Meet the Team

Directors

Mario Fortini

FOUNDER
Specialities:
Sicily and Sardinia

One of the most respected names in the tourism in Italy, Mario started the company Bellarome back in 2007 and has grown a solid network of guides on the ground and happy repeat customers.

Born in Rome and living in Cambridge, he has been drawn to the islands of Sicily and Sardinia since a young age which later led him to start the successful Classic Sicily business and then other regional areas along with his trusted regional experts.

“Italy’s islands contain so much untapped wonder to be discovered. The people, the food, nature history and coastline, I want my clients to experience it all.”

Daniel Bradnam

FOUNDER
Specialities:
Tuscany and Liguria

Daniel is the co-creator of Bellarome who was born and raised near Cambridge in England. He has always had a keen interest in travel and culture and has lived in Tuscany and Rome where he travelled the country extensively and gained a deep understanding of Italy’s history and culture.

On a personal note, Daniel holds a BA Hons degree, is a football enthusiast and a big lover of Italian food and, of course, wine!

“As an Englishman who lived in Italy, I experienced so much of this wonderful country and culture for the first time. I enjoy recreating these experiences for others, too.”

Regional Specialists

Rose

REGIONAL SPECIALIST
Specialities:
Sicily and Puglia

A Canadian of Sicilian origin, Rose has been drawn to her motherland since a young age owing to the rich culture and the amazing food. After living and studying in Florence and the Piedmont region (where she fell in love with Borolo wine!), Rose has settled in the US where she relishes the opportunity to share her love of Italy with her clients to design them a truly unique vacation.

“Travel changes you; it should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body.”

Matthew

REGIONAL SPECIALIST
Specialities:
Tuscany and Amalfi Coast

Based between the New York and Rome, Matthew holds an M.A. degree in Italian Food & Wine, making him an expert in wine regions. He is an invaluable team member of Classic Regional Tours who has spent over five years crafting high-quality private tours predominently covering Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast and Puglia. This deep knowledge is evident in the trail of satisfied clients who can’t speak more highly of Matthew.

“Eating and drinking is an art form in so many regions of Italy – it must be experienced at least once in a lifetime!”

Mirella

REGIONAL SPECIALIST
Specialities:
Sardinia and Puglia

Mirella is a local Sardinian who has lived in London and the USA and is now based in Rome. When she’s not helping clients build truly unique tours, Mirella is visiting a new place and mingling with the locals. She knows Sardinia inside out and can help clients see a side of this beautiful island they could never see without her local knowledge. Mirella has also travelled to the Puglia and Tuscany many times.

“Sardinia is more than an island, it’s a way of life. A place that reveals more of its magic each time you visit!”

Veronica

REGIONAL SPECIALIST
Specialities:
Amalfi Coast and Lombardia

Born and now living in Lake Como, Veronica knows her home region of Lombardia very well and has been travelling to the Amalfi Coast since she was a child. Now a trusted travel specialist, her passion is in helping her clients express their interests and style by designing the perfect vacation tailored to their desires. Having lived in the USA and UK and travelled extensively, Veronica is fluent in Italian, English, Spanish and German.

“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.”

Nicole

REGIONAL SPECIALIST
Specialities:
Tuscany and Liguria

Originally from Liguria, Nicole has lived in many places since she was a child, including the US. Apart from being bilingual in English and Italian and fluent in French, this experience has gifted her the sensibility of various cultures and a passion for travel. Truly in her element when designing luxury tours, Nicole is known for her attention to detail, professionalism and love for Disney movies. 

“To quote my favorite soundtrack – I can show you the world; shining, shimmering, splendid.”