By: Ethan Rogers

Da Mimmo Tours of Italy, a boutique, woman-owned, family-operated tour company specializing primarily in Italian travel, marks 15 years of curating elevated, immersive experiences across Italy’s iconic regions. Founded by Mary Ann Cricchio, Da Mimmo Tours emerged from the legacy of Da Mimmo Finest Italian Cuisine, which she operated alongside her late husband, Chef Mimmo. The beloved Baltimore restaurant became a cornerstone of fine dining in the city’s Little Italy for 36 years. Today, Mary Ann and her son Mimmo Cricchio personally escort each small-group tour, striving to deliver an exceptional level of service, trust, and attention to detail.

Before launching their boutique tour company, Mary Ann and her late husband operated Da Mimmo Finest Italian Cuisine, a renowned dining destination offering a multi-course, immersive dining experience complete with private transportation, a refined cocktail lounge, nightly live music, and a seasonal menu crafted by her husband himself. It was during this time that restaurant patrons began expressing interest in custom itineraries for trips to Italy, knowing that the Cricchios had a family home on the Amalfi Coast.

As demand grew, a loyal guest suggested to Mary Ann: “We love your itinerary, but we want to go back when you’re there.” That moment inspired what would become Da Mimmo Tours, officially launched in 2010 after two years of careful planning. Its debut itinerary, a premium Amalfi Coast experience, quickly gained popularity—eventually expanding to include Tuscany, Venice, and Sicily, with a focus on curated, authentic, and region-specific travel. Guests can also choose to add Rome as a supplement to each destination.

Unlike many tour operators, Da Mimmo Tours prioritizes an intimate, hands-on approach. Every trip is personally escorted by Mary Ann and Mimmo, aiming to ensure guests avoid the impersonal feel of crowded bus tours. Tours are limited to 20 to 28 guests for a more tailored experience, distinct from the larger groups of many mainstream tour operators.

Thanks to established relationships, Da Mimmo Tours often secures exclusive opportunities such as skip-the-line tickets for high-demand sites and events. For example, Tuscany provides VIP seating at the historic Palio horse race in Siena (20 reserved seats on the San Martino curve, often compared to the “Super Bowl 50-yard line” of the event). It also offers access to the Venetian Masquerade Ball, complete with opera house costume rentals.

Guests unpack once and explore the region from a single luxury hotel, minimizing constant packing and travel fatigue (though the Sicily tour involves one hotel change). With Mary Ann’s 42-year background in hospitality, including leadership roles in the Restaurant Association of Maryland and the National Restaurant Association, guests can rely on her expertise in selecting authentic regional dishes and premium local wines. From medical assistance (including fluent Italian-speaking staff who can facilitate doctor visits) to heritage discovery (assisting guests in tracing their Italian ancestry at local archives), the Cricchios aim to exceed traditional tour services.

Unlike operators that focus solely on selling tours, Da Mimmo Tours immerses itself in them. Mary Ann and Mimmo rarely book a hotel, restaurant, or activity they haven’t personally experienced, working to ensure that each guest receives the same standard of hospitality that defined their original fine-dining business. Their longstanding connections in Italy enable them to create bespoke experiences—whether it’s sipping wine with a vineyard owner in Tuscany or enjoying a private boat tour of Cinque Terre.

“People trust us with their time and money because of our background in hospitality,” says Mary Ann. “We’re not just handing them an itinerary; we’re sharing experiences we’ve personally vetted and refined to help create lasting memories.”

Fifteen years in, Da Mimmo Tours remains dedicated to enhancing the luxury travel experience for Americans seeking a deeper connection with Italy’s history, culture, and cuisine. With 20 unique Italian regions to explore, Mary Ann and Mimmo continue to expand their offerings while maintaining the intimate, high-touch service that has earned them recognition in the industry. “We built our business on trust, relationships, and a love for Italy,” says Mimmo. “Every tour we lead, we approach it as if we were planning it for ourselves—because, in a way, we are.”

For more information on upcoming luxury Italy tours, visit Da Mimmo Tours’ website.

Published by Joseph T.