Well, I come from the heartland of America. - OHIO. And to make things even more interesting, my parents are both from Calabria. This combination makes it possible for me to easily relate to the funny and quirky things found in each of the two cultures (something I’ve been able to appreciate even more since moving to Rome eight years ago). Rome is amazing but at times frustrating with its lack of customer service, something Americans are used to. I want to help my tourists enjoy Rome without those frustrations.

 My interests include: art, fashion (this derives from my mother who would always tell me: “isa importanta to alwaysa looka gooda”), acting (I have been in several English shows with Gaby Ford's English Theater of Rome) and comedy.  I am the founder, organizer and one of the perfomers in Rome's only monthly English comedy show, Rome's Comedy Club. Check out my stand up and video clip promos on www.romescomedyclub.tumblr.com These interests, combined with my experience in Rome and my Italian/American heritage, have allowed me to get to know the Eternal City very well. I know where there are hidden gems, the best restaurants and the best times to visit museums, and most importantly - how to show you the best ways to enjoy Rome as a non-touristy tourist.

How does one become a non-touristy tourist? It starts with having personalized transport to and from the airport without dealing with taxi thieves, staying in a convenient and comfortable location in Rome, and knowing where to go in the city. I will show you how to not fall into tourist traps and just live like a Roman.

And if you still don't believe me, check out my client comments!

 New on board with AskMarshaTravel.com

Due to the increase number of clients and interest, I have taken on a friend on board with AskMarshaTravel services. His name is Robbi Citera. He is Australian-Italian and full of energy and charm. He has been living on and off in the Eternal City for the last decade. He speaks Italian like a Roman, English like someone from down under and he knows the ins and outs of Italy. He has a degree in Italian and Cinema studies. Robbi has worked his charm from the hotel/restaurant industry to teaching English to doing Italian-English translations. In his free time, you will find him driving his car in the traffic of Rome (he is one of the few that does not mind the madness of Rome's streets), going to the cinema and theater and just 'hanging out' living La Dolce Vita.

My Business

AskMarshaTravel.com was in the making for years but was officially launched in 2009. I am soley focused on Rome and towns around Lazio at the moment. I am working on expanding to other amazing places in Italy (such as Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast). I can also can offer a limited accomodation service in Florence.

Client Letters



May 2011

We want to thank you so much for everything you did for us on our visit to Italy. Before we even booked our trip, you were beyond helpful with the decision making process of where to visit, time of year to visit, places we will want to see, etc. All based on the details we provided you with regarding what we wanted to experience. After our decisions were made, you had fantastic recommendations for places to stay, tour guides to use and even a driver who could pick us up directly from the airport and drop us at our destination. We couldn’t have been happier with every recommendation you provided.

To start, the driver (Roberto) made our commute from the airport to our hotel quick and safe after our long travel to Italy.  Next, we truly appreciated the lovely Bed & Breakfast (Almes B&B), which you recommended for our 4 days in Rome.  The accommodations were very quaint and made us feel right at home. The family who owns the Almes is so friendly and really made us feel like we were living like one of the locals, rather than tourists in a “chain hotel”. The location was perfect!

We chose to utilize your  “Classic Itinery” and we shared our 1^st morning in Rome with you for the “crash course”. It was definitely an important thing to have when visiting Rome.  Let’s be frank, we were going to need to find the same kind of service everywhere we travel from this point forward. First, it really made us feel more welcome and comfortable spending the first morning in a foreign place with a familiar face/voice.

We thoroughly enjoyed our time with Agnes. She is so knowledgeable with EVERYTHING historical.  This gal really knows her stuff.

Marsha, we must say that your services at Ask Marsha Travel made our trip to Italy truly an unforgettable experience! We will always remember the amazing memories we have thanks to you. We definitely plan to use your services again on our next visit for one of your more advanced Roman tours like the exciting Vespa tour!  It sounds like a blast!!What can we say, GRAZIE, GRAZIE, GRAZIE!!!Todd and Crystal Fabella

June 15, 2010

Phil and I had talked about going to Rome for 40 years.  When we finally made the decision to go for our Anniversary, we had no idea how much fun we would have. 

Working with her on all the plans before we departed the USA was so helpful.  Little did we know, her vast contacts and in depth knowledge of Rome would allow her to create such a pefect visit for us.  Her assistance in planning our hotel, tours, shopping, dining, drivers, and entertainment showed such attention to detail.  Our hotel was just perfect and the location in the Spanish Steps was so special.  Every tour guide you arranged was professional, knowledgeable and we enjoyed their company immensely.  Like I said, the Spanish Steps was non-stop shopping!!  Every restaurant she suggested was perfectly suited to our taste…..even when she took us to an “off beat” Roman restaurant and had to read the menu and communicate for us!  Speaking the language was never a problem thanks to her careful planning.  Even our drivers were instructed on where to take us. 

She did not leave out one detail in the planning of our trip.  All we did was show up and have fun!!

We will be back as long as she agrees to take care of us…

Kathy and Phil Fankhauser

Columbus, OH

November 1, 2009

Marsha' s travel" & tour services are outstanding! Individually, as well as together, she was able to provide: most helpful, co-ordinated, timely & well communicated travel & tour services! She is also friendly, knowledgeable & most considerate with their client's needs & wishes; being able to:"customize" services as desired

I would highly recommend her services!

Gloria and Les Gutter

Columbus, OH