First thing I’ll mention in this posting: I hardly ever write reviews. That said, I cannot recommend Ana and her Team at Selected Tours Italy more enthusiastically!

When I learned that Italy was allowing visitors and that my son was available to travel with me this summer, I was concerned because I didn’t know where to start in the planning process. Thankfully, my father saw my predicament and recommended Ana having been on one of her Rome Tours.

After contacting her through email, the process started with a zoom call to capture my trip requirements, desires, ideas and budget constraints. Ana & Laura were incredibly helpful with brainstorming ideas and recommending activities! A draft itinerary followed shortly thereafter and I was blown away with the professionalism and organization. Little side note: I had initial concerns when my request for itemization of costs wasn’t granted (per policy), however when I received the total I was pleasantly surprised to find the quote was within just a few euros of my estimate! An incredible value given the organization, details and organization they were offering.

Once the itinerary was finalized and we had sent over payment, I thought we might not hear from them for awhile. Was I wrong about that! Ana & Laura were incredibly helpful in guiding me through the covid travel requirements for airlines and Italy, making the process incredibly smooth and stress free. The value didn’t stop there. Laura set up a group chat so that we could communicate while there! It was like having a personal concierge throughout the trip! They were able to communicate changes with reservations. For instance, train times changed and they sent me new tickets. Museum times and visitation protocols shifted but we never knew because Laura was checking things behind the scenes and proactively guiding us the whole way. All in all, the logistics handled by Ana and Laura made for the smoothest trip I’ve ever taken. The value of Selected Tours Italy services with logistics, scheduling, organization and last minute change handling cannot be overstated!

Ana guided our Rome City and Vatican Museum tours. Upon reflection on our whole trip, my son and I agreed that the times with Ana were among our favorite while in Italy. Everyone should have an opportunity to see Rome through her eyes. She is passionate about it and her energy is infectious. Side note here: Ana & Laura know how much to schedule in a day without overdoing it. They were incredibly thoughtful in the sequencing taking care not to overwhelm or tire us out! Side note #2: We were SHOCKED by how few tourists we encountered while in Italy. Everywhere we went it was like this. Clearly the word had not gotten out since we were able to enjoy everything we saw and every place we visited with little to no crowds. This will change soon and I’m soooooo grateful we were able to experience it this way. The Italian people are always so friendly and gracious but it seemed everyone was even more so…everyone seemed so glad we’d come!

Ana made recommendations for some of the activities and excursions we might consider and I’m so glad we took her recommendations as they were some of the highlights of the trip. I could go on and on and on…it really was the best experience I’ve ever had…and not just in Italy (I’ve been several times) but in international travel. I’ll be coming back to Italy often (especially since my father just moved there) but I’ll never return without Ana & Selected Tours Italy’s involvement and guidance.

One last note…my son and I left Italy with two new friends in Ana & Laura. They remain two of the most delightful people I’ve ever met in my travels. They made our trip a top priority and they ensured a once in a lifetime travel experience for my son and I. I’ve already referred two other friends who are considering travel to Italy this year and I know for myself, I’ll be back soon and when we’ve decided timing, Ana & Selected Tours will be our first call!

Date of experience: June 2021

I was referred to Select Tours by a family member who had an outstanding experience with Select Tours last summer. My relative gave me a glowing recommendation as they booked several tours and drivers in Rome, Tuscany and Amalfi coast and everything was superb.

I reached out to Laura to book car services from Rome to Milan during the coronavirus pandemic since I preferred not to fly. Laura was super fast in providing a response since it was a last minute reservation. The driver was extremely professional and provided a wonderful, safe and comfortable experience for me. I would highly recommend Select Tours Italy.

I cannot express how wonderful of a company they are to deal with. Don’t look any further!

Date of experience: May 2020

Ana is absolutely the best! So knowledgeable,professional, warm and inviting even on a virtual tour!!! I had the pleasure of having an in person tour of Rome with Ana last March and she is the absolute best! I am so impressed with how well Ana can connect with people and spread Italy’s history across the world during these times via zoom!

If you get a chance to visit Italy (Or her virtual tours) she is the only tour guide you need !
Ana – I cant wait to see you again and explore more of Italy

Date of experience: May 2020

We would love visitors to Rome to know about Ana Serra of Selected Tours and the extraordinary and gifted tour guide she is. If you are a visitor that is passionate about the places you like to visit then Ana is for you. Her knowledge and enthusiasm for telling you the story behind the facts is unparalleled in my experience and for that reason her tours are truly memorable. We first went on a tour with Ana in 2013 and have been on trips with her on many occasions since. Our latest excursion in Rome in July 2020 proved to be another standout experience with Ana taking us effortlessly through the Vatican Apartments and Basilica of St Peter regaling us with outstanding explanations of all that we were viewing and admiring. If you want a few hours of tremendous entertainment and knowledge gathering with the assistance of a guide to bring everything to life for you then I urge you to look no further than Ana at Selected tours. I would also add that Ana takes your safety very seriously and at this difficult time of Pandemic Ana always had our safety front and centre in her mind. Careful distancing, mask wearing, temperature checks were all part of the essentials of the tour. Book Ana, she is truly extraordinary.

Date of experience: July 2020