About Perillo
The Perillo Promise
Our Promise to You
Since 1945, the Perillo family has been America's leader in tourism to Italy. My grandfather, Joseph, and my father, Mario, set the highest standards of quality, value and integrity in travel. I am determined to maintain this tradition.
I hope you find our website enjoyable and educational. I especially hope that it inspires you, your friends and family to experience our wonderful vacations.
Thank you and buon viaggio!
Steve Perillo
Company History
Since 1945 ~ Three generations of Perillo experience at your service.
My father loved life. He was passionate about everything. "Love what you're doing," he would say, "or don't do it." Now, more than ever, I take my father's words to heart. As the president of Perillo Tours, I want to strengthen the family business my grandfather, Joseph, and my Dad, Mario Perillo, turned into an Italian-American institution.
Since 1945, Perillo Tours has provided the best travel experiences and value to our customers. I promise you that will never change.
When my grandfather started Joseph Perillo and Sons just after the second World War, he had about $300, a used Remington typewriter (which I still have), and a month's rent on a small storefront under the Third Avenue El in the Bronx. It was in a section they still call Little Italy. I am proud of the legacy of our humble beginnings and of the innovations pioneered by my father. Through hard work, dedication, and uncommon integrity, Dad changed the way so many people travel as he turned a small family business into an international success. And turned himself into Mr. Italy.
Did you know that Dad pioneered the concept of tour packages? This great idea alone made it possible for us to take more people to Italy than any other tour company in the world. And if you've traveled with Perillo Tours, you know that our exceptional buying power allows us to offer more Perillo exclusives and more pampering than you can possibly find through any other tour company for the money.
When I took over the family business from my father, I knew I had a lot to live up to. But Dad taught me well. "It's all in the genes," he used to say.
And he was right. I am proud of our family business. I love to travel. And I know that keeping Perillo Tours true to its roots is now my job.
So I promise that our deluxe, fully-escorted adventures will remain the most elegant, carefree, and affordable ways to travel throughout Italy and Hawaii. That we will continue to take you in comfort to the world's big cities and small hill towns, off-beaten paths and along grand boulevards. That our rates will continue to include almost everything. And that our knowledgeable and experienced tour directors will continue to be the best traveling companions you'll find anywhere in the world.
Dad received many professional awards throughout his exceptional career. To me they represent the high standards we will always maintain. These honors include the prestigious Golden Lion Award given to him by fellow Italian and former New York City mayor, Rudy Guiliani. My father was even named by the president of Italy as Cavalier on the Order of Merit. There were many other awards as well. But my father's most important achievements were his family and his family business.
Now my father's voice is silent. But his spirit lives on. I promise, as I promised my father, that I will continue working hard to please you.
I look forward to this opportunity to carry Perillo Tours into a third generation, and I hope you will come to know me over the years, just as you knew my father.
So, as always, Chi viaggia con Perillo, viaggia tranquillo! Let our journey together continue.
Why Choose Perillo
Enjoy Our Itineraries, Crafted Over 80 Years
From the major cities to the charming hill towns off the beaten path, Perillo's itineraries have been honed and crafted for your ultimate enjoyment. You'll appreciate our balance of sightseeing, free time, optional activities and relaxation. Our itineraries are often imitated, but never surpassed.
Unmatched Meal Service
Because we believe that to eat, drink and be merry' is a such a big part of a true experience in Italy, our journeys include unmatched meal service.
Buffet Breakfast daily including bacon and eggs, not the standard continental fare you'll find with lesser tours. A very hearty start to each day.
Dinners daily include pasta, your choice of two entrees, vegetable, salad, dessert and coffee. Additionally, dinner out' nights feature a delightful antipasto.
Fine local wines, representative of each region, are also included with dinners. Or, if you prefer, your choice of beer, mineral water or soda.
Our First-Class and Deluxe Hotels
We've established strong relationships with some of the best hotels in Italy. And in each of our journeys, you'll find only first-class or deluxe hotels, as certified by the Italian government. Other tour companies use so-called "3-Star" or "Tourist Class" hotels which, to us, just aren't good enough for you.
One Price. One Great Value.
With Perillo's experience and buying power, you're assured of getting the most for your money. And since everything is included, from full breakfasts to wine with dinner, you won't find any surprises along the way. Unless, of course, you happen upon some wonderful souvenirs during your journey. Simply put, there's no better way to get the most bang for your budget.
See All the Sights
You want a full itinerary of sightseeing. And you want some carefree days of leisure. Each of our journeys is a perfect balance. What's more, we ensure that you enjoy the sights in comfort with air-conditioned luxury motor-coaches and wireless headsets. While we have lots to show you, we want to make sure that you have what matters most. A really good time.
Your Flight to Italy
Perillo's air department is ready to book your flights from your home town to Italy. You'll find extremely competitive rates from over 130 U.S. cities.
We can also arrange for you to arrive before your tour starts, or extend your stay at the end, for a maximum of 60 days in Italy.
For the ultimate in comfort, consider our Business Class upgrades.
You are also free to arrange your own flights. This might be a good opportunity to cash in your accumulated frequent flyer mileage.
Optional Excursions
Our tours have been crafted to balance abundant activity with plenty of free time. Some folks will enjoy the time on their own, and others will be happy to know that we offer several optional excursions' at a reasonable cost. They can be purchased directly from your tour guide in Italy. You'll find a full listing of these excursions online at PerilloTours.com.