Mario Fortini, Travel Agent in New York City, NY

Mario Fortini

New York City, NY Travel Agent

Mario Fortini

New York City, NY · 17 Years of Experience

Bellarome Italian Vacations, a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
5.0
(74)
99% Recommended
Very helpful, responsive, and knowledgeable. Read More >
About
My Travel Specialties
Reviews
Certificates & Awards
My Places
Travel Stories & Media
Itineraries
Client Testimonials

Areas of expertise

Destinations:

Catania, Favignana, Mt. Etna, Sicily, Sicily, Taormina

Interests:

Accessible Travel, Arts & Culture, Climbing, Culinary & Foodie, Heritage

Suppliers:

Choice Hotels, Ita Airways, National Car Rental, Rail Europe, Small Luxury Hotels

About Me

Sicily Travel Specialist

As a Sicily Travel Specialist, I bring personal passion and professional insight to every trip I design. I’ve travelled to Sicily over 30 times, visit our island office monthly, and have crafted more than 130 custom itineraries for clients seeking romance, heritage, luxury, and discovery. From honeymoons and family adventures to culinary getaways and historical tours, I offer first-hand knowledge of Sicily’s diverse regions - Taormina, Palermo, Syracuse, Noto, Mount Etna, and more. My goal is to deliver meaningful, stress-free travel experiences with local charm and world-class service.
Additional Languages
French,
Italian,
Spanish

My Travel Specialties

Luxury Sicily Specialist, with Heritage Service

Luxury Sicily Specialist, with Heritage Service
Sicily alone has seven UNESCO World Heritage sites and over 15 cities/locations worth of interest, where one can spend between 3 to 5 nights and it is surrounded by over 20 little beautiful islands. I am from Rome but Sicily is my very favourite holiday destination, so muc...Read More ▶

History and Culture in Sicily

History and Culture in Sicily
The first time I stood in the Greek Theatre of Taormina, with the sea on one side and Mount Etna on the other, I knew Sicily had a story like no other. Since then, I’ve explored it piece by piece—ancient ruins in Agrigento, Norman mosaics in Monreale, quiet chapels in Palermo. I work closely with...Read More ▶

Film & TV Locations in Sicily

Film & TV Locations in Sicily
It’s always a thrill to show travelers the real Sicily behind their favorite scenes. I’ve walked the alleys of Savoca where The Godfather was filmed, visited villas from The White Lotus, and explored Montalbano’s Sicily long before the cameras rolled. With my insider knowledge, I’ll take you beyo...Read More ▶

Food and Wine in Sicily

Food and Wine in Sicily
Sicilian food isn’t just delicious, it’s deeply tied to the island’s history and culture. I love guiding travellers through its bold, regional Flavors: fresh seafood in Catania, sweet cannoli in Palermo, arancini in every corner, and rich Nero d’Avola wines from the countryside. Having shared cou...Read More ▶

Honeymoon in Sicily

Honeymoon in Sicily
Sicily isn’t just a place I recommend for honeymoons—it’s where I chose to get married myself. I know firsthand how magical the island can be for couples starting their journey together. From sunset views in Taormina to private dinners in ancient courtyards in Noto, I help craft deeply personal, ...Read More ▶

Active Holidays in Sicily

Active Holidays in Sicily
From hiking across lava trails on Mount Etna to cycling through the vineyards of the Val di Noto, Sicily is made for adventure—and I’ve done it all. I design active trips for travelers who want to see the island up close and on the move. Whether it's kayaking along the coast or trekking through n...Read More ▶

Luxury Sicily Specialist, with Heritage Service

Luxury Sicily Specialist, with Heritage Service
I have started my travel business Bellarome in 2009, following my passion for travels and for helping people discover wonderful landscapes our planet has to offer and enabling them to learn and dwell into diverse cultures.I am originally from Rome and my initial ...Read More ▶

REVIEWS

Rating: 5.0
74 reviews
99% Recommended
Your trust is our priority. Every review is submitted by verified travelers after they have booked and completed their trips. Learn more about our review guidelines.
Search reviews:

