ABOUT ME
Tourism is changing. Travelers are constantly looking for authentic, unique and personalized experiences.
For this reason I have created a particular professional figure: the "local cousin". It is a fun way to call a tour guide who is also committed to being a local advisor and a good friend with whom to share an unforgettable memory: an authentic stay in Puglia and Basilicata!
The "local cousin" knows the territory, is a friend of the people, keeps secrets and anecdotes and is a proud and always hungry southern Italian person. "It seems everybody knows him/her" or "We felt like locals, like we always lived in town" - These are the most common phrases that can be found in the reviews that my guests leave on our social pages, on tripadvisor or on the portals with which we collaborate.
I often stay in touch with my guests even months or years after the experience together, exchanging Christmas greetings, celebrating business successes or family events, and sometimes becoming friends or even a second family. This is worth more to us than anything else, because whoever chooses to do this job is a person who first of all loves people and their stories.
I am not alone, we do not want to be because being part of a network means developing the territory. For this reason I constantly collaborate with other operators in the sector with whom we share principles, objectives and new ideas for new projects. I carefully select my partners, such as tour guides, drivers, bicycle suppliers, environmental guides, tour operators and any other figure our guests will have to deal with during their experience.
REVIEWS
We had such a great tour with Giorgio. He's a wonderful guide - pleasant, knowledgeable, speaks perfect English (and even a few words of Dutch!). We learned so much from him about the area and enjoyed the tour as planned, but he also included many "extras" that we didn't expect - stopping in an olive Grove, his favorite spot on the coast, trying some of the local products and produce. We can't imagine a better guide for the area.
Tanya D. (U.S.A)
Giorgio was an excellent guide with professionalism, knowledge, hospitality and warmth. We had opportunities to experience both up close and panoramic views of majestic olive trees, the seashore and the trulli homes, including a delightful tasting of regional snacks and drinks in Alberobello. Because of Giorgio's engaging personality and informative narrative, we, including our thirteen year old son, learned so much.
Sunny K. (U.S.A.)
Yesterday my wife and I had the pleasure of meeting and touring Matera with Giorgio Iozzia. Not only is Giorgio an exceptional and knowledgeable guide, he is also an exceptionally fine young man. His warmth and engaging personality set the tone for the day giving us the feeling of being with a family member. Look no further for a guide In Puglia…Giorgio will insure you a wonderful experience.
Dennis D. (U.S.A)
Giorgio was incredibly knowledgeable about the history and cultural aspects of Matera. He adapted the tour to our interests and pace. He clearly knows Matera and was an incredible guide. Don't pass up the opportunity to book him! Thank you Giorgio for a memorable day!!!
John B. (U.S.A)
Our customised private family tour of 4 adults and 4 teenagers with Giorgio Iozzia was a big success. The teenagers were not enthused about doing a tour in very hot conditions, 9:30am 38 degrees, I selected Giorgio based on reviews of his ability to engage with younger people, which he did to make it interesting for them. He was also very open to discussing their questions about southern Italy, life, politics, crime, etc. They not only learnt about Matera but a lot more about Italy. A big success
Heather M. (Australia)
We had a fantastic time! As foodies, it was a wonderful to find someone so passionate about food. He knew so much about the local history and culinary delights. We started the Matera tour at the local market tasting the produce, then a coffee in a local bar, a visit to craft shop all before we even toured the Old Town of Matera! His passion for his area was so contagious we can't wait to get back to explore more! Thank you for treating us to that wonderful fresh mozzarella , we will never forget that!
Marlina H. (France)
We spent 6 days in Puglia with Giorgio. Giorgio met us each morning for a day of visits to interesting places, and we returned in the afternoon. In each location, and between sites, Giorgio pointed out what to look for and explained the history and culture of the place. Giorgio is a warm and outgoing person who said he wanted us to feel like he was our "Italian cousin' and we did. He is intelligent, knowledgeable, reliable and delightful to be with - a great combination. We highly recommend him.
Fred M. (U.S.A)
We had a great day with Giorgio in Lecce. He was knowledgeable about the history, food, and culture of the area and he was a pleasure to spend time with. Highly recommend him if you are looking for a guide in Lecce or other areas of Puglia!
Jennifer C. (U.S.A.)
Giorgio could not have been a better tour guide. He said at the outset that he didn't want to be so much our guide as "our cousin that we were visiting" -- and then he proceeded to treat us like a favorite cousin (or more realistically uncle). Great insights about the old city section of Bari. Candid comments about everything from family life (the "nice" laundry is hung on the outside and the underwear is hung on the back rows of the lines outside everyone's windows) to where to buy the best focaccia.
James S. (U.S.A.)
Giorgio is AMAZING! As a human and as a tour guide, he really loves his region and he sets out to show you the warmth, generosity, delights of the extremely fresh food, and culture of the Puglian people and he thoroughly succeeds in that! He really knows the history behind everything as well. If you also really want off the beaten path he will be so excited to oblige and I would argue that is the best way to see the region. I made a friend not just hired a tour guide, will hire him again!
Eunice L. (U.S.A.)