Our story
Danitalia was founded in 1998 by Elisabeth Hjorth, who has spend a large part of her life in Italy. First as a child by her godfather and godmother in Lucca and later as an adult with her Italian husband and 3 children.
My childhood in Lucca, Tuscany
One of the things I remember most from my childhood was the long visit by my Italian godparents, Romano and Maria Teresa, on the outskirts of Lucca. Their house had a beautiful view overlooking the vineyards and in the garden grew fig and apricot trees. The day’s highlight was when I was allowed to pick the sunripe fruit and enjoy it in the shade on the patio while my godmother was preparing dinner.
Or when we went to town. We had breakfast at the bar Caffè del Mercato, which is still located in Piazza S. Michele, before the day’s many activities.
I loved the atmosphere, the smells, the food and I felt at home.
The years in Denmark
I remember life was diveded between the stays in Tuscany and schooling in Denmark .
My father had often business relations visiting from Italy, we enjoyed Italian food and we read Italian magazines.
The trips to Italy were often spontaneous and my 3 siblings and I grew up with two languages, two countries and two homes in our hearts.
My adult life in Italy
It was almost written in the cards that I after graduation would live in my Italy.
During a wedding in Lucca, my godfather proudly introduced me to who he called “my future husband”.
He was right and it was the beginning of my adult life in Italy with my husband and my three children.
I got the idea for Danitalia in 1996. Family and friends who want to spend their holiday in this magnificent area, had begun to contact me for advice.
I used my local contacts, visited the small local wineries and Italian friends’ homes.
I made a website but put no pictures of homes into it. Instead, I encouraged everyone to contact me.
My wish was to provide advice, so my guests got exactly the accommodation that suited their needs and expectations for the holiday.
The personal service was in focus and I was delighted to be able to share my great local knowledge.
I wanted to show others that beautiful Italy, which had been such an important part of my childhood.
This very simple down to earth philosophy still holds true in Danitalia.
All homes are personally selected and thoroughly checked by myself.
I emphasize quality and good old fashioned service. Not least, I want you to experience the best of Italy.
I will look forward helping you with your holiday in Italy.
Many greetings
Elisabeth Hjorth
Danitalia has since 1998 rented out personally selected holiday homes in Italy. Our head office is now located in Aarhus, Denmark.
