Meet the Italy Vacation Specialists Team

Jesse Caitlin Andrews

Jesse Caitlin Andrews

Founder & Technical Director

With over 23 years of experience living and working in Italy, Jesse brings unmatched passion, expertise, and authenticity to every journey. As the founder of Italy Vacation Specialists, she has dedicated her career as a writer, photographer and guide, to creating immersive, tailor-made travel experiences that connect visitors with the heart and soul of Italy.  

Recognized by the Italian Ministry of Tourism as a licensed Direttore Tecnico, Jesse is not only an accomplished travel designer but also a hands-on guide. She combines her deep knowledge of Italian history, art, food, and culture with a warm, approachable style that makes travelers feel at home from the moment they arrive.

Having personally explored every region of Italy, Jesse has cultivated trusted local relationships with winemakers, chefs, artisans, and guides. Her philosophy is simple: luxury is not just about five-star hotels, but about authentic experiences, meaningful connections, and unforgettable stories.

Giuseppe Patti

Giuseppe Patti

Chief Operations Officer

Gio' Patti, as most people on our team call him, is one of the most trusted and beloved members of our Italy Vacation Specialists team. As a highly experienced private driver and guide, he has spent years accompanying clients across Italy, from the cobbled streets of Rome to the rolling hills of Tuscany, the sparkling Amalfi Coast, and beyond. His deep knowledge of Italian roads, culture, and hidden treasures ensures that every journey is seamless, safe, and filled with authentic local insight.

What makes Giuseppe stand out is not only his professionalism but also his personality. Clients often say that traveling with him feels like traveling with family. His warmth, humor, and storytelling transform simple transfers into rich cultural experiences.

Beyond his work as a driver, Giuseppe is also a passionate singer-songwriter, with a strong following on YouTube and social media. His music, rooted in Italian tradition and infused with his own heartfelt style, offers travelers another window into Italy’s soul. His artistry brings depth to his role as a guide, he doesn’t just drive guests through Italy, he helps them feel its rhythm and spirit.

Giuseppe’s blend of professional expertise and personal creativity has been instrumental in making Italy Vacation Specialists one of the top companies for driving services in Italy. His commitment to excellence, paired with his genuine love for sharing Italy with others, leaves a lasting impression on everyone he meets.

Ali Haider

Ali Haider

Chief Financial Officer

Ali Haider is the financial backbone of Italy Vacation Specialists and its parent company, World View Consultants. With a strong background in international finance and accounting, He brings clarity, precision, and strategic insight to every aspect of our operations.

As CFO, he oversees financial planning, compliance, and global transactions, ensuring the company’s growth is sustainable while maintaining the highest level of transparency. His expertise extends across multiple jurisdictions, making him an invaluable asset as we expand our presence not only in Italy, but also in Greece, Malta, and beyond.

Ali’s role goes far beyond numbers. He works closely with our team, suppliers, and partners to ensure smooth collaboration and long-term success. His careful stewardship allows us to invest in new opportunities, build strong local relationships, and continue delivering world-class travel experiences to our clients.

Tatti Tonazzini

Tatti Tonazzini

Chief Administrative Officer

At the very core of Italy Vacation Specialists’ operations is Tatti Tonazzini, our Chief Administrative Officer and the backbone of our organization. With her remarkable blend of organization, efficiency, and personal warmth, Tatti ensures that everything behind the scenes runs with precision and heart.

She manages our administrative processes, staff coordination, and client communications with exceptional professionalism, keeping every department aligned and every detail in order. Her ability to anticipate needs, solve problems quickly, and maintain smooth operations makes her an irreplaceable link between our leadership, team, and clients.

Tatti’s calm, steady presence and genuine care for both colleagues and travelers define her leadership style. Thanks to her dedication, our guides, drivers, and travel designers can focus on creating unforgettable journeys, knowing that the foundation of our company remains strong, steady, and flawlessly managed under her direction.

Samuele Yammine

Samuele Yammine

Chief Staff Officer & Transportation Logistics

"Samu," as we all call him, plays a pivotal role in coordinating the people and systems that keep Italy Vacation Specialists moving forward. With a background in operations and a passion for service, Samuele ensures that every transfer, tour, and logistical detail is flawlessly managed, from airport pick-ups and private drivers to complex multi-day itineraries across Italy.

Samuele is the bridge between our leadership team, our staff, and our extensive network of drivers and suppliers. His ability to anticipate challenges, streamline operations, and create smooth workflows has allowed us to deliver one of the most reliable and trusted transportation services in Italy.

Known for his calm presence and strategic mindset, Samuele combines efficiency with personal care, making sure clients feel secure and well looked after at every stage of their journey. His leadership in transportation logistics has been instrumental in cementing Italy Vacation Specialists as a top choice for travelers seeking seamless, high-quality services throughout Italy.

Timothy Tonazzini

Timothy Tonazzini

Business Development Manager & Luxury Travel Curator

With a refined eye for detail and a passion for creating extraordinary journeys, Tim Tonazzini brings a wealth of expertise to his dual role as Business Development Manager and Luxury Client Experience Manager at Italy Vacation Specialists.

Tim specializes in cultivating strategic partnerships across the luxury hospitality and travel sectors, ensuring that every collaboration enhances the company’s ability to deliver bespoke, high-value experiences. His strong background in business development allows him to identify growth opportunities, build enduring supplier relationships, and open doors to exclusive services and destinations that set Italy Vacation Specialists apart.

Equally committed to the client experience, Tim curates seamless, tailor-made travel journeys for discerning travelers. From private wine tastings in Tuscany to behind-the-scenes cultural encounters in Rome, his mission is to transform a client’s vision into unforgettable memories. His approachable yet professional style makes him a trusted advisor to both new and long-standing clients.

Tim’s dedication to excellence, innovation, and authentic connections reflects the values of Italy Vacation Specialists. Whether he is negotiating elite partnerships or fine-tuning the details of a client’s itinerary, Tim ensures that luxury travel is not only experienced, but truly felt.

Adam Beaven

Adam Beaven

Business Development Manager & Luxury Travel Curator

Adam Beaven is the friendly, always-on-hand force behind the seamless, elevated experiences our clients rave about. From the earliest planning stages to the final farewell, Adam is the client’s touchpoint and trusted advocate. TripAdvisor reviews frequently highlight his responsiveness, attention to detail, and personal care:

“Adam was always available … the planning process was easy.” Tripadvisor+1
“He truly made this trip stress free …” Tripadvisor+1

In his role as Luxury Client Experience Manager, Adam ensures every traveler feels attended to, supported, and delighted, from customized itinerary consultations to real-time adjustments on the road.

As Business Development Lead, he is also the bridge between high expectations and high execution. He works to expand Italy Vacation Specialists’ reach, build partnerships, and elevate service standards so more travelers can experience our signature blend of authenticity and excellence.

With Adam on your side, guests know that at each moment they are valued, and that any detail, large or small, is in expert hands.

Alexandra Tweedie

Alexandra Tweedie

Tour Leader & Director of Client Experiences

Alexandra Tweedie is one of the warmest and most trusted faces of Italy Vacation Specialists, our go-to in-country expert and client advocate. She brings every itinerary to life, ensuring travelers feel supported, informed, and personally cared for from arrival through departure.

TripAdvisor guests often single Alexandra out in their praise:

“Alexandra was an amazing, in-country expert … took exceptional care of my clients.” Tripadvisor
“Especially agent Alexandra Tweedie … could not have been a better choice.” Tripadvisor

In her role, Alexandra liaises with local partners, oversees client communications while in Italy, and handles on-ground problem solving. She is the trusted bridge between our guests and Italy’s heartbeat, making sure logistics, culture, and personal touches are all seamlessly woven together.

With Alexandra guiding the in-country experience, clients know they’re not just seeing Italy, they’re being accompanied by someone who knows it intimately and cares deeply about making their journey extraordinary.

Eleonor Kinchin-Smith

Eleonor Kinchin-Smith

Groups & Family Experience Manager

 “Ele,” is one of the most creative forces behind the seamless, heartfelt journeys we craft for our clients. As a dedicated travel designer and client relations specialist, Ele ensures that every detail, large or small is handled with care, precision, and warmth.

