About Ciao Tours
Nearly Three Decades of Bespoke Mediterranean Travel: Since 1998
Our Heritage
The Italy Origins
In 1998, Ciao Tours was launched in Canada with a singular, passionate dream: to provide unique, personalized, and independent travel experiences that traditional “mass-market” companies simply couldn’t offer. Born from an international friendship, our foundation was built on a deep respect for local traditions and the authentic “Agriturismo” lifestyle.
We knew then that the era of following a tour guide’s umbrella in a crowd of fifty strangers was coming to an end. Our clients wanted more—they wanted to learn from local masters in Florence, cook with families in Siena, and truly immerse themselves in the hospitality of Italy.
The Evolution
Expanding Our Horizons
As we perfected the art of the custom Italian itinerary, our vision naturally evolved. We recognized that our travelers craved that same level of curated, high-touch service in other iconic Mediterranean destinations. Leveraging nearly 30 years of logistical expertise and deep-rooted regional relationships, Ciao Tours has grown from its Italian roots into a premier consultative service specializing in bespoke journeys across Italy, Greece, Spain, Portugal, and France. This expansion represents more than just new borders; it represents a commitment to the “Ciao Tours Way”—a sophisticated design process where every detail is vetted by experts who live and breathe the Mediterranean lifestyle.
Our Value
Our Consultative Philosophy
For nearly 30 years, we’ve believed that a dream vacation shouldn’t be a DIY project. Our process is entirely consultative, ensuring your journey is as seamless as it is authentic:
- The Expert Consultation: It begins with our Calgary-based designers, who leverage decades of regional knowledge to understand your vision.
- The Comprehensive Proposal: We architect a conceptual, no-obligation itinerary that is far more than a list of hotels. We curate a complete experience, integrating private transfers, boutique accommodations, and private guided tours. Whether it’s an authentic cooking class with a local family or an exclusive wine tasting, every detail is included.
- Refinement and Pricing: Once the plan is perfect, we move into tailoring every cost to your specific choices and regional flight needs.
- Seamless Execution: Our dedicated Tour Assistants based in the Mediterranean connect with you directly, providing on-the-ground support and managing every logistical detail.
Our Commitment to the Mediterranean
“We don’t just sell the Mediterranean; we protect it.”
Ciao Tours is a proud partner of Enaleia, an award-winning organization dedicated to marine conservation. Since 1998, we have been guests in these waters, and through this partnership, we support local professional fishers in collecting plastic waste from the sea. By choosing Ciao Tours, you are directly supporting a circular economy that ensures the beauty of the Mediterranean region remains vibrant for the next generation of travelers.
Our Experts
A Global-Local Connection
Today, Ciao Tours is powered by a diverse team of professionals in Canada, Italy, and Greece. Our head office remains firmly planted in Calgary, AB, providing our North American clients with local accountability and expert support.
As a collective of Canadians, Italians, and Greeks, we don’t just “book” trips; we architect them. By combining our vast professional talents with decades of on-the-ground knowledge, we focus on one common goal: ensuring that your custom Ciao Tour is a seamless, memorable, and entirely unique expression of your travel dreams.
RITA
Custom Tour Designer 
Ciao everyone, I am Rita, I am Italian and I have lived in Calgary since 2015. After a few years of searching and studying, I found my dream job: working in the Travel industry! I joined Ciao Tours in August 2021 as a Custom Italian Tours Designer and I love creating memories for my clients. I am very proud to sharing my knowledge about my outstanding Italian Country and will be a pleasure for me work for you! Italy is waiting for you! Arrivederci a presto.
JOANNA
Custom Tour Designer
RACHELE
Custom Tour Designer
SARA
Custom Tour Designer
LAURA
Director of Italy
CLAUDIA
Senior Tour Assistant
DIDI
Senior Tour Assistant
ANNA
Senior Tour Assistant
ELENA
Director of Greece
FARZAM
Travel Service Coordinator
CRISTINA
Marketing Specialist
ALI
Manager
MATTHEW
President
Thank you for choosing Ciao Tours. Since 1998, our mission has been to provide North American travelers with a sophisticated, consultative approach to the Mediterranean. As President, my role is to ensure that the nearly 30-year legacy of Ciao Tours is upheld in every bespoke itinerary we design.
As a Greek-Canadian living in Calgary, my connection to the Mediterranean is part of my DNA. While our incredible team of designers—many of whom were born and raised in Italy and Greece—manages the day-to-day logistics and local vetting, I am dedicated to overseeing the high standards of service and authenticity that our clients have come to expect. My wife, Tracy, and our three sons are proud to be part of the Calgary community, and I am honored to lead a team that turns your travel dreams into curated, seamless realities.
