Our Philosophy

At Dovetail Travel, we believe in forging connections that endure. Traveling with us is more than just taking a trip to Italy – it's an opportunity to build strong bonds. Our guests will not only immerse themselves in the beauty of Italy but will also enjoy the local lifestyle, forming lasting connections with those they meet on the journey.

Master the art of Italian cooking

Immerse yourself in one of the most important aspects of Italian culture: food.

Our cooking classes will not only teach you all the tips and tricks you’ll need to master the preparation of Italian delicacies, but more importantly, they will feel authentic as if you are part of a family.

Taste wine like never before

Italians’ love affair with wine dates back prior to the Roman Empire.

Today, our wine tastings and winery visits make you experience (and taste) the knowledge and know-how that the master winemakers have passed on through the generations.

Learn how authentic olive oil is made

Olive oil is the lifeblood of Mediterranean cuisine and one of the main ingredients in Italian cooking.

Learn about this amazing superfood by visiting an olive farm. Experience firsthand the traditions and innovations that comprise the production of authentic Italian olive oil.

Experience is Key

Working with our partner company, New Tuscan Experience, gives us over a decade of expertise curating itineraries in Italy. Our villas, guides, chefs, sommeliers and drivers are all hand-picked and personally vetted by our Italian team. Accommodations, classes, vehicles and excursions are all the highest quality - ensuring that you will experience the best Italy has to offer.

Maya Djurasovic

As founder and CEO of Dovetail Travel, Maya believes in the power of exploration and discovery. She sees travel as a means to build strong bonds. Maya earned her BA from Boston College and her MA from Columbia University. A native of the New York area, she now resides in the Midwest, but spends time visiting with family in Italy and friends back on the East Coast. She has a passion for learning and loves to bring people together. Professionally, Maya brings her former teaching skills, along with her project management, event planning and personal love of cooking, wine and entertaining to Dovetail Travel. Her goal is to make each participant feel like a welcome guest and ultimately a part of the Dovetail family.

Kathy Perunic

Kathy, founder and CEO of New Tuscan Experience, Dovetail's literal and figurative sister company, has been in the travel business for almost fifteen years. A native of New York, Kathy graduated from Georgetown University, earning a degree in Foreign Service. Her studies took her abroad to Florence, Italy where she met the love of her life and chose to settle. Today, she still happily calls Florence, Italy home.

Kathy's communication skills have served her professionally as both an editor for a publishing house and as an entrepreneur. New Tuscan Experience specializes in private trip planning for individuals and families looking to create custom itineraries. Kathy has an amazing team of guides, chefs and drivers who all work to make her clients' trips incredible.

Paolo Bottino

Paolo, born and raised in Italy, is a graduate of the University of Florence and holds a master's degree in economic statistics. Prior to joining New Tuscan Experience, he worked as a consultant and financial analyst at the Ernst & Young offices in Florence. But his love of travel and desire to share his knowledge of Italy drew him to the tourism industry. Paolo now serves as a travel planner and helps organize group excursions. He is fluent in both English and Italian, and as a Florentine native, knows the Tuscan region inside and out. He brings a vibrant and new perspective to the company with his technological skills, business acumen and knowledge of food and wine.