Meet Chiara Ulian: our new friend who is making Italian travel an art form
- cdavis884
- Nov 11
- 2 min read
Updated: Nov 13
By Charleston Mercury Staff
On a recent trip to the bonnie Highlands of Scotland, some members of your Mercury team had the pleasure of meeting Chiara Ulian, whose graciously curated wine tasting revealed her passion and expertise for sharing the best of Italy. That same spirit defines My Venice Travel Guide, her company devoted to transforming Italian travel into an art form. Ulian has built her reputation on transforming the dream of Italy into a reality for travelers. Through her company, she designs tailor-made journeys for travelers who want more than a vacation — those who want true immersion, palpable authenticity and a little touch of Italian magic.
Trained as a pharmacist but drawn by passion to hospitality, Ulian changed the course of her life to create meaningful, luxurious, once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Today, she crafts bespoke itineraries across Italy and Sicily — family retreats, honeymoons and other curated escapes.
Her approach is intimate and precise. When she describes her work, one is immediately struck by her passion and love for the multitude of cultural gems that she wants to show you. Before planning begins, she learns what her clients truly love, what pace they prefer and what balance of adventure and rest will make them feel at home abroad. For some, that may mean a private water taxi through Venice and dinner in a hidden osteria; for others, a week among vineyards and olive groves, tasting rare vintages in the company of master winemakers.
As a certified sommelier, Ulian designs specialized itineraries for collectors and enthusiasts alike, arranging private tastings and vineyard tours that reveal the master craftsmanship behind Italy’s great wines. Each journey offers a way to experience the country in a different way — tailored to you.
For those seeking something beyond the table, she also arranges experiences rarely available to the public — like countryside pursuits. Want to go bird-watching in the Venetian marshes? She knows exactly how to make these arrangements.
Her work has been featured in Condé Nast Traveler China and Departure Magazine, yet most clients discover her by word of mouth. They return home with a sense of connection, having encountered the genuine spirit of Italy through her meticulous planning and thoughtful designs. She insists that true luxury is not measured by expense but by experience.
With the holiday season approaching, Ulian also offers elegant gift vouchers — wrapped in gold envelopes. In every detail, from the first conversation to the final farewell, she embodies the refinement and warmth that define Italian hospitality. To travel under her guidance is to experience not just a country, but many distinct cultures of varied regions — all waiting for you:
