Susie in Chianti
In the beginning it was the dream to live in Italy. Later it became a passion to stay and make my life in Italy. Now it is my desire to live, stay, and develop a business in Italy. So, let me fill you in a bit about my business. I moved to Italy 8 years ago after my two daughters where off in college. At that time, I started my company “Living the Dream” (LTD), which started as a Bed and Breakfast located in the Apennines mountains just above the village of Marradi Italy. I fell in love with the town and live in Marradi to this day! Now, instead of a B&B, my focus is on helping people fulfill their dreams of traveling to Italy. I’ll help you design, plan, and arrange your dream trip. My expertise knowledge of Tuscany will make your trip a one-of-a-kind experience tailored just for you!
Marradi Italy
As the demand for my services changed I quickly understood that my passion was to create an atmosphere for Americans to discover not only the long-standing favorite sites, like, Rome, Venice, Florence, Cinque Terre, but many other adventures that take you off the beaten path. Here’s just a small sample of experiences you could have:
Venice with the Women and Wine Group
Stroll through a country village and stop at a local bar for a cappuccino or a glass of wine as the Italians do.
Enjoy a delicious, locally sourced meal at a restaurant where the owners and their neighbors help grow and raise their ingredients.
Visit a centuries old farm where the matriarch of the family will prepare a meal for us from the produce of the season picked fresh from their fields.
AnnaMaria of Monte Spada preparing our lunch
Stay at a restored mountain village with my English-speaking friends that have traveled the world but call Marradi home too.
Visit the small local shops that are open in the morning and late afternoons.Stop and have a conversation with the local florist Sandra about possible plants and flowers that can be grown in your area once you get back from your vacation as a reminder of your “Italian” conversation.
Sonda local flower shop with a group of American students
It is my job to help you communicate with the locals to be understood and understand them. The beauty is all these people are my friends! We meet on the street each market day have a glass of Prosecco or coffee, do yoga, play tennis, and celebrate holidays together. If you have truly dreamt of seeing the sites of Italy such as Rome, Florence, Venice, but want an experience that also takes you off the well-worn tourist track, why not let me plan it for you? I’ll coach you through the details on a one-of-a-kind Italian adventure.
May you visit and have a photo at the Marradi sign
