Ottavia Mapelli
I was born in a sleepy town on the shores of Lake Como, a corner of the countryside great for growing up but not for expanding the mind. Mine has always been somewhere else and my lifelong passion for the United States led me to graduate in American studies.
I immediately fell in love with adventure travel, and as soon as I started working in this field I realized it was the kind of job I had always looked for without even knowing it existed. In S-Cape Travel, the tour operator I work for, I do a little bit of everything: I mainly deal with groups, help with product development and take care of "tailor-made" trips - probably the thing I like the most. In the trips, I plan I always try to shape itinerary, experiences, and excursions based on each traveler's needs, desires and passions.
Something I always include? The foodie factor, of course - quite essential in Italy. But also unexpected, genuine experiences and some interactions with the locals - the best way to get in contact with the "soul of a place" as we say in Italian.
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"We specialize in any kind of active travel throughout Italy: from the most strenuously active trips to mostly cultural ones, with just some light walking. Tuscany, the Dolomites, Puglia, Amalfi Coast, the Cinque Terre are just some of the destinations we work with. We are the Italian experts for Via Francigena, the "Camino to Rome", taking walkers from the Alps of Aosta Valley to Rome passing through an ever-changing landscapes, art cities and traces of ancient civilizations - I walked it all myself, to check the itinerary and make sure our documentation was properly updated. Last but not least - I love planning themed tailor made trips in any part of Italy - here the "local" factor plays a big role and I love including unique, memorable experiences. "
How did you get involved in travel?
"I have always known that I wanted to travel. At the tender age of 4 I would speak a non-existent language, explaining to my baffled parents that I was actually speaking English. Right after my graduation, my idea of taking a year off to travel the word was postponed to chase another challenge: founding a Tour Operator that would only offer active trips. Two years later I moved to Florence, where my personal adventure continues: I work for S-Cape Travel, planning and experiencing adventure travel in every possible sense - from wild camping in Jordan to wandering Sicily and chasing every single Easter procession Sicilian towns can offer. "
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"A trip I will never forget? Hiking in the National Parks of Oregon and Washington, following the Solar Eclipse of 2017, and biking 2000 km through Italy, from Milan to the Southernmost tip of Italy: the experience that made me realize that adventure travel was really my calling.
Future trips I’m dreaming of are in the Northern Countries: Iceland, a land of ice and fire, and Norway, following the steps of the Saint King Olav along the itinerary that connects Oslo to the old capital Trondheim."
Ottavia's favorite itineraries and travel advice
Top itineraries and travel advice
This 8-day itinerary takes you on a gastronomic adventure through two of Italy’s most spectacular landscapes and cuisines. Starting in the Piedmont hill town of La Morra, you’ll...
This eight-day walking tour takes you to Sardinia's Costa Verde, the Green Coast, which is known for its amazing views, wild deer, watchtowers, and sparkling waters. You'll...
Active travelers who value independence and flexibility will appreciate this self-guided tour through the Tuscan countryside. Opt for a leisurely pace, or more involved hikes,...