Testimonial:

I had always wanted to thank my mother for being who she is with a wonderful tour of her favorite country, Italy. I knew I wanted her to have the best experience ever and I would have to plan everything so nothing could go wrong. I also wanted her to experience Italy with the freedom of traveling solo....,but not alone. Of course I wanted to join my mother on her tour, but I knew it would be best for her to have complete freedom from having to worry about anyone, but herself. This brought up a major issue, her safety. I wanted her to be able to tour the country safely and easily. I started surfing the Internet and found many tour companies, but some were too expensive for too little time spent in Italy and others had co-ed groups. I had known from the start I wanted her to go on a women only tour. After much consideration of the guides I found Shahla. I found out later that I had chosen the ultimate tour guide.

Testimonial:

I am not a "large tour , get on a tour bus every morning" type of person so when I heard about Shahla's tours I knew this was for me. Our small group of four met in Rome. Our accommodation was great - Fantastic location with heaps going on the area if you wanted to wander off and explore alone. The hotel owners in both locations were friendly, approachable and very good to us.

I liked the way as a group we were able to participate in some of the tour planning, and Shahla's knowledge of Rome is amazing. She took us to her special and favourite places as well as the must-see tourist attractions. For me the Sistine Chapel was very special but every visitor to Rome will have their own favourite attractions. Some of the restaurants we went to were fantastic. I especially liked the cafe/restaurant we went to where Shahla showed how the true caffe latte is made and the restaurant where the waiter knew all about not only the All Blacks, but the All Whites and Team New Zealand.. I think he enjoyed us as much as we enjoyed him.

Testimonial:

Shahla,

Since my return from our fantastic holiday together I have simply raved to all who will listen about what an incredible time I had in Italy and what a perfect host you were. Truly - you were.

As I have told my colleagues, it was more like travelling with a friend who lives locally than "being on a tour" - something you can't possibly accomplish if you are a tourist travelling to another country for the first time.

Testimonial:

Dear Shahla,

I can’t tell you what a wonderful experience it was for me Shahla to be shown such beauty and history by someone with the passion you have for Italy. Thankyou so much for sharing all the incredible sights and your extensive knowledge – it was unforgettable and very moving.

Testimonial:

Dear Shahla,

What a wonderful time we all had! Thank you so much for everything you did to make our trip to Bella Italia such a memorable trip. We certainly felt that we were farewelling a dear friend when we flew out from Roma.

Testimonial:

Hi Shahla,

Thank you for providing me with the opportunity to visit Italy. Touring with your group was absolutely the best way to visit a new country. I was astonished when I arrived home, read my notes and saw the photographs at how much we achieved in that seemingly short space of time. I could happily stayed much longer.

I wont go into a description of all the wonderful places we went to as others have done this before and I agree with everything that has been said, but I have to say, I loved Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast. The area was so enchanting and picturesque, my photos don’t do it justice. I think the highlight for me in Rome was the Colosseum, I had no idea how immense it was and to hear about the way it was used and the history attached to it was especially significant for me.

Testimonial:

My one month tour of Italy with Shahla - NEVER A DULL MOMENT!

It was a very lucky day when I read Shahla’s advert in the Next magazine. I could not have asked for more in a tour guide and a travelling companion. I hope to go on trips with her again before too long.

I booked Shahla for a month - that’s a much longer period than her website itineraries. As I had already seen many parts of Italy in previous trips, Shahla organised a tailor-made itinerary for me based on my interests and what I wanted to do on this trip. All of which became clear after my initial trip to Wellington to meet her and our subsequent emails and phone conversations.

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:

My personalised tour with Shahla was one of the best holidays I have ever had.

With an unexpected chance to have three weeks in Italy, I contacted Shahla. Over dinner we planned where we would go, the special places I wanted to see, and things I wanted to do. Shahla would do all the travel and accommodation arrangements leaving me free to just enjoy each day. We began in Rome, and went to places I hadn’t been before: south to Sorrento with day trips to Napoli, Positano, Capri and Anacapri, to Ravello and Amalfi, then up to Tuscany to Grosetto then Siena, then over to Verona and Lake Garda then back to Rome for the final three days.

Shahla was the most wonderful travel companion, engaging guide and meticulous travel arranger.

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It is with great pleasure that I write this testimonial on Shahla’s (pre-inaugural) tour of Italy!

Testimonial:

Travelling in Italy with Shahla Motadel was one of the best holidays I have ever had...

and I couldn’t recommend it enough to anyone wanting to see one of the most captivating countries in the world.

In March 2008 I spent a week with Shahla in Rome and Florence, and I enjoyed every minute of the trip. the incredible sights, the delicious food and Shahla’s hospitality made it a holiday I will never forget.