Client Reflections

Dear Doriana,

I wanted to personally thank you for such an exceptional experience in Malta and Gozo. I travel often and see destinations all over the world, and this was one of those trips that will truly stay with me.

Malta is a destination that deserves far more attention in the U.S. market, and this visit reinforced just how much it has to offer. The history, the layers of culture, the beauty, and the sense of place are remarkable. Gozo, in particular, stood out to me. It has its own identity, rhythm, and soul, and it deserves to be positioned as more than an add on. It is special in its own right.

Aside from Gozo, some of my favorite moments were the cooking class and simply wandering Mdina. The cooking experience was joyful, hands on, and authentic in a way that travelers remember long after they return home. Mdina was magical to explore at an unhurried pace, and the boat ride was such an elevated touch that tied the experience together beautifully. I generally hate shopping, so even I surprised myself by purchasing blue and white pottery that will match my home perfectly. Consider it a very Merry Christmas to me.

The guide and drivers were exceptional and made a real difference in how the destination came to life for us. The guide was knowledgeable, engaging, and thoughtful in how she shared Malta , allowing the history and stories to unfold naturally rather than feeling scripted. The Mercedes vehicles were immaculate and comfortable, and the professionalism of the drivers added an extra layer of ease and confidence throughout the trip. Everything felt calm, well coordinated, and elevated, which allowed us to fully relax and enjoy the experience without ever feeling rushed or managed.

The Michelin dining experiences were outstanding and showcased a side of Malta that many travelers would never expect. Each meal felt intentional and curated, adding a level of refinement that elevates the destination in a meaningful way. 

The hotel selection was also spot on. Each property made sense for the type of traveler we serve and created a seamless flow from one place to the next. Nothing felt forced or out of place.

It was such a treat getting to know you better and learning more about your company. Building real relationships is important to me, and spending time together added depth to the entire experience. One true standout moment was our visit to Palazzo Parisio. It was unforgettable and perfectly captured the elegance, history, and sense of place that define Malta.

I also want to sincerely thank you (…) for how seamless the entire journey was from start to finish. Every transfer, every detail, and every moving part was handled so smoothly that we were able to simply experience Malta without ever thinking about logistics.

Thank you for your generosity, your partnership, and the pride you so clearly have in Malta and Gozo. This experience will stay with me, and it is one I am genuinely excited to share with my clients. I look forward to continuing our work together.

With appreciation,

Angela Hughes, CTC 
CEO & Founder
Trips & Ships Luxury Travel / Luxury Travel University – USA

Hi Doriana, 

Thank you again for such a thoughtfully curated and beautiful exploration of Malta, honestly, it’s a trip and a destination that I will cherish. I apologize in advance for the length of this email, but I wanted to share the experience in full and the impression it left on me. Below are my thoughts to pass along to Visit Malta, and I’m sincerely grateful to them for providing the flights. 

I am thrilled to be able to share my thoughts and a few reflections on the trip and share why I’m so excited to begin actively promoting Malta to our clients. What struck me most is how Malta truly works for such a wide range of travelers. It is an excellent choice for those who may be traveling abroad for the first time, the fact that English is widely spoken, the ease of getting around, and the welcoming warmth of the Maltese people immediately put travelers at ease. At the same time, Malta is incredibly appealing for seasoned European travelers who feel they’ve “done” Italy, France, and Spain. Malta feels fresh, layered, and unexpected  a destination that still surprises.

The island works beautifully both as a standalone trip and as part of a larger journey, whether paired with Sicily, Italy, or another Mediterranean destination. There is truly something for everyone: World War II history, ancient civilizations, extraordinary churches and art, a dynamic food and wine scene, and opportunities for adventure.

Valletta immediately pulls you in; it has such an energy to it. It’s compact and easy to get around, but every street feels layered with history, from the Grand Harbor views and the constant movement of ships coming and going, to the quiet side streets filled with cafés, churches, and everyday local life.

Mdina “the silent city” is endlessly charming. In the afternoons, when the sun hits the limestone, the entire city seems to glow with a warm, golden light that is incredibly evocative. I found myself constantly stopping to admire the narrow, winding streets, the colorful doors and unique door knockers, and the small details that make the city feel so personal. I even found myself photographing each unique door knocker along the way, hundreds of them! The nativity scenes displayed in the windows of homes were especially charming in December and added such a sense of local tradition and warmth.

