Sam
Travel Advisor
Currently residing outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Samantha’s connection to Italy is both a family legacy and a lifelong passion. Her heritage traces back to the beautiful Abruzzo region, where her paternal great-grandparents were born—a place Sam hasn't yet visited but dreams of exploring soon. Sam’s personal love affair with Italy began during a student tour that left her completely captivated by its vibrant history and culture. Years later, that spark came full circle when she traveled with her own family on a week-long tour of Italy. Getting to watch them experience some of her favorite locations firsthand remains one of her most cherished memories.
As a travel advisor at Italy With Bella, Sam’s focus centers on meticulous quality control and operational clarity. She is responsible for ensuring that every itinerary is seamless and that our clients are equipped with all necessary information in a clear, concise format, entirely removing the guesswork from their journey. Sam’s strength is her attention to detail—she excels at identifying and polishing the small nuances to ensure a flawless trip.
Sam’s approach to Italy is fueled by a commitment to visit at least once a year, making it a point to explore new cities and towns on every journey. While Rome remains an enduring favorite that anchors almost all of her personal trips, she has a deep affection for the distinct character of smaller gems like Arezzo, Ravenna, and Spoleto, alongside a recent love for the vibrant old town of Bari. She always advises clients to step into local churches whenever possible—not just to escape the midday sun, but to discover breathtaking, in situ artwork hidden in plain sight. She has also learned that the best logistics often rely on local intuition: always listen to a resident's recommendation, because it will almost certainly impress.
Her favorite time to visit Italy is that peaceful bridge between late winter and early spring, when the crowds have yet to arrive. One of her simple travel rituals is finding a vibrant piazza in the evening to just sit and listen to local musicians perform. When it comes to food, she loves exploring local street eats—from pizza al taglio and supplì in Rome, to focaccia barese in Bari, or a classic panino con porchetta in Florence. Through it all, her favorite Italian phrase is "piano, piano"—slowly, slowly. It serves as a gentle reminder to Sam, and to our clients, that travel shouldn't be rushed, and that we must always take a moment to simply enjoy life.
