Rita Pagano
"Travel as much as you can, as far as you can, for as long as you can. Life is not meant to be lived in one place." This is my motto. I’m from Italy, specifically Naples (yes, the birthplace of pizza)!
Traveling has always been my passion. Since childhood, I’ve explored much of Europe and traveled to various destinations in Australia. A few years ago, I had the fortune of living in Malaga, where I fell in love with Spanish culture and cuisine (yes, I could eat croquetas every day!). So.. here I am! I've moved to Spain and am happily an adopted madrileña.
Living in Spain has also allowed me to visit Portugal. Do you know what "Saudade" means in Portuguese? It’s a deep sense of homesickness and nostalgia, with no exact translation in other languages. It’s a feeling many experience when returning from Portugal.
At Espíritu Travel, I specialize in planning trips to Italy and Portugal. I’m excited to help you create the perfect journey to discover the wonders of Italy (my beautiful homeland) and Portugal and experience for yourself the essence of saudade.
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"I craft and create custom-made trips and exclusive experiences in Italy, Portugal, Spain, and Morocco too. "
How did you get involved in travel?
"My curiosity led me to study foreign languages at the university, which means having a focus especially on the culture and customs of a foreign country. This is why I decided to guide my career in the world of tourism, and thanks to a Master in Tourism Management, I have turned my passion into my current job. "
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"One of the most unique experiences I had was in Oporto. I was visiting the cathedral Sé do Porto, and I came across a woman who was restoring one of the walls of the patio full of typical "azulejos". While she was painting thoroughly the blue tiles, a man played a traditional Fado song with his guitar. It was magic!"
Rita's favorite itineraries and travel advice
Top itineraries and travel advice
It's a tale of two coasts with this picture-perfect 10-day trip that traverses the beauty of Spain's Costa Brava and Italy's Amalfi Coast. Bookended with vibrant city stays in...
You can do a lot with the traditional two-week vacation. Case in point, it's enough time to jaunt to southern Italy and tour beautiful foodie locales like Naples, Pompeii, the...
With 16 days to spend in Portugal, you can explore three to six destinations, even choosing to add a trip to nearby Spain. In Portugal, culture and food lovers will enjoy...
Family itineraries
Bring the family and spend 12 days exploring Italy's top historic and cultural sites. Learn to make a carnival mask and visit medieval palaces in Venice, explore family-friendly...
With two weeks in Portugal, you and your family can enjoy the ultimate child-friendly trip that combines cities, countryside, and plenty of beach time. Explore Lisbon and...
With thousands of years of cultural and culinary history, Italy offers plenty to take in. In 10 days, you can choose to go deep on a particular region or hop between the high...
Luxury itineraries
From medieval castles to some of the world's best wine, explore Spain's culture and history on this luxury weeklong getaway. Start in Barcelona, where Catalan-modernist...
If spending a week and a half exploring the best that Italy has to offer sounds like your dream vacation, this luxury-infused itinerary is your perfect match. Start in Venice,...
Recent trip reviews for Rita
Good not great
Italy
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Nov 12 - Nov 22, 2024
It was a trip of a lifetime. Portugal had bee...
Portugal
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Oct 12 - Oct 22, 2024
Dear Vicki, thank you so much for sharing your experience! I’m so glad to hear that your trip to Portugal lived up to your expectations! Thank you for letting me be a part of your journey, I hope you created lovely memories around Portugal. Until the next time! My best regards, Rita 🥰
We had an absolutely wonderful time on our PR...
