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Your Free Guide to Loving Puglia

When to go, where to stay, how to get around, and what to eat — the insider's guide to experiencing Puglia the way we do.

Explore Puglia, just another wonderful
one of many shades of Italy

We've distilled everything we've learned guiding travelers through Puglia — the best time to visit, where to stay for an authentic experience, how to get around, and the local customs that make a trip feel effortless — into one free guide.

Inside this free download, you’ll discover:

When & Where to Go:
The months to avoid (and the ones locals love), plus why staying at a real working masseria beats a hotel every time.
How to Move, Eat & Dress As You Belong There:
Practical, lived-in guidance — from ZTL zones and mealtimes to what to wear!
A First Look at Essence of Puglia:
A preview of our small-group journey through Salento and Valle d'Itria — for when you're ready to stop dreaming and just join us!

Ready to Experience Lasting Italy?

Bespoke Itineraries

Private Small Group Tours

Custom Retreats

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

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

It’s almost tour season! Andiamo!

It’s almost tour season! Andiamo!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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

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

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

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

📍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

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

🌟 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

🌟 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

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.

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.

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! ☀🛺🍾

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! ☀🛺🍾

More savings means more pasta! 🍝🌞🍋 Book now and save $200 with code LIMONCELLO200 until 6/1/2024 and discover the magic of the Sorrento Peninsula on our small group tour this October! Link in bio to sign up!

More savings means more pasta! 🍝🌞🍋 Book now and save $200 with code LIMONCELLO200 until 6/1/2024 and discover the magic of the Sorrento Peninsula on our small group tour this October! Link in bio to sign up!

More savings means more pasta! 🍝🌞🍋 Book now and save $200 with code LIMONCELLO200 until 6/1/2024 and discover the magic of the Sorrento Peninsula on our small group tour this October! #SorrentoAdventure #ItalyTravel #GroupTour #ExploreWithUs

More savings means more pasta! 🍝🌞🍋 Book now and save $200 with code LIMONCELLO200 until 6/1/2024 and discover the magic of the Sorrento Peninsula on our small group tour this October! #SorrentoAdventure #ItalyTravel #GroupTour #ExploreWithUs

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. 🇮🇹🍾✈️

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. 🇮🇹🍾✈️

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.

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.

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!

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!

Vita lenta in Bologna ❤️

Vita lenta in Bologna ❤️

I for Italia, a boutique tour operator based in Charleston, is delighted to introduce you to Summer in Sorrento! An 8 days small-group tour that will take place in a gorgeous, organic lemon farm, Summer in Sorrento will be led by the Charleston based Stefano Paris, a born and raised in Italy former National Geographic tour guide. Check www.iforitalia.com for more details about the tour and to reserve your spot today!

I for Italia, a boutique tour operator based in Charleston, is delighted to introduce you to Summer in Sorrento! An 8 days small-group tour that will take place in a gorgeous, organic lemon farm, Summer in Sorrento will be led by the Charleston based Stefano Paris, a born and raised in Italy former National Geographic tour guide. Check www.iforitalia.com for more details about the tour and to reserve your spot today!

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