Ciao!
Ciao amici, piacere di conoscervi!
I’m Jean, a bilingual dual citizen of the U.S. and Italy, and the founder of Vero Viaggio. My journey with Italian existed in bits and pieces over the years, but it wasn’t until I moved to Bologna in 2021 that I made it a priority to truly learn the language. I wanted to engage with people, understand the culture on a deeper level, and be able to communicate in a way that felt natural. That’s where I met Francesca—an incredibly talented, multi-lingual Italian teacher with a gift for making even the most hesitant students speak with confidence.
Francesca and I quickly discovered we shared more than just a love for language. We’re both endlessly curious travelers, drawn to the small moments and unscripted connections that make Italy so special—the kind you find lingering at a family-run trattoria, wandering through a quiet borgo, or chatting with the barista who already knows your order. Over a spritz one evening, we started dreaming about what it would look like to share this kind of authentic, deeply personal side of Italy with others. And from that conversation, Vero Viaggio was born.
Together, we’ve created something different—immersive experiences that connect you with Italy in a way that is natural, intimate, and real. Whether it's through language, food, or the rhythm of daily life, we invite you to step into Italy with us and see what’s waiting around the next corner.
Jean Rivaldi
“I’ve been deeply, madly in love with Italy for more than 25 years and have traveled all over this beautiful country. Ever since my first moment at Roma Termini station, navigating the happy chaos of the taxi line, I knew that I was going to fall head over heels for il bel paese, its food, culture, language and most importantly, its people. Fast forward to the present – I am living a dream as a dual citizen of Italy and the U.S., splitting time between Bologna and San Diego and speaking Italian as much as possible.
This love affair (obsession?) hasn’t ceased and I’ve never stopped wanting to discover every little nook and cranny of Italy.”
Originally from Nebraska, Jean’s travel résumé began as a child when she spent summers camping with her family in a VW van. She’s been to every state in the U.S. (except Alaska), the UK, all over Europe and has lived and traveled extensively in Italy. With a bachelors degree in journalism, she’s held a variety of roles in the higher education, software, toy and game and real estate industries, before getting into the travel industry. She finds real joy in learning something each day, discovering hidden places, meeting new people and hearing their stories.
Founder of Vero Viaggio / International Tour Management Institute certified Tour Guide & Director / Speaks English and Italian
Francesca Peretto
“Where are we going?” is the question I have loved most ever since I was young. Each time we returned from a trip my parents would start planning the next one — and thus began my passion for traveling at just 6 months old and I haven’t stopped since.
For 20 years I have been teaching Italian to foreigners who want to discover Italy. I always try to not just teach the language, but also the finer points, like: when ordering gelato you should always try more than one flavor; cappuccino is only for breakfast, and that there’s so much more to Italy than just Rome, Florence and Venice. I am here to show you the hidden gems of my country and to continue to ask you, “Where are we going?”
Born in Bolzano, Italy, Francesca graduated from the University of Bologna with a masters degree in Italian language and literature. She has more than 20 years of experience teaching foreigners to speak Italian and divides her time between Bologna and Cefalù. She’s traveled extensively all over Europe and North America and needs little more than an idea, a plane ticket and a backpack to embark on the next adventure. She takes great pride in helping people see Italy from an insider’s perspective and her enthusiasm for life and everything that makes it so beautiful is infectious.
Italian teacher and linguistic expert / Speaks Italian, Spanish, German and English
partners & collaborators
ASHLEY D’ARISTOTILE
TRAVEL COORDINATOR
HEATHER BROSTER
DAILY ITALIAN WORDS