A little bit about us...

(And our obsession with Italy)

I am Tony Bassett, the founder of Secrets of Italy and Secrets of Tuscany. My maternal grandfather was from Tuscany, so Italy is in my DNA.

I have travelled extensively through Italy over the years and in the past I maintained an office in Milan. During my monthly visits to Tuscany I was able to develop both business relationships and friendships with a number of hoteliers, guides, facilitators and locals.

Ten years ago, I began to create bespoke holidays to Italy for my own customers. Independent travel agents throughout Britain then began to utilise my expertise to do the same for their customers as I became known within the travel industry as a leading expert for Italy, Tuscany in particular.

I have built a very close relationship with the Tuscany tourist office in Florence and in partnership with them have escorted several groups of travel agents to Tuscany, showing them the unique holidays, which the region can offer.

Seven years ago I began to escort small groups of mature customers on holiday to Italy. It had become apparent to me that there was a significant number of mature people who wished to visit Italy; some desiring a relaxing holiday knowing everything was arranged for them but also a good number who just preferred not to travel alone. These groups have become very successful. Typically, these groups are for no more than sixteen customers in total and have become very popular with solo travellers.

I have several customers who have travelled with me two or three times a year. It is a wonderful social opportunity for customers to develop new friendships whilst enjoying a stress-free holiday.

Our Values & Promises

Simplicity

I have the expertise, so I can save you considerable time with your planning. You can have total confidence in my knowledge and the support that I have from local facilitators. I have people on the ground all over Italy who can assist my customers in cases of emergency.

Integrity

I will always strive to meet my commitments and to earn the trust of my customers as well as that of all my suppliers. All our air holidays are fully covered by ATOL. This means that your money is fully protected and that I will always adhere to their code of conduct.

Great Value

My overheads are low, a practice I maintain in order to ensure that I can always offer unparalleled value to all of my customers. I welcome direct customers but also continue to support the many independent travel agents throughout Britain. The prices offered by my travel agents are the same as for customers who come to me directly.