A-List John Skelton T+L TOP TRAVEL ADVISOR | ITALY SPECIALIST By Travel + Leisure Editors Travel + Leisure Editors Since 1971, Travel + Leisure editors have followed one mission: to inform, inspire, and guide travelers to have deeper, more meaningful experiences. T+L's editors have traveled to countries all over the world, having flown, sailed, road tripped, and taken the train countless miles. They've visited small towns and big cities, hidden gems and popular destinations, beaches and mountains, and everything in between. With a breadth of knowledge about destinations around the globe, air travel, cruises, hotels, food and drinks, outdoor adventure, and more, they are able to take their real-world experience and provide readers with tried-and-tested trip ideas, in-depth intel, and inspiration at every point of a journey. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on January 31, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: Courtesy of Respective Travel Advisor A recent highlight for Skelton was planning a three-week trip for a solo LGBTQ traveler through Capri, Tuscany, and Umbria, ending at Lake Como. For a family of four, he organized a Vespa tour in Rome and a private glassblowing class in Venice. Skelton lived in Italy for 15 years—he lectured at Università per Stranieri di Perugia, in Umbria. It's no surprise, then, that Umbria is one of his favorites places to suggest to clients: he likes setting up tours of Perugia's ancient Etruscan forts and visits to the Basicilia of Saint Francis of Assisi, which contains stunning frescoes and sculptures. "I have seen more of a shift from cities such as Rome and Florence out to the countryside of Tuscany and Umbria, or to Puglia," he notes. He loves getting to know his clients individually and creating custom itineraries that suit their needs—and he never neglects to include what he calls the "wow factor," a special surprise they aren't anticipating. Language(s) Spoken: English, Italian Average Daily Spend: $1,000-$1,500 Trip Planning Fees: From $500 Contact Info john@johnskeltontravels.com | 205-777-8803 | Birmingham, AL johnskeltontravels.com facebook.com/johnskeltontravels instagram.com/johnskeltontravels Itinerary Italy Sample Itinerary Testimonial "John has helped us with trips all over the world. Our favorite thing about working with John is is his personal knowledge. He himself has been to just about any place I can name no matter how obscure and can give first hand observations on what it's like. Better yet he really has listened and learned our travel style and preferences and doesn't impose his personal views on us but tailors the trip to what WE want. He has great connections and his follow through is impeccable." - Kelly R. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit