Back in elementary school, after the summer break, there was always the same question: “How was your summer?” I always had something to share—not about exotic trips, but about the month spent in a rented beach house, the foreign tourists I tried speaking English with, day trips to the Sila mountains, weekends in Naples or Rome. Every story felt like a journey, and I relived those moments through the wonder in others' eyes.

I never really stopped. First, it was just for fun; then, it became my work in hospitality. Today, I don't tell stories of faraway islands, but stories of home—of places I know deeply, where the real charm is found behind the scenes, in the people and in the emotions. I turn these into experiences for anyone still curious and willing to be amazed.

Working in my own land, I realized that care, tradition, and craftsmanship are treasures to be valued—realities at risk of disappearing. So, I began inviting businesses, artisans, and local producers to open their doors. Pre-packaged experiences weren’t needed; what mattered was sharing: sharing stories and knowledge. Through my eyes, I aimed to tell the story of my home—both the good and the bad.

At first, it wasn't easy, because here in the “heel of the boot”—in Apulia—we weren’t used to opening up like that. But every time I had the chance, I tried to share these stories with travelers I met.

I'm Antonio Ruggieri, one of the first authorized experiential tourism operators in Apulia.