About Arco Destinations

Your travel advisor for all things Italy.

Ashley, founder of Arco Destinations, smiling in a floral blouse.

Planning your vacation can be just as fun as being there.

The anticipation of feeling the warm Italian sun, taking in a breathtaking view, savoring a perfect Negroni—it’s a joy that begins long before you arrive. Italy is more than a destination; it’s a collection of unforgettable moments waiting to happen. 

Together, we’ll turn your excitement into a thoughtfully crafted Italian experience that's exactly as you envision it. With so much to explore, the journey begins with planning, and I'd love to help make it just as enjoyable as the destination itself.

-Ashley Emala

Owner, Arco Destinations

Young Ashley Emala exploring Italy as a baby in 1983
Young Ashley surrounded by a flock of birds in an Italian piazza circa 1988

Italy Dreaming Since 1983

I don’t remember a time when I didn’t love Italy. 

I visited for the first time when I was 4, and the love grew in the small moments with every visit throughout my life: eating a simple snack of bread soaked in olive oil on the balcony of a hotel, riding with my Italian host sister on her Vespa singing Eros Ramazzotti at the top of our lungs, playing hide and go seek with Italian kids in a piazza after dinner, listening to the station announcements of train and track arrivals, watching the fluttering of the umbrellas at the beach in complete relaxation, partaking in a leisurely after-dinner passeggiata, showing my daughters the Colosseum for the first time, and on and on and on.

Hundreds of memories are stored in my heart, and I can’t wait for you to make some of your own! 

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OUR VALUES

The Heart of How We Approach Travel

Approachability

We start each trip by building a relationship with clients and establishing open communication. As you’ll find, we’re down-to-earth, genuine people who truly care about your experience before and during your trip.

Discovery

Travel is about uncovering hidden passions, unique perspectives, and new possibilities. We create itineraries that not only cater to your expectations but are also designed to inspire, surprise, and delight.

Joy

After all, life is meant to be savored! We want our clients to feel joy not only while on vacation but also during the planning process. We help remove the stress from day one so you can truly get excited! 

Why We Specialize in Italian Getaways

Arco Destinations is dedicated exclusively to Italian travel because Italy is what we love. Our destination expertise and deep understanding of the culture will help you uncover Italy in a way that feels authentic to you. We make sure your trip is more than “Italy was just okay” and more like “This is exactly how I hoped it would be!” If you’re ready to start planning your perfect Italian journey, we'd love to chat with you.

About the Name: Arco Destinations

The arch, or arco in Italian, is a symbol of strength, beauty, and transition—perfectly reflecting what we aim to provide for your travel experience. Arches are found throughout Italy, connecting the past to the present and welcoming visitors into incredible spaces. At Arco Destinations, we strive to be the bridge between your everyday life and the Italy you’ve always dreamed of, lending our expertise to design your Italian journey the way you’ve always imagined it!

Ashley Emala sitting in a restaurant in Lake Como

“Ashley is an excellent travel agent and advisor. She is always thinking one step ahead and her experience and recommendations consistently exceeded our expectations.” 

-Mary Ann V.

Summer trip to Venice, Rome, and Bologna

Golden sandy beach with a single yellow-striped umbrella, evoking nostalgic Italian summers.

Italy is waiting for you.