Featured Media Coverage

Celebrating features and interviews from leading media outlets.

Behind every article is a story of passion — for Italy, for culture, and for creating experiences that feel personal and unforgettable.

Charleston Business Magazine

I for Italia: Experiencing Authentic Italy as a Local

I for Italia was featured for its mission of offering travelers immersive, culturally rich experiences rooted in local Italian life — going beyond standard tours to connect visitors to authentic culture, traditions, and places.

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South Carolina Voyager

Life & Work with Stefano Paris of Mount Pleasant

An in-depth interview with Founder Stefano Paris, sharing his personal journey from Frosinone, Italy to building I for Italia in the U.S., his philosophy on travel, and the company’s mission to bring authentic Italian experiences to American travelers.

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From us to you, Buon 2026!
We hope it’s going to be a special year filled with travels, adventures and memories that will never fade. We’re here for you! Andiamo!

Had a great time yesterday at @cresswind in Summerville talking about our travel services, but most importantly, sharing the love for authentic travel in our beautiful Italia.
If you want me to come present at your community, club, organization, school, contact us. We are always ready to educate and promote your community about the joy of visiting Italy in a sustainable, immersive way.

Beyond grateful for the opportunity @charlestonbusinessmagazine gave me to share the story of how and why I started I for Italia!🇮🇹

Who’s down to hike the Path of the Gods with us next year?

Parma, Città d’Arte. We will never stop repeating this. All of Italy is Beautiful. All of it. Don’t limit yourself to the 1% of Italy that 70% of travelers visit. Do you research, or have us share with you what are our favorite places are. For a small northern Italian city, Parma has mind blowing art. At the Galleria Nazionale, you can admire masterpieces from Correggio, Parmigianino and Leonardo da Vinci. The city’s Duomo is free and offers a Correggio painted dome. The city under the last Duchess Maria Luigia also gained a refined, french touch, earning the nickname of Little Paris. Most importantly, Parma represents the Italy we love the most. A small sized town with a University, many artisanal boutiques, excellent restaurants (Parma is the capital of Gastronomy after all - even recognized by Unesco), and a quintessential, charming, easy going vibe. Parma is beautiful to visit, to admire, to smell, to taste. Parma is one of those places that after you visit it, it leaves you as a better, enriched person.

Summer moments!
A Roman Cuisine cooking class, our Italian Language & Culture Club, the Conference for Learning in Retirement: our summer has shockingly revolved all around ITALIA!And next week, it is time to fly home for two tours in Southern Italy and Puglia! Andiamo!

Come join us for Spritziamo in Charleston this coming Friday!
Snag your tickets today through the link in bio, there are just a few left!

Ciao to all of you Italy lovers!
Join us at the Moxy Hotel Rooftop Terrace on Friday, June 20th, from 6 to 9 PM for Spritziamo! (Tickets link in bio!)
With Spritziamo, we will celebrate the Spritz, a quintessential Italian cocktail and the art of Italian Aperitivo!
What is Italian Aperitivo?
Every day in Italy, a ritual can be observed everywhere, from Palermo to Milan! After a long, tiring day at work, Italians meet in front of their orange-looking drink and appetizers to start the weekend in the most convivial, light way, meeting with friends and filling up the squares of Italy!
The Spritz drink, made of bitter (generally Aperol), prosecco, and seltzer water, truly unifies Italy! But Spritz varies from North to South—did you know that Spritz was invented in Venice? And that the traditional Venetian bitter is Select and not Aperol?
During the event, Stefano, a former National Geographic guide and the founder of I for Italia—a boutique travel company—will share stories and interesting facts about the spritz and aperitivo culture.
You will also have a chance to taste various versions of the drink, from the traditional Venetian Spritz to an American-inspired one, along with some Italian snacks.
The Moxy Terrace will provide us with a stunning background where we can dream of having an authentic Italian aperitivo with spectacular views over the ocean!
Let’s all become Italian for a night and celebrate the joy of the small things and friendships!
Join us and bring your friends!
Salute! #spritz🍹 #charleston #spritziamo #italianaperitivo #italytravel

Venice is a floating mosaic of history, flavor and quiet magic. From cicchetti bars tucked in shadowy alleyways to palazzo that whisper secrets, this city rewards the curious. Let us help you peel back the layers of La Serenissima and plan your perfect trip.

