Document research
We visit Italian municipal archives, parish registers and state archives in person — the records that don't live online — to verify your tree branch by branch.
Italy — for those who carry her in their name
Find the family you never knew you missed.
We trace your Italian ancestors back to the parish records, the stone streets and — when they consent — the living relatives who still remember the name.
scroll
Hands-on archive research
Anywhere in Italy
One family at a time
A reply within 48 hours
What we do
Italian roots, found and explored
We work with American families who already have a family tree and want the next chapter: the actual paper trail, the home town, and — if your relatives in Italy agree — the reunion itself.
Ancestral villages
We locate the birthplaces of your ancestors and confirm what still stands — the house, the church, the cemetery, the road that led them to the ship.
Living relatives
If we find descendants of your family still living in Italy, we approach them with care and only with their consent do we put you in touch — or arrange a visit.
Italy off the beaten path
Rita can accompany you through the regions, drive when needed, translate at the meetings, and point you to the food & wine worth your time — anywhere in Italy.
Who is Rita
About Rita
Graduated from Bologna University in 1995 with a major in Linguistics – English Language and Literature, I have lived, worked and travelled between USA and Italy for thirty years.
The best part of my job is helping people from all over the world to build connections and establish relationships as they discover and fall in love with Italy. My goal is to assist you in finding your family's hometown, learning about your Italian ancestors and whenever possible reconnect with your living relatives.
Two ways to begin
Choose your level of immersion
Every journey is shaped around your family, so there are no fixed price lists. Tell us what you want and we will write you a quote.
The Research Package
For families who want answers, from afar.
- Verification of your existing family tree against Italian records
- On-site visits to the relevant municipalities and parishes
- Photographs of the ancestral house, street, church
- Discreet search for descendants still living in Italy
- Written report — what we found, what we couldn't find, and why
- Rita does the research on her own; you receive the result
Travel and archive fees are reimbursed at cost. We share receipts.
More detailsMost popular
The Full Heritage Journey
For families ready to come home.
- Everything in the Research Package — and you can join Rita in the research
- Rita as your personal assistant during the entire stay
- Rita can drive your rental car — or you can drive (see insurance information)
- Rita translates the meetings with relatives who agree to meet you
- Optional food & wine experiences anywhere in Italy
- Copies of certified records we find for your family
Fully customisable. Configure your preferences when you request a quote.
More details →Don't have a family tree yet? We suggest you start one on FamilySearch.org, it's free! Start here.
What families say
Reviews
Le recensioni sono riportate in lingua originale, per non snaturare il contenuto di ciò che i visitatori hanno voluto esprimere.
“I am truly grateful to Rita. Through her skills and efforts I have a deeper appreciation of my heritage and a family I never knew I had”
“Thanks to Rita my family had this amazing and life-changing opportunity to reconnect with close relatives and after this first time, went back several times to be with our Italian family.”
“Rita is awesome! I am an American of Italian descent. She has endless positive energy, a great sense of humour, she is intelligent, has never met a stranger. She’s your ticket to a trip of a lifetime.”
“Rita’s warmth, charisma, and local knowledge made every moment special. By the end of our time together, she felt like family. We feel incredibly fortunate to have met her and recommend her wholeheartedly to anyone looking for an authentic and unforgettable experience”
“Rita is amazing! She has a wealth of knowledge, resources and connections for myriad Italian experiences. I could not have had such a fabulous introduction to Italy without her and I can’t wait to go back! Grazie mille!”
“Not only did we see the big ticket items, she shared a lot of smaller local gems that we would never have found on our own. Visiting a small family run traditional balsamic vinegar operation was one of our favorite things we did in Italy. She also knows the best authentic cafés and restaurants, so we avoided any tourist traps.”
No pressure, no cost
Prefer to talk first? Email Rita for a free call.
Fifteen minutes with Rita, in English, to look at your family tree together and see whether this is the right path for you. No obligation, no fee.
Email Rita to set a date →
Write to Rita to set up a date and time for a call.
Begin
Tell us about your family.
Tell us about your family.
We'll tell you where in Italy it started.
Use the interactive configurator to pick a package, add the options you want, and we'll write you a personalised quote. No fixed prices, no surprises.
Build my quote →