I also appreciated the diversity of hotels we toured. Each felt distinct, making it easy to imagine matching the right property to the right client.

Gozo was another highlight. The day trip revealed a softer, greener side of Malta and showcased how much the destination offers for adventure tourism. From hiking trails and rugged coastal scenery to opportunities like cliff diving, it adds a wonderful active dimension that broadens Malta’s appeal. The visit to the Ġgantija Archaeological Park was particularly memorable and reinforced just how ancient and significant the islands are historically. I also found visiting the salt pans another fun surprise stop along the way. 

Malta’s depth of history is extraordinary. From the legacy of the Knights of St. John to the island’s pivotal role during World War II, there is something here for history enthusiasts of all kinds. The churches were especially striking, both architecturally and spiritually. Seeing Caravaggio’s work in person was deeply impactful, and the level of guiding throughout the trip brought these stories to life in a meaningful way. One of the most moving moments for me was the December 8th Feast of the Immaculate Conception celebration and stepping into a church filled with live choral music. It was an unexpected and deeply memorable cultural experience.

The prehistoric heritage was another standout. Visiting the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum was fascinating and unlike anything else I’ve experienced in Europe. It adds a compelling layer for travelers interested in ancient civilizations and archaeology.

From a culinary perspective, Malta impressed across the board. The Michelin-starred dining experiences were exceptional, particularly the two-star experience at ION Harbour and the Michelin-starred de Mondrian at Xara Palace. Beyond fine dining, the warmth of Maltese hospitality and the quality of everyday meals made food a central part of the experience for me, especially for clients who travel with cuisine and fantastic wine in mind. I was very impressed with the quality of wines, which was another fabulous revelation!  

Another highlight that especially stood out was the hands-on cooking class at the Valletta Design Cluster with two wonderful local chefs. Learning to make ravioli, a date-filled dessert, and fresh homemade ricotta was such a warm, engaging way to connect with Maltese culture and cuisine, and it’s exactly the kind of experience clients love and remember.

I was also pleasantly surprised by the mild winter weather, which I see as a major selling point for American travelers, especially those coming from the Midwest or East Coast. December felt lively but not crowded. The Christmas markets were charming and refreshingly local, with streets filled with residents rather than large tourist crowds.

On a practical note, Malta International Airport was impressively easy to navigate; arrival and departure felt seamless, which is always an important detail for clients.

Overall, the trip was beautifully paced and thoughtfully designed, with a balance of culture, leisure, and discovery. It truly went above and beyond, and I have already begun promoting Malta to clients as a destination that feels authentic, layered, and welcoming. It is a place with something for everyone, from World War II buffs and ancient history lovers to foodies, wine enthusiasts, and adventure seekers.

Thank you again for such a memorable experience. Malta left a lasting impression on me, and I am very much looking forward to continuing to share it with clients.

Best Regards,

Maggie Lunde
Luxury Travel Advisor
R. Crusoe & Son, an Andrew Harper Company – USA

