Italy is more than a destination. It is a feeling. A country where history, food, family, and emotion come together in ways that stay with you long after you return home. For Gina Rader, our Senior Travel Advisor, Italy Expert & Travel Designer, that feeling has shaped both her life and her career.
Gina’s connection to Italy began long before she ever stepped foot there. As a child, she grew up listening to her mother talk about one lifelong dream: visiting the small Italian town her grandparents came from. With both of Gina’s parents being Italian, that dream became something deeply shared. It was a story passed down, a place imagined, and a journey hoped for.
When that dream finally became a reality, it marked the beginning of Gina’s passion for travel. Not just traveling to see places, but traveling to understand them.
Gina firmly believes that travel enriches your soul and opens your mind. It is a philosophy she lives by and one that guides every itinerary she designs. Travel, in her eyes, is the only thing you buy that truly makes you richer.
When Italy Became Personal
Some of Gina’s most meaningful moments in Italy came from experiencing the country through the eyes of her family.
One trip that stands out was traveling through Venice, Florence, and Rome with her teenage sons. While Italy’s legendary art and architecture did not always capture their attention, something else certainly did.
“They may not have been interested in all the amazing art and architecture,” Gina recalls, “but they absolutely loved trying all the different food.” Each destination became a culinary adventure. One of her sons, especially, wanted to know what was typical of each region and made it a point to try everything. “To this day,” Gina says, “that is what he remembers about Italy at 17 years old.”
For Gina, this is what makes Italy such a powerful destination for families. It meets travelers where they are. Whether through food, history, or shared moments at the table, Italy creates memories that last far beyond the trip itself. It is a place where each generation can experience the country differently, yet still feel connected through the moments they share together. From lingering lunches to spontaneous conversations with locals, these are the experiences that often become the most meaningful.
Another journey brought Gina and her mother to a small town in Sicily where their family once lived. It was a place her mother had spoken about throughout her entire childhood, a town filled with stories, curiosity, and longing. For years, it existed only in conversation and imagination, passed down through memories and family history.
When they finally arrived, the moment was overwhelming. “When my mom finally arrived,” Gina shares, “she cried happy and sad tears. Happy to be there and overwhelmed by how beautiful it was.” Walking through the town together allowed them to see their family story in a new way, not just as history, but as something tangible and deeply personal.
That visit became more than a trip. Together, they learned more about their family’s roots and gained a deeper understanding of why their ancestors chose to immigrate to the United States. It was emotional, grounding, and unforgettable. The kind of experience that defines Gina’s approach to travel and the kind of journey she loves to create for others.
Discovering Italy Beyond the Guidebooks
Italy has a way of revealing itself when you slow down, and Gina believes that is where its true beauty lies.
One of her favorite lesser known experiences is discovering the hot mineral springs of Tuscany. Spread throughout the region, these thermal waters appear in both refined spa resorts and natural open air settings tucked into the countryside.
“One hidden gem people don’t often know about,” Gina explains, “is the hot mineral springs in Tuscany. Some are beautiful resorts, and others are completely natural and incredibly peaceful.”
It is the perfect blend of wellness, luxury, and authenticity. Ideal for travelers looking to unwind while still feeling deeply connected to place.
Food and tradition are just as important to Gina as scenery. One moment that has stayed with her is watching fresh ricotta cheese being made in a small Sicilian town, then enjoying it immediately with warm bread.
“Watching ricotta being made and eating it right out of the hot pot,” she says, “those are the moments you never forget.” These simple experiences, rooted in tradition and shared around food, are often what travelers cherish most.
How Gina Travels and How She Plans
Gina’s travel style is intentional, thoughtful, and highly personalized. It is exactly how she plans journeys for her clients. “I love exploring Italy in the off season,” Gina says, when cities feel more authentic and less crowded. She pairs this with private or small group guides, allowing for deeper storytelling and a more elevated experience. But if there is one thing Gina always returns to, it is the freedom of the open road.
“Most of all,” she says, “we love to drive. Especially through the countryside of Tuscany or Sicily.” Driving through rolling hills, vineyards, and small villages creates space for spontaneity. A stop at a family run winery, a long lunch in a town you had not planned to visit, or a quiet moment that becomes the highlight of the trip. This balance of luxury, flexibility, and authenticity is what defines Gina’s approach.
One Experience She Always Recommends
If there is one experience Gina loves to include, whether for couples, families, or multigenerational travelers, it is a truffle hunt followed by a cooking class using the truffles you have just found. “I always love recommending a truffle hunt,” Gina says, “and then cooking with what you have found afterward.” It is hands on, immersive, and uniquely Italian. An experience that blends nature, food, and culture in a way that feels both luxurious and deeply personal.
Gina’s Advice for First Time Travelers to Italy
For travelers planning their first trip to Italy, Gina offers thoughtful guidance:
- Avoid trying to see everything in one journey. Focus on three to four cities or one region for a deeper experience.
- Leave room for free time. Some of Italy’s best moments come from wandering, discovering hidden gems, and exploring independently.
Must Sees She Loves
- St. Peter’s Basilica, home to the largest dome and basilica in the world
- The rolling countryside of Tuscany, where timeless landscapes offer serenity, beauty, and balance
Let Gina Design Your Dream Journey
Whether you are dreaming of a luxury Italian escape, a meaningful family trip, or a journey rooted in heritage and culture, Gina brings heart, expertise, and personal experience to every itinerary she designs.
She takes the time to understand what matters most to you, from the pace you prefer to the experiences you hope to remember long after the journey ends. Every detail is thoughtfully considered, creating trips that feel effortless, personal, and deeply connected to the places you visit.
For Gina, travel is never one size fits all. It is about crafting moments that reflect who you are, whether that means a private guide through historic cities, quiet days in the countryside, or meaningful experiences shared with the people you love most.
Above all, Gina believes the best journeys are the ones that leave you changed in some small but lasting way. They open your mind, deepen your connections, and turn dreams into memories you will carry with you long after you return home. Do you have a dream trip in mind? Let Gina plan your dream adventure.
