Why Travel With Suzan

A little about me.

My name is Suzan Rozypal. I live in South Texas near Corpus Christi. I share my home in the country with a multitude of cats, chickens and longhorn cattle (the biggest pets ever!). I was a flight attendant for Southwest Airlines for over 25 years and made the decision to retire once the pandemic hit. For many years traveling has truly been my life. I am just as comfortable in a hotel room as I am at home. I fell in love with Italy years ago and after traveling there so much alone, I decided to start sharing my passion with others. I know what it is like to not have someone to travel with all the time, yet still have that wanderlust. Before the pandemic, I arranged and guided several trips a year to Italy. The tours include the most important areas in Italy like Rome, Tuscany, the Italian Riviera, Orvieto, Venice, the Amalfi Coast and Florence. My tours do have a strong focus on Tuscany, my favorite part of Italy. In fact, the scene you see above is located in the Val D'Orcia, one of my favorite parts of Tuscany. I will always remember the first time that I saw this little chapel in the field. My sister and I were driving along and presto, there is was right in front of us. I almost caused an accident on the road as I slowed to a stop too quickly. We still laugh about that day. It never fails that each time I pass this scene, I see someone else doing the same thing. I am always very careful when I travel along this road. Several years ago I started adding some tours to the south of France. Provence and the French Riviera are lovely and I enjoy sharing a new country with my travelers.

Several years ago I became the Executive Director for the American Institute of Architects Chapter in Corpus Christi. I always had an interest in architecture, but now I have the opportunity to really learn what the profession is all about. This knowledge has led to some wonderful discoveries when traveling in Italy and France.

I offer a tour of limited size which allows you the chance to have a more personal approach to this culture as a traveler, not a tourist. I learned many years ago the difference in the two. There is so much more to enjoy and learn if you have the time to appreciate it, rather than just look, snap a photo and rush off to the next sight in the guide book. I have found places to stay and visit based on my own travels and have made new friends along the way.

I guide all my tours personally. I even drive the van. I have a BA in history from Texas A&M University, (Gig 'em!) so I have learned a great deal about the area and its history. I try to have just the right mix of historical and interesting information as I can. Don't worry, I also love to shop and of course, eat and drink.

I am adamant about offering the opportunity to travel to Italy at a price that is still affordable for the average traveler. Of course, the pandemic has made that a bit harder to do. My main purpose in guiding tours is to share my own love of Italy with others, so I try my best to make that happen. I think you will find that my small group tours meet your expectations and more. You will have the comfort and safety of traveling with a group, but the independence to still find time for some of your own pursuits. I have learned through experience that most people like some structure, but also need time on their own. Your accommodations will be clean, comfortable and possess a uniqueness that can only be found in Italy or France. They will also be located in walking distance from everything you need. All dining spots have been tested personally and will be an experience in themselves

I especially love guiding tours through Tuscany and Provence. I enjoy giving you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the beautiful Villages that dot the hill-tops throughout the region. Rome, Florence and Venice and Nice are spectacular, but it is usually that tiny village that makes the lasting impression. The same goes for the south of France. Also, how can any trip to Italy or France not focus on the variety and richness of its wine and cuisine. Then there is the added experience of viewing Italian traditions in religion, art, and architecture. Throughout Italy, you will discover quickly that the landscape is truly a work of art.

If you have a interest in acquiring knowledge of new areas and cultures, eating delicious foods, tasting world famous wines in local settings, and having most of the details of the trip arranged beforehand, then this is the trip for you. If you join my tour, I will spend time with you before we leave to give you information that will help make your visit to Italy or France, "the trip of a lifetime". While in Italy or France, I will make sure you have every opportunity to see as much as possible without rushing you so that you forget where you are. Even though my tours require a lot of physical activity, there will be time for rest and relaxation, after all it is your vacation. It will not take long to feel like you are really just "traveling with friends". You will fall in love with Italy just as I have and will want to return again and again. Please join me in this experience. I know you will be happy you did.

SHARING ITALY WITH MY NEPHEWS REED & CHAD.

WELCOME TO

"Italy with Friends Tours"

Who am I and why travel with me to Italy? Here is a little about me and my tours. If you are ready to experience the most beautiful place on earth, then you are ready to join one of my tours to Italy or France for people who do not really take tours. Thanks, Suzan