More About Us
As noted by the North American edition of Bell'Italia magazine in its June/July, 2004, issue:
"For Mariella Ray, and her partner in
business, Nicole Franchini, who founded Hidden Treasures of
Italy nearly 20 years ago, sharing their love and deep knowledge
of the country with American travelers is at the heart of the
business. Born in Bari, and raised in Milan, Mariella says the
focus on personalization at Hidden Treasures of Italy truly
reflects the owners' personal insights. ' We are always looking
for new ' treasures,' and when we find them, we share them with
our clients. When we say a restaurant is one of our favorites,
it's because it truly is.' "
Mariella, together with her husband, Rick Ray, are former international advertising executives with a deep knowledge of and love for Italy, who have effectively launched their second professional careers by promoting the hidden treasures of Italy. They have lived and worked together in Italy for more than twenty years themselves, and have traveled regularly and frequently throughout all of Italy in search of new discoveries and adventures. As a consequence, they are able to provide insightful and passionate itinerary advice on virtually any destination in Italy. Nicole, a native of Chicago and long-time resident of Italy herself, has been a writer for the Karen Brown travel guides for the past 15 years, and is the author of one of the most popular of the series, KAREN BROWN's ITALY: CHARMING BED & BREAKFASTS. She continually travels throughout the country in search of accommodations which meet established standards and criteria based on unique charm, warm hospitality, unforgettable scenery, and savory meals for discerning travelers. Mariella
and Rick divide their time between Chicago and Milan, while Nicole
resides today in a small village in the Sabine Hills north of Rome. 
Toll-free in the U.S.: (888) 419-6700 Toll-free to Italy from the U.S.: 011-800-2804 2004
Fax: (773) 409-5044
E-mail: info@htitaly.com or mariella@htitaly.com | Home | More About Us | Client Testimonials | Charming Accommodations | The Villa Experience in Italy | Ticketing and Tours | Honeymoons and Weddings | Contact Us | |
