CHARLOTTE, March 2, 2013 – When Nada Vergili (www.nadasitaly.com) left her home in Florence, Italy she had no idea what an entrepreneur was, much less that she would soon become one.
It began simply enough. Amore brought Vergili to the United States for the second time in her life. In the mid-80s she lived in Orlando, Florida for six years during which time she became fluent in English. So fluent, in fact, there is no hint of an Italian accent when Nada speaks English today.
Seeking the opportunity to introduce the culture of her home to a growing international community, Vergili organized the Italian Social Club in Charlotte, NC in 2002.
Though the relationship eventually ended, Nada realized she enjoyed living in a thriving, up-and-coming city in the new South. Before long, Vergili was teaching conversational Italian a few hours each week to leisure and business travelers who wanted to learn a few words and phrases that would simplify their visits to Italy and make them more enjoyable.
In reality every conversation with Nada is a mini-lesson in Italian. Bubbling with enthusiasm, Vergili is constantly blending her native language into her English sentences, traveling between the two as easily as she goes from one country to the other. Always the teacher however, she immediately translates whatever Italian words or idioms she uses into English which makes each encounter with Nada a learning experience.
The classes quickly grew in popularity. Nada's students began asking for travel tips and requesting her to escort trips to her native country. Realizing it would be a chance to return to Italy a couple times a year, Vergili organized two itineraries in 2004 and the rest is history
In less than a decade, Nada's Italy has expanded to 20 tours in 2013 with more on the horizon. Her business now employs three full-time people, one part-timer and an intern in the United States plus four tour leaders in Italy.
By incorporating aspects of travel she, herself, prefers with a personalized touch that features a rich cultural focus including cuisiIne, art, architecture, festivals, language, scenery and, most of all, access to locals with interesting stories to tell, Nada has created a delightful, personalized series of "tours for people who don't go on tours."
"The concept is simple," says Nada, "I want to take people to the traditional sights, of course, but then I want to introduce them to people and places they could never have found on their own."
Combining a mix of charm. charisma and enthusiasm, all natural attributes for the enterprising 35-year old businesswoman, with equal portions of acute business savvy and knowledge of graphic design, Nada has developed a recognizable brand. It's a recipe that obviously works.
Vergili's tours are limited to a maximum of twelve travelers and single supplements are available. Prices vary according to the length of the trips, destinations and the season (usually spring and fall), but they typically range between $4,500 and $5,000 not including air.
Recognizing that modern travelers prefer to settle in to a single location for as many days as possible with day trips from the base, Nada never schedules an excursion that is more than an hour and a half away and does her best to minimize changes in location. Vergili knows all too well that changing hotels is not only time consuming but reduces travel opportunities as well.
Each year Nada does extensive research to discover appealing "out of the way" spots and to avoid large hotel chains. Instead she selects properties that feature regional character and heritage.
"My goal is to offer great experiences while creating great memories," adds Nada. "After all, a fantastic travel experience is nothing more than a lifelong memory waiting to happen."
In addition to her growing list of itineraries, Nada continues to network through local Italian Social Club events while expanding her marketing through her informative newsletter which she comes out every month to five weeks.
Oddly enough, Nada's "adventure" into the world of Italian wanderlust proved to be a catalyst for developing greater understanding of her native country.
"I don't think I could have appreciated Italy as much until I lived here. Now I appreciate so many parts of both countries," she says.
Nada's greatest enjoyment these days is the opportunity to kick back, put her feet up and stay at home with a great glass of Chianti.
Ahhh, but Italy never ceases to beckon, and while her country is infectious, Nada's Italy is contagious.

by Bob Taylor / The Washington Times