Showing 74 reviews

Great multi-country trip: Planning was a breeze!
Reviewed By JennyO - Philadelphia, PA | Traveled to Paris ~ France ~ Europe
Very helpful, responsive, and knowledgeable.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
52 of 78 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Unbelievable Trip
Reviewed By Jperry - Nashville, TN | Traveled to Italy ~ Europe
Our experience with Mario was exceptional from beginning to end! He was our contact with Bellarome and he went out of his way to communicate with me and answer all my questions and concerns. I spoke with him by phone on at least three occasions and he was easy to reach and prompt with his response. . I can't tell you what that meant to my husband and myself. When we realized our flight was connecting to Rome by way of London. Mario arranged pickup to and from the airport and booked our room. I requested more of a "boutique" type hotel for our trip and his choices were perfect. I loved all of our hotels! We had drivers arranged by Mario for the entirety of the trip, including the overnight trip to the area of my husband's ancestors. All vehicles were Mercedes and we had wonderful drivers! Our tours that were scheduled by Bellarome were interesting, informative and exactly what I would have chosen.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
47 of 73 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Awesome Trip to Greece and Rome
Reviewed By Allen Davis - NC, USA | Traveled to Italy ~ Europe
Mario customized our trip to Greece and Italy, by listening to the places we wanted to see, and the things that we wanted to do. A custom itinerary was drawn up based on our conversations. The itinerary we were given was set up day by day, with all necessary directions, tickets, times, and everything else we needed to carry out our vacation. Mario has a very high standard in the guides that he uses, they were all on time and provided exactly the tours we were signed up for in an easy to understand manner. I would not hesitate to use any guide that Mario approves.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
44 of 74 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
The Perfect Italian Experience!
Reviewed By AMCOY - Woodstock, CT USA | Traveled to Italy ~ Europe
We have now used Mario's expertise for four consecutive Italian trips to all parts of Italy. The fact that we return to his expertise speaks for itself. Mario's service is topnotch. The tours, accommodations and suggestions never disappoint! He is ALWAYS available for consultation and direction before, during and after opur trips. We would highly recommend Mario for anyone that desires a perfect Italian experience.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
37 of 62 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Great Trip to Greece!
Reviewed By Kelley Grace - Norman, OK | Traveled to Greece ~ Europe
Mario was great to work! We worked through the initial planning process then several iterations of replanning throughout COVID. Mario was very flexible through it all!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
21 of 31 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO

Certifications & Awards

ASTA is the leading global advocate for travel agents, the travel industry and the traveling public.It is the world's largest association of travel professionals.Our members include travel agents and the companies whose products they sell such as tours, cruises, hotels, car rentals, etc.Expand your world. Go with the pros.
AMResorts Master Agent
AMResorts Master Agent
Celebrity Learning Certification
Celebrity Learning Certification
Cosmos Certified Specialist
Cosmos Certified Specialist
Globus family of brands Specialist
Globus family of brands Specialist
Oceania Certified Travel Advisor
Oceania Certified Travel Advisor
Pleasant Premier Ambassador
Pleasant Premier Ambassador
Regent Seven Seas Luxury Cruise Expert
Regent Seven Seas Luxury Cruise Expert
TRACKS (Rocky Mountaineer Specialist)
TRACKS (Rocky Mountaineer Specialist)
UnCruise Certified Adventurist
UnCruise Certified Adventurist

My Places

When it comes to travel planning, real-world experience makes a huge difference. Check out the map below to see all the places I have personally visited or booked for my clients. I know these destinations well and can give you reliable guidance.

