What is included in the guiding service
IMPORTANT
Luca is an experienced, multilingual guide who welcomes collaborations with both private individuals and companies worldwide. For practical and time management reasons, his services are strictly limited to tourist guiding. As he does not operate as a tour operator or travel agency, the professional does not handle the logistical organization of trips, but instead accompanies guests along an itinerary previously planned and arranged by the client or partner. This structure eliminates administrative office overhead, allowing for full focus on delivering a superior guiding experience.
What activities are conducted with Amico Del Solevante?
WHAT
Services include tours led by an expert guide, food and wine itineraries, conventional or alternative routes, and general artistic-cultural paths, subject to time and availability. Dedicated experiences are also offered, such as an introduction to sake culture with a guided tasting*, Japanese calligraphy lessons, Japanese tea tastings and traditional tea ceremonies, alongside other related activities. The guide provides useful information based on reliable sources and personal experience, facilitating, where possible, contact with the local community, customs, and traditions. Guiding services are defined as accompaniment, consultation, and interpretation of places of interest, aimed at creating a unique experience.
However, to prevent any misinterpretation, it is specified that the guide does not perform the duties of a continuous assistant or tour operator.
Logistical organization services, such as hotel reservations, luggage forwarding, or the issuance of transportation tickets within Japan, are not provided. Clients are therefore kindly requested to arrange these services independently through a travel agency prior to their arrival in Japan.
HOW
The itineraries of Amico Del Solevante are performed predominantly on foot. Should it become necessary to reach specific destinations or optimize timing, the guide reserves the right to incorporate private or public means of transportation, such as taxis, buses, trains, or rental vehicles.
WHERE AND WHEN
Tours are conducted exclusively from Tokyo southward.
For all destinations, with particular reference to Takayama, Hida Furukawa, Shirakawa, and Kanazawa, the meeting and conclusion point of the tour is ordinarily established at JR (Japan Railways) stations. If functional to the execution of the itinerary, hotel pick-up and drop-off services may be arranged.
For the locality of Shirakawa-Go, the meeting and drop-off point will be exclusively at the Nohi Bus company terminal or the private parking area for cars and buses, as the location is not serviced by rail connections.
Amico Del Solevante tours operate throughout the entire year, subject to cancellations due to force majeure, adverse weather conditions, extraordinary closures of commercial activities or public offices, national holidays, or physical impediments of the professional. By way of example, heavy snowfall during the winter season in Takayama has historically compromised road safety and public transit. In such exceptional circumstances, travelers have been required to extend their stay pending the restoration of road and rail networks. Although such events are currently rare, it is highly recommended to check in advance with international and Japanese authorities regarding these force majeure situations. For information regarding relevant contacts, please refer to the dedicated information page. The guide declines all liability regarding such events and their subsequent consequences.
WHY did I chose to become a guide
I have pursued travel with deep passion for twenty years. I dedicate my efforts to storytelling and sharing experiences with people from all over the world, believing it to be one of the most fulfilling human and cultural activities. Operating professionally as an artist, I bring a creative approach and a constant drive for exploration. I hold a deep appreciation for diversity, nature, the environment, global cultures, history, and the aesthetic value of things. I consider it a privilege to share my knowledge and passions, even for a limited time, with individuals met for the very first time.
These motivations define the core reasons why I choose to share my time and professionalism with travelers.