The Wiessner Family
"Planning our first family trip was both exciting and terrifying! We had done a ton of research into where we wanted to visit and what we wanted to do, and Marnie helped us shape those plans into a fantastic trip full of surprises and fun. Her local connections to guides and drivers helped us maximize our time, and her ability to communicate in Italian was a huge time and stress saver. When plans had to change, as they often do, Marnie was a valuable resource to help us transform them into an unexpected adventure."
Greg, May 2026
The Troxell Family
“Marnie was exceptional at helping supplement my plans for our European family vacation. She recommended places to stay and arranged tickets to historical sites, museums, and reservations at fabulous Italian dinners in Florence. A highlight was a most enjoyable and educational private tour guide. Her expertise and knowledge helped us avoid long waits for popular sites, maximizing our time. She also provided a wealth of information for shopping and food to truly have the most authentic Italian experience. Her trusted Italian contacts couldn’t speak more highly of working with her, and it was clear that her local relationships opened doors we would never have found on our own. I highly recommend Marnie and Amoria Journeys to anyone planning an Italian adventure. I’m already looking forward to joining one of her group tours in the future!”
Alison, Summer 2025
Blanchard Family
“We cannot say enough about how incredible this trip was and how grateful we are for Marnie’s thoughtful planning and expert guidance. From delicious dinner reservations—ranging from casual gems to elegant fine dining—to incredibly knowledgeable tour guides who brought history to life, every detail was perfectly curated. Even our train and museum tickets were pre-purchased and ready to go, making everything seamless. The travel binder Marnie sent was a true gift—full of insider tips, local suggestions, helpful apps, and smart packing advice that allowed us to travel light and with ease.
It was such a comfort to work with someone who not only planned our journey so beautifully but also checked in during the trip to make sure everything was going smoothly. We had never used a travel planner before, and now we can’t imagine traveling without Amoria Journeys. Marnie’s warmth, expertise, and deep understanding of Italian culture made this once-in-a-lifetime experience truly unforgettable.”
Heather, Summer 2025
The Puckett-Boardman Family
“Our family trip to Florence, Venice, and Siena was absolutely unforgettable, thanks to Marnie. She thoughtfully curated every detail and ensured we had the perfect balance of structured activities and free time (with great suggestions!).
She kept our boys (13 and 9) in mind throughout, tailoring experiences to their interests and attention spans. For example, Marnie arranged private tour guides who made sure we got to see incredible art and architecture in each city, but she kept it interesting and exciting for our boys.
From seamless logistics to incredible dinner reservations, the trip was magical. We can’t recommend her highly enough!”
Nora, Winter 2025
The Rugaber Family
“Marnie’s advice and planning made our trip a breeze and totally fun, with activities that both teenagers and parents enjoyed. You will relax knowing that everything has been taken care of in advance.”
Chris, Summer 2024
Peg Copelin
“What a thrill it was to be able to return and visit the birthplace of my grandmother, along with so many other unique Tuscan places and adventures. Marnie took exceptional care in her planning to ensure that our every want and need were met. She went out of her way to ensure that my sister and I got to Frassineto, a small village off the beaten path, to reconnect with our roots and spread some of my mother's ashes. An incredibly special and memorable time for us.
She prepped us with reading materials and a host of suggestions for shopping and eating. And, oh, the shopping! Marnie has long-standing connections with artisans throughout Tuscany—from Florence to Cortona—and she knew where to take us for the best experience.
Would I recommend Marnie for an Italian adventure? You bet! Her knowledge of Italy, the language, and the best guides and experiences made this the trip of a lifetime. She is patient, funny, and an absolute pleasure to be with. Bella Donna—Thank you!”
Peg, Springtime in Tuscany Tour 2024
Denise Rathbun
“Grazie, Grazie, Grazie! I have never been to Italy, and I am not much of a traveler, but Marnie has changed that. It was not in my plans to take this trip, and now I am eternally grateful that I did. Marnie has impacted my life in more ways than one. I have never felt so taken care of on a trip before.
Marnie’s prep and execution of the trip were flawless. She paid attention to every detail, small or large. The trip went along smoothly, with Marnie never skipping a beat. She was in charge, without being in charge, and always had a smile on her face. If something were to have gone wrong, you wouldn’t have known it.
