Fabio Ilardi
Originally from Italy, I lived and worked in 6 different countries and traveled across about 40 more around the globe.
During my travels, I love to interact with local people, visit monuments and art galleries, taste local food, spend time connecting with nature, and get to know as much as I can of the local culture. I truly believe that traveling provides us unique chances of growth, at any stage of our lives.
I really love, as a local agent, to expose foreign travelers to my country’s beautiful history, culture, nature, and all the great experiences that it has to offer.
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"Our expertise spans both Italy's famous landmarks and its lesser-known, hidden gems. We regularly explore Italy to discover new travel opportunities, unveiling unique experiences for our clients along the way.
We create itineraries that embrace a wide array of activities, including hiking expeditions, guided explorations of historical sites, city strolls or cycling tours, boat adventures, delightful culinary and wine experiences, and immersive visits to local wineries. Our seasoned guides enhance your journey, ensuring it becomes an unforgettable experience."
How did you get involved in travel?
"I have always been fascinated by our world’s different cultures, customs, and history since I was a little kid. My first experience living abroad - in Norway - back in 2013, working in the tourism industry as a travel advisor and private guide at close contact with people from all-over the world, made me realize how important of a chance that would have been for my personal growth.
I still remember how it filled me with joy, hearing positive comments from my guests while admiring the views over the Norwegian fjords and the surrounding mountains – and it still definitely does, when I see tourists strolling around Italy’s ancient streets with an amazed look on their faces.
From that year after, I haven’t stopped moving around to explore the wonders of this planet. Even if only for a few days trip, I try to do that as much as I can.
I now happily live in Italy, Lake Como area, where I love to spend time riding my motorcycle, take amazing photos over the lake and the majestic alps in the background, or go for hiking excursions with friends.
From time to time, I like to treat myself at nice restaurants or take an Italian "aperitivo" with views over beautiful Lake Como. "
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"I carry with love the memories of my solo trip through Morocco in 2016. I covered around 2000 Km in a week, met people from different areas and backgrounds, while the main highlight was spending a night in the Sahara looking at the stars.
I flew to Marrakech with only one night booked at a local hostel, and nothing planned at all for the rest of the trip. I didn’t do much research either, as it was a very last-minute arrangement, plus, I was working so much the days prior to the departure.
The very first day I casually met the hostel manager who was born and raised in Italy from a Moroccan family and recently moved to Marrakech to start a new life. She advised me to take a 3-day tour through ancient Casbahs, Atlas Mountains, and Merzouga Desert. Here we go, I know what to visit for the next 3 days.
The morning after I jumped on a minibus and slowly started to collect all the other participants form their accommodations. We were a mix of people from Argentina, Australia, China, Mexico, and of course myself from Italy. The second day we even picked up a random Japanese guy on the way, who was literally boiling while walking under 45 degrees burning sun - God knows where he was trying to go, so he joined.
As we approached the Sahara, dunes were getting taller and taller and amazingly beautiful with their unique golden shades. We left the minibus after having taken a good amount of water for the afternoon and the night - which we obviously all forgot in the trunk and realized it only later in the afternoon – and took a camel to reach the tents camp.
The sunset was unreal, and even more unreal the night sky. I hadn’t seen anything like that before, and still now, many years after, I haven’t experienced such a clear vision of the night sky. We could literally see the universe. We eventually all fell asleep on the carpets out in the dunes close to the camp.
Fun fact - in the morning we were all set to leave the camp on our camels, when the first one in the line started to groan, all of a sudden it went crazy and ran away from the group. Consequently, all the others followed the first, I remember I struggled so much trying to stay on the running camel, but others in the group fell down. Nothing serious happened luckily.
After these 3-day tour I spent the remaining time with some people from the group and we ended the trip together. We are still in touch and this trip I believe is one that I will never forget.
"
Fabio's favorite itineraries and travel advice
Top itineraries and travel advice
With thousands of years of cultural and culinary history, Italy offers plenty to take in. In 10 days, you can choose to go deep on a particular region or hop between the high...
From sophisticated Milan to leisurely Bellagio, this 10-day itinerary of Northern Italy is the perfect getaway. See da Vinci's "The Last Supper" and take in the buzzing Milan...
From the small villages that cling to steep cliffs to the medieval architecture and blue water, this 10-day trip to the Cinque Terre coast has something for everyone. Stay in...
Family itineraries
Bring the family and spend 12 days exploring Italy's top historic and cultural sites. Learn to make a carnival mask and visit medieval palaces in Venice, explore family-friendly...
With thousands of years of cultural and culinary history, Italy offers plenty to take in. In 10 days, you can choose to go deep on a particular region or hop between the high...
Spend two weeks exploring northern Italy at your own speed with this self-drive itinerary that allows you to choose the stops. You'll start off in the northern lakes, with Lake...
Luxury itineraries
Explore Northern Italy's natural charm starting with Lake Como, where you'll take a boat tour of its extravagant shore lined with mansions. Ride the funicular to the scenic...
From metropolitan Rome to small-town Amalfi, explore Italy's cities and coast on this luxurious 15-day comprehensive itinerary. Start in Venice to tour grand palaces and dine on...
Road trip itineraries
An island as beautiful and historically rich as Sicily deserves to be experienced at a leisurely pace. This 15-day itinerary features beaches and cathedrals, fishing villages...
If you have a week in Sicily, it’s best to focus on one or two regions as opposed to trying to see everything. There's the wine country of the west, the medieval villages of the...
