 100% to anyone that wants a first rate, stress free, custom tailored trip to Italy!!
Everything was expertly organized, such that we didn’t have to think about anything other than just how to enjoy ourselves.
The moment we arrived in Rome we were picked up at the airport and transferred to our boutique hotel. The same for Florence, in which we stayed at one of the cutest and coziest hotels that I have ever been in. We were the only ones who had a balcony over the boardwalk with a panoramic view of the Arno River. Location of both hotels was super convenient. We had a private guide Denis in Rome that gave us an exceptional tour of the city. He spent 3 days with us. Showed us colosseum, the Vatican and Rome. He was very knowledgeable, as his major was art history, and he was a passionate and great story teller. Afterwards we went to a town called Tivoli, well worth the visit, and had an amazing lady guide that showed us Emperor Hadrian’s villa during the early Roman times. An absolute must-do day trip, in my opinion. Once again the guide was knowledgeable, enthusiastic and very easy to talk to.
Going to Florence we had a fast train ride. While in Florence we celebrated our wedding anniversary at the restaurant Carmen suggested. One of the best dinners we’ve had in Italy.
Once again in Florence we had a personal guide Lisa that took us to see Uffizi Gallery. What I realized throughout the trip is how important it is to have a guide who is educated and knowledgeable in art and history. The visit the gallery with just the three of us was fantastic. Lisa pointed out things we would have never thought about. She told us interesting stories. During the whole trip we had plenty time to be alone as well and roam the streets of Rome and Florence. We also had a day in Tuscany and visited a town named San Gimignano, known as the "city of beautiful towers" and Sienna. That was great too, and again we had a great guide for a few hours who gave us stories and showed us a few important highlights of each town. The whole trip did not feel overwhelming, in fact, it was just right.
Next trip to Italy we will be talking our kids and we will be contacting Carmen and her great team to assist us with the planning. So yes, I would recommend her 100% to anyone that wants a first rate, stress free, custom tailored trip to Italy!!
Written 30 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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