Marnie is so grounded, kind, knowledgeable, and genuinely a joy to be around. She knows all the best Italy has to offer and is able to present it in a way that satisfies the expectations of your trip, yet leaves you wanting to return for more. She even made a special arrangement with our driver to visit the birthplace of my grandmother so my sister and I could spread my mother’s ashes. A small task for her that meant the world to us. We are so grateful to her for this gesture of kindness. I will definitely take a trip with her again. I cannot recommend Amoria Journeys enough. Thank you, Marnie, for the trip and the experience of a lifetime!”
Denise, Springtime in Tuscany Tour 2024
The Miravite Family
“Marnie made our first family trip to Italy a memorable one! Our family wanted a blend of independent time and planned, guided activities. Marnie provided great recommendations for independent exploration and was invaluable for the planned activities. She connected us with amazing guides for the Vatican and Assisi. My daughters were initially reluctant to go on guided tours, but the private Vatican tour ended up being the highlight of our trip.
She coordinated a personal driver to ensure we could include our desired itinerary for a one-day trip to Umbria and Tuscany. The personalities of the guides and the driver just added to the amazing Italy experience. The minute planning details she provided before departure ensured a seamless trip.
We are excited to go back to Italy and would gladly call on Marnie again to help plan a great trip.
Alex, Summer 2023
The Leonard Family
“Marnie was instrumental in making our first trip to Italy a resounding success. Her recommendations and tips for Rome and Florence were invaluable: neighborhoods and hotels, best times of day to hit museums and sites, where to dine, and ideas on what would be fun for our two boys, 19 and 21. She connected us with amazing guides in each city who were knowledgeable, engaging, and fun.
When we’re ready to explore another region, we’ll be sure to coordinate with Marnie. Her experience, connections, depth of knowledge, and love of Italy make her the perfect planning partner. Grazie mille, Marnie!”
Sarah, Winter 2023
The Slotnick Family
“This was our first time traveling to Europe as a family of five.
I started out trying to plan the trip on my own and immediately became overwhelmed. I contacted Marnie, and she put me at ease. Fear and worry turned to joy and excitement. Every step of the way, Marnie helped us design the perfect trip.
We traveled seamlessly through five cities in 6 weeks. She provided a detailed itinerary, giving us the comfort and confidence we needed to maneuver in each new place. Thank you, Marnie!! You are an absolute travel guru!”
Melissa, Summer 2022
Andi & Sidonia Summers
“Marnie helped me plan a trip to the Amalfi Coast last spring with my daughter. She was amazing to work with - knowledgeable, attentive, and so enthusiastic!
She prepared a personalized list of recommended activities, sites, tour guides, logistical tips, and restaurants based on our interests.
Her expertise and obvious passion for the country made the trip so much easier and more enjoyable.”
Andi, Spring 2022
Kristin & Madison Hurley
“Marnie helped me coordinate a family trip to Italy, which included several days in Florence and Venice.
She connected us with an extraordinary guide in Venice, who worked as a museum docent for many years and took us on a personal tour through Venice. At the time, my daughter was 15, and our guide was incredibly nuanced in her ability to make it fascinating for my teen…and for me.
Beyond this, Marnie spent hours sharing her expertise about Florence, making fabulous recommendations for restaurants and a cooking class in a Tuscan kitchen. Her enthusiasm added a lovely dimension to our first time in Italy.
I cannot offer a more enthusiastic recommendation for Marnie.
She is just fabulous!”
Kristin, Summer 2019
The Ferguson Family
“Marnie’s love of Italy runs deep, and it shows. Her years of living and traveling throughout the country have afforded her a local perspective that she infuses into each of her unique itineraries. Marnie listened and then presented us with authentic experiences that somehow managed to thrill the diverse interests of our entire family. We enjoyed fried artichokes off the beaten path in Rome, a thermal bath retreat in Tuscany, fun art and history lessons, and a tour through Venice that we will never forget.
Thanks, Marnie, for the family vacation of a lifetime!”
Liz, Spring 2019
The Marino Family
“Marnie was an invaluable resource in planning our family's trip to Rome and Florence. With young children, we wanted to make sure our trip was family-friendly and included plenty of downtime while still hitting everything we wanted to see."
We had the most amazing private tour guide when visiting the Vatican and Ancient Rome, ate at amazing restaurants, had a wonderful private driver for airport trips, and stayed in a great neighborhood. It was the experience of a lifetime!”
Jess, Spring 2018