DM us today to start crafting your custom Venice itinerary. #italytravel #authenticitaly #italy #iforitaliaexperience #italia #luxurytravel #italytrip

Ciao! My name is Stefano, and I’m the founder of I for Italia. As a born and raised Italian, with years of experience working as a @natgeo guide, I bring an hyper focused knowledge of Italy.

Our commitment to our travelers is to help them discover the true side of Italy! We can make that happen by designing the most personalized, custom-made travel experience or you can join one of our small group tours.

In October, we’ll take 12 lucky travelers to the stunning region of Puglia. Check our website at www.iforitalia.com for info and to schedule a first, completely free consultation call! Andiamo!

#italytravel #authenticitaly #italy #iforitaliaexperience #italia #italytrip

We hosted “A Tour of Italy” last night at @moxycharleston where we tasted wines from 4 regions across Italy. We can’t wait to see you at the next one! 🇮🇹🍾✨

#italytravel #italy #authenticitaly #italywine

📍Located between Venice and Verona, Vicenza should not be skipped!

#italy #italytravel #authenticitaly #italia #iforitaliaexperience #venezia #verona🇮🇹 #italytrip

Have you heard of Friuli Venezia Giulia yet? If not, allow us to introduce you to this amazing region full of history, wine, food and more.

#italytravel #authenticitaly #foodietravel #italia #italy #italianfood

Come join me on April 10th, 2025 at 6:30 at @moxycharleston for a night of wine tasting and travel storytelling! 8 Wines, 4 Italian regions and 2 experts who will guide you on a journey around Piedmont, Abruzzo, Puglia and Sicily. I will provide you with insights and stories about these incredibly diverse regions! Tickets can be purchased at the link in Bio! Hurry, there are very few tickets left!

Discover Puglia, Italy’s best-kept secret! 🌿✨ From whitewashed villages and iconic trulli to endless olive groves and sun-soaked coastlines, this region is pure magic. Wander hilltop towns, explore Lecce’s baroque beauty, and savor local flavors in lively piazzas. Ready to fall in love? Here are our 6 favorite towns in Puglia to visit! ⬇️ #Puglia #ItalyTravel

01 Lecce | The "Florence" of the South
02 Otranto | Crystal Clear Ocean Surrounding an Ancient Walled Town
03 Monopoli | The Most Quintessential Coastal Town
04 Ostuni | La Città Bianca - The White City
05 Locorotondo | A Round Shaped Countryside Village
06 Bari | A Flourishing Southern Capital

Join us for a nine-day journey through this unique region! Link in bio for more information on our Essence of Puglia tour!

🌟 Discover Puglia Like Never Before 🌟

Join Stefano, your expert guide and founder of I for Italia, on a once-in-a-lifetime tour of Apulia in Southern Italy! Explore breathtaking landscapes, historic villages, and some of the region’s finest Masserie for exclusive food & wine experiences —blending luxury with tradition.

🏨 Stay in a charming boutique hotel in Lecce & a family-owned, refined Masseria (farmhouse)
🧀 Taste local delicacies with exclusive visits to olive farms, local dairy producers, and artisanal shops
🍞 Enjoy a private bread-making class and authentic, exclusive meals in stunning locations like a 17th-century palazzo in Lecce
This is more than a trip—it’s an immersive experience in the heart of Puglia. Book your adventure now!
Link in bio for details & reservations!

#PugliaTour #LuxuryTravel #ExploreApulia #AuthenticItaly #IforItaliaExperience #FoodieTravel

Join us for an unforgettable journey through one of Italy’s most enchanting regions, led by Stefano, founder of I for Italia, who will guide you every step of the way.

🏞️ Explore stunning rural landscapes and historic villages
🏨 Stay in a luxurious, traditional boutique hotel and a family-owned Southern Italian refined Masseria (farmhouse)
🍷 Savor local flavors with private extra virgin olive oil, wine, and cheese tastings
🍞 Master authentic Italian bread-making in Matera
🎨 Immerse yourself in the rich artistry of Lecce’s papier-mâché tradition
🍽️ Experience a private, exclusive dinner in a 17th-century palazzo in Lecce

This is more than a trip—it’s an authentic Southern Italian adventure waiting for you.

🌟 Limited spots available! Book your journey today and experience the best of Puglia.

Ciao!

