I for Italia - Experiencing Authentic Italy As A Local

(Photo credit: Donato Porzia)

(Headshot photo credit: Irmante Sungailaite)

Imagine waking up to gentle rolling hills with views of the countryside and the sparkling sea. The lush greenery and picturesque blend of natural beauty and agricultural charm keeps the world around you quiet and calm - giving you a serene atmosphere. Narrow paths that wind through a quaint, lemon farm in Sorrento, Italy are shaded by vibrant lemon trees. The views transform your mind and take you to a place you’ve never been before. It makes you hungry for more adventure, for more tranquility, more culture. These are the unforgettable experiences travelers have received with a U.S. based Bespoke Tour Operator company, I for Italia, owned by Stefano Paris.

 Founded in 2021 in the Charleston area, I for Italia, specializes in the promotion of authentic, immersive small-group and private travel experiences. All of which are designed to connect the U.S. traveler to Italy’s culture and traditions. I for Italia is not filled with cookie cutter experiences. “I for Italia focuses exclusively on Italy, sharing our passion and expertise for its rich and diverse regions. It’s our mission to capture the true essence of traveling to Italy and for people to experience life as a local,” Paris said. He created a meet group for Italian lovers who meet on a monthly basis where he teaches a free Italian class, Italian based wine tasting and explaining the culture of Italy. Reflecting on his journey, Paris shared his life changing experiences leaving Italy after graduating college in 2012 to teach children Italian in 2013. Living in the Northeast, Paris felt an undeniable pull to explore the world and embrace its cultures, elements and communities. During his 20s, he lived abroad in Europe, North America and Southeast Asia. Since 2017, he has worked in the travel industry and was a licensed tour guide in Western Europe. In 2018, Paris did National Geographic journeys in Italy, which led him to reflect inwardly on his purpose and his love for his motherland. After working for major tour operators around the globe and having adventures of his own, Paris felt like there was a missing piece in his travels: connecting people to the real Italy. He decided it was time to connect deeper into his Italian roots and bring its authenticity to travelers. “I wanted to give people a chance to really experience the real Italy,” he shared. “I felt like travelers were missing a really big part of their tours: they were not actually experiencing the Italy that I know and love,” which is what he wanted to bring into his business venture. Paris was determined to show people what Italy is genuinely about and to add more to their travels. “Let’s do something to fix that and let me do something that connects in a much deeper way for travelers to the country. That’s how I for Italia started,” Paris explained.

 Starting his own business, living in Charleston, South Carolina and staying connected to his Italian heritage, doesn’t come without challenges. The biggest challenge was transitioning from being a tour guide to being a tour operator. His mentors, Hamo Rostamian - President at HRI Development, Matt Kinch - Founder at Adventure Desk, and Brabham Dick - SBDC all played an influential role in how Paris views his business and mindset. “I had to learn to be humble and be realistic,” Paris said. “Accept the uncertainty. Listen to your gut and listen to the people who understand,” Paris advises aspiring entrepreneurs. “I’m unsure whether some choices will pay off and if you’re not completely sure, that’s okay too. By working hard, you will find your way and you will understand where you have to go. So, be comfortable with being uncomfortable,” Paris shared for anyone interested in taking the leap to business ownership.

Looking to the future, Stefano Paris aims to continue to educate travelers whether through the language, culture or sights across his homeland and potentially own land in the countryside of Italy. “The Italian dream is living in a farmhouse in a beautiful place, growing your own vegetables and your own olives for extra virgin olive oil with the hopes of people coming to visit you and understand what the real Italy is about,” he said. He would like to run more small group tours in Italy for anyone looking to explore its beauty and rich culture. Apart from regular tours, Paris and his team run tours for Lifelong Learning Institutes, such as OLLI. These programs are specifically tailored to seniors, and their missions are to nurture a lifelong passion for learning and intellectual growth within the travel industry. I for Italia’s tours align with these goals; Paris and his team thoroughly enjoy escorting senior groups to Italy and welcome all age groups.

For anyone interested in exploring new heights, new scenery, and for unforgettable experiences with an experienced and passionate group of travel experts, reach out to I for Italia for a customizable and “one for the books” trip to Italy. 

Website: https://www.iforitalia.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iforitalia

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/i_for_italia/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/iforitalia/posts/?feedView=all