My Photo Albums and Videos

    Classic Sicily - Complete Sicily

    My Travel Stories

    Must-Try Delicacies in Sicily

    Must-Try Delicacies in Sicily

    Sicily unfolds its culinary treasures in vivid detail. Picture biting into arancini, the crispy exterior yielding to a warm embrace of creamy rice and savory delights. Wander through bustling markets, where the aroma of the sea intermingles with the fragrance of fresh produce. Don't miss the sweet symphony of cannoli...
    Read more

    Client Testimonials

    Family Tour of Sicily, with Mario
    Our trip to Italy was just amazing. Every hotel, tour, tour guide, and transportation were all first rate. Mario and his staff planned a wonderful trip for us. If you're planning a trip to Sicily or Italy. Bellarome Travel is the place to start.
    Mike P, Nashville, TN
    VIP Trip to Sicily
    Bellarome provided us with impeccable and outstanding service. We were treated like royalty. They truly made our holiday a dream. I highly recommend their services for your travel needs. We will be seeing you for our next holiday!
    Mara B, New York, NY
    Luxury Tour of Sicily
    We had the pleasure of traveling with Bellarome for a 14 day trip to Rome and Sicily in May and June of 2024. They were absolutely wonderful to work with from start to finish and made us feel like VIP clients. Every need was thought of and taken care of. The wonderful experiences, comfort and luxury Bellarome curated for our travel was brilliant and we loved every moment of our itinerary. I have used several travel agencies for our vacations, adventures and experiences and Bellarome is at the top of the list of agencies who deliver amazing experiences for their clients. We were treated and cared for like VIPs and maximized our time in Sicily it was so worth it to see Sicily this way. Before I even got home I was texting and sharing my experiences with family and friends and told everyone they should come to Sicily and use Bellarome for an incredible time in a beautiful country.
    Roberta W, Austin, TX
    Heritage Tour of Sicily
    Bellarome Travel organized an amazing 11 day tour of Sicily. I'd never been on a tour and was concerned. They did a spectacular job, catering with care even to people who couldn't walk well. The guides at each site were excellent. Bellarome arranged for a birthday celebration at a Mt. Etna winery--with a generous and fabulous wine tasting to pair with each course--that was fabulous. I also liked the hotels, the bus was comfortable and the driver tops. They clearly know how to arrange a tour.
    Jeanne B, New York, NY
    Family Trip to Sicily
    our recent 12 day travels in Sicily was organized Bellarome Travel. Their choice of guides, hotels , cities, sites, restaurants, etc. were perfect for our group of 6. the Bellarome Travel team immediately correct a missed site visit, within 25 minutes of bringing the matter to their attention on a Sunday morning. the superlatives contained in Bellarome's itinerary are accurate!! we saw, learned and experienced a tremendous amount about Sicily today and in the past. highly recommend Bellarome Travel
    John Z, Chicago IL
    VIP Tour of Sicily, with Rome
    We had the pleasure of traveling with Bellarome for a 14 day trip to Rome and Sicily in May and June of 2024. They were absolutely wonderful to work with from start to finish and made us feel like VIP clients. Every need was thought of and taken care of for us so we could enjoy and maximize our vacation in Rome and Sicily. trip to the fullest. We were treated and cared for like VIPs and maximized our time in Sicily we are very happy and pleased with Bella Rome and will use the company again for our extraordinary travel plans. I have told my family and friends they should come to Sicily and use Bellarome for an incredible time in a beautiful country.
    C Scott, New York, NY
    One-year anniversary Success!
    Mario for Sicily: Elevating Dreams, Crafting Timeless Memories in Sicily, As we celebrate our one-year anniversary, we are compelled to express our deepest gratitude to Maario for Sicily for orchestrating the most enchanting wedding experience in the captivating landscapes of Palermo, Syracuse, Taormina, and the awe-inspiring Mount Etna. Mario for Sicily not only conceptualized a wedding that surpassed our expectations but also navigated the intricacies of planning an event in multiple destinations with grace and precision. The team's commitment to excellence was evident in every aspect, from venue selection to local vendor collaborations, ensuring a seamless and stress-free celebration. We are forever grateful for the indelible memories etched. Mario, thank you for turning our wedding into a timeless masterpiece, a celebration that will resonate in our hearts for a lifetime.
    A Torralba, TX
    BESbswy