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Design Your Own

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.
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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

Γεια σας, I was born in Calgary but raised in Athens Greece. I have been back to Calgary now for 12 years, but Greece has always been and will always be my first home. I cannot wait to share my knowledge with you about Greece and see what περιπέτειες (adventures) we are going to create.

RACHELE

Custom Tour Designer

Born and raised in Italy. I’ve been fortunate enough to live and work in Spain, Australia, and now Canada. I also travelled in several countries, where I had the opportunity to immerse myself in different cultures. My passion for travel led me to work for Ciao Tours, where I can help others plan their own adventures and explore new places. I believe that traveling is not only a way to discover new cultures, but also a way to learn about oneself and broaden one’s horizons. I’m excited to share my knowledge and experiences with you and help you plan your next unforgettable trip to my amazing home country!

SARA

Custom Tour Designer

Ciao! I’m Sara, born and raised in a small town in Northern Italy. I moved to Calgary with my husband Gabriele and my little daughter Virginia. I’ve been part of the tourism industry for more than 10 years and, this year, I joined Ciao Tours. I’m ready to take you on an immersive journey in italian traditions, letting you discover magnificent places that my ‘Bel Paese’ has to offer. I prepare every single trip as if it was mine; I can’t wait to share my passion for travel with you and find out together what great surprise waits for us just around the corner! A presto!

LAURA

Director of Italy

Since the beginning, I have worked together with all our partners to offer a true experience to share with those who have chosen us, so that every tour, every occasion can be a mutual enrichment, an open look to discovery and that leaves us with good memories. I deeply believe Italy is unique with all its different traditions, because of the richness and humanity of its people; its century culture can surprise me first and all the people who are curious to live it. Looking for new goals I met Greece and I found out a Vacation in Greece makes us live longer! Let be pleasantly surprised by the “Greece therapy”: Here then, from the habits and schedules of the city, one soon arrives to conceive the day according to the so-called “Greek Time”, without haste and without stress. Let yourself be guided and accompanied, come, touch and taste the Italian and Greek Style of life, you are welcome.

CLAUDIA

Senior Tour Assistant

I live in Siena, in the heart of Tuscany and I take care of Ciao’s clients first working on their itineraries, then following them while they are traveling from one destination to the other and thanks to them I am continuously learning something new about my country. I studied foreign languages at the University of Florence and taught English and Spanish to adults and teenagers, I dealt with organic food and cuisine while raising four children, then I met Ciao Tours and immediately fell in love with its philosophy. I’m proud to share my knowledge and passion with my clients and to help them to relax and enjoy their vacation and of course I’m completely satisfied when they leave Italy with an unforgettable memory and great photos.

DIDI

Senior Tour Assistant

I am a third generation Italian-American that now lives in Siena. After getting an associate’s degree in languages in Boston, where I was born and grew up, I followed my dream to spend a year in Italy. That was over 40 years ago and I’m still here! I often return to North America to visit family and friends, but my home is now in Tuscany. I love taking special care of our clients, assisting them without being intrusive.

ANNA

Senior Tour Assistant

Warmest greetings from Athens! Raised in this vibrant metropolis, my childhood was shaped by its rich history and cultural heritage, with archaeological monuments serving as the backdrop to my adolescence. Inspired by the ancient gods and heroes of the Acropolis, I pursued a path in Archaeology & Art History, engaging in excavations and museums for two decades. Yet, craving more than scientific research, I found fulfillment in sharing my passion for Greek civilization and my love for Athens as a museum educator and travel concierge. Rooted in the Greek tradition of hospitality, I welcome guests to experience our mentality and lifestyle, promising a journey that transcends mere vacationing through the reliability, experience, and warm-heartedness of Ciao Tours.

ELENA

Director of Greece

I have been working as a tour guide with groups and families from around the world for the last 25 years. Greece is the field where the windmills of my mind blow their breezes and inspire me to enhance peoples’ travelling experience within the Greek world: a world of wise oldness and mellow nostalgia intertwining with the brisk, youthful, and spirited disposition of its people towards life and its issues. As a member of the Greek team of Ciao Tours I am here to make sure your vacation is a great experience. Whether it is the picturesque mainland villages or the whitewashed island towns, the iconic historical sites or the vibrant cities, the melodious songs or the stirring music and uplifting dances, the delicious cuisine or symposiums with “amethyst” wines, the majestic mountains, or the rolling hills with silver green oceans of olive trees, the emerald coastlines of the Ionian or the deep blue waters of the Aegean Sea …let us guide you “to the ends of love”. Love for Greece and its many faces.

FARZAM

Travel Service Coordinator

Born and raised in Tehran, I have accumulated over 10 years of valuable experience in the travel industry. Prior to starting my journey in Canada, I had the privilege of working with some of the top travel companies in Iran, gaining insights and skills that have enriched my career. Since joining Ciao Tours, it has been an incredible honor to contribute to the growth and success of the company, leveraging my expertise to enhance our services and create unforgettable experiences for our clients.

CRISTINA

Marketing Specialist

I am part of Ciao Tours since 2012. I moved to Calgary in 2011 to follow my ex-husband, who is working for an Italian Oil & Gas Company, and we moved back to Italy in July 2015. I have two kids, Francesco who is 14 and Margherita, 11. I’m from the center of Italy (split between Umbria and Marche), as a student I attended the University in Venice (where I got my degree in languages German-English) and I have a Marketing and Communication background (I worked 8 years for an important Italian Publisher). I’m currently working as a primary school teacher. In Calgary I was part of the sales department and now I’m following all the communication and marketing for Ciao Tours, especially as a social media manager. I really love my country, social media and photography and working with Ciao Tours allows me to use all my passions at once!

ALI

Manager

Ciao! I was born and raised in Iran and crafted through several journeys! I joined Ciao Tours in 2021. Years of endeavour in the tourism field have shaped me into someone who expertly combines knowledge with care. At Ciao Tours, we’re not just focused on travel; we’re dedicated to creating unforgettable memories paired with world-class service. Let us make your next trip filled with a truly authentic experience!

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.

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At Ciao Tours, we’re excited to help plan your perfect private tour to Italy or Greece while respecting your budget. The highest compliment you can give us is to recommend Ciao Tours to your friends, family, and business associates.

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