May 2017

Lori,
 
I hope all is well!
 
I just wanted to send you a quick note.

We thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of our Italy trip.  All of the accommodations were awesome and your recommendations even better.  Candy is already looking into planning another trip as soon as possible.

We made great friends in Panzano at a small restaurant (Cantinetta Sassolini) in town recommended by Gabriele. The Rome apartment was in the perfect location, just off the Trevi fountain, where we found another awesome local restaurant (Il Chianti Vineria) and not in the middle of a touristy area.
 
Thanks again for everything and I look forward to planning another trip with Via Villas!
Tom B.

Tom and Candice B.

June 2012

Lori,

I just want to thank you for all your assistance with our fabulous vacation. La Colonna was the perfect setting for our group and we had the most fantastic time. The villa and its surroundings were truly breathtaking. The proximity to town was terrific we walked up and back several times a day. The Coop was also within walking distance and there was no problem shopping for groceries, etc. We took the bus into Florence, which was very easy. Our decision to get a driver for transfers to and from Rome was well worth the money. He was a terrific tour guide and arranged for two wonderful wine tours and lunch in Montalcino and a half day trip to Sienna. I highly recommend him and will send you his contact info. Panzano was truly charming. We loved the wine bar, restaurants, and of course the butcher shop! Mimmo's prepared a beef dinner which is not what we expected - but it worked out. He actually went back into town to get some vegetables when he heard that two in our group were vegetarians. Our dinner the first night was also fabulous. Thanks for making that recommendation. We could not have dreamed of a more perfect vacation! 

Maureen Z. Potomac MD

September 2009

Hi! Lori,

Just wanted to let you know that we had a glorious trip to Italy and Panzano in particular! I love that little town and we had fun with Dario and his wife, and Solociccia was lots of fun as you predicted. Since we were already 14 just one other couple sat with us and although they seemed a little overwhelmed with our group at first, soon we were all having a great time together. Signora Vittoria made us THE most delicious dinners. Oh, if I could only make pasta as delicious and delicately as she does!! Everyone was very helpful. Although we all were pretty much able to figure things out on our own Lara and Brian gave us some really good suggestions, too, that we took advantage of. The villa is simply beautiful the only complaint we had was that the lighting could have been better for reading. All in all it was a fantastic, memorable trip and one we will never forget!

Thank you so much, too, for the wonderful bottle of wine and the birthday card for my mother and me! Of course, we shared it with the rest of the gang. We took the tour of the winery and sampled some wines but we had already had several bottles of them so no mystery there! Excellent! Our uncle helped out with the grape harvesting and enjoyed every minute of it he did that for three days! Hes going to be 80 in February but still as sprite as ever. I am so glad I discovered your company we couldn't have had a better choice or a better time and I am so grateful to you for all your assistance and guidance.

Grazie e Buona giornata!! 

April P. New Brunswick, NJ

August 2009

Hi Lori, Just wanted to drop you a note to tell you what a great time we had at the Villa last week. It was everything you promised and just a beautiful as it appeared in the pictures on your website. Lara and the others were very helpful and could not have been nicer. The kids loved the pool. We met a lot of nice people there. Mimo did a great cooking class and we had nice conversation with him over a great dinner. Il Vescovino was a wonderful recommendation, we ate there twice. In addition, do not hesitate to recommend Mimo's enoteca for lunch or dinner also. He now has a full kitchen, a great menu and is open 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. everyday except Tuesday. Thanks again. 

Jon W. Calabasas, CA

June 2009

Hi Lori,

I wanted to send you a personal email to tell you that you were absolutely right about La Colonna being a perfect spot for our family! It was so wonderful being able to walk up the hill to the town, which was more of a bustling town than we envisioned. Our grand kids made use of the little playground in town several times, and of course, we all enjoyed the bar with the gelato. We did indulge ourselves one night at Dario's for the beef dinner - it was a great experience, delicious food and a fun atmosphere. We also went up to Vescovino and had a delicious meal there - a gorgeous warm evening out on the terrace watching the sunset over the vineyards - what could be more perfect?!

We also took your advice and went early to the Panzano market on Sunday and bought roast chicken and some delicious kebabs and other fixings for a good dinner that night. Regarding the villa itself I wanted to say that Lara, the manager is outstanding. She is so warm and friendly and helpful. Also Annila the housekeeper was always there to help with any minor thing. They both came to the house as we were packing to leave and both bid us a warm farewell with hugs all around. Lara arranged for Maria to prepare dinner for us one night and we really enjoyed that -- what a charming lady and a very good cook! Lara also arranged for us to visit the family winery where we had a brief tour and a tasting -- their Chianti is wonderful and we enjoyed the 2 complimentary bottles which Lara gave us when we checked in. Guy and I have never been to Italy in June and we were dreading overcrowded cities like Firenze and Siena, but did not find it bad.

One advantage of being there in June (which was a big deal to me since I love gardening) was seeing so many plants and shrubs in bloom. The oleanders were as tall as a small tree and in full bloom, the stone walls were covered with jasmine, the lavender bushes were huge and wonderfully scented. We were very impressed with the landscaping around La Colonna - it is very lushly planted and meticulously maintained. Sorry I'm rambling on -- you can tell how pleased we were with everything. La Colonna was a perfect size for our family - plenty of room for the little ones to run around outside and blow off energy -- plenty of privacy for couples in their own bedroom areas -- and a nice spacious living area. It's a perfect place with outstanding management in a perfect location! So thank you, thank you! 

