Our story


Ilaria Ippoliti, owner of Piccolo Centro

Good company, good wine, good welcome, can make good people.

— Shakespeare

Hi, I am Ilaria Ippoliti, and I founded Piccolo Centro with the above quote in mind.

I am an international certified sommelier with an extensive working experience in wine and food business where I held management roles that made me live and work in different Italian regions (Tuscany, Veneto, Sicily, etc.) and travel all around the world to promote fine wines and excellent food.

I soon discovered my talent in crafting travel experiences that resonate. Both my corporate customers and private clients were asking me for support in organizing their trips to Italy.
They discovered that my extensive expertise in Fine Wines goes hand in hand with my knowledge of the best spots in Italy since I have lived and worked all over the country.

Soon, in my spare time, I found myself supplying spontaneous itineraries and crafting experiences like:

  • Cigars and wine seminars
  • Secluded Gardens itineraries in Tuscany
  • Meet the artisan workshops (from fashion to ceramics)
  • Exclusive winemaker tastings in 3 different Italian regions
  • A Summer Opera Festival itinerary covering three main Italian towns
  • Full Day Wine & Sailing experience
  • Cooking School with Wine pairing

Later, when I successfully launched a luxury villa rental business belonging to a winery, requests for travel consultancy from international guests boomed. 
Customers appreciated my insider experience, knowledge of not overrated or over-hyped destinations, and my ability to plan and craft curated experiences that allow interaction with locals and more insight about Italy.
And my sense of humor too!

All this was a turning point for me, and that is how Piccolo Centro was born. With a focus on wine, good food, good company, and underrated beautiful places in Italy. Based in Le Marche region, from which I move with my team through Italy.

Piccolo Centro supports local economies, respects communities, and their environment, enhances lesser-known production, presents terrific artists and artisans, and makes you know all the ordinary and warm-hearted people that make your holiday “bella.”

Piccolo Centro has a newsletter with a fresh and spirited approach to travel writing.

Testimonials

Unforgettable!

Ilaria made sure that my 70th birthday celebration was unforgettable for me and my loved ones.

I entrusted her with every aspect of the event, from the selection of the venue, menu, wines, and table setting, and she delivered flawlessly. The occasion was meticulously planned, sophisticated yet warm and welcoming, considering it was a family gathering.

It’s not easy to blend the elegance of an exclusive party with the sincerity of a heartfelt reception, but Ilaria managed to achieve that. The wine selection, including various Brunello di Montalcino vintages, was outstanding, and the accompanying cooking by Daniela was exceptional.

Marilena Riccioni - Italy

Amazing!

Came across Piccolo Centro by chance. I like their focus on untapped Italy and its finer side. For our 20th wedding anniversary, they created an itinerary based on our main interests; wine and ceramic art (my wife). We skipped the most traveled cities like Venice and Florence and focus on gems like Treviso, Faenza, Deruta, and Montefalco. Everything was very organized. We enjoyed their first level of service, care, and insider knowledge.

Sheryl & Mitch

Arizona

Grazie!

I decided to move to Italy for two months in Summer 2020. Ilaria helped me to arrange my stay at a seaside town in Tuscany, a stone’s throw from Apuan Alps. I could combine remote working and tour of the surroundings thanks to the tips and itineraries delivered weekly by her. I felt loved and curated.

Annie B.

Bellissimo!

After many years travelling in Tuscany we discovered the southern part of Le Marche thanks to Piccolo Centro. They booked for us a beautiful Villa and planned several itineraries that let us know a hidden gem like Le Marche region.

Gaby Steiner and Family

In 2023 we will be back for a new theme!

Piccolo Centro proposed us to travel with a theme. We followed the steps of Lorenzo Lotto a famous late Renaissance painter and discovered charming places often overlooked by traditional travel agencies.

Daisy M.

Well organized

Ilaria crafted for my guests from Germany an itinerary combining sailing escapes with wine-related shore excursions. Everything was well organized. All Covid-19 prevention measures respected.

Sandro Alessi

An innate sense of hospitality

Ask Ilaria for the best spots in Italy… and its best wines!  Her insider experience and innate sense of hospitality make her a rare gem.

Madeleine Stenwerth

Master of Wine