Let Us Introduce Ourselves

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Let Us Introduce Ourselves

Authentic Italy is on Travel + Leisure’s 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 A-List

and is a 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialist.

Gary Portuesi, Managing Director and owner of Authentic Italy, fell in love with Italy at an early age when he and his family made yearly trips to their native land. Spending summers in Sicily and exploring the northern, central and southern regions through the years, Gary realized that the American idea of Italy fell decidedly short of the real deal. That’s when he was struck by an idea: why not allow people to experience the real Italy?

A veteran of the travel industry with over 20 years of experience at American Express, Gary is also a wine expert with a WSET Level 3 Award in Wines and Spirits from the International Wine Center and co-owner of De Gustibus Cooking School in New York City.

Combining his passions and expertise, Gary launched Authentic Sicily in 2002, later expanding it to become Authentic Italy in 2014. With a culinary focus, Authentic Italy specializes in custom-made, high-end regional-specific travel programs.

Today, the Authentic Italy family has expanded and continues to grow; we now offer trips to France, Spain, Portugal, Greece and Malta at Authentic Explorations. Our expert travel consultants customize visits for families, groups of friends, business associates, individuals and couples. We are on a mission to seek out the most unforgettable upscale experiences for your interests—from breathtaking accommodations to world-renowned restaurants to exclusive sightseeing excursions and more.

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Five Principles We Live By:

Go Regional
and Dive Deep
Ask 20 Italians what their idea of Italy is and you’ll get 20 different answers. With 20 incredibly diverse regions, the only way to capture the true essence of Italy is by exploring each one deeply.

Always Listen
We learned early on to chew with our mouths closed and listen with our ears open. The more we get to know you, the better we’ll be at matching your interests with memorable local experiences.

Wherever You
Go, Make Friends
The principle that makes Authentic Italy what it is today. Every single one of our local collaborators is someone we personally know, trust and dare we say love? Yes, we dare.

A History Lesson in Every Meal (and Glass of Wine)
Every regional dish and drop of wine has a unique story to tell. We live to hear them. And taste them.

Keep an Eye on the New
As rich in history as Italy is, it’s also constantly evolving. We always keep a finger on the pulse of the country so we have new experiences to share with you.

Sicily Webinar

Sicily experts Gary Portuesi, Sal Rizzo, Anthony Giglio, and Peppe Mendola share their favorite destinations, restaurants and wines.
Note: We can create custom/private programs for anyone too.

Traveler Reviews

Testimonials

Our trip to Sicily was incomparable—really an amazing time. I cannot thank you enough for your guidance and for all your effort to make the trip a success. And whatever you did to create perfect weather every single day, keep doing it. It was glorious.

- Emily

Our trip was wonderful from start to finish. It was so amazing that you had everything organized and set up for us without a hitch. We will recommend you to any of our friends who tell us they are interested in going to Sicily.

- Ellen G.

You planned an absolutely WONDERFUL trip. THANK YOU. We could not have done it without you. And we don't ever want to do Italy without you again.

- Angela M.

I want to thank you SO, SO much for a truly magical trip! All was planned with the highest quality. You did not leave any stone unturned. The accommodations were magnificent, the food exquisite, and then the wine … unbelievable!

Thank you again so very much for EVERYTHING!! I cannot stop talking about this wonderful vacation!!:)

- Colleen T.

I just wanted to thank you again for an incredible trip. It was such a fantastic opportunity being able to meet with the chefs, the truffle hunters, vintners, and to eat at the vineyards. I look forward to many more future adventures with Authentic Italy travel.

- Jennifer

IT WAS AMAZING!!!!!! We all loved it and had a fabulous time. Thank you both for making this happen. Your partners in Puglia and Calabria were a pleasure to work with and planned our days perfectly.

- Esther

Gary Portuesi is the travel agent from heaven. He booked a perfect trip for our style of travel. Right now we are sitting in a suite on our terrace overlooking Lake Como. Tough life but someone has to live it.

- John & Rosalie P.