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Alessandro Bellaguardia

My name is Alessandro and I am the co-founder of I GO TRAVEL. My approach to travel is based on one of the most important assets we have in life: the TIME. The journey is the moment during which a person takes the time to do what he/she really wants, desires, yearn to do. Reading a book, enjoying the delights of the area, visiting a museum, going shopping, or immersing himself/herself in the local culture and learning the ways and customs of the locals. In other words, living the trip, enjoying every single moment, appreciating the value of authenticity, and the luxury of being able to have a good time in a unique, personal, exciting way.

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"PLACES: Piemonte, Aosta Valley, Lombardia, Liguria, Trentino Alto Adige, Veneto, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Emilia Romagna, Toscana, Marche, Abruzzo, Umbria, Molise, Lazio, Campania, Puglia, Basilicata, Sardegna, Sicilia.

ACTIVITIES: FITs, private tours, transfer services, train tickets, entrance tickets to attractions, art and culture, food and wine, trekking and hiking, nature, off-the-beaten-path, small towns."

How did you get involved in travel?

"Since I was a child I have always loved traveling. I used to enter the travel agent's offices with the hope that one day I could be part of the dream of the journeys offered in their catalogs.

From a practical point of view, summer 2010 was fundamental for me. I went to Barcelona for an internship, and I had the chance to learn how to work with upscale clients and VIPs. As a hospitality assistant, I planned and organized tours and activities for the Santander Bank during the Formula 1 Grand Prix."

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"My business trip to Japan. It was February 2018, and we were invited by the city of Mishima (Shizuoka Prefecture) to present our business model and help the local municipality to develop its own touristic business model. After the business meetings, we had the chance to participate in a FAM Trip to the Shizuoka Prefecture. I was enchanted by the amazing landscapes, the delicious food, and the quiet places. It was an unforgettable experience!"

Alessandro is part of the following groups: Italy Travel Agents
Turin, Italy
Ultimate Guide to Turin, Italy: Coffee, Piazzas, and Palaces in the Piedmont Capital

Famous as the home of Fiat, Alfa Romeo, and the Turin Shroud, the capital of Italy’s Piedmont region is a fine Baroque city of grand palaces and piazzas on the River Po. Come to learn about the shroud and its royal Savoy rulers, and stay for the soaring Mole Antonelliana; the original Eataly and first Lavazza coffeehouse; its ancient Egypt museum and the local vermouth. Learn more about what to do, see, and eat in Turin below.

Northern Italy
Best Time of Year to Visit Northern Italy

Northern Italy comprises a diverse geographic area, from the mountains and lakes of the far north to the lagoons of Venice and the Italian Riviera around Genoa. Northern Italy experiences cool-to-cold winters and hot summers, and while it can be visited year-round, a major consideration is avoiding the heaviest crowds. Read on to find out more about the best time of year to visit Northern Italy.

Cycling in the Dolomites
Best Time of Year to Visit the Dolomites

Spread across Alto Adige, Trentino, and Veneto in northeastern Italy, and wedged between the Swiss and Austrian Alps, the Dolomites are a year-round mountain destination. Snow sport enthusiasts will have much to enjoy in winter, while hikers, mountain bikers, and travelers seeking more relaxed pursuits can enjoy the other three seasons. Read on to discover the best time of year to visit the Dolomites.

5 Best Local and Cultural Experiences in Tuscany
5 Best Local and Cultural Experiences in Tuscany

Sidestep the crowds in Florence and Pisa and get a more authentic taste of one of Italy's most beautiful regions with this enchanting list. Find hidden piazzas perfect for an aperitivo (aperitif) and artisan workshops that have been in business for centuries—or, dip into the countryside where lyrical landscapes unfold to reveal hill towns and tucked-away farm stays. Read on for our tips on Tuscany's best immersive experiences.

Favorite experiences

Valpolicella Wine Tour near Verona

Join a relaxing wine tour to the Valpolicella area. You’ll explore hilly landscapes dotted with luxuriant vineyards, gardens, and olive groves and discover the best Amarone winemakers.You’ll find Valpolicella just north of Verona. This group of small valleys has been producing wine for over 2,000...

Val D’ Orcia Wine Tasting in Tuscany

Enjoy a wine-tasting tour in the Tuscan countryside, vising the picturesque hilltop town of Montalcino. You’ll also taste local Nobile wines in historical cellars in Montepulciano and savor a full farm-to-table lunch near Pienza.You’ll start by touring the cellars and tasting the wines at a...

Verona Walking Tour

Explore the picturesque and historic city of Verona with an expert guide leading the way. Verona is the center of the world’s famous love drama between Romeo and Juliet and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. Enjoy discovering its landmarks, twisting alleyways, and brightly colored...

Sirmione & Lake Garda Tour from Verona

Enjoy a guided trip to the famed Lake Garda and around the scenic Sirmione Peninsula. In Sirmione, you’ll find a medieval hamlet known for its dramatic scenery. Your guide will lead you through the cobblestone lanes and share the area’s history and local culture. The stories and interesting facts...