TripAdvisor guests often highlight her strengths:

“Eleanor Kinchin-Smith (Ele) was our amazing planner. … I am so grateful for her detailed planning, prompt communication…” Tripadvisor

With Ele at the helm of the planning process, clients can expect:

  • Proactive, responsive communication: she keeps everyone in the loop before, during, and after travel

  • Thoughtful, tailored itineraries: Ele’s designs reflect her deep understanding of client preferences

  • A steady, problem-solving presence: ready to adjust plans or offer alternatives if needed

In short: Ele is the calm heart behind personalized travel. Her combination of structure, creativity, and client-first mindset helps us ensure each journey feels effortless, memorable, and uniquely yours.

Patrick Vivona

Patrick Vivona

Communications & Events Coordinator

Based in the vibrant heart of Sicily, Patrick, known in the global music industry as PatBoogie” oversees communications, social media, and event coordination for Italy Vacation Specialists. He is the voice and the energy behind our Italian and Sicilian presence, crafting stories, promoting experiences, and ensuring that every event we host resonates with authenticity and flair.

Drawing on his deep local connections and cultural insight, Pat curates events (from luxury dinners to regional festivals) that showcase Sicily’s beauty, flavors, and spirit. His role also extends to social media: where he captures meaningful moments, shares behind-the-scenes stories, and connects with clients online, making travelers feel excited long before they arrive.

Pat’s strength lies in his ability to combine creativity with logistical savvy. Whether he’s organizing a vineyard tasting under the stars or ensuring the flow of a regional food and wine event, he brings a calm precision and a vibrant flair. His work amplifies our brand across Sicily ensuring more travelers see not just “Italy,” but the unique, unforgettable faces and stories of Sicily and all of our uniquely crafted journeys all over Italy. 

Tooba Ali

Tooba Ali

Data Analyst & Editor

Tooba plays a dual but equally vital role at Italy Vacation Specialists: she is both the numbers-driven analyst who keeps our strategies sharp, and the editorial eye who ensures our content is polished, consistent, and compelling.

As a Data Analyst, Tooba examines trends, client feedback, and performance metrics across our platforms. Her insights guide decision-making, from identifying which destinations are resonating most with travelers to optimizing our marketing campaigns for maximum impact. Thanks to her work, our strategies remain not only innovative but also grounded in real data.

Alongside her analytical skills, Tooba is a meticulous Editor. She reviews and refines written material across our websites, itineraries, and publications, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and a professional voice that reflects the quality of our brand. Her editorial work helps transform raw ideas into polished pieces that inspire and inform our clients.

Tooba’s unique combination of technical expertise and editorial precision strengthens both the back-end strategy and client-facing communication of Italy Vacation Specialists, making her an invaluable member of our team.

Salvatore Ballone

Salvatore Ballone

Sicily Operations Manager

Born on the serene shores of Lake Como, Salvatore Ballone’s journey led him south to the sun-kissed coast near Taormina, where he grew up and found his true home. Though he once dreamed of returning to Lombardy, destiny had other plans — he fell deeply in love with Giovanna Miuccio of Savoca, famously known for her role in The Godfather. Together they built a beautiful life in Sicily, raising two daughters and now enjoying the joy of two grandchildren.

For many years, Salvatore worked as a professional driver, navigating the roads of Sicily behind the wheel of large tourist coaches and sharing his passion for the island with countless travelers. It was during one of these journeys, over 15 years ago, that he first met Jesse Andrews, founder of Italy Vacation Specialists. The two quickly formed a lasting friendship and professional bond built on mutual respect and a shared love for authentic Sicilian hospitality.

Today, Salvatore oversees all logistical and transfer operations in Sicily, ensuring every guest’s journey across the island runs seamlessly. His deep knowledge of Sicily’s roads, landscapes, and people makes him an invaluable part of our team and a cornerstone of our operations in the south.

Igor Scomparin

Igor Scomparin

Director of Operations & Logistics, Venice

Based in the heart of Venice, Igor Scomparin brings a rare blend of precision, passion, and deep regional knowledge to his role as Director of Operations & Logistics. With years of experience managing complex itineraries across Northern Italy, Igor ensures every journey through Venice and the Veneto region runs seamlessly, from private transfers and guided excursions to multi-day touring programs.

