Testimonial:
The Road to Roma and Beyond
A series of serendipitous events led me to Shahla Motadel and “Women Tour Italy 2009”. A planned holiday to Europe with a girlfriend had fallen through and I was wondering whether to cancel also. As I flicked through Next’s February issue Shahla’s colourful advertisement caught my eye. In 2004 a manic bus tour of the continent had whet my appetite to return. I knew I wanted to avoid being herded around with, “Tuesday it must be Italy!” and “Everyone, please follow the giant pink sunflower!” Yet, I did not want to travel alone. Shahla’s tour promised everything I was looking for - a personalized holiday with flexibility, companionship and fun. Perfetto! A quick investigation of her website and several emails later I was booked on a 12 day adventure.
Testimonial:
The Road to Roma and Beyond
A series of serendipitous events led me to Shahla Motadel and “Women Tour Italy 2009”. A planned holiday to Europe with a girlfriend had fallen through and I was wondering whether to cancel also. As I flicked through Next’s February issue Shahla’s colourful advertisement caught my eye. In 2004 a manic bus tour of the continent had whet my appetite to return. I knew I wanted to avoid being herded around with, “Tuesday it must be Italy!” and “Everyone, please follow the giant pink sunflower!” Yet, I did not want to travel alone. Shahla’s tour promised everything I was looking for - a personalized holiday with flexibility, companionship and fun. Perfetto! A quick investigation of her website and several emails later I was booked on a 12 day adventure.
Tuesday June 3rd, Rome - I emerged from the Eurostar train and met Shahla – a Persian / Kiwi version of Audrey Hepburn - with an irrepressible passion and energy for all things Italian. The next fortnight took me through Rome, Florence, Tuscany and the Cinque Terre. We literally walked our socks off in Rome, getting lost and finding ourselves whilst experiencing history and vibrant modern street life – all coexisting in perfect harmony. My credit card experienced a healthy workout at the designer outlet malls whilst paying homage to Gucci, Prada and Armani and we became true artisans making our own “carnevale” masks in Florence. Our visit to a local delicatessen in Siena, stretched into 3 hours of gastronomic delight as Antonio insistently plied us with cheeses, olives, prosciuttos and aged wines for sampling. Buonissimo!
A morning ritual of a latte macchiato soon became an absolute must along with a cornetto (pastry), fresh strawberries, cherries and fromaggio. Paradiso! With Shahla’s encouragement “grazie mille” and “prego” were soon rolling off my tongue as I confidently ordered. Evening meals were a delight – beginning with a glass of prosecco then leisurely eating our way through primo, secondi and dessert courses as we fended off the persistent rose sellers and watched the Romans strutting their stuff. I had been seduced by the magic of Italy and quickly surrendered to “la dolce vita”.
One memorable day began in Roma with a planned visit to the Villa Borghese Gallery to view Bernini sculptures and Caravaggio art works. After an exquisite 3 hours of art gazing we wandered the shady tree-lined Borghese Park and gardens and were serenaded by a busking jazz musician. “The Girl from Ipanema” had never sounded so good! We floated on our way, descending the Spanish Steps in need of an afternoon latte and pastry. Revived back out on the street we became caught up in a lively street parade consisting of fifty or more colourful floats. Another great photo opportunity! From there, we wandered down the Via Nazionale and discovered the sixteenth century “American Church” where that evening Puccini’s “La Traviata” was on. From intimate front pew seats we watched spellbound as Violetta’s tragic tale unfolded. A mouth watering gelato completed the evening as we negotiated the cobblestones home.
Fittingly our final meal was spent in Rome’s aptly named “Da Fortunata” restaurant. Signed photos inside revealed we were dining in a frequent haunt of celebrities such as Sophia Loren, and the current Italian President Silvio Berlusconi. We ate as the evening light faded on our view of the Pantheon, laughing and reminiscing over the previous fortnight. Our “passeggiata” to the Trevi fountain and 3 coins over my shoulder later, my return to Roma with the love of my life was secured. Naturally, there was time and room for one last gelato before bedtime.
Shahla’s organization throughout the tour was superb. Nothing was too much trouble and she went out of her way to accommodate my interests and needs. Her knowledge and command of Italian and her many local contacts meant I was able to experience and be fully immersed in the Italian vibe. Shahla’s sense of humour and the love for what she is doing made this a unique journey which I will always treasure.