Living la dolce vita! When A-listers want an unforgettable Italian escape, they call upon Simone Amorico. The Access Italy co-founder has helped Oprah Winfrey, Stanley Tucci, Jessica Alba, Emily Blunt, Sylvester Stallone, Josh Gad, and more plan unforgettable trips, thanks to his team’s insider access and customized approach to vacationing.
Amorico launched the luxury travel company alongside his brother, Marco, drawing from their upbringing and their family’s roots in hospitality.
“Access Italy was inspired by our father, Angelo, who began his career over 40 years ago as a driver and guide in Rome,” Amorico tells ET. “He shared with us his deep knowledge, experience, and most importantly, his relationships across Italy. Marco and I wanted to amplify what he built.”
That philosophy is reflected in every itinerary. “When clients work with our team, the process is completely personalized,” he says. “Our dedicated travel designers create each journey from scratch based on the client’s interests, pace, and style. Our philosophy is simple, we plan, you prosecco.”
Think: Visits to private wine cellars and historic palaces, after-hours at the Vatican, dinner in front of Michaelangelo’s David, hands-on cooking classes at Officine Gullo in Florence, and reservations at the most sought-after restaurants.
“We unlock doors and introduce our clients to friends that act as true hosts,’ the entrepreneur shares. “That might be a Roman restauranteur, a hotel owner in Lake Como, a winemaker working closely with historic families, or a trusted local guide.”
At the heart of it all is Italy’s diversity.
“We want people to experience a once-in-a-lifetime trip. In one relatively small country, you’ll find incredible variety from north to south, including culture, food, wine, art, history, and landscapes,” the travel expert explains.
And once you arrive, expect warmth at every turn.
“Italians are naturally welcoming and hospitality is simply part of daily life. … Italy is timeless and slow-paced. It’s a place where beauty is effortless, and life moves at a slower rhythm,” he notes.
Before booking a trip, he recommends immersing yourself in the mood by watching Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy.
“You’ll see inspiration, hotels, and experiences that truly capture the essence of Italy, even from afar.”