A natural leader and seasoned tour director, Igor has guided travelers from around the world through Italy’s most iconic destinations, sharing his insight, humor, and genuine love for his country. His ability to balance the art of hospitality with the science of logistics makes him one of our most trusted coordinators.

Today, Igor oversees all Venice-based operations, supporting both guests and partners with grace, efficiency, and the kind of local expertise only a true Venetian professional can offer.

Martin Bauer

Martin Bauer

Head of Logistics – The Dolomites & Trentino-Alto Adige

Born and raised in the breathtaking Val Gardena valley, Martin Bauer quite literally knows every curve of the road and every mountain pass in the Dolomites. As the Head of our Logistics Department in Northern Italy, Martin oversees all transfers and ground operations throughout the Dolomites and Trentino-Alto Adige region, ensuring our guests travel smoothly and safely through some of Europe’s most stunning, and sometimes challenging, terrain.

With years of experience coordinating mountain routes, private drivers, and luxury vehicle fleets, Martin’s calm precision and deep local knowledge make him an indispensable part of our team. His passion for the mountains is contagious, and his commitment to seamless service reflects the spirit of true alpine hospitality. Whether guests are arriving from Venice, Verona, or Innsbruck, Martin ensures that every journey through the Dolomites is as breathtakingly beautiful as the destination itself.

Royce Negoro

Royce Negoro

Head of Technology & Drone Media Specialist

Royce leads the technology team at Italy Vacation Specialists. With a strong background in IT development and systems management, he oversees the tools and platforms that power our company, ensuring smooth operations across reservations, client communication, and logistics. His leadership keeps our backend running with efficiency, security, and innovation.

Beyond his role in technology, Royce brings a creative dimension to our work through his drone videography and photography. His stunning aerial footage captures Italy’s landscapes, coastlines, and historic towns from breathtaking perspectives, allowing us to share the beauty of Italy in a way that words alone cannot. His videos and photography are not only used in our marketing but also serve to inspire travelers before they even set foot in Italy.

By combining technical expertise with artistic vision, Royce strengthens both the infrastructure and the storytelling of Italy Vacation Specialists. His dual role ensures that our company is at the forefront of innovation, while also offering clients a visual journey into the Italy they dream of experiencing.

Why Choose Our Expert Italy Travel Team?

Since 2003, our passionate team of Italian travel specialists has been crafting unforgettable vacation experiences. With deep local knowledge, authentic connections, and personalized service, we transform your Italy dreams into extraordinary memories.

Local Italian Expertise

Our team lives and works throughout Italy - from Rome to Florence, Sorrento to Venice. We have intimate knowledge of hidden gems, authentic experiences, and local connections that transform ordinary trips into extraordinary adventures.

✓ Native Italian Knowledge ✓ Hidden Gems Access ✓ Local Connections

Personalized Italy Tours

Every traveler is unique. Our expert team creates customized Italian vacation packages tailored to your interests, budget, and travel style. From romantic honeymoons to family adventures, we craft your perfect Italy experience.

✓ Custom Itineraries ✓ Personal Attention ✓ Flexible Planning

24/7 Support Network

With offices in Italy and North America, our team provides round-the-clock support. Whether you need assistance during planning or while traveling, we're always here to ensure your Italy vacation is seamless and memorable.

✓ Round-the-Clock Support ✓ Emergency Assistance ✓ Travel Insurance

Our Italy Love Story Began in 2003

Our journey started when our founder, Jesse Caitlin Andrews, moved to the charming seaside town of Praia a Mare in Calabria, Southern Italy. What began as an English teaching position became a passionate love affair with Italy's rich culture, stunning landscapes, and warm-hearted people.

Through years of exploring every region - from the Cinque Terre to Sicily, Tuscany to Puglia - our team has walked, cycled, and lived throughout Italy. This intimate knowledge allows us to share authentic experiences that guidebooks simply cannot offer.

Today, our expert team of Italian travel consultants, private tour guides, and local specialists work together to create extraordinary custom Italy tours, escorted small group tours, and luxury travel experiences that showcase the real Italy we've come to know and love.

Expert Italy Travel Team
23+ Years Italy Experience
Personalized Italy Tours
TripAdvisor Excellence Award