Chianti Wine Tasting & Farm Lunch

Absorb Chianti’s scenic countryside with a driving and winetasting tour. You’ll twist and turn along panoramic roads, tour wine cellars, learn about the history of growing Chianti grapes, and savor a traditional lunch of local products on a family farm. As you set off for Chianti, enjoy the...

Recent trip reviews for Alessandro

The attention to details that Alessandro prov...
Italy | Nov 19 - Nov 28, 2022

J
JOHN N.
Jacksonville, FL | Reviewed on Nov 29, 2022

The attention to details that Alessandro provided prior to the trip as well as each day of the actual trip was exceptional. read more

The attention to details that Alessandro provided prior to the trip as well as each day of the actual trip was exceptional.

Hotel Reviews
Turin Palace Hotel
Turin

Great location to see the city, plus just across the street from the train station

Authenticity & Character
Location
Central to everything
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Villa Petriolo
Cerreto Guidi
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
CASTELLUCCIO PALUSSE
Città della Pieve (PG)
Authenticity & Character
Furnishings are very old, offering limited comfort
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
HOTEL ISOLA SACRA

Very quiet setting near airport. Only negative was bed pillows were paper thin and should be improved

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
TORINO: LEISURE DAY IN TORINO
Turin

Royal Palace Turin was amazing and should be a priority

Quality of Experience
TORINO: LANGHE WINE REGION FULL-DAY TOUR
Turin

Beautiful location with excellent staff. Best winery tour I’ve ever had.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
TOSCANA: WINERY TOUR (ACTIVITY SHARED WITH OTHER PEOPLE) & DINNER
Cerreto Guidi

Actual winery operations is not on site

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
VILLA PETRIOLO: PASTA & PIZZA CLASS AT VILLA PETRIOLO (ACTIVITY SHARED WITH MAX.10 PAX)
Cerreto Guidi

Personal attention from chef (Michael) was great.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
TOSCANA: LUCCA HALF-DAY TOUR FROM VILLA PETRIOLO
Cerreto Guidi

It was raining all day, but guide was able to focus on inside options including a beautiful government building that isn’t routinely open to tourists

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
UMBRIA: CITTA’ DELLA PIEVE 2,5-HOUR TOUR WITH A PRIVATE GUIDE
Città della Pieve
Local specialist: Alessandro Bellaguardia

Absolutely perfect trip top to bottom.
Italy | Jul 19 - Aug 1, 2022

Michael
Michael G.
Palo Alto, CA | Reviewed on Aug 02, 2022

Absolutely perfect trip top to bottom. White glove service all along. Alessandro was fantastic at both his plan for us and his willingness to work with us as the trip played out. Wonderful trip! read more

Absolutely perfect trip top to bottom. White glove service all along. Alessandro was fantastic at both his plan for us and his willingness to work with us as the trip played out. Wonderful trip!

Hotel Review
CASTELLUCCIO PALUSSE
Città della Pieve (PG)

The owner of this castle is Katia, a charming woman who is full of life and brings her spirit to her work. Family cooked meals, amazing hospitality. I’d love to stay there again.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Katia is fanstastic!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Alessandro Bellaguardia
Alessandro
Alessandro Bellaguardia
Local specialist in Italy | Reviewed on Aug 02, 2022

Ciao Michael, thank you so much for this review! It was a great pleasure to work in the organization of this trip!

Thanks for choosing Italy!

Alessandro

A Trip That Lived Up To the Expectations & More!!!!
Italy | Apr 27 - May 10, 2022

R
Richard S.
Highlands Ranch, CO | Reviewed on May 17, 2022

Planning a trip of a lifetime is never easy, expectations are high!   Deciding to partner with KimKim was a bit of a gamble, we hadn't worked with KimKim in the past...or even heard of them.  They delivered, specifically Alessandro delivered for us.   It all started in Rome and visiting the many sites.   Alessandro orchestrated drivers and guides that made the experience unforgettable.   Then onto one of the most picturesque locations in Italy...if not the world, the Amalfi coast, staying at... read more

Planning a trip of a lifetime is never easy, expectations are high!   Deciding to partner with KimKim was a bit of a gamble, we hadn't worked with KimKim in the past...or even heard of them.  They delivered, specifically Alessandro delivered for us.   It all started in Rome and visiting the many sites.   Alessandro orchestrated drivers and guides that made the experience unforgettable.   Then onto one of the most picturesque locations in Italy...if not the world, the Amalfi coast, staying at the Hotel Le Agavi was perfect.   The guided tours, hiking the coast and dinners on the beach capped with a boat small group tour of Capri was just perfect.  Finally a small group cooking class overlooking the town of Sorrento was an excellent way to recover from all the hiking and tours.  Onto Umbria and Tuscany regions,  the magnificent views, wine tasting and visiting the areas of Citta della Pieve and Montepulciano were fascinating .   Our stay at Borgo Dei Conti Resort Relais Chateaux was incedible. Ending with a great stay in Firenze visiting San Gimignano capped off a trip of a lifetime!!   Thanks  Alessandro for pulling this all together and making this trip a perfect memory!! 

Hotel Reviews
Borgo Dei Conti Resort Relais & Chateaux
Perugia

A perfect location to get away! Excellent service a quiet and relaxing atmophere.

Authenticity & Character
Location
out in the country side, beautiful country.
Staff
Excellent xervice, attention to details.
Cleanliness & Comfort
it was perfect!
47 Boutique Hotel
Rome

great location in the center of Rome

Location
center of Rome
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
LAZIO: VATICAN MUSEUMS AND SISTINE CHAPEL 3-HOUR WALKING TOUR WITH A PRIVATE GUIDE
Rome
CAMPANIA: HALF-DAY AMALFI COAST SCENIC TOUR WITH A PRIVATE DRIVER
Positano

The guide was very engaging, friendly and new the area well. All the special spots and even made recommendations to "bet the crowds"

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
CAMPANIA: SORRENTO COAST & CAPRI SMALL GROUP TOUR BY BOAT
Positano

the boat/guide company was excellent. the small group made it very enjoyable

Quality of Experience
Transport
Local specialist: Alessandro Bellaguardia
Alessandro
Alessandro Bellaguardia
Local specialist in Italy | Reviewed on May 17, 2022

Ciao Richard, Ciao Ellen,
thank you so much for your kind review!

It was a great pleasure to work with you on the organization of your trip to Italy.
Thank you for choosing us!

A BIG HUG from Italy!

Alessandro

Alessandro was amazing!! We had the most wond...
Italy | Apr 2 - Apr 11, 2022

Jake
Jake T.
Highland Springs, VA | Reviewed on Apr 14, 2022

Alessandro was amazing!! We had the most wonderful time. Everything was so well planned and we loved every minute of it. We will definitely be back!! Thank you for the most amazing honeymoon!! read more

Alessandro was amazing!! We had the most wonderful time. Everything was so well planned and we loved every minute of it. We will definitely be back!! Thank you for the most amazing honeymoon!!

Hotel Review
Albergo Terminus
Como

Loved this hotel! We had the most amazing view and the food was spectacular. The staff was so friendly and kind. You have to stay here if you are staying in Como.

Tips for future travelers

Possibly my parents. We would love to come back with them!

Authenticity & Character
The paintings and the dining areas.
Location
The view from our room was amazing!
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
FIRENZE: FIRENZE 3-HOUR WALKING TOUR WITH PRIVATE GUIDE (MORNING TOUR)
Florence

We loved Ana, she was such a genuine and caring person. It felt like we were seeing the city with a friend. We had the best time and was one of our favorite parts about the trip!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Alessandro Bellaguardia
Alessandro
Alessandro Bellaguardia
Local specialist in Italy | Reviewed on Apr 14, 2022

Dear Jake and Shannon,
thank you very much for this review!
It was a great pleasure to work with you!

Thank you so much for choosing Italy for your honeymoon trip!

My best regards

Alessandro

Italy 2022 - So many great experiences. Thanks, Alessandro!
Italy | Feb 26 - Mar 8, 2022

M
Melissa S.
Ann Arbor, MI | Reviewed on Mar 13, 2022

We figured this might be a once in a lifetime trip so we included as much we could in our 10 day itinerary. Our itinerary included the Amalfi Coast (including Pompeii), Florence, Cinque Terre, Rome, and Venice. These were all great places to visit and we would we would not change a thing with the benefit of hindsight.

The COVID pandemic and Italian rail strikes complicated an ambitious trip that would have been challenging even under ideal conditions, but our local travel contract... read more

We figured this might be a once in a lifetime trip so we included as much we could in our 10 day itinerary. Our itinerary included the Amalfi Coast (including Pompeii), Florence, Cinque Terre, Rome, and Venice. These were all great places to visit and we would we would not change a thing with the benefit of hindsight.

The COVID pandemic and Italian rail strikes complicated an ambitious trip that would have been challenging even under ideal conditions, but our local travel contract (Alessandro) expertly handled all of the planning details and dealt with unexpected issues that came up during the trip (such as 3 cancelled trains due to rail strikes). He called or texted us a number of times during the trip to ensure that things were going well and was very responsive to any inquires that we had. It was very comforting for us to know that he was a just call/text away.

The end result is that this was a fantastic trip with many experiences that will last a lifetime. We deeply appreciate the work that Alessandro and his team put into making this such a memorable vacation for us. He was extremely patient and responsive during the planning stage, but perhaps more importantly, was on really on top of things and readily accessible during the trip . I can't say enough about Alessandro and his attention to detail.

This was our first experience with KimKim and we were originally a little nervous about using them for planning and booking our vacation but now that it is over and was a huge success (probably our best vacation ever) we would not hesitate to use KimKim again.

Local specialist: Alessandro Bellaguardia
Alessandro
Alessandro Bellaguardia
Local specialist in Italy | Reviewed on Mar 13, 2022

Dear Ronald,
thank you very much for taking the time to write this review!

I truly appreciated your words, and I am glad to know you enjoyed your Italy trip!
It was an honor working for you!
Please, bring my regards to your family!

A big hug from Italy!

Alessandro