Our team is an extended family of experts that use their knowledge and experience to create your dream holiday. From the founder to the technology team, from the local guides to historians, sommeliers and chefs, everyone is involved in the design of your tailored journey.
founder
Creator of Essenza and the Le Pratola Collection, Margherita has been successfully taking care of guests in Italy for 12 years, consistently achieving 5 star guest review ratings. Also a qualified banker and property developer, Margherita's passions are travel, Italian design, running and Tuscan wines.
sales & marketing director
Voted Conde Nast Top Travel specialist Chiara knows Italy intimately and can guide guests with precision. Chiara's essential book of contacts means there is little she cannot organise. Also a qualified interior designer of homes and yachts, Chiara's passions are travel, cooking and baking and everything Italian.
customer service
Serena is our Customer Service Manager looking after the day-to-day operations of Essenza and meeting clients while in residence. After a degree in Art History in Florence, she became an interior designer with a passion for contemporary design. Serena knows Italy inside out and is a precious asset to create memorable itineraries for our guests.
wine expert
Elizabeth's twin passions are cycling and wine. Having competed at the semi pro/pro level for road, MTB and track racing, she was crowned Champion of Lombardy three times during her illustrious racing career. Elizabeth is also a qualified sommelier and a published Wine Critic on wine guide Duemilavini. Today Elizabeth enjoys offering the best rental cycling equipment and private guided tours in Tuscany.
Tuscany Co-ordinator
Arsen is an experienced estate and house manager, taking good care of our client's needs and inspecting new properties. Arsen's background in wine production and olive oil harvesting means he's full of practical advice and support. Together with his wife Ergisa, Arsen expertly manages Villa Le Pratola, Gaiole in Chianti.
History Teller
Luca's love of medieval Italian history has won him academic awards, a top University place and scholarships. Luca's ability to relate historical events means he's able to explain in an engaging manner the 'why' to much of how Italy operates today. Luca's passions encompass global travel, learning new languages, economics and international relations.
Tuscany guide
Alessandra is one of our Tuscany tour guides. Alessandra's background is in local ceramics, wine production and with a degree in Modern languages is trilingual in English, Italian and Spanish. Alessandra is a certified tour guide with a registered limousine service and has extensive experience of showcasing Tuscany to foreign travellers.
Gastronomy expert
Katia is our gastronomy expert for central Italy. Katia has a First level Master degree in Culture of Nutrition and Food and Wine Traditions, is a qualified Tour in Emilia Romagna and is a qualified Official Cheese Taster. Katia has studied and worked in England, Spain and Australia in gastronomic tourism.
Gastronomic Tour Guide
Expert in gastronomic tourism providing consulting and advisory within Italy and Latin America. An official Italian tourism guide and certified sommelier. Rosina personally guides guests on gastronomic walking tours of Rome.