About Me
Hello everyone!
I'm Ilaria Bonfante, your expert travel designer, trip organizer, travel writer, and professional tour guide.
When I'm not traveling, you'll find me by the ocean near Porto, where I live and work as a tour guide.
In summer, I'm in the Azores, leading groups of travelers, exploring and showing them the authentic soul of my cherished islands!
Originally from Italy, I lived in several foreign places like Spain, Ireland, and Kenya, before making Portugal my new home in 2018.
My heart was captivated by the natural wonders of the Azores. They are truly unique.
In 2017, a trip to these islands changed my life. The enchantment of wild nature and the ocean inspired me to move to the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. I lived a year in Terceira, one of the Azores' gems.
In love with Portugal, its people, the oceanic coast, and the slower, more genuine lifestyle, I made this colorful country my new home.
A Bit More About Me
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I've traveled to over 55 Countries and I collaborate with various Italian and international tour operators as a travel planner, guide, and tour leader.
When I'm not traveling, I'm always on the lookout for new paths to explore. I'm an avid walker and trip organizer.
I personally test every service, route, accommodation, experience, and detail necessary to create an authentic journey. Then, I design the itinerary, combining the best solutions for travelers who entrust me with their trips.
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I love nature, the Atlantic Ocean, and its incessant roar. I adore swimming under waterfalls, observing rainbows, sunrise, and sunsets.
I'm passionate about art (I'm an official tour guide in Florence!), tasting local dishes, always paired with a good glass of wine!
Among the strangest culinary experiences worldwide, I can mention Icelandic fermented shark and fried worms in Thailand!
I'm an unstoppable walker, enjoying nature trails, hiking, and any outdoor activity.
When I travel, I'm filled with boundless energy, never tired. I immerse myself fully in each place, spend time with the locals, discovering intriguing stories only they can tell, stories you won't find in any guidebook!
My travels embrace the concept of sustainable and active tourism, combining adventure, naturalism, and ecotourism, enriched with cultural and local touches.
As a travel designer, I invest time and money to thoroughly understand each destination. I personally test services, routes, accommodations, experiences, and all the necessary details to create an authentic journey. Then, I design the itinerary, combining various solutions for travelers who entrust me with their trips.
I'm lively, talkative, optimistic, sunny, a bit crazy, absent-minded, stubborn, energetic, and free-spirited. That's me!
My Work:
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I'm here to simplify your life and make your journey unforgettable.
I offer detailed and personalized consultations to help you explore Portugal and the Azores at your own pace.
I take care of every detail, from bookings to experiences, so you can enjoy your trip worry-free. Just drop me an email or a WhatsApp message, tell me where you want to go... I'll take care of the rest!
I create authentic and innovative experiences in Porto and northern Portugal, in the remote regions of wonderful Central Portugal, in Rota Vicentina, and in the fascinating Azorean islands.
I personalize each trip with local activities and adventures, such as yoga classes, artisan workshops, horseback riding, water sports, canyoning, kayaking, forest baths, diving, snorkeling, wine and local product tastings, and much more.
I prioritize sustainable accommodations like agritourisms, guesthouses, local lodgings, rural tourism, eco-camping, and glamping.
I support the local economy and small artisanal businesses.
I propose self-guided itineraries for solo travelers, as well as guided trips for small groups in Portugal and Azores Islands.
I also work as professional local guide in Porto and surrounding
Well, as usual, I've talked too much... I'll stop here for now!
Are you ready to be inspired and embark on a journey?!
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