About Phil~italy

Founder & CEO

​

Why am I here to serve you?:
I fell in love with the Italian culture getting to know my grandparents, who emigrated from Italy to America before World War II.  They exemplified to me the tenacity, love, creativity and hard work it takes to build a good life for oneself, family and neighbors.  Now I feel it’s my turn to carry that torch forward by supporting travelers who care to discover a land that brought many good life lessons to the world in the areas of art, fashion, architecture, cuisine, music and countless other attributes of healthy living.

​

A little bit about me:
I was born in Cleveland, Ohio, studied at University of Michigan (Go Blue!) and began my journey to learn the Italian language formally when I was 20 years young in college, then pursuing a full immersion language experience in Siena, Tuscany.  My career in corporate and public sector health benefits lasted over 38 years, in which five of them were based in Italy.  I decided to found and dedicate all of my time to Phil~italy Cultural Exchanges, LLC, after doing this work alone as a hobby, with temporary assistance here and there, over 27 year period.   Now, my delightful team in Italy and America are here to serve you and make your journey the most enjoyable in La Dolce Vita, as well as Argentina, where Italy has influenced its cultural identify.

​

My favorite place to travel in Italy:

Are the regions of Abruzzo and Molise (Central South)  where I have strong ancestral roots.  in the local Apennine mountain range, you actually feel the natural beauty and warmth of its residents very profoundly.  Sicily for sure comes in second place for me personally, because of the diversity of cultures who conquered and left their respective unique imprint.

Marketing and Social Media -

​

Bob Sorrentino is a retired banking professional, author, and passionate advocate for preserving and exploring Italian heritage. After a 42-year career in banking, he turned his focus to researching his own Italian roots, a journey that soon grew into a mission to help others reconnect with their ancestry and cultural traditions.

In 2018, Bob launched the Italian Roots and Genealogy blog and later expanded the project with a YouTube channel of the same name, where he shares interviews, family stories, and insights into Italian genealogy and culture. He is the author of two books, Farmers and Nobles and You Can Bank On It, and has become a recognized voice in the Italian-American genealogy community.

​

Since 2021, Bob has traveled extensively throughout Italy, visiting ancestral towns in Campania, Puglia, and Calabria and interviewing more than 300 people about their family histories and cultural connections to Italy. Through these conversations, he continues to document the rich stories of the Italian diaspora.

​

Bob also produces the Phil~italy newsletter and manages the Phil~italy website. He is currently developing a dynamic YouTube channel focused on travel tips and travelogue-style videos designed to inspire people to discover authentic Italian experiences—whether in Italy itself or within their own hometown communities.

Planning and Booking - 

​

I’m Carolina, born and raised in Rome in an Italian-American family. Growing up between these two cultures gave me a real sense of Italian traditions and an understanding of how travelers from abroad experience Italy, which I bring to my work every day at Phil~italy. 

​

What excites me most is sharing my love for Italy and its extraordinary richness, helping travelers discover the country in a meaningful and genuine way.

​

At Phil~italy, I work directly with clients to create personalized itineraries, from planning experiences to coordinating bookings and local contacts. My goal is to ensure that each traveler has a trip that’s smooth, unforgettable, and uniquely theirs.

Client Experience -

 

Charlie Bongiorno, a third-generation Italian-American, born, raised, and educated in NY, moved to Milan in 1986 for a 3 to 5 year work assignment..... and never looked back! After working nearly 10 years in Milan, Charlie moved to Rome, where he married, raised two daughters, continued his career in the insurance industry (meeting Phil along the way), and eventually retired in 2020.

With nearly 40 years of hands-on living experience in Italy.

 

Charlie collaborates with Phil-italy on an as-needed basis: Meeting & Greeting unaccompanied clients upon their arrival in Rome, transporting clients to sights of interest near Rome (i.e. Tivoli), presenting clients to local contacts engaged for heritage visits (and translating their meetings, if needed), general troubleshooting in Rome.

Charlie enjoys the outdoors, hiking and cycling, and exploring Italy's rich cultural, artistic and gastronomical treasures. He's travelled throughout Italy, as well as to China, Mongolia, Vietnam, Thailand, Egypt, Morocco, Iceland, Argentina, and most European and Scandinavian countries and capital cities. 

Planning and Booking-

 

Why am I here to serve you? I am here to guide our clients step-by-step, ensuring they experience the very best of Italy. We make it our mission to always be by our travelers' side helping them design the perfect trip beforehand, supporting them through every moment of their journey, and remaining available for them afterward to help plan their next great Italian adventure!

 

A little bit about me: Born in Naples, I spent 28 wonderful years of my life there, studying, working, and fully immersing myself in a city famous for its thousand colors and deep emotions. I studied tourism and holds a degree in foreign languages. After graduating, I worked closely with people from all over the world, helping them discover the most beautiful, hidden corners of my hometown. Recently, I moved to Florence, and I am absolutely loving getting to know this magnificent city, so rich in art, history, and culture.

My favorite place to travel in Italy: Italy is beautiful everywhere, but coastal landscapes are closest to my heart. Having lived in Naples, right by the sea of the beautiful Gulf, I especially love the town of Vico Equense, as it holds my most cherished memories of days spent at the beach. Now that I am in Florence, I am creating wonderful new experiences exploring the breathtaking Tuscan hills and vineyards.

Planning and Booking -

​

Why am I here to serve you?:
I truly believe that travel is about emotions, connections, and unforgettable moments. I am here to guide you through Italy not just as a destination, but as a feeling, sharing places, traditions, and experiences that come from the heart. 

​

A little bit about me:
I was born in Naples, a city full of passion, history, and soul, and this is exactly what I love to share with others. Growing up surrounded by beauty has given me a deep appreciation for my country and its traditions. I enjoy creating meaningful journeys that allow travelers to experience Italy the way we truly live it.

My favorite place to travel in Italy:

The Amalfi Coast, it’s home to my heart. Being Neapolitan, I feel deeply connected to this land, its colors, its scents, and its breathtaking views. To me, it is simply the most beautiful place in the world.