Your on-the-ground insiders. The ones who know the enduring favourites, the quiet corners and what’s worth your time.
Lecce, Bari
👋 Ciao! I'm Stef 🇮🇹 I moved from Melbourne, Australia to Lecce to obtain my Italian citizenship and quickly fell in love with life in Puglia. As someone who is half Italian and half Asian, food has always been at the centre of my world. Some of my earliest memories revolve around long lunches, family gatherings and the belief that life's best conversations happen around a table. These days, you'll usually find me exploring a new restaurant, hunting down the best local produce, discovering hidden wine bars or planning my next Salento adventure. 🍝🍷 I'm also the founder of To Italy & Back (@italyandback), where I help people explore Italy through travel, lifestyle and relocation. I'm also a communications professional, ex food-writer and enthusiastic advocate for all things Puglia. I love helping travellers discover the side of this region that exists beyond the guidebooks... whether that's finding an unforgettable local restaurant, sharing an aperitivo in Lecce, exploring the city on foot, or simply helping someone experience Puglia a little more like a local. ☕🚶♀️ I especially enjoy connecting with food lovers, solo travellers, curious explorers and anyone wondering what it might be like to spend a little more time in Italy.
Bari, Lecce +3
5.0(4)Ex-professional basketball player, born in Northern Italy but living in Apulia for the love of my wife and this land. We renovated a trullo in Ostuni and started our Airbnb experience, welcoming amazing guests from all over the world. The thing we enjoy most is making our guests feel like they are in their “second home” in Apulia, not in a standard rental villa.
Rome, Cinque Terre +13
5.0(2)As a certified Tour Leader, I've had the incredible privilege of guiding groups from all over the world across Italy and Europe. I adore my country, and over the years, I've realized that my favorite role is being a bridge between travelers and the true soul of a place. Today, I invite you to experience this through my eyes. Whether you need a customized itinerary for your trip or a cultural deep-dive anywhere in Italy, I am here to help you live the best experience of your vacation. I’m waiting for you! Let’s plan something beautiful together.
Bari, Lecce +7
5.0(4)I am a local tour guide with over twenty years of experience in Venice and it’s lagoon. As a native of the area and a resident nearby, I have a deep and authentic connection with this extraordinary land, which I know not only historically and artistically, but also in its most authentic and everyday aspects. I love sharing Venice’s natural beauty, artistic and cultural heritage, centuries-old traditions, and the unique identity that makes the lagoon a place like no other. Over the years, I have gained extensive experience that allows me to offer personalized itineraries, combining great masterpieces with lesser-known gems, offering an authentic and engaging experience. I also pay great attention to food and wine, guiding guests to discover the typical flavours and culinary traditions of Venice. My goal is for you to experience Venice not just as a tourist destination, but as an emotional, cultural, and sensorial experience, leaving you with an indelible memory of this unique city.
Riccardo knows central and southern Apulia intimately. He sends friends to Ceglie Messapica, suggests rethinking Alberobello, and explains why September is the only month he recommends without hesitation.
Life in the Valle d'Itria is not what you read in travel blogs. Francesco shares three real Pugliese experiences. Riding alongside Europe's longest aqueduct, looping the Canale di Pirro by old Fiat 500, and the meat-pilgrimage braceria even a vegetarian respects.
