(42 Reviews)
95% Recommended

Lia Pontarelli

Cedar Rapids, IA
European Travel Specialist

I enjoy being a travel agent with a strong focus on creating exceptional travel experiences throughout Europe. With an in-depth understanding of the diverse cultures and breathtaking destinations that Europe has to offer, I take great pride in cur...
Learn more about me.

European Travel Specialist

I enjoy being a travel agent with a strong focus on creating exceptional travel experiences throughout Europe. With an in-depth understanding of the diverse cultures and breathtaking destinations that Europe has to offer, I take great pride in curating customized itineraries that cater to each traveler's unique interests and preferences. From the historic landmarks of Rome to the picturesque villages of Provence, I am dedicated to crafting unforgettable journeys that allow my clients to immerse themselves in the beauty and charm of Europe. Whether you're seeking a romantic getaway, an adventure-filled vacation, or a cultural exploration, I am here to design a tailor-made itinerary that exceeds your expectations and creates cherished memories that will last a lifetime. Let's work together to bring your European travel dreams to life!

Traveling isn't just about getting away, it's about trying/learning something new. You might learn about a new culture, try some different foods, or even learn more about who you are/want to be! OR, you could simply learn that you love the feel of sand between your toes! Anthony Bourdain said, "Travel is not reward for working, it's education for living." 

My Travel Albums

Norway w/ Viking Cruise (Summer)
Iceland w/ Viking Cruise
Lake Como, Italy
Portovenere/Cinque Terre, Italy
Florence, Italy
NCL Cruise - Spain, France & Italy

My Travel Stories

Polar Bear Capital of the World

When people talk about seeing animals in their natural habitat, most people think of things like an African safari. Had it ever crossed your mind to go see polar bears in their natural habitat? Well, that's why we headed to Churchill! It’s a small town up on the Hudson Bay. 

That first afternoon/evening,...Read more.

My Reviews

10 of 11 people found this review helpful
International travel without the stress
Lia provided our family with several options to choose from, ranging from destination, transportation, excursions etc. Once we made our decision, Lia made sure all details were covered and verified all arrangements prior to our departure. Lia made sure all aspects of our adventures went as planned and communicated any changes (including last minute changes) in a timely manner. Lia was fun to work with and her expertise in travel gave us full confidence, relieving us of any vacation planning stress. Lia is awesome to work with!!
By  Sherm  from  Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Traveled to  Ambergris Caye ~ Belize ~ Central America
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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6 of 6 people found this review helpful
Trip to Alaska
Lia was fantastic to work with! Her communication was timely and informative. Payments were explained thoroughly and options were given.
She accommodated our requests and truly made our dream trip come true. Lia was available to ask questions even during our travels and followed up to inquire about our experience. We will definitely use her again for big trips!
By  JT  from  Riverside, Iowa
Traveled to  Alaska ~ USA
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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6 of 6 people found this review helpful
Highly satisfied!
Lia took time to find out what we were looking for in a vacation and then provided us with many options and choices. She answered all of my questions promptly and made our vacation planning a breeze! I had a concern with an excursion while on my trip and she responded immediately and was right there to help!
By  Jen  from  Washington, IA
Traveled to  Riviera Maya ~ Quintana Roo ~ Mexico
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Best Honeymoon Experience!
Lia did a great job helping me plan my honeymoon to Nashville. She provided us with different options based on type, our interests and price. She was very diligent in her follow up when I was the one dropping the ball! The trip was so smooth and she helped make it a trip to remember. I would highly recommend you working with her to make your life that much easier!
By  Alisha   from  Marion, Iowa
Traveled to  Nashville ~ Tennessee ~ USA
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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6 of 7 people found this review helpful
Magical Disney Experience
From the very beginning Lia was great to work with. She accommodated to our work schedules to first sit down and work with us to really determine what we wanted to get out of our trip. I got quick responses when I would email her questions and she really made me relax and just put my mind at ease that everything was going to be taken care.
By  Kelli  from  Cedar Rapids, IA
Traveled to  Florida ~ USA
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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Destination Expert:

  • Switzerland
  • Finland
  • Norway
  • Iceland
  • Ireland

Travel Specialist:

  • Historical Sites
  • Castles & Cathedrals
  • Wine Country Vacations
  • Christmas Markets
  • European Culture

Top Travel Partners:

  • Viking
  • Insight Vacations
  • National Geographic Expeditions
  • Globus
  • Avalon Waterways

Certifications/Awards:

  • Travel to Italy Specialist - Italian Tourism Board
  • Switzerland Travel Expert - Switzerland Tourism
  • 2024 Agency of Excellence
  • Apple Leisure Group Vacation Certified Specialist
  • Avanti Certified Expert

Industry Affiliations:

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