A Non-Profit Organization. A Commitment Beyond Words
At Esperienza, we are committed to creating meaningful, memorable experiences in Italy, connecting you to undiscovered places of beauty and culture, where you will meet kind, passionate locals, along with other curious explorers. We offer an antidote to typical for-profit group tourism, focusing instead on unconventional, people-centered, transformative travel in rural Italy, mutually beneficial to all.
Our Story
Esperienza was founded in 2017 when Anna Bonavita read a New York Times article about the plight of many quintessential small towns and villages in Italy, suffering from devastating population loss due to changing times. With her own history and love of Italy, Anna decided to do something about it, beginning with the region she knew best. She had a vision of bringing visitors to Emilia Romagna. There, they’d take part in the local community, learn more about the language, culture and cuisine, and perhaps enjoy deeply immersive and transformative experiences. Since then, we have sharpened our focus on the true vision of Esperienza: to transform tourism into a positive force for rural Italy.
Through a coordinated effort with several towns in Emilia-Romagna, and with the help of a small team of passionate Italophiles, Anna has begun to fulfill her dream. In 2018, some fifty visitors took part in the first language and culinary immersion programs. By all measures, both programs were a resounding success, and provided a platform for continued growth.
Our Growing Impact
Most importantly, Esperienza is having a significant impact in rural Italy, bringing renewed optimism not only to Pennabilli, but also other villages, and indeed, the entire surrounding region.
We are helping to bring vitality to museums, cultural institutions and artists through grants and direct support, preserving the rich heritage of rural places, and the people who keep them vibrant.
We are supporting biodiversity and preserving the natural environment by donating to foundations and by planting trees to assure our tours are carbon neutral.
Click here for more details about the organizations and individuals to whom we have contributed.
Esperienza also supports independent chefs, farmers, artisans, small businesses, and more in rural communities by patronizing their shops, farms and restaurants.
Gratitude from our First Hosts
A special message from the mayor of Pennabilli, Mauro Giannini:
Unable to travel? You can still support Esperienza!
If you would like to support our mission, but are not able to travel with us, we invite you to make a donation. Esperienza is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and all donations are tax deductible. Click the button below to make an online contribution.