Inside Italia | I for Italia

Meet Morgan!

Ciao! Mi chiamo Morgan! I am originally from Charlotte, NC, but currently live in Charleston, SC where I study Hospitality at The College of Charleston. In the summer of 2025, I had the incredible opportunity to study abroad in Sorrento, where I truly fell in love with travel and immersing myself in different cultures. That experience opened my eyes to the value of exploring new perspectives, embracing different ways of life, and creating meaningful memories and connections t

6 days ago

I for Italia- 2026

Cari amici di I for Italia, We know we have not always been very good at sharing our travel adventures with you, but the reality is that we had a fulfilling, busy, emozionante 2025. When I started I for Italia, I had one, grandissimo goal in mind: that of opening my heart to you, and sharing all that I love about the country where I was born and raised. It was not the easiest task. For a very long time, all I focused on was working as hard and passionately as I could to

Jan 5

Experiencing Authentic Italy as a Local

Born from a love of authentic Italy, I for Italia began as one man’s dream to help travelers experience the country as locals do — fully, deeply, and lastingly. We’re honored to be featured in Charleston Business Magazine , sharing our journey and passion for bringing the real Italy to travelers. Read the full story here »

Oct 16, 2025

Why You Should Visit Puglia in 2025

A few reasons to consider a trip to Italy's heel this year! I remember when our school took us on a gita (class trip) trip in 2001 . Ask...

Feb 25, 2025

The Aztec-Inspired Modica Chocolate

Are you a fan of chocolate? Well, have you heard of Modica chocolate? This delightful Sicilian delicacy has a fascinating history that...

Mar 24, 2023

Il Carnevale Veneziano

A brief history of Carnevale in the most fascinating city in the world. Although Carnevale is associated with being a kind of ‘pre-party’...

Feb 17, 2023

Meet Chiara!

Since I was a teenager, when my friends were looking for the perfect outfit to go out, I spent my time in the bookstore looking for a...

Nov 28, 2022

Meet Courtney!

Hi! My name is Courtney. I was born in America and live in Bath (England) but my heart (and, let’s face it, my stomach) lives in Italy....

Nov 28, 2022

Meet Stefano!

Ciao! Mi chiamo Stefano! Piacere! I was born and raised in the Ciociaria area, just one hour south of Rome, and I currently live in...

Dec 2, 2020

70% of Italy’s visitors see just 1% of the country. I spent 10 years guiding tours inside that 1%.

My name is Stefano. I grew up in Ciociaria, an hour south of Rome. I spent a decade guiding travelers with G Adventures and National Geographic Journeys, and almost none of them met the Italy I knew.

Today I live in Charleston, and this is my mission: planning trips to the other 99%. The small towns, the long lunches, the people who still ask “ma tu di chi sei figlio?”

If you’ve been to Italy and felt like you missed something, you probably did. Follow along, I’ll show you what it was. Andiamo! 🇮🇹

#IforItalia #SlowTravelItaly #HiddenItaly #Ciociaria #authenticitaly

We took a few days off in Mexico, in Playa del Carmen.
And while this is not an Italy post, it is a post dedicated to travel, and what it means to us.
I consider myself immensely grateful for the possibility to rely on a network of some of the most brilliant people and guides that I have built over the course of my guiding career at G Adventures and leading National Geographic Journeys. My colleagues (some of the coolest people I know by the way) @suzyashton and @irmantesungailaite beautifully overwhelmed me with lists of authentic travel tips in the area, showing us how to do the region right. And on the second day, we followed their tip to visit a local, lesser known cenote, where we had a peaceful, fulfilling travel experience, exploring some outstanding natural scenery while enjoying an intimate travel experience. The cenote, just 30 minutes south of Playa del Carmen, is deep in the jungle. A little truck takes you there from the entrance. We then met our guide, and his little son, Efren. Picture this 4 years old little man, with the longest hair, walking us barefoot through the jungle. We connected right away, while he grabbed my hands and made me run with him from cenote to cenote. He was a force of nature, afraid of nothing. He would jump into the cold water, and dive another million times. His dad told me how obsessed he is with skulls (as soon as he saw me he pointed at the skull pictures in my Modelo t-shirt) and how he is a little “demonio” (devil). Words can’t describe how happy Efren’s presence made us. Seeing a little kid so full of life, living that kind of life in front of his proud father, in places so remote and magical, truly filled my hearth with gratitude. And yes, you can guess it right. THIS is the moment I’m forever taking with me about this trip. At the end of the day, Efren gave us a little stone he found. I’m taking it home, as a reminder of this day and little Efren. And this is what real travel always has been about to me. Real moments rather than pre-fabricated, comfortable experiences. Grazie Irmante and Suzy for allowing this connection to happen.

Un pomeriggio a Roma.

Since I was a child, I have always loved leaving my town, Frosinone, hopping on that regional train, and heading into Rome in just an hour. I remember how much I loved taking the Metro to move around and see all the monuments, and how excited I was as a kid when we had McDonald’s right by the Spanish Steps (the first one that ever opened in Italy).

Later, as a teenager, Rome became the place for school protests (manifestazioni), peace parades, and concerts. Every year, a group of us would join the famous Concertone del 1° Maggio in San Giovanni, the historic concert that takes place every year on Labor Day.

Eventually, as a college student, I spent a total of seven years studying at La Sapienza and working in the Eternal City. Rome is not at all an easy place to live. But its vibe, its roads, its vicoletti—they all smell of nostalgia, roots, family, and humanity.

Rome is always a happy place that I return to. A place that settles the soul. A place where you can happily wander aimlessly and discover something new every single time. A place that, for me, will always be Eternal.

A magical morning visiting Palladio’s Villa La Rotonda. The Villa unlocked it’s gate just for our small group. One of the most iconic Renaissance masterpieces, Villa La Rotonda deeply influenced Thomas Jefferson and, through him, helped shape early American (Federal) architecture. In 2008, the US Congress recognized Palladio as the father of US architecture.

Buona Pasqua, Happy Easter!
It’s good to be home!

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!

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