Bookings For You are always searching for new partners to work with and to recommend to our clients. We were thrilled when we stumbled upon Escathor. Set up by Silvia Tempestini, Escathor was created to help holidaymakers find and plan the perfect holiday experiences, down to the smallest of details. Whether you’re looking for someone to help put together an itinerary for your holiday to Italy or if you’re looking for someone to put together a package of experiences for you to enjoy during your trip, you know you’ll be in safe hands when working with Silvia. Not only that, but Silvia can also help you to plan your fairy tale wedding in Italy or get you access to some of the most exclusive events in Italy, whether that’s tickets to Milan Fashion Week, seats at the Italian Grand Prix or access to the Siena palio. Whatever help you need, her mission is to always ensure that you can enjoy a happy and stress free experience. As she puts it on the website – ‘Live your dreams – we’ll take care of the rest.’
So, over to Silvia to tell us more…
Tell us a bit about yourself…
I reside in a small village in the countryside near Florence with my husband and our two sons, aged four and one and a half. I began my career at the age of 22 as a concierge for an American Luxury Vacation Club. My responsibilities included check-ins, check-outs, and providing assistance to our members during their stays in Tuscany and Florence. Later, I transitioned to the role of a planner where I took charge of our members’ itineraries and made arrangements for their arrival, including booking various services such as chefs, drivers, winery visits and cooking classes.
When did you set up Escathor and why?
After becoming a mother for the first time, I decided to establish my own business as a Travel Designer, helping those who want to travel to Italy. At that time, it had been almost 12 years since I had started my career in the travel industry and it felt the right time to set up on my own. I had built up a wealth of experience working with reliable vendors and possessed an extensive knowledge of Italy, something which I have continued to build on over the years.
As a Travel Designer I have the ability to transform a traveler’s wishes into a detailed travel program. I’ll listen to the needs of the client, try to understand their tastes and fears, their habits and what they’re looking for. I’ll even ask what jobs they do and what music they prefer, gathering detailed information just like a tailor would do if they were sewing a suit for someone. In my own way, I’ll take all the measurements, open up a map, and began to imagine an itinerary until, like a tailor creates the perfect outfit, I will create the ideal, unique trip, designed specifically just for that traveller. In an era where anyone can book a flight and a hotel with one click, the travel designer has the responsibility to make a difference and create the conditions for the trip to be unique and unforgettable.
What is the story behind the name Escathor?
Escathor is the acronym of ‘Escape the ordinary, live the extraordinary.’
How do you ensure that you provide a personal level of service to your clients?
I personally handle all of our clients’ itineraries because I take great joy in fulfilling their dreams. Trips to Italy are often once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and I strive to ensure that their vacation is perfect and memorable in every way possible.
Can you tell us a bit more about the range of services you offer at Escathor.
All of our services are of the highest quality and authentic. With a Luxury Travel Designer, you are guaranteed to experience genuine moments and receive insider tips that cannot be found online. I prefer to be in contact with my clients at least four months in advance so that we have enough time to plan every single detail. We offer a range of services, including accommodation in Italy, private drivers, private chefs, cooking classes, truffle experiences, hot-air ballooning, horse riding, winery tours and many other great activities. You may think that you could schedule these activities on your own just by looking online, but believe me, there is much more to it than that. You may not be aware of the distances involved, what else is worth visiting in the activity’s area, or know which trusted vendors to use. Or it may be that you simply don’t have the time to plan it yourself. I plan a very detailed itinerary, take care of all the reservations and remain at my client’s disposal while they are here.
Can you tell us a bit about your wedding and event planning service and how this works.
A destination wedding or any private event requires careful organisation – this is the foundation of our work. We are based in one of the world’s most renowned wedding destinations. It is becoming increasingly popular to say ‘yes’ in Italy. For many people, Italian weddings offer an attractive and unique way to tie the knot and it’s something that is becoming increasingly popular. In 2022, wedding tourism in Italy generated a turnover of €599 million, which is approximately 11% higher than in 2019. It looks like we will see a further 10% increase in 2023. And Tuscany is the top wedding destination in Italy, with 21% of foreign couples choosing this region for its scenic and artistic beauty!
What sort of clients do you typically work with?
Most of my clients are American families, but I do work with families from all over the world. I also work with couples travelling for the honeymoons or celebrating a special occasion. Some of my clients are only spending a week in Italy, others are staying for a month. I don’t usually require a specific budget from my clients. What I will do is ensure that I provide clients with a clear idea of how much they should expect to budget for my services in the early stages of our discussions. That way, they can have a good understanding up front of whether employing the services of a Personal Travel Designer is right for them.
What sets you apart from other travel and event planning companies?
I don’t believe I am better than other travel designers or companies. There are many great companies and designers that work very well. However, what I can assure you is that I always put my heart and soul into every trip, and I am highly organized, leaving nothing to chance.
What advice do you give to holidaymakers planning on coming to Italy?
Come with an empty suitcase and fill it with unforgettable moments. I will take care of the rest.
Have you seen a change in the habits of holidaymakers in the past few years and if so, in what way?
When I first started working in the tourism sector, travellers would often call us at night for assistance with simple tasks like turning on a light switch or finding their way back to their accommodations. However, with the advent of social media and GPS devices, travellers have become much more autonomous and self-sufficient. These technological tools have made it easier for them to navigate unfamiliar environments and access information quickly and easily.
What does a typical working day look like for you ?
My morning routine often involves responding to emails received overnight, while I reserve afternoons for more active work like scheduling video calls and working on itineraries. During the low season, I typically take some time to meet new vendors and explore our beautiful country to discover new amazing places to recommend to my clients.
What are the most memorable experiences or trips you have helped clients with?
Every trip has been memorable. I am incredibly grateful for meeting so many wonderful people, all of whom have left a special place in my heart.
Do you have any plans for the company for the future?
Yes, I’ve got some really exciting plans! but I’m superstitious and I won’t say anything about them just yet! LOL
Do you have any favourite places you like to visit in Italy?
That’s an impossible question to answer! Every time I visit a new village or city, I think it’s my new favourite, until I discover another one that becomes my new top pick. And it is always like that! But I can tell you that I wouldn’t have wanted to be born anywhere else but in Tuscany.
Over the past 12 months, we’ve got to know Silvia really well and we can’t recommend Silvia’s services highly enough. We can vouch for the high level of service she provides to her clients. And with a company motto like Escathor has – ‘Escape the ordinary, live the extraordinary‘ – quite frankly, what’s not to like?!! Let Silvia know that you found her details thanks to Bookings For You to ensure you receive exclusive offers on the services she offers.