What to know about Donatello, the French specialist for trips to Italy

Editor's note, updated on 01/13/2025

Origins and founding of Donatello

Founded in 1981 by Antonio d’Apote, Donatello is a French travel agency specializing in trips to Italy. From the start, the company's goal has been to help travelers discover the cultural, historical, and culinary treasures of Italy by offering quality vacations tailored to customer expectations.

Evolution and current offerings

In 2015, Donatello was acquired by the Kuoni France group, which relaunched the brand while keeping its recognized spirit and expertise. Today, Donatello offers a diverse range of trips exclusively in Italy, including weekend getaways, city breaks, countryside or coastal stays, escorted group tours, self-drive tours with rental cars, and independent train itineraries. The agency aims to provide flexible and customizable travel options tailored to every traveler's preferences.

Presence and specifics

Donatello is based in France, with partner Kuoni agencies located in several cities, notably Paris, Lyon, and Nice. Advisors in these agencies put their expertise to work for clients to design custom trips to Italy.

Among Donatello's strengths are its recognized expertise in Italian travel, fair-pricing offers, and the flexibility to customize trips according to traveler preferences. The agency stands out from competitors through its exclusive focus on Italy, providing deep destination knowledge and strong partnerships with local providers to guarantee authentic, high-quality experiences.

Discover all offers
https://www.donatello.fr
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Reviews of Donatello

Summary of 5 reviews
3.4/5
Average rating
+1 rec +3 -2 Score weighted by contributor expertise level: a recommendation from a level 3 member counts as 3.
Total recs

Average ratings by criterion

Customer service
3.6/5
Reliability
2.5/5
Value for money
3.4/5

Great weekend in Venice

I just got back from a 4-day long weekend in Venice, Italy with Donatello, and I had an excellent trip! Donatello really took care of me and helped me prepare for my trip and excursions. I was able to choose each service (boat transfer, museum tickets, and excursions) to create a trip tailored just for me! The hotel was located just a stone's throw from St. Mark's Square, the room was luxurious, and the breakfast buffet was very generous. I chose the "3-dinner package" option and I did not regret it, given the very high prices of restaurants on the island. I also recommend the boat excursion to the lagoon islands, as well as the traditional gondola ride! I really enjoyed this weekend, and I will not hesitate to travel with Donatello again for my next vacation.

Review imported on 11/04/2020 from our old site Voyage-Net.com

55
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Top-tier Italy

Donatello is high-end for Italy. Never disappointed.
Review imported on 11/04/2020 from our old site Voyage-Net.com

52
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Donatello, the Italy specialist????

I did a tour with Donatello in Italy. While the sightseeing was okay (except for Murano, where we just crossed the street for a very rushed visit to a glass factory), the lodging and food did not measure up. The pasta wasn't al dente, it was completely undercooked (2 days in Rome), and we had spaghetti bolognese for 3 days (with the help of Buitoni), but only one pizza.

As for the accommodation, the hotel in Florence was dangerous (Hotel Leonardo da Vinci, via G. de Monaco). The staircase flooring was more than worn at the joints of the steps, presenting large, gaping, and dangerous holes. You really had to watch where you put your feet. And for me, the icing on the cake was in Venice. I stayed at the Hotel Lux, a poorly named hotel, in a closet measuring 1.7m by 2m that was stinking and dirty, paired with a moldy and rusty "bathroom". My Donatello reservation stated 3 and 4 star hotels. Following my complaint supported by photos, Donatello did grant me a small compensation, but it is far from corresponding to the damage suffered. In the 35 years I have been traveling, I have never had such setbacks, even in third world countries, especially given the price, 1659 plus 331 for a single supplement. What makes me the most angry is that Donatello knew the state of this "room" because the guide had already had it, but he was very careful not to take it back.
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Could do better

If we had to rate them, I would say they get a 5.5 out of 10. Review imported on 11/04/2020 from our old site Voyage-Net.com

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Poorly organized solo trip to Sicily

We were very unhappy with the services provided by Donatello in Sicily. It was an individual trip, with only hotel reservations. A serious mistake that ruined part of our trip. Hotels were impossible to find with the information provided, located far from the archaeological sites, and did not match the category requested. Phone numbers were incomplete... The local contact was unreachable....... We strongly advise against Donatello for an individual trip. Let's stop depriving ourselves of the Internet under the pretext of convenience!!!! Avis importé le 04/11/2020 depuis notre ancien site Voyage-Net.com

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