We worked with Isabella for many years, arranging successful travel programmes from New Zealand to Italy. A vital part of any group travel experience is the explanations provided. Isabella has the rare and special gift of communicating in a way which is easily understood, keeps the audience totally absorbed and leaves the listener able to later recall the key points.
Isabella also has a compelling personal story. She has managed to rise above more stumbling blocks than most peopl...
Over a period of 10 years I have encountered Isabella in several circumstances and have listened to her speak at length to formal and informal groups on complex historical subjects. Her depth of knowledge is exceptional and her ability to organise and present complex stories in an entertaining and easily understood way is not only impressive, but her extraordinary recollection makes her presentations captivating.
I have watched Isabella get down on he floor with children and captivate ...
It was not only a pleasure to be part of your audience, but hearing you speak has motivated us into action! After a high profile and demanding career with huge responsibilities, we always wanted to change our lifestyle, and our dream was to live part of our life in a village in Tuscany, and thanks to your empowering story, we were inspired to move forward with our life plans.
Thank you for coming to Florida and thanks for your engaging story. Your effortless style and presence, as well...
Your story was passionately moving and truly inspiration to all who heard you. Your honesty and candid outline of events throughout your life demonstrated the importance to take risks, to follow your dreams and that one can overcome the most difficult of situations.
As I glanced around at the people present it became clear to me that all were captured by your story, your vitality and your ability to be at one within yourself. Thank you, you have inspired and encouraged many to walk the...
Simply captivating! Much more than a marvelous speaker, Isabella Dusi is a natural story teller with innate sense of audience. Her commanding presence combines with an irresistible charisma that keeps one hanging on her every word – and begging for more.
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I first met Isabella back in 2008 after reading her first book, Vanilla Beans and Brodo, about a little medieval village in the south western corner of Tuscany. It was her vivid and captivating description of the life and people of this Italian village that compelled me to not only visit for the first time but to return time and time again. Her passion and love of her fellow villagers as well as her depth of knowledge on the region was incredibly captivating. On multiple occasions, Isabella h...
Isabella, you connected brilliantly with our eclectic audience which included IHMC scientists and engineers, community leaders, philanthropists, business executives and local supporters of our award winning Lecture Series. Your presentation was overwhelmingly successful, not only your touching personal story demonstrating your fighting spirit, but also your passion for giving back to your community. The sell out crowd meant that we had to improvise with a video screening in an ‘overflow...
Thanks for your inspiring presentation Isabella, although, even without me saying, you know by the number of people waiting to speak with you at the end of the evening that the openness and honesty of your personal story held our audience clearly entranced. We sat overlooking Sydney Harbour, but as I glanced around the room I could see that even the views and yachts could not compete with your passion and platform presence. You connected with our audience of professionals, and turning your li...
Our audience thoroughly enjoyed your presentation, and we just wanted to thank you for the way you were able to present your story to Senators, Capitol Hill staff and our general attendees so that everyone had a splendidly good night. The photos of happy Senators sipping Brunello di Montalcino, and draped in the colors of your village in Tuscany, is evidence of the way they were captivated by your presence on stage, and many have been moved to come and see the work going on in Montalcino. So ...
Your lecture was absolutely amazing…your openness and honesty in sharing your incredible journey moved everyone. The audience were clearly entranced. Your determination, passion and capacity is an inspiration to us all.
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Ann and myself , as well as our small group of friends, were enthralled with your ability to effortlessly present the villages, culture and wines as we travelled with you in Italy. We were all impressed with your ability to describe St Peter’s Basilica in Rome, and your discussion of the transformation of art from the Middle Ages to the Re...
Our many trips through Italy, Europe and beyond with Isabella at the helm have been social and historical adventures. We always return to Australia with a broader and greatly enhanced knowledge of the people, countries, food and wines we have experienced. It’s a pleasure to be part of well organised holidays which leave no stone unturned.
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Travelling in Europe,especially, with Isabella, is a superb cultural experience. Her detailed knowledge, communication skills and personal care are of such a high order that you will retain countless treasured memories. Planning of the varied and highly stimulating itinerary is always meticulous and will suit the most discerning taste. Especiall...
Isabella’s trips are like “pasta al dente”, perfect and never overdone. Always expertly executed with contingencies ready for the unexpected. Isabella’s enthusiasm, knowledge and kindness makes you want to sign up for her next trip before the one which you are enjoying ends.
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The joy of travelling with Isabella is the well planned off the beaten track experiences. I have loved lunch in a deserted mountain village in Croatia, roast pork in the Sicilian wilderness and leading a donkey to a well in Morocco – I could provide many more examples – on our many travels. Consideration of individuals and a thorough...
You are in your element when you talk about the art of Italy and it was truly a joy to listen to you. Italy and your knowledge of Italy is your strength, and you are a formidable public speaker, giving you an edge, in the nicest possible way. Thank you for the most fantastic time.
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TO THE WORLD AT LARGE
It is with great pleasure I write a small piece regarding Isabella Dusi.
My wife, Ann, and I first met Isabella in Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy in 2000 and from that stage it has proved to be a most beneficial meeting. Isabella, a citizen of Montalcino, provided the necessary information about the hilltop town t...
I have experienced the greatest of pleasure travelling with Isabella on three wonderful journeys. The tours have been so enjoyable. Long before the tours commenced you supplied so much helpful advice and assistance for this ‘not so young’ solo traveller enabling me to proceed with confidence. Throughout the tours I was always relaxed...
Isabella is simply superb, and has helped me to understand Italy. She plans, organises and leads exceptional travel experiences, clearly thoroughly prepared and researched. Her knowledge is seriously impressive. Her itineraries are unique. She provides valuable insights into the realities of local life from both a contemporary and a historic per...
Touring with Isabella has always been an incredible experience. Her attention to detail is second to none and she is a natural raconteur passionately telling us many stories about Art, History, Architecture, Culture and Theatre. Her recall of facts of past events is nothing short of amazing. We always leave her tours so much more informed of the...
If you have never done a trip with Isabella then now is the time to do so. We are getting organised for our 4th trip of wonderful stories, out of the way places, good company, wonderful scenery, great history, meet the locals and delicious food. Altogether a wonderful time. Thank you Isabella.
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Isabella is a talented and exceptional planner and leader of travel programmes. We worked with Isabella for a significant part of the 25 years we owned Travelworks NZ Ltd. She largely planned the Italy programme itinerary, booked all the accommodation and special visits, met group members on arrival in Italy … then led the complete travel ...
We have been on tours across Europe with Isabella and have thoroughly enjoyed our trips. We acknowledge the effort put in by Isabella, to not only ensure our safety at all times, but also the time spent to research all aspects of the trip. We would recommend Isabella to anyone for her great efforts. We have been on many other tours with other co...
I’ve loved my holidays in Italy with Isabella. She’s always warm and friendly and ready to join in the fun, whether it’s around the table after dinner, or shopping for a sunhat, or enjoying a glass of Prosecco in a shady spot.
At the same time she is 100% professional and expects everything to be perfect for us, from our...
I’ve been on two land tours organized and hosted by Isabella and I have no hesitation in saying that she is the ultimate professional when it comes to creating a tour. From the route, to hotels, food and wine, and guided visits to iconic churches, castles and other places of interest, Isabella always does her homework to the nth degree –...
Fantastic tours, opened our eyes to the beauty of Italy and beyond! Great organisation from beginning to end. Isabella’s passion for travel and wanting to share shone through. We were so well looked after from Day 1. We enjoyed wonderful art, beautiful landscapes and great food. Isabella’s trips were wonderfully varied from day to da...
As quiet country first-timers to Europe it was brilliant to begin by soaking up Italian rustic villages with time to wander and explore for ourselves the intrinsic characteristics you had expertly described. We delighted in our visits to see artisans at work, and to taste the quintessential meals from simple locally grown dishes to spectacular f...
How best do you interpret journeys that leave one emotionally, intellectually, and physically fulfilled? For me, the tours of Italy with Isabella brought to reality my every dream of travelling in Italy, filling me with intense emotion as I reflect on these two amazing tours.
One journey began with early morning Italian caffe and brioch...
I have traveled in tours organised by Isabella Dusi all over Italy, with occasional periods elsewhere such as France and Malta, on at least six occasions in the last decade. My enthusiasm for her excellence is such that at least 20 friends have subsequently joined her for tours, many of them several times. She has considerably enriched all our l...
7 reasons why we will always travel to Europe with you!
Diverse, well thought out itineraries
Delightful central Boutique Hotels
Local cuisine in the finest restaurants
Attentive to our every need
Plenty of time to absorb the atmosphere of medieval villages
Your passion for history, art, architecture and wine...
I have the most wonderful memories of touring Italy with the inspiring and talented Isabella. Unveiling places that were so very amazing, dining at superb restaurants, each well chosen for her group who were always so appreciative of attention received, each and every one of us. Having faith in our superb leader with her knowledge of history, qu...
We would recommend this small group touring with Isabella to anyone. Meticulous planning and organisation, always surprises and no cost extras such as “it’s too hot we will go by taxi” or “lunch is on me today”. Isabella is an amazing historian and raconteur, no dull moments on the bus. I have lear...
I just wanted to thank you for putting on a new trip for which I have just booked; wouldn’t miss it.
Your trips have always been meticulously planned and run. Your knowledge and passion for art, architecture and history and the competent way in which you share it is unsurpassed.You always surprise with the events you organise and share ...
Phillip and I would like to express our gratitude for a most wonderful experience on our recent trip with you. This was our third adventure planned by you and we thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity of catching up with old acquaintances from past travels, as well as making new friends. Your tours are always meticulously thought out and well organi...
Quite uniquely personal – travelling with Isabella and her intimate group spoils one for anything else! With knowledge, experience and imagination, she leads us on an intimate experience of culture. Nothing is ever left to chance. A superb organiser, I love the delightful atmospheric places Isabella selects to stay. We live the life, the pace ...
We have travelled with Isabella on 5 different occasions to places as different as Tuscany, France, Morocco and Greece. Each trip has been wonderful. Isabella’s planning is meticulous. We have eaten at Michelin starred restaurants, tasted top quality wine in ancient vineyards, rode camels in the Sahara and sailed the Cyclades. All fabulous...
We have shared two memorable trips in Italy with Isabella Dusi. The first took us to Rome, Tuscany, the Po Valley, Lake Orta and Venice. Isabella introduced to us the wonders of each and educational walking tours through the narrow streets of northern Italy. Our second tour took us to southern Italy, Sicily and Malta. Both trips felt like Isabel...
Isabella’s tours are always well organised and interesting, her knowledge of culture, architecture and history is exceptional. There is lots of fun and surprises!
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Fascinating destinations, first class research on those destinations, superb organisation and excellent food, wine and other adventures encountered with good company and lots of laughs – what’s not to like? Once having been a traveller who swore never to do organised tours I am now a devoted convert of travel a la Isabella. The bliss of bein...
