Philítaly Cultural Exchanges, LLC — Attraction in Cleveland Heights

Can't speak highly enough of our wonderful trip to Italy planned and led by Philitialy!! This was our first European excursion and it was everything we could have hoped for.

Pre- trip, we were given loads of useful information and tips/tricks to prepare ourselves as well as secure the best flights. Upon arriving, we hit the ground running with a foundation setting open bus tour of Rome - a great way to see the lay of the land and get us primed for what would be a great adventure. The itinerary was packed with incredible archeological, religious, and personalized sites across Italy. We were on the go the entire time allowing us to see much more of Italy than we could have imagined. We spent a good portion of our time off the typical tourist path allowing us to really connect with the landscape, community and people of Italy. The guides were vastly knowledgeable, attentive and a joy to be with. It was truly magical. We were able to spend time with Phil's family, as well as time with reconnected families of members of our tour. We met local village leaders, and officers of cultural sites who were able to provide great insight into the economic and cultural aspects of the local and national area. Those opportunities were incredible and once in a lifetime.

We visited the mainland of Italy for 10 days and then went on an extended excursion to Sicily for 5 days. We appreciated the opportunity to see Sicily as well. Again there, the itinerary, guides and cuisine was incredible. The cooking class was amazing and a great wrap up to our trip!!

Philitaly was very accommodating to craft the whole trip in a way that worked best for the traveler (this included places we visited, diet restrictions, physical disability considerations, in the moment feedback, and so much more.)

The majority of our meals were planned in a way that introduced us to so many of Italy's incredible local foods. We ate in places we likely could not have easily found on our own. There was great consideration for making the trip reasonably priced and making sure we saw all the key sites plus some. My husband and I came home leaving part of our hearts in Italy, and we are certain it is a direct result of the thoughtful and personalized trip that was laid out for us.

We can't wait to travel with...

I cannot express highly enough how much I enjoyed this trip to Sicily, and how much I would recommend Phil and his Philately Cultural Exchanges team. This was the best vacation I have ever experienced, and I have been all over the world, including four cruises. Sicily is simply amazing with its food, its people, and its culture. The historical significance of this land was stunning, from Greek temples, Roman amphitheaters, African architecture, and Norman cathedrals!

But in addition to this beautiful island, Phil and his team were outstanding. Phil is highly organized and connected in Sicily, and incredibly knowledgeable from his family's ties to Sicily, and his guides - Fabio, Anna, and Carl were incredible - not only knowledgable about the island, but very helpful and attentive. From the moment Carl greeted us at the Palermo airport with a serenade, to the last minute when Vincenzo, the absolute best bus driver ever, dropped us off for our flights home, we never wanted for anything. Fabio was brilliant, with unmatched hospitality and a willingness to go the extra distance (wake me up when I overslept and get me breakfast! and ride back on an electric bike to get me! yes, I was THAT guest!). I will never forget my time with Fabio and Anna (the cutest couple ever) and hanging out with Carl, the most interesting man in the Universe, all while enjoying an 8-day trip that was unforgettable! And last, but not least, our guide Roberta (Rebecca)! Beautiful and funny and incredibly sweet and knowledgeable. Best tour guide ever - Ciao, Bella!

Thank you again, Philately team, for all you did for us. I can't wait for our next trip...

Phil and his team Lilliana and Theresa were amazing. We needed to plan a trip to Italy and there was a very important wedding we had to fit in the middle of the trip. I quickly became over whelmed with transportation. Where to stay so that we were in walking distance to where we wanted to be, and I must mention it was a 6-week time crunch from the time i contacted them to the day we left. They made everything seamless. They knew when to splurge on private transfer and when to do shared rides, busses, plane, etc. We were able to relax and follow the very detaild day to day app. That they curated for us. They were right there with answers and resolutions to all the questions and rerouting we needed. By far I would have felt the heat in a few un planned detours and obstacles that popped up with not knowing the language very well and the areas. (The airlines and a strike with the taxi companies not their planning to just confirm) They worked with us to curate the perfect trip with the perfect balance between sight-seeing, going to the wedding, that was a 3 day event, and after when we spent a week in Sicily. All in all we will use their services again and I would recommend them to anyone. Especially if you are the planner and the coordinator of your trip. I am that in my family and I was so greatful that I chose them and was able to relax and relinquish pretty much all my stress knowing that the were immediately on top of everything the second I messaged them. Thank you with everything to Philitaly. We look forward to our next trip and even more so knowing we will have you...