A Personal Look at DUCO Italy in the Heart of Milan
- Kerry Tudor
- May 23
- 3 min read
A Memorable Experience at DUCO Italy – Milan
This past March, I attended DUCO Italy in Milan, a city that never fails to impress with its style, culture, and unmistakable energy.
The experience was nothing short of incredible.
Over three full days, I connected one-on-one with some of Italy’s most respected hoteliers, DMCs, and luxury travel partners. These personal meetings are the heart of what I do, and they allow me to truly understand the experiences I recommend. When I suggest a hotel or an experience, it’s because I’ve walked through the lobby, spoken with the team, and seen firsthand what makes it special.
Unforgettable Lunches & True Italian Hospitality
DUCO isn’t all business. It’s also about experiencing the hospitality we share with our clients. Each day, we enjoyed exceptional hosted lunches. One was presented by Leading Hotels of the World (LHW), featuring properties that are all about distinct character and timeless elegance.
Another took place at the Bulgari Hotel Milan, a sleek, modern sanctuary tucked away in the heart of the city where design meets discretion. It's a refined urban retreat that offers a sense of calm luxury that’s rare in a city as vibrant as Milan. While Bulgari Hotels operate outside of most loyalty programs, they are part of the Marriott International portfolio. As a member of the Marriott Luminous program, The Travel Maestro can offer exclusive amenities at select luxury brands worldwide. These include daily breakfast for two, a $100 property credit, potential room upgrades, early check-in, late check-out (when available), and personalized service coordinated through our on-property contacts.
The third luncheon was hosted by the passionate and creative team at Imago Artis Travel, who curated an experience that beautifully reflected their deep knowledge and love for Italy. Their local insight, exclusive access, and local authenticity is exactly what helps elevate a trip from memorable to extraordinary.
Evenings to Remember
The events didn’t end when the meetings did. One standout was an intimate dinner hosted by IC Bellagio, a long-standing leader in luxury travel in Italy. It was a relaxed evening of great food, heartfelt conversations, and shared laughs with fellow travel professionals and local partners.
Another highlight was our evening at the Four Seasons Hotel Milan, a stunning blend of 15th-century architecture and contemporary elegance. Set within a former convent in the heart of the city, it offers a peaceful escape with all the style and sophistication you’d expect from Four Seasons.
As a guest of The Travel Maestro, you’ll enjoy exclusive access to the Four Seasons Preferred Partner program. This means VIP status, added-value amenities, and priority access for room upgrades, even at sold-out properties. Thanks to our personal relationships with the on-property team, we work closely to customize every detail of your stay, from special requests to seamless experiences.
We also had a remarkable evening with Belmond, where we explored the rich heritage of their Italian hotels and luxury trains. From the Cipriani in Venice to the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Belmond is all about timeless experiences. They also shared a sneak peek of an exciting new project that promises to redefine luxury travel in Italy, and I can’t wait to share more when the time comes!
Why DUCO Stands Out
At its core, DUCO is about relationships. It’s about digging deeper, finding the stories and people behind the places, and coming away with a richer understanding of what makes Italy such a remarkable destination.
I left Milan feeling energized and full of inspiration. With fresh insight, deeper connections, and a few more hidden gems in my pocket, I can’t wait to translate this experience into unforgettable journeys for my clients.
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