It’s been a while since I last introduced myself, so here’s a quick reintroduction:

My name is Stefano, and I’m the founder of I for Italia.

I’m a proud Italian, born and raised in the charming town of Frosinone in central Italy. Since graduating from La Sapienza University in Rome in 2012, life has taken me on an incredible journey. I’ve lived in England, the U.S., Thailand, and Canada, and I’ve traveled extensively across Europe, North America, and Southeast Asia. For the past three and a half years, Charleston, SC, has been my home away from home.

As a licensed Italian Tour Leader, I’ve spent years guiding tours for companies like G Adventures and National Geographic. These experiences fueled my passion for sharing Italy’s magic with the world, leading me to start I for Italia, a bespoke travel company dedicated to creating immersive, authentic, and unforgettable travel experiences.

At I for Italia, we don’t just want you to visit Italy—we want you to 𝑒𝓍𝓅𝑒𝓇𝒾𝑒𝓃𝒸𝑒 it. Our goal is to show you the Italy we know and love, not as a tourist, but through the eyes of locals. We believe the heart of travel lies in connecting with locals, tasting the flavors, sipping the wines, and discovering the traditions that make a place unique.

After years of traveling the globe, I’ve come to appreciate the transformative power of experiencing a country through its people, not just preconceived, often mistaken notions. If you’re dreaming of exploring Italy in the most authentic way, we’d love to help make it a reality. Reach out to schedule a call—we can’t wait to start planning with you!

In the meantime, Buon Natale e Felice Anno Nuovo from all of us at I for Italia. Wishing you a holiday season filled with amore (love), felicità (happiness) and most importantly, viaggi (travel)!

A presto,
Stefano

Just got back from a week long beautiful small group tour in the Sorrento Peninsula.

We started in Naples, where the one and only @pizza.dixit conducted an exclusive I for Italia Street Food Tour, and ended up spending many relaxing, beautiful days in our favorite lemon farm in Massa Lubrense.

Waking up to the views on the unbelievable Gulf Of Naples, to the sounds of nature and peace, overwhelmed by the smell and colors of joyful lemon trees... is always a beautiful privilege.

Along with our small group, we ate fantastic homemade meals, mingled with the local Nunziata family, explored both Capri and Ischia on a private boat, hiked the Path of the Gods, and met local producers, tasting excellent, fresh products such as the DOP Monk's Provolone, and of course, the king of all amari: the real limoncello!

As always, our small group started as a group of strangers, and finished with hugs and tears. By sharing beautiful travel experiences together, we become friends, and get to truly love the areas we visit in a more meaningful way.

We met with locals, learned how to make local food, walked around local towns such as Massa Lubrense. We went for lazy strolls (passeggiate), ate gelato at the local bar, and partecipated to the Mass in a gorgeous church with dreamy tiles all over it. In Ischia, we had a gorgeous, open air volcanic thermal park all to ourselves. In Capri, we got to the little piazzetta on a convertible taxi. On our last night, Valentina, our host, delighted us with a private cello concert.

As always since I started showing around my beautiful country to excited travelers, my heart was full and grateful.

Showing Italy the real, authentic way is and forever will be a privilege.

Grazie to our fabulous travelers, and we hope to have more of you joining us soon in one of our small group tours!

We're ready to create meaningful memories along with you, the curious, passionate traveler!

Andiamo!

We are Italian at our core! We don’t just love Italy, it’s our foundation and mission. We care deeply about supporting local traditions by bringing business to local artisans and suppliers. Experience true Italian culture through our knowledge, services and connections.

Join our founder, Stefano, for an exclusive hour-long virtual session where you'll dive into the magic of our upcoming Sorrento Lemon Farm Stay. Explore Italy's hidden gems with a live Google Maps tour, connect with fellow travelers, and get answers to all your burning questions.

With only a few spots left, don’t miss this chance to secure your place on an unforgettable October adventure! 🍋🍷✨

Reserve your spot now and bring your love for Italy to this interactive experience: www.iforitalia.com/event-details/sorrento-presentation!

Experience Italy like never before! Join us for a live virtual Q&A presentation, where we'll take you through the breathtaking beauty of our upcoming Sorrento Lemon Farm Stay—all from the comfort of your home.

Reserve your spot at www.iforitalia.com/event-details/sorrento-presentation!

