Marino Cardelli | Source | Experience BellaVita

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Marino Cardelli

Experience BellaVita
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Marino's journey unfolds in the lush landscapes of Italy, where he was nurtured among the enduring traditions of a rural Italian family. Under the watchful eyes of his grandparents, he became well-versed in the ancestral arts of cooking, cheese-making, winemaking, olive farming, and truffle hunting. This rich tapestry of experiences not only connected him to his roots but also shaped his future.

From a young age, Marino was inspired by the stories of his ancestors who migrated to provide better futures for their families. Carrying this legacy, he ventured abroad, equipped with a degree in IT and a spirit filled with dreams. However, a realization struck him profoundly. "I was saddened to see developing countries thriving on tourism while our rich, cultural rural Italy remained overshadowed," Marino recalls. This sparked a dream, a desire to offer and inspire the choice to appreciate and live in one's homeland.

In 2018, Marino's passion for gastronomy and love for his country led him to a pivotal decision. He left his IT career to return to Italy and establish a tour operator, dedicated to unveiling the culinary and cultural treasures of Italy's less-traveled regions. His mission was clear: to promote sustainable tourism and celebrate the enduring local traditions. "I wanted to reverse the trend of my peers leaving for opportunities elsewhere. My goal was to transfer my skills and knowledge back to my roots and inspire people to explore the hidden gems beyond the well-trodden paths."

Marino continued to expand his expertise, becoming a certified Sommelier, which further deepened his connection with the Italian culinary and cultural heritage. He revived long-lost family traditions like wine growing, halted 60 years ago, and introduced regional practices like vino cotto making into his family for the first time.

Today, Marino is a relentless traveler, scouring Italy to forge new partnerships and uncover hidden traditions. Fueled by his passion for natural wine, craft beer & spirits, specialty coffee, and fine foods, he is a living embodiment of the authentic Italian spirit.
Marino's story is not just one of returning home but of reigniting a love for the untold stories and flavors of Italy, inspiring others to explore and cherish them as well.

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  • Economic Concerns Prompt Americans to Delay, Not Cancel, Travel Plans
    Marino notes that while many American travelers are postponing trips due to economic concerns, they remain optimistic. A client expressed confidence in economic recovery, choosing to delay rather than cancel plans. This "wait and see" approach reflects a broader trend of caution among travelers, seeking stability before committing to international travel.
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  • HUFFPOST - 'Detour Destinations' Are Going To Be Wildly Popular In 2025

    “Travel to detour destinations is rising due to a desire to escape overcrowded, over-commercialized destinations and seek out places that retain their authenticity, traditions and local charm,” explained Marino Cardelli, founder of travel tour company Experience BellaVita. “Travelers are looking for destinations where they can relax, away from the crowds, and immerse themselves with locals in unique experiences that are increasingly disappearing or threatened by the rise of mass tourism.”

    In addition to authentic cultural immersion and fewer crowds, these destinations provide opportunities to support local economies directly.

    Author: Sara Iannacone

  • BBC - Five countries helping you reconnect you with your roots

    Extract: Nearly 80 million people around the world can trace their ancestry back to Italy, and the Italian Ministry of Tourism is encouraging those in the diaspora to return, deeming 2024 the "Year of Italian Roots in the World".
    "Heritage travel has been the foundation of my business, making up more than 95% of our focus," said Marino Cardelli, who founded travel agency Experience BellaVita in 2018. "This work has become more than a business – it's a profoundly rewarding calling that allows me to help clients from around the world reconnect with their Italian roots. The majority of my clients seek out specific towns in Italy to uncover family histories, and we offer dedicated genealogy services to assist them."

    He notes that tracing family history here can be complex. Many Italians emigrated in the early 1900s, and their original homes may have been destroyed during the World Wars. Still, Italy has extensive civil and parish records dating as far back as the 1400s that can supply promising information – and sometimes even lead to locating living relatives.

    Author: Lindsey Galloway

  • BBC Travel - Is this the end of the travel selfie?
    Extract "Or, you're taking pictures of yourself and a random stray cat and missing out on the essence of a truffle hunt experience you paid for and then complaining about it later, as was the case with one participant of Experience BellaVita, an independent tour operator in Italy. This ultimately led to the company implementing a new way for truffle hunting participants to "immerse themselves in the moment", explained Marino Cardelli, owner of Experience BellaVita.

    Now, on truffle hunts in Abruzzo, Experience BellaVita's participants are given tools – truffle hunting hoes and treats for the truffle hunting dogs – so that they actively engage with the experience and don't reach for their devices so quickly. The idea, said Cardelli, is to discourage people from using their phones so they might have a "more meaningful travel experience that goes beyond the superficiality of selfies".

    That said, Cardelli understands the desire to have a visual takeaway of the truffle hunt experience, which is why he's enlisted a professional photographer to document the experiences for travellers."
    Author: Stacey Lastoe

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