My name is Federico Rosica. I was born in Milan in 1965, where I have completed my studies, with a focus on History, Philosophy and the Arts. I have later taken an international business career which has led me to move first to the UK and later to France (for 8 years).
During this time, I have had the opportunity to travel around the world, both for business and for pleasure, developing a true passion for adventures and discoveries.
When I celebrated my 50 th birthday, I decided to share my experience in travelling and knowledge of my country by joining 2 major American travel companies and becoming a guide for their tours in Italy. I started touring, meeting people, building relationships, and that is how it all started.
Today, while still working part time with those companies, I am offering tourists a private tour, with a different perspective of Italy, its traditions and people, by creating some unique “off the catalogue” experiences.
Whether you are a family, a group of friends or a single tourist, I propose you to discover the best of Italy with a guided trip: we will tour the country by car, mini van or train, to discover roads, villages and people which are not on vacation catalogues: in short, the soul of Italy
Where and when: There are no fixed itineraries, no official calendar. You decide when and where. I’d be happy to help you with suggestions and hints.
Once the trip is designed, I will take care of everything, from bookings to travel details. You can relax and enjoy sightseeing, experiences, and tastings. 12 months a year.
Accomodation: You can choose the style and level of accommodation, according to your taste and needs, ranging from luxury hotels to “agriturismi” (farmhouse accommodation), apartments, B&B and so on.
Liguria and 5 Terre:
a thin stretch of mountainous land, dropping into the Mediterranean sea.
Nature and man-made landscapes combined to offer you some of the most dramatic views.
Hike along the 5 Terre trails, or drink an aperitivo in Portofino Harbour.
Milan and Lake District (Lakes Como, Maggiore, Orta).
Move between Milan’s fashion district and art masterpieces, like Leonardo’s Last Supper, to the elegant and relaxed atmospheres of world reputated Stresa, Bellagio and much more.
Discover Mantua, with its outstanding palaces, and ancient Cremona and its Stradivari museum and collection
Best time to visit: year-round
Hike in the lush hills of Barolo, where Italy’s most valuable wine is produced, and the precious white truffle is the secret to the local cuisine. Relax in Turin’s elegant squares and wander under its monumental porticos.
Best time to visit: March to June and September to November.
Mont Blanc and Alps.
Ski, hike or cycle (according to seasons) before relaxing in a thermal bath.
Take a cable car (Monte Bianco Skyway) with its 360° rotating cabins , taking you to 11,500 feet where you will be immersed in a breathtaking landscape.
Best time to visit: year-round (May to October for hiking and mountainbiking)
Verona and Garda Lake
The city of Romeo and Juliet, with its Roman Arena will welcome you
with contemporary music concerts or great opera plays, is a jewel that deserves to be discovered.
Close by is Garda Lake, the largest Italian lake, surrounded by picturesque villages in the south and steep mountains in the north: it is a windsurf paradise.
Best time to visit: year-round
Dolomites
probably the most known mountains in the Alpine Region, with their unmistakable geological structure and colour.
Want to base jump? Try it here, together with other activities like cycling, hiking, skiing and more.
Best time to visit: year-round (May to October for hiking and mountainbiking)
Prosecco region and the hills of Valdobbiadene and Conegliano, Venice
Prosecco has become the most consumed sparkling white wine in the world, why not visit the beautiful and peaceful hills and wine cellars where it is produced, before stepping back in time and dining in Venice?
Best time to visit: year-round
Bologna and its beautiful medieval and renaissance historic centre: 24 miles of portico under which you can find some of Italy’s best restaurants and where you will learn that Bolognaise sauce does not actually exist…
Nearby is the Byzantine city of Ravenna, home to the most renowned mosaics in the world.
Best time to visit: year-round
Tuscany
The heart of Italian art, culture and language.
It’s hills are famous all over the world, and so are its gems, like Chianti Region, Siena and San Gimignano, Montalcino and Montepulciano.
Many more medieval villages, thermal baths and landscapes, from mountains to coastline, are to be discovered. Why not hiking part of Tuscany on the ancient Via Francigena, a medieval pilgrimage route to Rome!
Best time to visit: year-round
Right at the centre of Italy, these 2 regions have a lot to offer, ranging from
some of the most beautiful villages in Italy to unspoilt natural landscapes, and of course traditional regional food. If you wish to rest for a few hours or a couple of days, Marche can offer you beautiful sandy, comfortable beaches.
Best time to visit: year-round (june to September for beach activities)
Abruzzo really needs to be discovered! It has been a land of emigration for a long time (actor Dino Crocetti and Dean Martin, writer John Fante, singer Madonna and actor Alan Alda, just to mention a few are originally from Abruzzo) is now one of most interesting destinations in Italy: rough mountains and sandy beaches, ghost towns, gentle hills and artistic treasures.
Try the local wines while dining on a “trabocco”, an old fishing machine built on palafitte, typical of this region.
