2 sister-in-laws who share the love of Sicily

Meet Anna Maria & Deb

Anna Maria was born and raised in Sicily.  She met and married Deb’s brother Pete 35 years ago. She attended a private school to become an elementary teacher and continued her education to specialize in the Montessori preschool. As a child Anna Maria enjoyed learning from her mother and grandmother how to make homemade bread, pasta, desserts, sauces etc. Today she runs with her husband Pete a very successful restaurant Piazza Sorrento where she uses some of her family recipes. She still enjoys going back home to visit family and childhood friends.

Deb is the Director of Development of St Joan of Arc for the past 13 years. Her previous career was in travel where she started as a flight attendant. She then moved to New York to work for Alitalia and on to a major travel agency where she specialized in VIP world group travel. Her favorites included creating exclusive experiencers for VIP clients (like heads of US States) and touring companies of most of New York’s premier dance companies – such as American Ballet Theatre, Ballet Hispanico and the Joffrey Ballet.

This business started with a family wedding.

When Vincent (son and nephew) proposed to his then girlfriend Kida in Sicily, they were so mesmerized by their surroundings to our surprise they pick the church and the venue on that same trip. The couple had many friends in the US they wanted to invite but like them they were all just starting their life after college and beginning of their career. We suggested they send out save-a-date cards early to see if anyone could possibly attend. To our surprise 89 friends and family made the journey across the ocean for the spectacular day, with all these guests we had to be very organized, and this what set us in motion in organizing luxury motor-coach transportation, accommodations, tours, dinner and more.

Friends and acquaintances were impressed with the picture everyone was posting on social media and as they approached us, we kicked off our second tour. Many guests enjoy our tours because it is an authentic non tourist approach to travel. Hanging out with our friends and families they feel welcome and most make the trip yearly as they feel they are coming back to see their own family and friend.