Italy is my specialty, and I plan independent trips there and across Europe, by land, ocean or river. You choose the pace, and I handle the details.
Schedule a complimentary consultation to start planning.
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"I had such a positive experience working with Eileen. She crafted the perfect trip to Italy for me and my family and made sure every detail was taken care of. Truly exceptional service and looking forward to planning our next trip with her!"
"We recently returned from an unforgettable trip to Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast, and we owe it all to our amazing travel agent Eileen Maldonato of Claddagh Travel Co.
From the very first conversation, she listened carefully to what we were looking for and crafted an itinerary that exceeded every expectation.
Every detail—from our glamorous hotel in Sorrento with breathtaking sea views to seamless transfers and expertly guided excursions—was handled with care and professionalism. We visited Pompeii, Amalfi, Ravello, and even spent a magical day on Capri. Each experience felt thoughtfully chosen and perfectly paced. No stress, no surprises—just pure enjoyment.
What stood out most was the personal touch. Whether it was dinner suggestions with a view of the sunset or insider tips on the best spots to visit, Eileen made us feel like VIPs the entire time. Her knowledge and research of the region was outstanding, and her passion for travel truly shines through.
We can’t recommend Eileen Maldonato of Claddagh Travel Co enough. If you’re dreaming of a trip to Italy or anywhere else in the world, do yourself a favor—let Eileen plan it. We’re already thinking about our next adventure!
Grazie mille!"
"Eileen did a wonderful job creating our dream vacation in Italy. Thanks to the itinerary she developed after several planning meetings, we were able to enjoy every moment of the trip stress free. My husband noted several times that the entire trip exceeded his expectations. We recommended Claddagh Travel to several friends and relatives and have already used their services for our next trip. If you want a stress-free vacation tailored specifically for you, then I would highly suggest contacting Eileen at Claddagh Travel."
Many of my clients have said, "I love hearing about your trips. I want to go with you." So I created Travel With Me, a program where I host small group trips and bring you along for the experiences I love. I choose every trip because I would take it myself, and I travel with you, so you always know who is looking after you. You'll enjoy the company of fellow guests who share your pace and curiosity, while I handle the hotels, transfers, tickets and timing from your first question to your flight home. Joining the priority list is free, and members hear about each new trip first and get first access to dates and cabins
Claddagh Travel Company designs premium experiences that honor your unique style and vision. Whether you want to have an active adventure or prefer to enjoy the beach/pool, we partner with you to create an itinerary that meets your specific needs. Our goal is to bring your dream to life and create memories to last a lifetime!
Proud member AND Verified Travel Advisor, VTA, of the American Society of Travel Advisors, CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) and certified in luxury land and river and ocean cruise lines.
Italy Land Tours FAQ
Q: What is the benefit of a curated Italy land tour over a standard vacation package?
A: A curated land tour removes the stress of regional logistics while unlocking exclusive experiences you can’t book on your own. Instead of waiting in standard lines or guessing which trains to take, our custom itineraries feature seamless private transfers, boutique accommodations, and VIP access like after-hours entry to the Vatican or private wine tastings in the heart of Tuscany. We design the perfect balance of guided expert tours and unstructured leisure time.
Q: How far in advance should I start planning a custom trip to Italy?
A: We recommend starting your custom Italy itinerary 8 to 12 months in advance to secure premier boutique hotels, private guides, and preferred train schedules.
Q: Can your Italy land itineraries accommodate specific dietary needs or physical paces?
A: Absolutely. Every itinerary is entirely custom-built around your personal preferences and travel style. Whether you require a relaxed, low-walking pace with private drivers or need curated culinary experiences tailored to strict dietary needs (such as gluten-free or vegan pasta-making classes), we hand-select suppliers and local guides who cater specifically to you.
European River Cruises FAQ
Q: What exactly is included in a luxury European river cruise?
A: Luxury river cruises offer an incredibly value-packed, all-inclusive way to experience Europe. Typically, your cruise fare covers deluxe stateroom accommodations, fine regional dining, complimentary wine and beer with meals, daily immersive shore excursions led by local guides, and onboard cultural entertainment. Best of all, river ships dock right in the heart of historic towns, meaning no long transfer times to see the sights.
Q: How do I know which European river cruise line or itinerary is right for me?
A: The right choice depends entirely on your travel style, budget, and interests. For instance, first-time cruisers often fall in love with the iconic castles and vineyards of the Rhine or the vibrant cultural stops along the Danube. We match you with the ideal cruise line, whether you are looking for a lively multi-generational family cruise, an ultra-luxury boutique experience, or dedicated options for solo travelers.
Q: What is the difference between a river cruise and a traditional ocean cruise?
A: River cruising is a much more intimate, slow-travel experience. While ocean liners carry thousands of guests and feature massive onboard attractions, river ships generally host fewer than 150 passengers, focusing on calm waters with no seasickness and the scenery right outside your window. Instead of spending days at sea, a river cruise lets you step directly off the ship and into a new fairy-tale European village or historic city center every single day.
Eileen Maldonato
Eileen@CladdaghTravel.com
Phone: 973-809-5544
ASTA Verified Travel Advisor