Spend two weeks exploring northern Italy at your own speed with this self-drive itinerary that allows you to choose the stops. You'll start off in the northern lakes, with Lake...
Recent trip reviews for Fabio
I have 2 complaints. First was the water tax...
Italy
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Oct 4 - Oct 17, 2025
![Cooking Experience with Donna Rita in Sorrento & Free Time for Self-Guided Exploration [From Praiano]](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/images/dc8220dc3801db3be87b2bd4fdc50535ff33c870/medium-cf52dc98d7750e7b56d1f445c910db96.jpg)
Thank you so much for sharing your feedback. I truly appreciate your kind words about the overall trip planning, and I am very sorry for the two issues you mentioned.
Regarding the water taxi in Venice, I completely understand how stressful that situation must have felt before your train. I did see your call but was assisting other travelers on the phone at that exact moment. As soon as Christine texted me, I began checking what was happening with the water taxi and contacted the... Read more
Fabio was fantastic.
Italy
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Sep 23 - Oct 3, 2025
Fabio was fantastic.
Hello Steve,
Thank you so much for your kind words! It was a pleasure assisting you and your group. I look forward to helping you again on your future Italian adventures. Wishing you all the best!
Arrivederci,
Fabio
Fabio planned out a fantastic trip for us (6 ...
Italy
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Sep 23 - Oct 3, 2025
Highlights were the boat tour of the Cinque Terre, wine tours and our stay in Tuscany. All of the drivers were very prompt and courteous and safely and efficiently took care of us.
Fabio was extremely responsive and helpful and should we return to Italy we would not hesitate to work with him again. Read more
All in all we had a trip of a lifetime. We h...
Italy
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Sep 14 - Sep 27, 2025
Buongiorno John,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share a review of your recent trip to Italy with Tiki! I am delighted to hear that you had such a wonderful experience and that the guides helped make it even more special. It was a real pleasure planning your journey, and your kind words truly mean a lot. Thank you for your trust and for recommending me — I could not ask for better feedback.
Wishing you and Tiki all the very best, and I look forward to helping you plan your next Italian getaway! 🙂
Arrivederci,
Fabio
Best Family Trip Ever!
Italy
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Aug 21 - Aug 31, 2025
Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to share this wonderful review! It was a real pleasure to plan your family’s trip, and I am thrilled to hear that the mix of activities — from the boat ride on the Amalfi Coast to truffle hunting in Tuscany — created such special memories. Your feedback truly means a lot, and I am delighted that the surprise photo shoot in Rome was a highlight to end the journey on a high note. I look forward to welcoming you... Read more
Not Sure of our guides na
Italy
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Feb 20 - Mar 4, 2025
Hello Kathy,
Thank you so much for taking the time to write a review of your recent trip! I am thrilled that you enjoyed your guides, especially during the food tours and your time in Tuscany. It is great to hear that their knowledge enriched your experience.
I truly appreciate your hotel reviews and regret that Hotel Alba Palace did not meet expectations. Your feedback on room size, noise, and service is valuable, and I will share it with the hotel.
It was a pleasure working with you, and I look forward to helping you plan your next Italian adventure. Wishing you all the best!
Fabio
My trip to Italy was beyond words. I was in a...
Italy
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Sep 6 - Sep 19, 2024
The scenery in Florence, Tuscany and Rome was breathtaking. (Rolling hills, olive trees, vineyards , towers, villas and castles) The food and wine were out of this world.
My sister, daughter and I would not have gotten around without the wonderful and professional drivers... Read more
Buongiorno Barbara,
Thank you very much for sharing your experience! I am thrilled to hear that Italy’s art, history, and beautiful landscapes left such an impression on you. I will pass your kind words on to Yuri, Stefano, Sabrina, Magdalena, and Mauricio—they will be delighted they made a difference on your journey.
It was a pleasure helping your family plan this trip, and I hope we can welcome you back to Italy someday for even more unforgettable memories! 🙂
Warm regards,
Fabio
Italy in October - couldn't be better!
Italy
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Sep 30 - Oct 9, 2024
Buongiorno Martin, Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! I am so glad to hear that you enjoyed every aspect of your trip, especially the accommodations and the l guides. Francesco will be thrilled to know he made such an impact during your Pompeii tour. It was a pleasure helping you plan your journey, and I hope to assist you with future travels! Wishing you all the best!
Arrivederci,
Fabio
Special Trip to Italy
Italy
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Sep 21 - Oct 6, 2024
I really appreciate the details and feedback on each activity, especially knowing that you felt supported throughout the whole process. It was our pleasure to help create an itinerary that fit your needs, and I’m glad the drivers, particularly on the Amalfi... Read more
Our trip to Italy was SOngreat!
Italy
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Sep 15 - Oct 6, 2024
Our trip to Italy was great! Fabio was fabulous! He answered all of our questions before we left and was fast to respond. Once we were in Italy, it was easy to contact him. He had great suggestions and recommendations of places to stay and things to do and see. I rate this trip five stars with Fabio and Kim Kim. Excellent service excellent trip. Excellent ITALY! !
Buongiorno Lisa,
Thank you so much for your kind words! It was truly a pleasure to help you plan your trip to Italy. I’m delighted to hear that my recommendations and support made your experience enjoyable and stress-free. Italy has so much to offer, and it’s wonderful to know that Cheryl and Roger had an excellent time exploring it. I look forward to assisting you with your next Italian adventure.
Wishing you all the very best! 🙂
Grazie,
Fabio
