My wife and I toured the most famous sites of Venice, plus a few behind-the-scenes spots, for a full day with Cristina. She was amazing! Cristina conveyed the rich history... read more of Venice, back to the days of its inception with barbarians forcing the local Romans into hiding in the archipelago of islands which is now the Venice we know. We navigated in and out of St. Marks and the Doge's Palace, through the crowds, never having to wait for admission. In St. Mark's she took us up to the altar, and the sarcophagus of St. Mark, and showed us the great gilded Byzantine altarpiece turned currently away from the sanctuary. Behind the busy square, we popped into the small workshop of one of the few remaining Remeri, the carpenters who specialize in creating the forcola and oars for the gondolas (like stepping back in time). In a city which could appear like little more than an anachronism and tourist trap, this tour highlighted an Italian city with a very special and rich history, and ongoing artists, musicians, and craftsmen who keep alive the creativity we cherish in the Italian culture. Kudos to Cristina, and the Grand Tour Team!

  Mario was absolutely brilliant and our tours of Rome and Ostia were really smooth and enjoyable. His knowledge of both the renaissance and classical period were exceptional. The tours represented... read more brilliant value for money for their ease, detail and access and I'd certainly book Mario again in a moment.

  I have been joining The Grand Tout Italy Virtual Tours regularly in 2020 and 2021. They are informative and entertaining - and can be joined from wherever you are in... read more the world. I have even been "on tour" when I was on holiday somewhere else in Australia - away from my home town - just by opening my laptop!I Mario is not only incredibly knowledgeable, but has a gift for how to select, package and present information (in this case for online tours) - a rare skill I think. I miss seeing Italy in person because of these very uncertain times - but joining a virtual tour with Mario is the next best thing. Highly recommended.