Best time to visit: March to October
After visiting Rome, with its glorious and decadent history let’s move to the nearby attractions, such as the magnificent city of Viterbo, along the roman road Via Cassia, and Civita di Bagnoregio with its surprising position atop a cliff, connected to the land only by a narrow bridge.
Or the surprising Park of Monsters in Bomarzo with its incredible monuments.
Best time to visit: year-round
Naples, Capri ,Amalfi Coast and Pompei: Wander around the lively narrow street of Naples historic centre, Europe’s largest and UNESCO World Heritage Site, and taste the real pizza and many more local gastronomic treats, before taking the ferry to the beautiful and romantic Isle of Capri (1 hour).
The following day let’s drive along the coast on the beautiful Amalfi coast, and visit some world favourite destinations like Sorrento, Amalfi, Positano and Ravello. For a bit of activity, you can hike along the beautiful trails overlooking the coast.
When driving back to Naples why not stop and visit the incredible ruins of the ancient Roman city of Pompei, buried under 15 feet of ashes by the eruption of the Vesuvius volcano and fully rediscovered only in 1748?
Best time to visit: year-round
Another one of Italy’s numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites, it is known as the Subterranean City and for its “Sassi”, caverns dug into the rock that have been home to thousands of people until the late 1950s! Matera is also known for being chosen by filmmakers as a setting for movies set in Biblical or Roman times (example: Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ).
Best time to visit: all year-round.
is the largest island in the Mediterranean sea and hosts the tallest active volcano in Europe, Mount Etna.
It has been a multicultural melting pot for centuries, which today reflects in its unique cultural heritage, ranging from architecture to arts, music, food and language.
A tour of Sicily is a must do, from its Capital, Palermo, to the “Greek” city of Syracuse (birthplace of Archimedes) and the baroque architecture of Ragusa and Noto, to discover manmade and natural beauties, driving along narrow roads where you hardly meet any cars for hours (more frequent are other means of transportation, like charts or donkeys…).
Given its warm climate, Sicily is best visited in Spring , Autumn and Winter
If you are looking for an active trip, you can hike or cycle with logistical support – our vehicle will always be near you to fix your bike tire, pick you up in case of a thunderstorm or simply carry your gear. Why not share your time, or part of it, with a professional photographer who can help you improve your skills, whether you use a pro camera or simply your IPhone (also in 3D!!)? We have the right person! It is never too late to learn!! Take a day-cruise to enjoy some of the most picturesque landscapes in Europe from a different perspective: Lake Como with its superb villas, Cinque Terre with its perched villages and terraces, or perhaps visit Mount Etna. Europe’s highest active volcano, where the surprising Etna wine is produced. Taste true Italian cuisine, based on local ingredients, mostly organic, dining at some beautiful private houses hosted by local families. In some you can even spend the night in beautiful and calm surroundings, in buildings 400 years old. Italy is also a country with a strong spiritual background. Why not take your time to visit some of its must-see sites? For example, Assisi (Umbria), birthplace of Saint Francis, the Chapel of the Holy Shroud in Turin, or the Jewish Synagogue in Rome? Each Italian Region has its local wines, some world-known and many to be discovered. Learn more about wine and grapes with a proper wine tasting, held by certified sommeliers. You can also do the same with extra virgin olive oil, Italian cooking and dressing secret.
Custom made Tour design and private travel escort Pick-up and drop-off at airport, railway station or hotel;
Accommodation and all local taxes;
Private transportation, with driver, including gas and tolls;
Admission cost to museums and sightseeing (if previously agreed upon);
Local experiences (day cruises, wine tastings, bike hire etc);
Local city guides.
Airfare to and from Italy, Travel insurance, Meals and drinks, Personal expences, Tips.
QUOTES: After agreeing on the details of the tour (duration, destination, level of accommodation, extra activities and season), I will submit your custom made price quotation.
WHEN TO BOOK: In order to get the best quotes and availability, the sooner the better, especially in spring and summer.
Italy is a tiny country, but it is home to 53 Unesco World Heritage sites, more than any other country in the world.
It is the land of art, of European culture and one the richest countries in biodiversity (I am sure you did not know that!!).
Its food is a favourite all over the world, and so is its “handmade industry”: why not visit the Ferrari and Lamborghini factories and museums? Or a Parmigiano cheese house?
Take your vacation with no worries! No need to organize, book, drive around, look for panoramic roads, load and offload etc. Feel safe, and why not, drink your wine in peace at lunch and dinner, your licence won’t be affected!
contact@thesoulofitaly.comAs stated, the above-mentioned regional ideas are just a small fraction of what adventures can await you. These adventures can be enhanced by using an experienced, multi-lingual Italian guide who is as passionate about travel as you are and can show you some of the off the beaten path joys of this wonderful country. Leave the hard work to us and we will allow you to create wonderful, lifelong memories in relaxing and enjoyable settings. References are available upon request.Thank you for considering “The Soul of Italy” for your future Italian travel needs!