Hi Doriana,

I was in New York until last night so finally I’m home to take time to write to you.
Thank you so much for your very thorough organization of this trip.  From the beginning I felt completely confident that you would be a good working partner.
Based on the last 3 trips I’ve done with Charlie we feel this one was the best.  From the arrival day to the very end.
Attilio was top notch!  Brilliant, eloquent, kind, funny, flexible and constantly thinking about how to make the trip better for us when the weather changed to rain. He was attentive to individual needs as well. If someone wanted to go to a museum or find a good dinner spot, he organized it for them.  We never felt rushed or pushed to get to the next destination.   He and Charlie made a great team with their interest in flowers and gardens.  Another first with a tour guide on Charlie’s trips. So thank you for making such a good choice for us.
Garden visits:  Every private garden was unique. We loved the stories from the owners and  gardeners. Rachel Lamb was the perfect introduction to a Sicilian garden.  I had no idea how lush and beautiful gardens could be in Sicily.  In fact when I mentioned to friends and colleagues I was going on a garden tour there, they were doubtful that we’d see any vegetation at this time of year.  I think I surprised them with my daily postings on Facebook.
I kept telling Charlie after each visit, well this one is my favorite garden so far and then we’d go to the next one and again we’d be so surprised at how wonderful it was. All the lunches served at the gardens were so delicious and beautifully presented.  Way beyond the group’s expectations!  The food kept coming.
And the Gli Aromi Herb Nursery with Enrico! He was funny and entertained the group by letting us smell and taste the herbs before he would tell us what it was. The cooking demonstration was more of a demo than participation but Enrico made it very personal and we could get close to take photos and watch how it was made.  The setting of his garden overlooking the sea was incredible too.  He has a jewel of a business with that view.
Il Biviere; we loved the story of  M. Borghese facing the wasteland when she arrived with her husband and 4 children. Step by step she created an oasis and ultimately was visited by the Queen Mom and Prince Charles!  We felt really honored she served us lunch and sat with us.
Mt. Etna Garden Club garden on the last day was a find!  Charlie was worried about that one but again we were so happy to be invited to this one with the fantastive view, gorgeous gardens, and the geologist there to explain the unusual lava formations.  The entire family came to meet us along with the president of the garden club.  We were served coffee, juices and cakes.  It was hard to say goodbye to them.
Pistachio Festival: This was probably the only disappointment for Charlie.  The festival didn’t officially kick off until 5:00pm on Friday so many of the tents were closed  We expected more of a celebration with music and festivities to have begun already.  However, we were warned by Attilio that it would not be so great.  The drive to Bronte was beautiful and we stopped to take photos of the landscape and pistachio trees and prickly pears.   Once we were in the town center there were more tents open with samples of gelato and all things pistachio!  Half the group decided to go back to Taormina instead of Bronte.  We did give them option to bow out of that excursion.   I felt it was worth seeing even if the Festival had not officially opened.
Hotels:  Great choices on both of them, except for the one complaint from our “princess” traveler. She was extremely happy to have the room in Taormina so I thank you profusely for getting her a good room there. Ortigia: I like the old fashioned feel of the place and the location was perfect.  Service was perfect at the front desk and bellman delivery too.  Breakfast was terrific on the roof top.  I did get a room under the breakfast room and heard a little scraping of the chairs but it didn’t bother me at all.
Taormina; Another fantastic location and nice new renovated hotel.  I would say that the designers do think more about shiny and interesting designs and not practical ones.  For example, the very heavy glass doors to the bathroom and then another to the WC room within the bathroom.  I had to keep both of them open so I didn’t have to push and pull them every time I entered the room.  One of my guests regaled us with her story of finding how all the light switches worked.  She had an entire system worked out of turning them on and off.  Another guest had the table next to the bed fall over when she set her coffee on it.   The tables were pretty and not practical.  My biggest complaint was at the end of the stay when the wait staff at the hotel restaurant didn’t present the bills to 6 ladies who had dinner there.
Bus drivers: they were all gentlemen and excellent drivers.  They were polite, well groomed and buses were clean and in good condition.  Michael, our first driver, made sure he could drop us off right at the hotel in Ortigia.  Our second driver was equally polite and excellent.  He drove so carefully during the rainy decent from Mt. Etna.  I was impressed !
Vincenzo:  He was very prompt and polite.  My only tiny suggestion for him is to work on his English and not step back so much in the background. I know he is your staff but my group was curious about his role.   He also called Atillio a lot when we were on the bus. I know he was carefully checking on us, especially with the rain but it was disruptive when Attilio was speaking to us on the bus.   Perhaps he could text him with the info. I don’t know how urgent the matters were but it seemed a little excessive with calling.   In any case,  I thought you’d want to know.

I hope this gives you enough information.  I’ll ask Charlie for his feedback too.  I know he and the group were extremely happy! Thank you again for everything!

Best,

Doriana and her team at Eventia offered extraordinary services and support both pre-tour and throughout the program to ensure our Metropolitan Museum of New York and additional sponsors Sea Cloud II voyage around Sicily not only met, but exceeded, our clients’ expectations.
The guides, coaches, special visits, and general tour advice and support that Doriana provided played a large role in making this cruise the success that it was. Feedback from guests have praised the touring arrangements and staff support, and we have Doriana’s tireless efforts to thank for these glowing trip reports.
Thank you, Doriana!!!

