In our latest Chat with an Expat feature, we meet Monica Kennedy and Isidoro Langella, the founders of To Amalfi with Love Tours of Italy. While the name evokes the romance of the Amalfi Coast, their offerings extend far beyond Positano, a destination now grappling with overtourism. For those seeking authentic travel experiences, Monica and Isidoro provide bespoke journeys that celebrate Italy’s rich cultural heritage, untouched beauty, and personal connections. They are deeply committed to sustainable tourism, supporting local communities, and preserving Italy’s traditions.
Let’s dive into their inspiring story and how To Amalfi with Love is redefining travel in Italy and beyond.
Watch the full interview on the Live in Italy Magazine YouTube channel and listen to our “Italy Answered” podcast. A summary of the conversation is below.
00:52: Introductions
Monica and Isidoro’s journeys are as captivating as the destinations they offer. Monica, originally from Connecticut, USA, worked as a paralegal at Yale University’s Law School, running impactful community and economic development programs. She’s also a certified yoga instructor and previously owned her own yoga studio. Her frequent travels to Italy eventually brought her to the Amalfi Coast.
Isidoro, born in Sardinia and raised in Torre del Greco near Naples, holds a degree in Cultural Heritage and has over a decade of experience in tourism. A licensed tour guide, or “Campania Tour Turistico,” he brings an unmatched depth of knowledge to the experiences he curates.
03:50: Tell Us About Your Love Story
Monica: We met on the Amalfi Coast, which inspired the name of our business. Isidoro was my tour guide. It wasn’t love at first sight, but it was unforgettable.
Isidoro: At the time, I was studying Art History and preparing for exams. We bonded over shared interests, like Caravaggio’s works and a local exhibition.
Monica: We started a long-distance relationship, but COVID kept us apart for almost 300 days. Eventually, Italy allowed relationships to reunite despite the travel ban, which was incredible. Eventually, we got married, and Isidoro moved to the U.S. for two years.
Monica on American Tourists (09:00): I’ve found American tourists to be open-minded and curious. They’re eager to engage with the culture, which makes sharing Italy’s traditions with them so rewarding.
10:16: How Did the Business Idea Come About?
Monica: When Isidoro moved to the U.S., he found it challenging to adjust professionally and missed his connection to Italy. I suggested we create a business that lets him do what he loves while staying connected to his roots.
Isidoro: I had always dreamed of starting my own tour operator business. Working with large operators gave me insights into the industry, but having our own business lets us focus on personal, tailored experiences.
13:27: What Types of Experiences Does To Amalfi With Love Offer?
Monica: We don’t sell pre-packaged tours. Everything is tailor-made, whether it’s independent travel or traveling with us in a group. We stay in touch with clients during their trips, offering guidance every step of the way.
Isidoro: As a licensed guide, I personally lead many of the tours, focusing on connections with local experts, drivers, and guides. This ensures our clients experience Italy authentically.
Monica on Bespoke Itineraries (17:00): Our clients often tell us they’ve never had such personalized service. We craft itineraries that reflect their interests, whether it’s art, gastronomy, or hidden historical sites.
17:47: Exploring Beyond Positano—Hidden Gems
Monica: Social media sometimes creates unrealistic expectations. We guide clients to hidden gems that aren’t overcrowded, like evening visits to Positano.
Isidoro: Positano is packed with tourists during the day, especially when cruise ships arrive. We suggest visiting in the evening when it’s quieter. The town feels magical at sunset.
Isidoro on Licensed Tour Guides (18:50): Licensed guides in Italy are highly trained and specialize in specific regions. This expertise ensures that clients get an in-depth understanding of the places they visit. It’s a level of quality you can’t get with unlicensed guides.
23:47: What Can Travelers Look Forward to in 2025?
Monica: We’re planning two southern Italy tours, covering Sorrento, Amalfi Coast, Ischia, Procida, and Naples. Naples is a highlight—Isidoro is incredible at showing the city’s hidden gems, from bustling streets to peaceful cloisters.
Isidoro on Mercantini di Natale (23:00): Naples’ Christmas markets are extraordinary. They focus on Nativity scenes, with shops passed down for generations. It’s a deeply traditional experience.
Shoulder Season Travel (28:00): Monica explains that “shoulder season” refers to travel during quieter months like March or September. “It’s an ideal time for travelers seeking fewer crowds and a more authentic experience,” she says.
30:30: Monica’s Wellness Retreats
Monica: I’ve been a yoga teacher for years, certified in Iyengar and Vinyasa styles. Combining yoga with Italy’s serene landscapes is a dream come true. We’re planning retreats in less-traveled areas for an immersive, relaxing experience.
33:29: How Do You Promote Sustainable Tourism?
Isidoro: Sustainability is central to what we do. We focus on small group sizes and work directly with local vendors to reduce environmental impact.
Monica: We avoid supporting overtourism, like areas where locals are pushed out due to short-term rentals. Instead, we prioritize authentic locations that still have strong local communities.
Monica on Preserving Community:
Supporting local businesses and preserving the character of Italian towns is essential. It’s about ensuring these communities thrive for generations to come.
39:00: Positano by Night—A Unique Perspective
Isidoro: Positano takes on a completely different charm at night. The crowds disappear, and you can enjoy the peaceful beauty of the town. It’s these kinds of experiences we aim to provide.
42:00: Exploring Beyond Campania—Umbria
Isidoro: We recently arranged a stay at an agriturismo near Orvieto in Umbria. It was quieter and more affordable than nearby tourist hubs like Cortona but still offered incredible experiences.
44:10: What Is Ancestral Tourism, and Why Do You Offer It?
Monica: Ancestral tourism is growing in popularity. We partnered with a genealogist to help clients trace their roots. This summer, we planned a trip for a family who visited the village of their ancestors and even met distant cousins.
Isidoro: The genealogist uncovered incredible details, like where their ancestors ran a bakery. It’s deeply personal and meaningful for clients to connect with their heritage.
48:30: Monica, What Does the Word “Expat” Mean to You?
Monica: To me, it simply means living outside your home country. But I think that everyone should go live in another country. It makes you more compassionate, kind, and understanding. Travel is about connecting and being good to one another.
Isidoro on the U.S. and Italy (49:58): When I lived in the U.S., I loved the freedom and openness of American culture. But I missed the Mediterranean sea, the food, and the piazza—the sense of community and gathering with locals.
If you’re seeking a personalized, meaningful travel experience in Italy, visit Monica and Isidoro at To Amalfi with Love Tours of Italy.
Website: toamalfiwithlovetours.com
Instagram: @ToAmalfwithLove
Facebook: To Amalfi with Love Tours
Watch the full video on YouTube or listen to the podcast on Spotify.