Libby & Guy F. Darnestown, MD

October 2008

Hi Lori,

We had a wonderful time at La Colonna! The villa exceeded our expectations and we had such fun exploring the countryside and heading to Florence for a couple of days. Your recommendation to stay in the countryside was right on the mark. Also, Vescovino was one of the best restaurants ever, and the Sunday market was GREAT!! We all had such fun!! And the property is lovely. You will definitely be hearing from us in the future!! Thanks so much. 

Pam and Art C. et al. Grand Rapids, MI

July 2008

The 'Great' rating is not superlative enough to describe the quality of both your service and the properties. This is the second time we have rented an Italian country house from your firm. Our initial experience two years ago was so positive that I decided use your service again. Unfortunately, the Villa Barberino house was not available. James helped me find another property, La Colonna in Panzano, that he felt would accomodate my family's needs.

I was skeptical at first as it was a property comprising several apartments. James assured me that privacy was well provided for and that there was the added benefit of being able to walk to town. He was correct on both counts. Each apartment(and I use the term loosely since ours was more a two story house) had it's own private terrace with it's own outdoor seating and grill. The grounds were lovely, landscaped in lavender, rosemary (which I used for cooking)and roses.

Alina, the housekeeper was kind and helpful as was Lara, the property manager. There was absolutely no misunderstanding what was included in the contract. There were no hidden 'extra costs' as friends of mine renting from other agencies had discovered. Panzano was delightful. The restaurants you recommended served excellent Tuscan cuisine with great wine selections. My 12 year old daughter and her cousin were able to make their daily 'gelato run' into town for their favorite dessert. (Thanks, James.) All in all, we had a marvelous time at this wonderful property. Your Web site was what first attracted me to your agency. It has a modern, uncluttered look with many photos of each property. I like how you keep adding helpful information such as if a town is in walking distance. The more information the better! Just one additional comment--in Tuscany you hear the word 'artisanal' used frequently to describe high quality, hand-crafted foods, arts and crafts. I think that Via Travel Design merits that label as well for your exceptional properties and personalized, hands-on service. 

Barbara D. Houston, TX

June 2008

Lara was wonderful at the property. She checked with us daily and made sure everything was going well. She recommended wonderful restaurants and was very helpful and customer oriented. 

Tonya Y. CA

April 2008

I emailed James to let him know how much we enjoyed La Colonna. It was an amazing location, wonderful house, and delightful manager. We relied on your advice for the location and house that would fit our family and it was perfect! We all agreed that this spot was the best part of our vacation in Italy. 

C. & T. Clark Easton, CT

September 2007

As in the past, our visit to the estate was great as shown by our returning for the third time. La Colonna was excellent and all of our party of seven liked it very much. The Choppin's favorite remains Loggia which is perfect. As always the staff is superb. Monica is truly a gem, indeed unique, and Anila is also first rate. We enjoyed our third trip to the winery where it was great to see Marina again. Of course what made this trip really special was the opportunity to see you there. Kathleen enjoyed meeting you and,like her parents,has fallen in love with Tuscany, Panzano, and what via travel design provides. 

P. Choppin Washington DC

June 2007

We are looking into renting again next year. Loved the property. The location was great and the views were outstanding. Thanks for all your help. 

M. Diandreth Sewickley, PA

June 2007

La Colonna was the best vacaton ever. Monica was wonderful, she took care of our every need. The location is better than the pictures. It was a beautiful place to be. We will definately be coming back and we have recommended you to several of our friends. 

B. Pitt Tarboro, NC

September 2006

La Colonna provided us a perfect Tuscan experience. The property and Villa are spectacular and very well maintained. Panzano is a wonderful village. The restaurants were excellent, the Saturday market was so much fun and Panzano's location is ideal for visiting other sites in Tuscany. The dinner that Mimo prepared upon our arrival was delicious! Grazie mille to Lori and Monica for a great trip. 

J. Panaccione Jacksonville, FL

June 2005

Dear James and Lori, La Colonna is a beautiful property and definitely exceeded our expectations. This property probably set the bar too high for any other villa. I think that the pictures you put on your website give such a good indication of the property. You really do a great job! 

K. Navillo Lake Geneva, WI

May 2005

Pictures could not do justice to the beauty of La Colonna and the surrounding landscape! The information provided was excellent. I already new a great deal about Panzano before I even got there and visited many of the local businesses mentioned, including Macellaria Cecchini, La Cipressaia, and Il Vescovino. Everyone felt that La Colonna was even more beautiful than expected. Monica was very helpful and personable during our visit. 

G. Tonian Texas

March 2005

Lori, Just wanted to thank you for all your assistance. Our trip was better than I could have ever dreamed. Panzano Estate was fantastic! The weather turned out to be great and the views breath taking. Moncia was wonderful and the meal that Orsa made one of the highlights, and we had many. Our visit to the winery was a treat and we drank Flaccianello all week. Can't beat that. This was without a doubt the best vacation our family has ever had! 

J. Lawrence Houston, Texas

July 2004

Terrific place - loved it . You do a great job - thanks! 

L. DeMarchi Toronto, CA