About Your Tour Director
My name is Kathy Scopin. I fell in love with Italy during a 13-day bicycle trip from the Adriatic Sea to the Mediterranean in 1996. I used this trip as an opportunity to meet the Italian family I had known only through letters. I was hooked. Since then I've travelled to Italy annually for the past 15 years expanding my knowledge of the country and its 20 regions.
Several years ago I took my best friend to Italy and taught her everything I knew. She later travelled to Italy by herself, and then again taking her mother-in-law. My first student was a success story providing testimonials to others. It was then I realized I had the expertise to share my knowledge of Italy along with the necessary skills to travel there. The idea for First Trip to Italy was conceived.
Along with 15 years exploring and sampling life throughout Italy, my credentials also include serving as an apprentice for UC Davis' Olive Center Tasting Panel. In addition to my travel experience, I am a Registered Nurse with more than 30 years experience in the healthcare industry.