Originally from Rome, Irene began traveling at the age of 17, and has lived in various countries including the UK, Germany, Belgium, Brazil, and Finland. Her love of different cultures and languages (she knows seven!), paired with her love for pilgrimages (she walked the Camino de Santiago...twice) makes her a wonderful travel companion on the pilgrim’s trail. Irene's father is a member of the Italian congregation of St. James, which is responsible for the upkeep of the pilgrim's trails from Italy into Spain and Jerusalem, and she has also worked as a “hospitalera” (pilgrims’ albergue host) for the pilgrim’s trail in Italy. Fun fact: Irene wrote a book called Spaghetti and Sauna about the cultural differences between Italy, her home country, and Finland, where she lived for four years.
Irene is a gem, delightful in every way. She was helpful and considerate and very attentive to everyone's individual needs. She has a great sense of humor, a kind spirit, and a real enthusiasm, and she seemed to genuinely enjoy making sure we were all taken care of at every turn.
Well organized, warm, knowledgeable, engaging, fun, her concern for guest experience was clearly top of mind and most appreciated.
Irene was well organized, incredibly caring, and connected with each and every member of the trip. Her leadership and friendship was a true highlight and was what made the trip so special.
Irene is enthusiastic, filled with energy, eager to help, bubbly, interested in the travelers, funny, a joy to be around.
So energetic, very intelligent, and extremely social and helpful. Seriously, I have not seen someone like her and in her capabilities so helpful and accommodating. She goes out of her way to make us happy.
Irene gives me such hope for the future. Her heartfelt concern for the environment combined with her genuine (and wise beyond her years) empathy is inspiring. Her humility only adds to her appeal.
Irene is a delight! She took an interest in each traveler, which made the trip extra fun for everyone. She is fun-loving, warm, has a good sense of humor, and she knows an astonishing amount about nearly everything.
Irene was so much fun to have on our trip. She is extremely engaging and very caring toward everyone. She was so helpful and constantly positive.
Irene was a wonderful leader and very engaging. She is full of energy and was very focused on making sure everyone was taken care of and having a good time.