Grandissimo @ceccon_thomas!
Forza Azzurri and good luck to all athletes competing in Paris!
#italy🇮🇹 #paris2024 #thomasceccon #swimming #goldmdeal #nuoto #italytravel

Some pictures from our May tour in Southern Italy - from Napoli to Monopoli, we shared some of the most fascinating sites with our 16 travelers. Loved connecting our curious US travelers to the local people, those that make Italy such a special place in this beautiful world ❤️

Discover the charm of Matera, one of the oldest cities in the world, from your private terrace. Unwind and take in the stunning views of this ancient city. Let us handle the details! ☀🛺🍾

Same food we tried in May from Northern to Southern Italia!

Ma nonostante la tua testarda, odiosa anarchia, ti voglio bene Roma.

Explore the stunning Sorrento Peninsula with our small group tour! 🍋🌊✨ Discover charming towns, an organic lemon farm, breathtaking views, delicious local cuisine, and rich history. Perfect for adventure, culture, and relaxation. Book now for an unforgettable experience!

Book Now & Save $200 with code LIMONCELLO200 until 6/1/2024

✨ Move over, 5-star service, there's a new standard in town. ✨

Book Now & Save $200 on our Sorrento Lemon Farm Stay with code LIMONCELLO200 until 6/1/2024 🍋🍾🌞

Join I for Italia this October and experience the essence of Southern Italy with a limoncello masterclass on an organic lemon farm, a boat day to Capri, and a hike along the famous Path of the Gods. Let our expert local guide, Stefano, reveal Italy's hidden gems, ensuring an unforgettable journey filled with authentic experiences.

I found myself smiling like a baby tonight. Years of research, documentaries, studying, passion culminated in a wonderful, extra local, tour. I designed every piece of it with the help of some incredible local professionals. I’m as happy as I could possibly be. This tour is a dream and I’m so Grateful to be living it. Everyone LOVED how authentic everything has felt tonight. Our restaurant, the food, our host Luigi, his mother in the kitchen. We discovered Naples, a city so incredibly beautiful and yet still so afflicted by stereotypes. Naples is for the travelers, for lovers. Naples is filled with Love. Naples is like a mother. Our group of 7 fell madly in love with it. We saw the most special, unknown sites. We met tons of locals, became Neapolitan ourselves for a few days. We visited some of the lesser known incredible spots, with the help of some unbelievable local professionals. I think Naples broke through our travelers heart. And this is my biggest possible win. I can 100% say that I for Italia does no tourism. I for Italia does Travel. And I’m so proud of what I have built. 🇮🇹🍾✈️

Don't just take our word for it! Our clients can speak for themselves. Let their Italian adventures do the talking ☕ 🇮🇹 🖼️ ❤

🇮🇹 Allow me to reintroduce myself: I'm the dreamer, the doer, the creator behind I for Italia. With plenty of new followers on board, it's time to reignite the journey! 🚀 @irmantesungailaite grazie for taking this great picture!

Ready for the ultimate Italian Retreat? 🍋🍾🌞

Join us in October and experience the essence of Southern Italy with a limoncello masterclass a boat day to Capri, and a hike along the famous Path of the Gods. Let our expert local guide, Stefano, reveal Italy's hidden gems, ensuring an unforgettable journey filled with authentic experiences.

At I for Italia, we're dedicated to unveiling the authentic heart of Italy. Beyond famous landmarks, we connect you with local families for a true cultural immersion.

Our Sorrento Lemon Farm Stay is the epitome of this, offering an unforgettable experience rich in food, wine, history, and tradition. Discover Italy in its purest form and create lasting memories with us.

Book Now & Save $200 with code LIMONCELLO200 until 6/1/2024 🍋🍾🌞

Is 🍋 limoncello your favorite digestif? If so, we've got the trip for you! Join us this October to experience the essence of Southern Italy with a limoncello masterclass on an organic lemon farm, a boat day to Capri, and a hike along the famous Path of the Gods. Let our expert local guide, Stefano, reveal Italy's hidden gems, ensuring an unforgettable journey filled with authentic experiences.

Book Now & Save $200 with code LIMONCELLO200 until 6/1/2024

Join I for Italia this October and experience the essence of Southern Italy with a limoncello masterclass on an organic lemon farm, a boat day to Capri, and a hike along the famous Path of the Gods. Let our expert local guide, Stefano, reveal Italy's hidden gems, ensuring an unforgettable journey filled with authentic experiences.

