Gayle McKay

New Richmond, WI

Agent Specializing in Italy and Hawaiian Islands

I lead small group tours to Italy. I plan, book and accompany our clients. I take no more than 8 persons plus my husband and I. One itinerary includes Rome, Venice and Florence where we visit to most famous tourists sites. I hire local guides to conduct private tours for just our small group. I also include itineraries to small towns in the Piedmont region, the Cinque Terre and Tuscany. Our small group can provide experiences that you cannot do as a couple traveling alone or as part of a big bus tour. I have been to Italy 12 times and my husband went to high school in Italy. Since 2008 we have escorted more than a 100 people to Italy. Since 1982 I have traveled to the Hawaiian Islands more than 20 times. Since 2008 I spend 4-5 weeks each year in Maui. I have visited Oahu, Kauai, Lanai, Maui and the big island of Hawaii. I booked clients for Hawaiian vacations including airfare, car rental, hotels and activites.

My Travel Specialties

Accompanied Small Group Tours of Italy

I plan and accompany clients on small group tours of Italy. I strive to provide a first class experience with a combination of private tours and free time to make your own memories.  This is luxury travel with 4 and 5 star hotels or villas, private transfers from the airport to the hotel, private...
Read more from my Accompanied Small Group Tours of Italy bio.

Culinary Vacation In the Piedmont region

Hawaiian Islands Expert

In addition to leading small groups to Italy each September I am an expert regarding travel to the Hawaiian Islands and especially to Maui.  I visited the Hawaiian Islands the first time in 1982.  Since then I have traveled to Hawaii more than twenty times.  Since 2006 I spend four to five weeks on...
Read more from my Hawaiian Islands Expert bio.

Maui beaches

My Travel Albums

Hawaiian Islands-Maui
Expert in all six islands
Cinque Terre- Five Lands Along the Aea
Welcome to Villa Valentina
Culinary Vacation in the Piedmont Region of Italy
Pasta Making

My Travel Stories

Cinque Terre- Five Lands along the Sea

I visited the Cinque Terre the first time in 2008.  Since that time  I have led 7 small group tours to this unique and beautiful area. in addition I have booked several groups who chose to travel independently.  Each year we find new experiences that allow us to avoid the crowds and enjoy all the...Read more.

My Reviews

14 of 25 people found this review helpful
Great trip!
I had a great trip! Gayle was very knowledgeable about the area and added information on the area to make the trip more informative and interesting.
She was also very helpful in preparing for the trip.
By  Renee  from  Milltown, WI
Traveled to  Italy ~ Europe
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

Gayle McKay responded:
Thanks for traveling with us. I am glad you enjoyed the trip and I hope to serve you in the future.

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7 of 12 people found this review helpful
A Dream Trip That Opened Us to the World!!
Our trip to Italy and London with Gayle was the most amazing - incredible - beautiful- awesome first time trip to Europe we could have ever imagined- way beyond our expectations!! They opened the world to us - providing personal unforgettable experiences that we will hold in our hearts forever. The attention to detail - focused attention on our comfort - knowledge of the areas - and sense of humor - provided days full of WOWs, fun, laughter, amazing food and wine - and beautiful experiences with the local culture and people. Gayle took care of all the details and planning - putting the trip together was very easy and very personal - targeting what we wanted to see - but dependent on their experience. We will be clients again for our next adventure!
By  Cathy  from  Kent, WA
Traveled to  Italy ~ Europe
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

Gayle McKay responded:
Such enthusiasm! This is how you reacted to each experience on the trip and that is why it was a fantastic trip for everyone! Let me know whenyou are ready for the next adventure!

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17 of 32 people found this review helpful
The best way to see Italy
John and Gayle provided the best trip experience we have ever had. Italy was always on our bucket list, but the way they showed us the country was truly exceptional. The small group structure allowed us flexability and the time to really soak in the places, people and food at our own pace. Truly a special trip.
By  Paul and Vicki  from  New Richmond, WI
Traveled to  Italy ~ Europe
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

Gayle McKay responded:
I love to work with people to customize the trip to focus on their interests. With clients who participate in the planning process it is easy to provide a truly special trip. Thank you for the opportunity to work with you and for this review

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12 of 23 people found this review helpful
Awesome trip planner
We had a fabulous trip! Gayle did an excellent job of communicating with us, allowing us some unscheduled time, and allowed us to customize our trip with our own preferences. We stayed in lovely hotels. With her experience in Italy, she was able to give us restaurant recommendations. I loved our experience.
By  Julz  from  Amery WI
Traveled to  Italy ~ Europe
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

Gayle McKay responded:
Thank you for your kind words. It was a pleasure to travel with you and your friends.

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13 of 27 people found this review helpful
Seeing the World
We have made several trips with Gayle, repeat customers should say it all. You cannot beat this opportunity, trips can be customized to your interest, her knowledge and experience is reflected throughout the process. For example, knowing when to book popular tourist sites in advance (visiting the cathedral to see the Last Supper in Malan can take hours from you time if not done properly); knowing the best local tour companies to use; the best accommodations, having firsthand knowledge of cafes and unique dining and determining the best modes of transportation all contribute to a great travel experience.
If you have the opportunity to travel with Gayle or use her services you will not be disappointed.
By  Bob  from  Minneapolis MN
Traveled to  Italy ~ Europe
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

Gayle McKay responded:
Thanks Bob and Kathy

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Destination Expert:

  • Cinque Terre
  • Haleakala, Maui
  • Florence
  • Honolulu, Oahu
  • Rome
  • Hana, Maui
  • Venice
  • Kaanapali, Maui
  • Tuscany
  • Lahaina, Maui

Travel Specialist:

  • Escorted Tours
  • Food & Wine
  • Culinary & Foodie
  • Historical Sites
  • Adventure
  • European Culture
  • Golf
  • Arts & Culture
  • Villas

Top Travel Partners:

  • Delta Vacations
  • Disney
  • Marriott Hotels
  • Rail Europe

Certifications/Awards:

  • Hotel Excellence-Selling to Demographic Niche Mark
  • Hotel Excellence- Selling to Psychographic Niche M
  • TRAC- by Rail Europe as European Rail Expert

Languages I Speak:

  • English
  • Italian
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