Italy & More is a small family owned company that provides custom designed trips to Italy.   Working with you, we create the trip that you want.  Whether you are a professional organization that has an established agenda, educators or individuals that need guidance about where to go and what to see, we personally tailor the trip based on our discussions with you.    We want you to realize your dream trip to Italy with less stress and more time to enjoy the sites you have dreamed of seeing!  We believe that travel is enhanced by understanding the country through the people and culture, both past and present, so we emphasize the historical without sacrificing the delights of Italy; the wine, the food, shopping and scenery!
Take advantage of our insider views and come away with an understanding of how people differ – but, also, how they are the same.

Our motto :
Travel & More, Education & More, Italy & More.

Our mission :
To promote learning and to expand an understanding of the world through travel.

Who we are :
Mary Ellen Lawrence :  Was born in Geneva, Illinois.  Her ancestors were early pioneers of this beautiful, historic town on the Fox River, 40 miles west of Chicago. She has always been interested in history and travel.  In 1992 – after a career as an international flight attendant, she moved to Italy.

Then the “Italian miracles”, as she calls them, began.  She got a job with a premier Florentine art school that American universities use for their students and worked as the Dean’s assistant.  Then, she applied for and was accepted into the prestigious Syracuse University graduate program for the study of Florentine art and architecture – a program taught in Florence. She was awarded a full fellowship and earned her MA.  Mary Ellen taught weekend field lectures and acted as guide to new students on tours of the city.

She completed another Masters degree in Library Science and after working as librarian at MIT in Boston, she went back to Italy as director of the library for Syracuse University in her beloved Florence. 

Following 13 years of living in Italy, she returned to the US and established a successful travel consulting business that works with travel agents, tour operators and private clients – occasionally she will even drive and guide clients who want that service too.

Though she has traveled extensively throughout the world, Italy is her passion and Le Marche region is what interests her now.   She has travel connections throughout Italy and enjoys helping people have the time of their life and leave Italy, loving it and wanting to return.

Mary Ellen divides her time between Denver, Colorado and Florence, Italy.

Matthew Lawrence : Matt is a graduate of the University of Colorado in Boulder and also studied in Florence at Studio Art Center International and in Sevilla, Spain. He is a photographer and artistic lighting expert - Matt speaks Italian and Spanish and has had extensive travel experience. He is available to videotape your visit, leaving your hands and heads free to enjoy the sites.  He coordinates publicity and website development for Italy&More.

Our Italian Friends
Tuscany&More - A consortium of travel specialists based in Italy.  Click the link and see the unique travel experiences they offer, from whale watching, to painting excursions or hiking in the hills overlooking the Mediterranean & More. Martha Corsi - is the proprietress of the castle at Porciano, Stia, Italy; this beautifully restored 13th c castle once entertained Dante.  Martha is a renowned cook and cultural expert and offers her castle for special occasions or weekly rentals.   It is really a treat to visit here!

Cathy and Lorenzo Falli - Own a beautiful farm near Sarnano, Le Marche, which is available for weekly rental.  (We often use this beautiful and warm place for our escorted tours) Cathy is an owner of the English Workshop, a language school and translation center located in the heart of Florence.  Lorenzo is a respected Tuscan artist and a high school art/art history teacher – plus he is a great cook!

We have many more properties that we recommend throughout Italy  - These range from exclusive Florentine palaces, castles and restored monasteries, to budget friendly holiday apartments and hotels.   Contact us for recommendations and let us make your reservations.   It won't cost you anything extra!!!!

Testimonials
Sarah, Munich Germany – “I feel that I learned so much about Renaissance Art from Mary Ellen. Her excitement about it is contagious- I can’t wait for my next trip back [to Florence]! [Mary Ellen] You have inspired me to begin a post graduate degree.“

Pat and Tim, St. Charles, Illinois – “When our daughter was studying in Italy we contacted Mary Ellen and she provided guide service that enriched our trip and also gave our daughter inspiration for her studies. Our daughter is now working with Delta airlines as an Italian language flight attendant. This would not have happened without the original inspiration she gained from her experience with Mary Ellen.”

Nan and Steve, Denver, Colorado – “We visited Italy with Mary Ellen – we highly recommend her as a guide – it was through her we learned to love the subtle side of Italy.”

Jenny,  Illinois – “Mary Ellen’s enthusiasm for Italy inspired my husband and me to use her services to find a bed and breakfast property in Italy. She is a great guide and pleasant to be with!”

Claire, Walnut Creek, California – “You, and our traveling friends made a lasting impression on me. Keep doing what you're doing girl! Thank you!”