Doriana

It’s hard to put into words the appreciation that I came back from Malta with for the Country, the People, the History and the absolute joyful feelings that I returned home with.     

As a destination, I can’t believe how diverse the appeal of these amazing islands is. The range of interests that could be satisfied on Malta is kind of mind blowing. Whether a client is fascinated by history (from Roman, Medieval, WW2 or prehistory), a total foodie, a wine enthusiast or a nature lover.    So many interests and so much diversity in such a small Island Country that can be met, it is hard to imagine that there is a clientele that wouldn’t be amazed at adding Malta to an itinerary or making Malta the entire vacation.

Rachel and I spent nearly the whole flight home reliving our adventures and imagining the current customers that we have that would love Malta and going through different strategies that we can employ to increase our business by adding Malta to our offerings.

In addition to the amazing experience we had discovering Malta and its history, culture and food, it was eye opening to learn about the incredible offerings that you have curated four your/our clients.     

I can truly say that your attention to detail, from custom menus to the schedule being perfect, to the choice of hotels and experiences was unmatched in my experience.   

I really can’t wait for our clients to experience the level of service that you and your team offer, congratulations on what you have accomplished and what you have developed.     

You represent yourself and your destination (Malta) so well. I can’t wait to get to Sicily with you next time!

I can’t wait to do more business with you.

Thank you again from the bottom of my heart for allowing us this opportunity to see, feel and experience that amazing place and it was wonderful to get to know you better and I hope you consider us friends, as I surely do.

Sincerely,

MICHAEL BRINGHURST

Owner
Designer Travel Agency – USA

Dear Doriana,

First of all, I want to take a moment to sincerely thank you for the incredible time and effort you put into planning such a perfect Malta experience for our group. Malta was a complete surprise for me. Before this trip, I only thought of it as a quick stop on a cruise—not a destination to explore on its own. Now I know how wrong I was. Malta is absolutely worth visiting as a stand-alone destination or even paired with Sicily.  I can’t wait to talk more in depth to our clients who are looking for new and intriguing places to visit. 

The depth of Malta’s diversity and history is truly remarkable. From the mysterious ancient civilizations and the legacy of the Knights of St. John to its pivotal role in World War II, the island is a living museum. The cathedrals and palaces we visited were absolutely breathtaking and left a lasting impression. Beyond the history, Malta’s natural beauty is stunning—dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear swimming spots, and views that take your breath away.  It was so cool going from the ancient city walls of Valletta out to Gozo to watch rock climbers scaling the rugged rock walls! 

Mdina was a personal favorite. Its charming streets, colorful doors, unique door knockers, and hidden gems like local shops and street food made it feel magical. The food throughout the trip was another highlight—Malta’s incredible restaurants, talented chefs, and world-class wineries exceeded all expectations. My favorite was traveling out to the countryside, to the Markus Divinus winery and listening to Mark describe the thought and care (and science!) behind his craft. What a treat!  I loved the casual setting and the incredible food. The fact that every place we went to dine took my dairy allergy into consideration. I appreciated the effort and didn’t feel deprived at all. Every single thing I ate on this trip was incredible, and I rarely say that about the food on my travels. 

The accommodations were equally impressive. Not only were they beautiful and relaxing, but the thoughtful touches, like the little gifts and treats left during turndown service, made the experience feel extra special.

Transportation was easy as well. From the vans, the yacht, the ferry, the jeeps (SO FUN!) and flights, it all was comfortable and convenient. I know you put a lot of effort into making sure that was the case. Thank you!  I’m excited about the upcoming non-stop flights from the U.S., I can see how this destination will become even more accessible and easier to sell when that is in place.

Having Anna as our guide and you as our host truly elevated the entire experience. Your passion, knowledge, and attention to detail made every moment unforgettable. I enjoyed all of our conversations during evening meals and throughout the entire trip.

