About Us

Good food, good wine, good friends; a Vita Italian Tour experience is never short on these important elements.

Established in 2003, we, the founders and tour leaders Mario and Viny Vitellone, together with our son Gianni, have shared our love and rich knowledge of Italy with our clients. With over 40 years of experience and relationship-building from time spent in Italy, our knowledge is complimented by our passion for all things Italian. Our specialised small group tours suit the first-time visitors to Italy, as well as the seasoned traveller. Whether travelling solo, as a couple, with friends or with family, there is a specialised Vita Italian Tour to suit your personal interests. Our tours make you feel like you’re travelling with friends, you will experience the warmth, hospitality and friendliness of the local connections we have forged over the years. In each place you visit with Vita Italian Tours you will be made to feel like a guest, rather than a tourist.

Why choose Vita Italian Tours?

At Vita Italian Tours we strive on our local knowledge, taking you off the beaten track, in fact we love taking our clients to places they would never consider. Sure, we see the amazing attractions of each famous city, but we see so much more, we dine at local trattorias away from the traditional tourist trail, have a vino at wineries deep in the countryside, all hidden gems discovered from years of research and relationship building with the locals. We at Vita Italian Tours show you the true Italy in the intimate setting of a small group of like-minded travellers.

Our passion for Italian culture reflects through our collaborated and carefully curated itineraries. Favouring smaller groups, we create an intimate experience on tour, where clients begin to feel a part of our greater family, even after the tour ends. This is something that makes us happy.

What our tours highlight:

Explore the beauty of the countryside – walk amongst ancient hill towns, age-old vineyards and admire breathtaking views.
An introduction to a culture where the traditions compliment the modern.
Experience the idyllic life, its people and the Italian way. Immerse yourself in the local Italian lifestyle with our casual and relaxed itineraries.
Taste the diverse range of Italian foods and wines.
Take the opportunity to take a cultural class (language, art, cooking).

Our guests say it all

Thank you for looking after me so well. The tour was everything I wanted it to be and more! You are wonderful company… Accommodation and meals first class and the whole experience enchanting!
— D Worsnop (VIC) , Cinque Terre & Portofino

Meet the Team

Mario Vitellone

Director / Tour Leader

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.

Viny Vitellone

Director / Tour Leader

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.

Gianni Vitellone

Director / Tour Leader

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.