A native to Italy, Mario has studied the Italian language, European History and International Studies. Since 1975, he has lived and studied in Italy for extensive periods of time.

With many ties in Australia, Mario has worked with the Italian-Australian community for over three decades. Italy is not just a way of life; it’s his way of life – fluent in both Italian and English, Mario has taught Italian at TAFE level for many years and runs his own private Italian school with a focus on language, culture and travel.

Mario has travelled extensively both personally and professionally to many parts of the world. His breath of knowledge to advise and make relevant suggestions to clients about their holiday overseas is invaluable to the traveller. He has a lifetime of experience travelling throughout Europe, especially his native country Italy.

Born in Italy, Viny was a primary school teacher for over 20 years. She has taught students in all levels of primary both as a class teacher and as a Language teacher. This is what inspired us to develop an educational and cultural program for schools, offering tours to Italy.

The last 15 years Viny has been the co-director of Vita Italian Tours, leading small group tours to Italy, as well as school groups.

Viny is responsible for the School Program in the Company. Her knowledge in the educational sector has enabled her to forge long lasting relationships with partners in Italy and the rest of Europe. It is due to Viny’s efforts that the School Program has been so successful.

Like Mario, Viny has lived and travelled in Italy for extended periods of time since 1975.
She has developed strong ties to the Le Marche region, having studied Italian in Siena and graduated with degrees in Sociology and Linguistics.

When not in Australia, both Mario and Viny make their home in the seaside city of Pesaro in Le Marche. Here, they’ve built up lasting links with the local community and as a result have gained a far deeper understanding into the culture of Italy, and in particular the Le Marche region.

Born and raised in Melbourne, Australia, Gianni has a background in International Business, Languages and European History. He has travelled extensively throughout Europe, North America, Central America and Asia, and is bilingual in English and Italian. An Australian with many ties to Italy, he considers Italy his second home.

Since 2006, Gianni has worked with Vita Italian Tours as a tour leader and driver, leading guided tours of Italy for both adult and school groups. He has a friendly and caring nature and is extremely passionate about all aspects of the Italian culture.

Since the inception of Pronto Travel, Gianni has been the main force behind the expansion into providing complete travel services to Italy and the rest of the world.

Nina, eldest child to Vita Italian Tours founders, Mario & Viny Vitellone, is the newest member to join the Vita Italian Tours/Pronto Travel team. With an abundance of worldly travel experience, and having recently moved back home to Melbourne after seventeen years living in Florence, Italy. Nina’s move home has brought to the family business a rich Italian knowledge.

Having travelled to Italy as a nine years old with her Zia and Nonna, it’s on this trip her love affair with Italy began. Immersing herself in the Italian heritage, to fully understand her family’s roots, after graduating at 23, Nina enrolled to attend Scuola Dante Alighieri, a language school in Florence, giving her the opportunity to refine the Italian language properly.

Nina was always going to be the perfect fit. Returning home meant she would have an opportunity to become part of the family business. Her experience living and working in Italy means she holds a lot of knowledge in Italy’s customs, procedures and her hands-on-experience means she can offer Mario and Gianni an insight in the way things are done by the Italians. Plus, over the years, she has help lead many of the tours, so it felt right that Nina joined a business her father started, out of his love and pride of Italy.

A Pesaro resident, Riccardo was raised in the Le Marche region. His wealth of local knowledge, experience, and relationships mean he has a strong tie to the region, its traditions, and its people.

Beginning his professional career in 2011, Riccardo worked as the Tourist Office Manager in the Pesaro city centre, he was responsible for welcoming tourists, promoting local food and wine, as well as artisan arts and crafts. It was here where Riccardo met Mario and Gianni Vitellone for the first time, and it was friendship at first sight.

Fast-forward to 2015, Riccardo gained his Tour Leader License, qualifying him to work as a Tour Leader. Keeping a friendship over the years, Mario and Gianni at Vita Italian Tours quickly engaged their local friend as a Tour Leader for their small group tours, where Riccardo helped lead Aussie travelers across the Le Marche Region.

Remaining in Le Marche, Riccardo’s drive is to share his love for the Region, wanting all the travelers he encounters to experience the authentic Italy and explore the real Dolce Vita.

Riccardo looks forward to welcoming you to his home region, Le Marche, guiding you across this beautiful corner of Italy.

A native to Florence, Alessandra, a licensed tour guide and tour leader since 2005, has guided travellers around Florence with Vita Italian Tours for over 7 years. Her love of her home town projects across in her guiding.

Each day Alessandra meets people from all around the world who want to explore the rich history, architecture and Art which defines Florence. Alessandra loves guiding and the opportunity she is given to help each visitor discover this amazing city and everything it has to culturally offer. Fluent in several languages like English, French and Spanish, engaging Alessandra to guide you around Florence is definitely a must.

Annamaria is our local expert in the Regions of Puglia and Basilicata. A passionate and knowledgeable tour guide, Annamaria boasts over a decade of experience leading English-speaking clients through the wonders of her region. She goes beyond simply recounting history and art bringing Apulia’s rich food and wine scene to life by suggesting local delicacies and sharing her passion for authentic flavours and ancient traditions. Annamaria creates an engaging and friendly atmosphere, appreciated by travellers for her warmth, willingness to answer questions, and ability to make everyone feel part of a unique journey.