Book Now & Save $200 with code LIMONCELLO200 until 6/1/2024 🍋🍾🌞

October 25 - November 2, 2024

When in #naples , you should try the so called “open legs lemonade”, and yes, they call it like this in quite a malicious, playful way 😄
Do you want to know why it’s called like that? Just watch the video! Andiamo!

Napoli, Massa Lubrense, Cilento & Paestum, Matera and Valle d'Itria (Puglia). We are so excited for our upcoming small group Southern Italy trip this coming May! For the occasion, we have created our first Southern Italy I for Italia tote bags, and we can't even express how something so simple makes us so excited! Every drink or food represent an area that will be touched by our tour - it will be interesting to see how the Matera locals will react to the "Pane di Altamura" line since there is some historical and well, flavor "rivarly" between these 2 destinations :) What do you think of our bag? Have you been to Southern Italy yet? Let us know if you would like to join our next Southern Italy tour!
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#southernitaly #italia #italytravel #cilento #paestum #napoli #naples #italytravel #authentictravel #altamura #matera #massalubrense #basilicata #travel #southernitaly #southernitalianfood

Monopoli, Puglia in February. So happy we will be back here in the next few months with a group of senior students who will be traveling all around Southern Italy with @i_for_italia . And you, have you been to Puglia yet? Do you want to travel to this region with us? Eager to find out more about this incredible region?

A day in the Langhe & Roero region.
Today Massimo and Barbara took me around their native lands. This is an incredibly rich area, where some of the most excellent wine in the world is produced. Barbaresco, Barolo, Barbera.. to name a few! Unforgettable scenery, the most charming little towns, miles and miles of vineyards. The green hills cut by smaller rivers covered by cozy “nebbia”, fog, which gives the name to the local “nebbiolo” grapes. Most importantly, Barbara and Massimo spent a whole afternoon with me sharing the beauty of their land, sharing their passion, reminding me that travel is about sharing, learning from a new, enriching point of view. Traveling is different from being tourists. Traveling means accepting the world for its differences, getting to develop a new love for something at first so unknown, so mysterious. Travel is about discovering more about who we are, accepting that there is always something new to learn. Let locals take your hands and show you around their lands. Talk to them, ask them questions, understand how their life is different than yours. I’m loving establishing new relationships with well established, regional travel experts. I know our travelers will love visiting these regions in the future, I know they will go home richer of knowledge and experiences. At I for Italia, I don’t want to focus on checklists, or must-visit places. The mission is and always will be to share the authentic, genuine side of Italy with whoever has the interest to truly understand our beautiful country.

Dear Italy, you’re different, you’re so many things, too many things. Everyone thinks they know you, that they figured you out. Meanwhile, I have to start from scratch every single time. Every time I discover a new city, hear a new accent, try a new dish. Every time I wander around a city trying to figure out its history based on its architecture. Every time I ask locals for tips, patiently waiting for a kind of reaction, that spark of pride that opens the doors to empathy and proud knowledge. From Sicily to Valtellina, I see you changing shape a million times while staying the same. I taste your food and your wines, from a passito to an inferno, from an Aglianico to a Cannonau. One thing I know is that you’re an infinite, never ending book worth reading for a whole life. And that’s precisely what I intend to do in 2024. Felice Anno Nuovo a tutti from I for Italia and its team.

Pantelleria, you were truly magical.

Pantelleria is a captivating small island nestled off the coast of Sicily.

At night, when the lights dim, the Tunisian lights come into view, painting the sky with an array of bright stars.

Driving around the island, you're greeted by stunning landscapes, remnants of captivating civilizations, delicate olive trees, caper bushes, and the dark, pitch-black rocks that constantly remind you of the island's volcanic origins.

It's a distant land, accessed through a tiny airport, boasting magical horizons and scattered, enchanting dammusi. The people of Pantelleria embody a remarkable sense of calmness, "Vita Lenta" at its finest.

Our love for Pantelleria knows no bounds. We dream of sharing this magical place with you one day.

Stay tuned for updates on private or open small group tours in Pantelleria, the "daughter of the wind."

Il Paradiso esiste.
Heaven exists.
Greetings from the Amalfi Coast ❤️

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Featured Media Coverage

Behind every article is a story of passion — for Italy, for culture, and for creating experiences that feel personal and unforgettable.

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