And the cooking class—what an incredible experience! Learning to make authentic Maltese dishes from chefs who grew up in Malta was such a joy. Hearing Mark share stories about how his grandmother used to make these recipes and the traditions tied to the food made it even more special. As someone who loves to cook, this was a particularly meaningful part of the trip for me. I’m sure I’m forgetting to mention so many other details and moments that left an impression, but I know this is a trip I’ll be talking about and cherishing for years to come.

Before this trip, when friends asked, “Where is Malta?” All I really knew was, “An island in the Mediterranean”. Now, I can confidently share its history, beauty, charm, vibrant culture, natural beauty and my own incredible memories.  I’ve already been raving about Malta on social media and to clients, family, and friends. I know when it comes to selling Malta as a curated destination my firsthand experience will make all the difference in my ability to sell.  I know from past experience my clients trust my recommendations 100% more when they know I’ve experienced it myself.  We already have website and blog content for Malta in the works and will be implementing some additional marketing efforts towards Malta in the new year.

Thank you again for curating such a memorable journey.

Warm regards,

Rachel Ward
Owner
Designer Travel Agency – USA

Hi Doriana:

Everything’s fine now that we’re back from our huge success. Apart from the usual flu that comes with jet lag and so on…

The success was down above all to the organisation and the people involved.

Well done to everyone… Jose, Veronica, Bruno (incredible), our friend Emanuele (a true gentleman)… all under the direction of our very own ‘Doriana’.

You were truly excellent in every respect.

I thank you from the bottom of my heart. It means a great deal to us.

Anthony Sarracini
Shade O-Matic – Canada

Good morning Doriana

We are now back at the office in Malta after an amazing Bari trip.   Thank you so much for making the trip a one to remember.  Everything was prepared in a professional manner and this was appreciated by all the event members.  

In addition, I have to point out the exceptional guide provided, Floriana; who took great care of us from the minute we landed in Bari, and until we departed yesterday.  She is an excellent asset to your team.

Special thanks also goes to Franco, who patiently transported us to the various destinations.

I thank you once again for the superb trip.

Best regards,

Eugene Warrington
Chief Financial Officer
Bentley Trust – Malta

Buongiorno Doriana,

grazie per il servizio, Le confermo che è andato tutto bene, è stata una  visita interessante e piacevole.

I ns. ospiti erano tutti soddisfatti.

Grazie ancora per la collaborazione.

Cristina Demaria
Cizeta Medicali – Italy

Ciao Doriana,

Si, è andato tutto bene sono stati tutti molto soddisfatti.

Grazie ancora per il supporto.

A presto

Angela Marnoni
Ferderlegno Arredo – Italy

Doriana,

you are the magic manager!

Thank you!

Tatiana Makaricheva
OCS Distribution Company – Russia

Good morning Doriana,

as I heard from Anica, the event was wonderful and everybody was quite happy, to be there. Thanks a lot for your job. Please forward to everybody, who worked for that success in your team.

Jürgen Henke

prima events GmbH

Dear Doriana,

Agnes, my guide told me that the group was satisfied with the program, i think they really had a great time on your wonderful island. Hotels were nice, food was excellent , i think overall everything was fine. Thanks a lot for your kind and hard work on it. Thanks for the waters as well, you are really kind!

Best Regards, big Hug!

Timea Faragó | Tensi Holiday – Hungary

Dear Doriana,

We received some very good feedback from the participants:

• Location: 8,5 (last year 8,3; Athens)
• Catering: 8,6
• Social program: 8,4 (last year 8,5)

Our plans for next year are first of all focussing on a topic and trainers; after that has been arranged we will start thinking about the location. At that time we will most probably get back to you.

Best regards,

Harry Hogervorst

The Perfect Fit – The Netherlands

Hi Doriana.
I do not have any formal “thank you letter” from Coop Norge but I know from my colleagues they were all really grateful: they had a gorgeous personal experience and a very important educational session. 
The goal we set at the beginning has been fully achieved: to let them experience our land as a fundamental precondition to understand the peculiarity of each product we growth and they sell.

Our themed cooking class team bulding was an important added value for everybody during the event as it allowed to play together as a unique team. 
And, this  has indeed strengthened our personal and business relationships.

Thank you very much for your professionalism, for designing for us such a great experience and for guiding all of us to this excellent result.

See you soon