Founded in 2023, Bella Vita Journeys specializes in curated group travel and bespoke, customized itineraries. Whether you’re looking to explore new places with your family, make friends with fellow travel enthusiasts, embark on a genealogical journey or see a familiar place from a new perspective, you’ve come to the right place.
Chris came by her wanderlust naturally. Moving every few years as a child and crossing the country for her father’s job became the catalyst for future globetrotting. She loves visiting new places and returning to cherished favorites. Chris has visited thirty-five states and explored more than a dozen countries. Meeting Mindy in 1997 in Athens, Greece, while on a company incentive trip was kismet. Since the 2019 Italy trip that was the genesis of this business, Chris has enjoyed traveling with Bella Vita Journeys while meeting other adventurers. Chris is a wife, mother of two married children, and grandmother of three little ones who absolutely light up her life. A life-long educator and elementary school administrator, she is currently a part-time reading specialist at a Montessori school in South Florida, as well as a private tutor. When asked why she still works, Chris says so she can continue to travel the world!
Originally from French Lick, Indiana, I graduated from Indiana University and earned my master’s degree from the University of Louisville. I began my career teaching elementary school before taking time off to stay home with my children. Now living in Palm Harbor, Florida, I’ve explored 47 U.S. states and traveled to countries including England, Russia, Italy, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Ireland, Mexico, and Canada. I'm grateful for the chance to share travel adventures and connect with amazing new people along the way.
Mike and Gia love discovering hidden gems all around the world. They have been to Italy a dozen times already and always anxiously wait to return. Mike went to Notre Dame and then was an Operations Officer in the U.S. Army so he has a lot of experience in planning! He does not like negative surprises for himself or his guests, so he does plenty of research. Gia and Mike have lived in Utah for 20 years and they are very familiar with all of the U.S. west. Their expertise is in finding local highlights, away from the crowds. Their favorite thing is to sit with friends and enjoy some laughs over wine. Their travel favorites other than Italy have been Croatia, Alsace, Alaska, Hawaii, Boston, and even Oktoberfest in Munich!