Team

Arlene Schroh, Owner of Ciao Tours, Canada

Thank you for choosing Ciao Tours for your next Italian vacation. As one of the owners of Ciao Tours based in Canada, I am dedicated to making sure that we create a unique customized tour of Italy that is completely tailored made to you! I spend half of my time in Italy exploring the next great restaurant or the newest family ran Agritourism. The other half of my time is spent in Canada with my husband and 2 children. My training in the tourism industry started at the historical Banff Springs Hotel, Banff, Alberta where I learned that hospitality must be a part of your soul not just a business. Hospitality in Italy is one of the most genuine experiences because you become one of the family.

Laura Pozzi, Owner of Ciao Tours, Italy

We had a desire to start a company based on our personal philosophy about customer service. I love my country. I want you to experience and embrace "my" Tuscany. To introduce you to the local food markets, my friends and their award winning wines not shown on a tour bus. We follow your ideas to the realization and we share your wishes. I am passionate about cooking and love to entertain. I am here in Italy waiting to greet you!

Cristina Borgogelli, Canadian Sales

I am here to help you plan the trip of your dreams. Think of me as your personal travel planner. I coordinate the details of your desired experience before you leave for Italy and make sure that everything is to your liking prior to your departure. As a first generation Italian/Canadian I live and breathe the Italian culture and language. I am passionate about providing you with an authentic travel experience in Italy. I obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Modern Languages and then moved to Italy for three years in my early twenties. For enjoyment, I teach beginner and intermediate Italian at the local College. I love the enthusiasm that the students have for Italy and the Italian culture!

Kendra & Joe Avezedo, Winnipeg Sales, Canada

As a team, we have been building Ciao Tours’ name in Winnipeg for several years. Along with our extended family, we are natives of Winnipeg with an Italian heritage. We look forward to seeing you at the Winnipeg Wine Festival in May. Ciao Tours is a proud supporter of the Special Olympics Manitoba

Claudia Tortorelli, Italian Tour Manager

I live in Siena, Tuscany, and I take care of Ciao Tours' clients while they are in Italy. I got a degree in foreign languages at the University of Florence and I have taught English and Spanish at Middle Schools for a while. I have always loved traveling but, since I'm mother of four children, I haven't always got the time to do it personally. For this reason I love "following" our clients all around Italy and, in my fantasy, I accompany them in their adventure. And, of course I'm completely satisfied when they leave Italy with an unforgettable memory of their journey. 

Didi Nota, Italy

Along with Claudia, I am here in Siena, Tuscany to take special care of our clients. We want to welcome you to Italy and be of assistance without being intrusive. Majority of my time, I work as an English teacher and take care of my growing family. After getting an associates degree in languages in Boston, Mass, where I was born and grew up, I followed my dream to spend a year in Italy. That was almost 30 years ago and I'm still here ! I often return to North America to visit family and friends but my home is in Tuscany.

Joanne Pinney, Tour Hostess, Calgary

Ciao Tours has provided me with the best job in the world! I host small groups of Women from around the world to Italy several times a year. With a small group, we travel throughout Italy to such places like Rome, Amalfi, Florence, Venice and much more. Enjoying the special culture, wine and shopping that Italy has to offer. Travelling fulfills me in so many ways and makes my life complete. I am successful mother and partner to my husband for over 35 years. My family laughs as they tell their friends that “Mom is off again to Italy with another group of Women”. This makes me smile! Come and join me on an unforgettable “Woman’s Only tour to Italy

Ken Stewart, Photography

We would like to “Thank” Ken Stewart for providing Ciao Tours with the outstanding photo’s you see on our website. Please visit his website

Accounting Department

Making sure you get the best exchange rate and value for your Canadian/US dollar is our primary goal at Ciao Tours. Ciao Tours is one of the only Tour Companies in North America that sells in Euro Dollar. We believe that our clients are educated and understand the fluctuation of exchange rates. We have saved our clients a lot of money by allowing them to “lock in” the exchange rate when they feel the time is right.

Monica Liu-Doyle,  Accounting

Seven years ago, I moved to Canada from China to study accounting. I now work with Ciao Tours which has provided me with the opportunity to become proficient in International accounting. The guiding principle of Ciao Tours is based a high level of customer service and on a team work. I love to travel and experience new cultures and I aspire to learn the secrets of Italian cooking.