Italy
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Oct 13 - Oct 21, 2024
Our drivers we always on time and our personal guides were actually outstanding. They accommodated us at our own gentle and non-hectic pace. When we requested breaks to rest, our guides we are accommodating. All our guides recommended and actually led us to noncommercial local restaurants and stores. We were really embedded in the Italian culture. Our local specialist Rita kept in touch... Read more
Dear David, thank you so much for your wonderful review! I’m thrilled to hear that your trip was everything you hoped for and that you enjoyed the authentic, relaxed pace. It was truly a pleasure working with you and I’ll be sure to pass on your kind words to our team!! Looking forward to helping you explore northern Italy next year, can’t wait to plan more memorable moments together! 🥰
Warmest regards,
Rita
The Beauties of Portugal
Portugal
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Oct 12 - Oct 22, 2024
Dear Jim, Thank you so much for sharing your detailed review! I'm thrilled to hear that Pedro, Tommy, and Maria made such a positive impact on your journey. Also, thank you for your honest feedback about the Carvi Beach Hotel, I’ll make sure to pass along your comments to the hotel management to ensure improvements are made for future guests. Thank you again for choosing Espíritu Travel for your trip. Hopefully, we will keep in touch for your future adventures! Warm regards, Rita 😊
Rita was very thorough and informative. She w...
Italy
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Oct 13 - Oct 21, 2024
Dear Angela, thank you so much for your kind words! I’m so glad to hear that everything went smoothly and that you felt well-supported throughout your trip. Thank you for letting me be a part of your journey, I hope you created lovely memories around Italy. My best regards, Rita 🥰
Naples, Amalfi Coast and Sicily
Italy
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Oct 5 - Oct 18, 2024
Dear Karen, thank you so so much for sharing your experience!! I'm thrilled to hear that your two-week journey through Naples, the Amalfi Coast, and Sicily was everything you hoped for. Knowing that each hotel, guide, and moment along the way was perfect means the world to us and I'm honored to be a small part of your travel memories. I look forward to helping you create even more unforgettable adventures! All my best, Rita🥰
Most of our guides were good. A few should be...
Portugal
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Oct 18 - Oct 24, 2024
Hugo in Lisbon historical tour. Knew his history but did not engage with us except to give out his facts. He was our weakest guide. The food tour in Porto should have chosen more place with some good atmospheres she gave us tastes of the regional food she was charming but the places we ate in were underwhelming
Arriving in Porto for guest stay at casa de campanhia must arrange transportation with a driver who can take you... Read more
Dear Barbara, thank you for taking the time to share such detailed feedback with us. I really appreciate your suggestions on how we can improve for our future travelers! It was a pleasure to assist with your trip, and I’m grateful for your kind words about our app and availability throughout your journey. I hope we can have the opportunity to help you plan your next adventure and make it even more memorable! Warm regards, Rita 😊
A Truly Amazing Trip to Italy 🇮🇹
Italy
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Oct 13 - Oct 21, 2024
Our Trip was TRULY AMAZING!
Every Driver was there before for pickup and was kind, courteous and very helpful. The guides brought to life every location for us, they were very accommodating, knowledgeable, pleasant and friendly.
We give ALL your GUIDES an excellent rating!
We highly recommend your travel group!!!
Rita did a fantastic job of arranging this entire experience from locations, hotels, guides, and drivers as well as restaurants. Each person went the extra mile to... Read more
Hi Bob, thank you so much for your wonderful feedback!! 🥹 It warms my heart to hear that your trip was truly amazing and that everything went so smoothly, from the drivers to the guides. It was such a pleasure organizing this adventure for you, and I’m thrilled that it left you with so many fantastic memories. Your kind words mean the world to me and the entire team of Espíritu Travel. We’d love to help you plan your next journey whenever you're ready. Wishing you all the best, and until next time! Rita 🥰
14 days in Sicily and the Amalfi Coast
Italy
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Oct 6 - Oct 19, 2024
Dear Dennis, Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us! It’s wonderful to hear that despite the flat tire and driving challenges, you were able to turn things around and enjoy your time in Italy. I truly appreciate the lovely shout-outs to our team and your helpful travel tips. It’s been such a pleasure working with you and being a small part of your adventure. Hopefully, we’ll stay in touch for your future travels! All the best, Rita 🥰
I’m sorry I’m not good at writing reviews but...
Italy
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Sep 29 - Oct 8, 2024
Hi Mary!! Thank you so so much for this detailed review and your kind words. What wonderful photos you uploaded🥹🥹 I'm so glad you had a great time in Italy and I hope you created lifetime memories. It has been a real pleasure to work with you, hopefully, we will keep in touch for your future adventures! I wish you all the best, Rita 🥰