Published 28th Jun. 2021
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The man who makes the impossible possible... We at Original Travel send our clients off on city breaks with a detailed dossier containing our recommendations of the best restaurants, bars, places to shops and generally all the info you could need to make for the perfect Big Short Break. We rely for a lot of the information on a network of concierges at our favourite hotels. After all, no-one should know a city better than a concierge. So, we got to thinking - who's the best in the business? In the end it was easy. Take a bow, Salvatore Maraschio at the Hotel de Russie, our favourite hotel in Rome. His life is made that little bit easier by working in the finest city in Europe (discuss), but that only means Salva (a member of the exclusive Clefs D'Or elite Concierge club) needs to be even more on his toes to know what's new. Discover how Maraschio can elevate all your future trips to Italy...
Making the impossible possible
'In Rome,' he says, 'all the restaurants know us, and they are very happy to reserve a good table for our guests, so we make the impossible possible. Even local residents come to my desk and ask for recommendations.' Above and beyond merely securing the money-can't-buy restaurant reservation, Salvatore can arrange city tours by Ferrari, private cooking courses, personalised city tours for children - you name it. Best of all, for anyone with recurring 'Roman Holiday' fantasies, Salva can arrange for you to make like Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck on a Vespa with a local photographer as a paparazzo taking photos as you zip round town.
Italy is a holiday hotspot (for good reason), so our help in navigating the crowds is invaluable. From snapping up hard-to-come-by Vatican tickets (at the quietest times of day) to organising an archaeologist to guide you around Pompeii, our consultants have the insider intel to make your trip unforgettable. Stuck on where to stay? Our vetted accommodation options range from family-run ‘trullis’ in Puglia to big-name hotels in Venice. So, whether you're an adventurous family or a couple on a romantic retreat, we can find the version of Italy to suit you.
ENQUIRE NOWPractical advice and inspiration for your next trip
Slow down, take in the spectacular scenery, and savour the unhurried pace of life around the Italian Lakes. The lakes were made by glaciers retreating at the end of the last ice age and have been a popular destination since the Romans were in power, so the region has a rich history. Add in the landscapes, nature and the charm of the towns and villages, and you’ve got a recipe for relaxation. Here, our Italy expert, Valeria, runs through what you can do at the lakes and how to plan your trip.
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The Dolomites in winter are pure magic, with snow-dusted summits, rosy alpenglow and villages that look straight out of a fairytale. When the crowds thin and the mountains put on their white coats, this UNESCO-listed range transforms into one of Europe’s most breathtaking cold-weather destinations. Beyond its world-class slopes, the Dolomites invites you to hike along alpine trails, sip hot chocolate in mountain huts and watch sunsets paint jagged peaks.
2nd February 2026 - Italy Travel Inspiration
On a research trip to Umbria and Tuscany, our Europe specialist, Valeria, discovered that the best way to explore the Italian countryside is by car. During her road trip, she marvelled at Marmore Falls, admired the beautiful views over Lake Trasimeno and wandered through the UNESCO-listed village of Castiglione d'Orcia. From cooking classes to wine tastings, her trip was jam-packed with Italian delights.
14th October 2025 - Italy Travel Tips
Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
