Joyce Falcone-The Italian Concierge

BACKGROUND AND EDUCATION Growing up in an ItalianAmerican household, with naturalized immigrant grandparents, all four Italian born, gave Ms Falcone a basic indoctrination in Italian culture began at a young age. Her interest in "all things Italian" began then, when learning to hand roll pasta on an already antique pasta board with her Grandmother at age five. It became apparent to her that "being Italian" meant something else. The Falcone holiday table always served extra plates such as antipasto, followed by lasagna or ravioli before even begining the main course, and her friends did not.

As this continued interest grew, Ms. Falcone pursued a degree from the University of Colorado- 1977, with a BA in Art Education and Italian. Her first trip to Italy was in ’76, when she studied in Siena and was able to visit a lot of the country at that time. And many, many trips and years later, a company was born.

TRAVEL BACKGROUND- The Internet- a Quirk of fate- Mid-90’s when the internet was feeling the first wave of growth, Falcone was inadvertently "surfing" for "all things Italian" when she came across a placement ad for Italian Tour guide, knowledge of Tuscany, speaks Italian. Not having one of her own, she used a friend’s email address and inquired about the position. Luckily, the friend returned the next day with the response, Country Walkers was looking for a new tour guide. 1996-1998 Ms Falcone began working for Country Walkers as a tour leader for itineraries in Tuscany, the Lake Region and in Sicily. During that time, Falcone led over 20 groups of Americans touring Tuscany, the Lake District, and in Sicily.

1999-2005 As an independent contractor, Ms Falcone solicited, and was sought out by other American touring companies, for positions as tour manager/tour guide and program designer for companies such as Wilderness Travel, REI, Earthbound Expeditions, La Cucina Italiana, Whole Journeys, Hamilton Fitzjames, Smithsonian Study Tours, The Cooking School of Aspen, and Smithsonian Journeys.

1999-2013 Ms Falcone incorporated, and initiated The Italian Concierge, Inc. At the current count, Falcone has personally ( and joyfully) led and managed over one hundred forty groups throughout Italy.

FOUNDER SLOW FOOD ROARING FORK With an interest in regional Italian foods, and an eye in the kitchen, it was a matter of time until Falcone became a follower of "the Snail" , Slow Food’s snail that is. Slow Food’s presence is felt all over Italy. Founded on principals of protecting historic methods of cultivation, preservation of regional food products and promoting "zero kilometer" consumption, Slow Food’s philosophy is fundamental to any Italian culinary experience. So important is the movement and her belief that in 2004, she co-founded a chapter in Aspen, Colorado, appropriately named, " Slow Food Roaring Fork". She has been a board member for eight years. SLOW FOOD ROARING FORK/ASPEN

mes-corp
TRAVEL INDUSTRY’S HIGHEST ACCOLADES

CONDÉ NAST TRAVELER – TOP TRAVEL SPECIALIST – ITALY 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012

TRAVEL + LEISURE 'A-LIST' ITALY 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012

There are no travel industry accolades higher than those given by Conde` Nast Traveler magazine and by Travel+Leisure. Joyce Falcone – The Italian Concierge, has been included in 2008 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 on the Condé Nast Traveler prestigious listing of Top Travel Specialists, for her expertise in Italy with a special focus on walking . In addition, Travel + Leisure magazine also named Ms. Falcone to their "A-LIST" as a specialist for Italy for four consecutive years: 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012.

TIMBERS RESORTS – PREFERRED PARTNER

For three years, The Italian Concierge is proud to be a selected by Timbers Resorts as a preferred partner. Il Castello is the Timbers Resorts recently opened five star hotel, located in Casole d’Elsa, Tuscany. As a preferred partner and travel specialist, Ms Falcone offers travel planning assistance to the property owners of Timbers who are interested in additional itineraries and advice for exploring other areas within Italy.

TRAVELS TO ITALY Ms. Falcone makes three to four trips to Italy annually conducting research through out the country and hosting tour groups. Often staying a month at a time, Falcone researches and reviews hotels, and sites to give you the most accurate information when assisting you with your trip planning.

PHILANTHROPY The Italian Concierge is proud to sponsor FAI- Fondo Ambiente Italiano as a Golden Corporate Golden in 2012. FAI is the Italian National Trust, whose mission is the protection and preserving of national monuments in Italy.

As a company whose earnings derive from the beauty and history of Italy, The Italian Concierge believes it is imperative and our social responsibility to contribute to maintaining the historic, artistic, and naturalistic patrimony of Italy. We are committed to safeguarding and preserving Italy’s cultural heritage to protect it so that it remains available for the enjoyment of future generations.

www.fondoambiente.it