Nicoletta Machiavelli was born and raised in Florence, Italy, and has been a resident of Seattle since 1988, where she teaches Italian language and cooking with a passion to share her love of both. She has lead Tours for Italians and French in the US for 12 years, and has worked as a Travel Coordinator for major American travel Agencies.

nicoletta in Sicily

Owner/operator of VIAVI since 2001, she now specializes in tours to Tuscany, Umbria, Sicily and Emilia Romagna. Cooking and Art are always the highlights focus of her itineraries. These are refreshingly innovative with in-depth itineraries suited to each tour-group and the unique features of the region visited.

For the traveler, the tourist or the visitor to Italy, there can be nothing more valuable and enjoyable than being in the company of a knowledgeable and experienced guide. Nicoletta is one who is able to provide you with ready assistance for all your travel and personal requirements.

With Nicoletta, you receive the highest professional service, but with the personal touch of a friend. Her enthusiasm for the wonders of Italy will enhance your own. The spontaneity, and that “leave it to the stars” spirit that is so much part of the Italian character and culture will be sure to touch you and you will know that you are a participant in a unique and unforgettable adventure!

"With a native Italian as our leader, we were exposed to both the big cities and small towns of Sicily.  Nicoletta is a terrific tour guide who is knowledgeable, enthusiastic and has a wonderful, irreverent sense of humor.  She arranged great, unique places to stay and local tour guides to show us the many ancient, captivating  sites in Sicily.  The local guides were interesting, fun and allowed us to experience the culture and people of Sicily first hand.  The trip was a perfect blend of the famous sites as well as many, off-the-beaten track villages and towns."

"A special bonus was the different cooking classes we took along the way.  Besides learning some great recipes, we were able to experience the culture and people of Sicily in a small, personal setting.  And, we ate like royalty!  The itinerary combined enough free time to explore on our own, and we never felt rushed.   A five star trip, for sure!!"

Maureen McLaughlin, West Seattle, WA