Italy Archives - Amore Travel Designs

Cathy Rowland of Amore Travel Designs and her husband visiting Torre a Cona wine estate in the Tuscan countryside near Florence during a Tuscany travel experience.

MOMENTS IN TUSCANY

Morning in the Tuscan countryside begins very differently from the cities.

The light is soft over the hills, the air carries that earthy scent of vineyards and olive trees, and the only sounds are birds and the occasional tractor somewhere in the distance. Instead of crowds gathering for early museum entries or tour groups filling hotel lobbies, the day unfolds slowly here.

I remember stepping outside one morning at Torre a Cona, a historic wine estate about twenty minutes outside of Florence. Torre a Cona has been producing wine on this land since the 15th century — it’s the kind of place that genuinely earns the word “historic,” not just uses it as marketing. Coffee in hand, I looked out across rows of vineyards rolling down the hillside toward olive groves and tall cypress trees.

March 13, 2026 No Comments

Cathy, a Fort Collins Europe travel expert, overlooking the Amalfi Coast in Italy while designing bespoke luxury itineraries

YOUR ITALY WINDOW

Your Italy Window is something most travelers don’t realize exists until it quietly begins to close. Almost every year, I have conversations with clients who tell me they are “thinking about Italy next year,” as if Italy is simply waiting patiently for them to decide. And in many ways it is timeless — the art, the food, the landscapes will always be there — but the hotels, the private guides, and the most coveted experiences absolutely will not.

As a luxury travel advisor based in Fort Collins, I am already having serious conversations about Italy for 2026. That might sound early, but in today’s travel environment, it is exactly on time. The families who secure the charming 30-room boutique hotel in Florence or the villa in Tuscany with the sweeping vineyard views are not making those decisions three months out. They are planning thoughtfully, intentionally, and well in advance.

Italy rewards the prepared. It does not reward hesitation.

March 6, 2026 No Comments

Snow-covered Christmas trees with pink and gold ornaments framing the Eiffel Tower in Paris — symbolizing luxury winter travel experiences curated by Amore Travel Designs, Fort Collins’ top luxury travel advisor.

TRAVEL GIFTS THAT LAST

Every year, I remind my clients—and myself—that travel gifts that last are the ones you remember, not the ones you unwrap. A weekend in Florence, a river cruise through the Danube, or a South African safari lingers long after the holiday bows are gone. Experiences don’t gather dust; they grow richer with time. As a Fort Collins luxury travel advisor, I’ve seen how a custom trip becomes a treasured memory shared for decades. This season, consider giving what truly lasts—time, connection, and unforgettable moments designed with care.

November 14, 2025 No Comments

Male artisan painting handmade ceramic bowl in cozy studio, representing cultural immersion and luxury craftsmanship experiences curated by Fort Collins travel advisor Amore Travel Designs.

ARTISAN JOURNEYS

Artisan Journeys isn’t about collecting souvenirs—it’s about collecting stories. I’ve always believed luxury feels richer when it’s rooted in authenticity. Picture yourself learning from a Tuscan ceramicist whose family has shaped clay for centuries or sampling honey from a Greek beekeeper who knows every bee by heart. These are the unforgettable connections that make travel human again. For my Fort Collins travelers, Artisan Journeys means exploring with intention, supporting craftsmanship, and discovering the hands that make each destination extraordinary.

October 31, 2025 No Comments

SECRET BOLOGNA EXPERIENCE

Richard and I were traveling through Bologna and I found the most special farmhouse/cooking class in the countryside of Bologna. The owners were lovely, engaging and we were in awe of the whole experience. A husband-and-wife team running a farm, restaurant, cooking school, and a B&B as well. This secret Bologna experience has stayed on top of our minds every time we think of Italy.

October 3, 2025 No Comments

Historic Siena, Italy with its iconic medieval architecture—perfect for travelers seeking expert-planned Tuscan experiences with a top-rated Europe travel advisor based in Fort Collins.

PARLA ITALIANO?

Preparing for your Italian journey? Equip yourself with vital phrases. Before setting off, ensure you’ve mastered these essential expressions. Glide through Italy, displaying confidence in your Italian skills. Immerse yourself in the beauty of Italy, communicating with grace. Whether exploring ancient ruins or indulging in Neapolitan pizza, speaking Italian enriches your experience. Get ready for an unforgettable linguistic and cultural adventure. Parla Italiano?

September 25, 2025 No Comments

Historic arcades of Bologna, Italy captured on a luxury trip planned by the #1 travel advisor in Fort Collins, Amore Travel Designs

EAT DRIVE REPEAT

Everyone starts with Tuscany. And honestly, it’s lovely. But when I traveled to Emilia Romagna, something shifted. This wasn’t postcard Italy—it was deeper, richer, more surprising. There’s a rhythm here that’s slower but sharper. It’s not trying to impress. It just does. I didn’t come here for crowds or photo ops. I came for legacy. And what I found was a place where food, history, and horsepower all share the spotlight. Eat Drive Repeat wasn’t the plan—it became the motto. The meals stuck with me. The people left an impression. And the cars? They roared. If you’ve been to Italy once, this is where you go next. Trust me, you’ll never look at prosciutto—or a racetrack—the same way again.

August 22, 2025 No Comments

TRUSTED TRAVEL EXPERTISE

I’ve had clients ask me, “Why use a travel advisor these days?” My answer? Because the internet doesn’t care if your hotel is next to a construction site. Fort Collins travelers turn to me for curated, stress-free travel designed around their unique preferences. I don’t just book flights—I craft unforgettable experiences. I know which river cruises are truly luxurious, which safari lodges are worth the splurge, and which Tuscan villas feel like a dream. It’s not about more options—it’s about the right ones.

July 18, 2025 No Comments

TUSCANY WITHOUT CROWDS

I thought I knew Tuscany. I’d seen the postcard views, sipped wine in Chianti, wandered Florence’s grand piazzas. But then I discovered something quieter. More haunting. More human. “Tuscany Without Crowds” was the phrase that popped into my head the moment I arrived in Pitigliano. Carved from volcanic stone and standing proud above the hills, this medieval village feels untouched by time. There were no lines. No tour buses. Just me, a sunset, and the scent of wood-fired bread curling through the alleyways. If you’ve been to Italy and think you’ve seen it all — you haven’t. Not until you’ve stood here.

July 11, 2025 2 Comments

2024 IN REVIEW – PART 2

Exploring the globe is an adventure like no other. This year, 2024, has been a journey of discovery for me. As a luxury travel advisor, my travels enrich my expertise. Each destination teaches me new lessons and insights. I have wandered through bustling cities and serene landscapes. From tranquil beaches to vibrant marketplaces, This adventure is essential for crafting unforgettable client experiences. Knowing locales firsthand brings authenticity to my recommendations. I delve into cultures, sample cuisines, and explore hidden gems. Every trip is a chapter in enriching client journeys. Discovering the world’s wonders helps me provide the best advice. Join me as I share my 2024 in review – Part 2 with you.

December 27, 2024 No Comments