Team

Arlene Schroh, Owner of Ciao Tours, Calgary, AB (Italian Business Centre)

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, Siena, 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!

Caterina Feletti, Senior Sales Manager, Calgary, AB (Italian Business Centre)

I moved to Calgary two years ago to follow my boyfriend, and even if I love to live in Canada, I am often homesick! Working with Ciao Tours allows me to be always in contact with my beautiful country and to promote the very best of my culture. My background is in the arts, reason why it is always a pleasure for me to suggest my clients where they can find the best museums and amazing archaelogy ruins.

Claudia Tortorelli, Italian Tour Manager, Siena, Italy

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, Marketing, Siena, 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.

Alessandra Caturelli, Tour Coordinator (local Wine Expert!!), Siena, Italy

I am the newest member of the Ciao Tours Team, however; I am also one of it's oldest members! I have worked with Ciao Tours in Siena, Italy for over 6 years providing Private Wine Tastings to their clients through my previous employer Aimone Piazzi, who is an amazing sommelier and dear friend to us all. I have changed my direction from Wine Tastings to working with Ciao Tours' clients in all aspects of their tour in Italy. After all these years seeing Ciao Tours dedication to their clients, I wanted to be more a part of this team of professional women and to highlight my knowledge of wine. Along with my 4 year old daughter and husband, we look forward to welcoming you to my country!

Joanne Pinney, Tour Hostess, Calgary, AB (Italian Business Centre)

Ciao Bella Donne, My name is Joanne Pinney and Ciao Tours has provided me with the best indulgence in the world! A few times a year, I am excited to host a small group of woman on a tour throughout the many wonders of Italy!

Rome, Amalfi, Florence, Venice, just to name a few. We immerse ourselves in Italian culture, history, cuisine, and of course shopping! Enjoy these exhilarating travels with ladies from many walks of life. WANT TO TRAVEL! HAVE FUN!

Come and join me on an unforgettable "Women's Only" tour of Italy and I will return the favour to you.

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.

Yvonne Thompson,  Senior Accountant, Cranbrook , BC

As the Senior Accountant of Ciao Tours, my department is responsible for providing our clients with accurate and reliable accounting documents. Because of our accounting policies, Ciao Tours has an outstanding reputation with all of our suppliers and is considered a preferred Tour Operator in Italy. From Italian cooking to the intrigue of a country steeped in ancient history; along with the world renowned hospitality of it's open hearted people, I relish every minute of my work.  I am a travel "junkie" and look forward to assisting you on your own travel adventures into the heart of Italy.