Why travel with direction

Travel with Direction is a different kind of travel company.
We focus on culture, history, food, drinks, and fun in Le Marche, Italy. We connect you with that “living like a local” feeling because we are offering authentic outings in places and with people we know and trust. We are ambassadors of slow travel, emphasizing the experience of Italy, not a jumble of hastily thrown together snapshots.
Our trips are completely customizable, so they can be tailored to the interests of your group.
We have real relationships with the local people, and you will too.

They have lifetimes of travel experience between them and take care of the tedious stuff so you can sit back and enjoy your trip. “We start as guides, but we hope to end up your friends. Don’t just go, Travel with Direction. Benvenuto!”  ~Maddi and Brook

Meet our Sommelier

Brook E. Ray

  • Travel Ambassador

A scholar of wine, food, and culture. She holds many Wine certifications from professional organizations like The Wine & Spirit Education Trust, and is also an Italian Wine Ambassador. She is also an accomplished chef and loves sharing techniques and recipes. Her home base is Texas but she has lived in several countries in Europe and Africa. She shares Maddi’s passion for Italy, especially Le Marche.

Meet Our Native Italian

Maddi de Nicola

  • Travel Ambassador
Maddi is from the region but has lived in the U.S. and Germany. She is fluent in Italian, English, and German and has taught higher education for many years. Her real passion, however, is sharing Italy, especially Le Marche, with everyone. 
Many of the restaurants, wineries, and establishments we visit on our trips are owned by her personal friends, or family. And you will be welcomed like one as well!