Our stories
Our stories
Our stories
The Magicians who are responsible for all the magic that happens in our Company
ThePugliaTours is a fairly new enterprise in this market sector.
It was conceived, developed and created by three long-time professionals and colleagues with a significant background in international companies operating in high-end tourism.
We are locals, enthusiastic and passionate about our work and we decided to express our passion by sharing true authentic and luxury experiences.
Gino Marchionna
Sales & Marketing Director
gino@thepugliatours.com
Gino is a native of Puglia.
After his graduation in Tourism Economics at the University of Bologna, he took his first steps in the luxury hotel sector working as professional hotelier in France and Morocco for Accor Group and Club Mediterranee.
Back in Puglia in 2008, he founded TERTIAM VIAGGI travel agency and continued the growth of his career as sales & marketing manager for luxury hotels.
Among other minor experiences, in 2011 he became the General Director of Palazzo Gattini Luxury hotel in Matera, where he welcomed prestigious guests as the Dalai Lama, Sharon Stone, Morgan Freeman and recently Daniel Craig during the shooting of the last 007 movie.
He also manages “Turismore”, a consultant agency for boutique hotels and he founded the club “Matera Collection – Unique and Characteristic Hotels”, whose associates are luxury tour operators and hotels.
His extensive experiences in the luxury segment of travel is now directed and focused on the project “The Puglia Tours” with the aim to offer exclusive tours and services to high-end clientele.
Anna Sbordoni
Travel Designer & Tour Guide
anna@thepugliatours.com
Born and raised in Rome, Anna has always had a passion for travel and exploration.
Graduated from the “Superior School for Translators and Interpreters” in Rome, she is an official licensed tour guide and tour leader.
She speaks 4 languages: Italian, English, French, German.
After many years of experience as Assistant to Presidents and Managing Directors of Multinational Groups (Thyssenkrupp/Germany, Smithkline/USA) and other collaborations with press agencies, marketing and communication departments, she has totally embraced her career in the tourism business.
Anna has worked as Tour Director and Tour Guide for major US and European Tour Operators in Italy and in numerous countries all over the world and has often designed and developed itineraries for them.
She has a deep knowledge of the luxury segment and she knows how to succeed in meeting the demands of high-end guests.
Anna has a passion for her country and likes to share her culture and knowledge with her guests, focusing on unique and authentic experiences.
Awdie Coppola
Local Expert & Tour Guide
awdie@thepugliatours.com
Born and raised in Lecce, Puglia, of an Anglo-Italian family, Awdie was brought up bilingual in English and Italian.
He speaks five languages and is a freelance translator, interpreter and lecturer, as well as teacher of English and Spanish.
He graduated in translation at the University of Trieste, specializing in Archaeology, History and Tourism.
For over 30 years he has worked in the tourist sector as a Tour Guide in Northern Italy, the United Kingdom, Albania and Greece and since 2008 mainly in Puglia and Southern Italy.
For many reasons Puglia has always been his favourite region in Italy. Puglia is an inspiring blend of flavours, colours, and fragrances unique in the Mediterranean.
Puglia and its history, culture and lifestyle are key aspects of Awdie’s introduction to the region.
As a native local expert with his vast knowledge and enthusiasm he will let you experience a unique and unforgettable tour of Puglia.
Gino Marchionna
Sales & Marketing Director
gino@thepugliatours.com
Gino is a native of Puglia.
After his graduation in Tourism Economics at the University of Bologna, he took his first steps in the luxury hotel sector working as professional hotelier in France and Morocco for Accor Group and Club Mediterranee.
Back in Puglia in 2008, he founded TERTIAM VIAGGI travel agency and continued the growth of his career as sales & marketing manager for luxury hotels.
Among other minor experiences, in 2011 he became the General Director of Palazzo Gattini Luxury hotel in Matera, where he welcomed prestigious guests as the Dalai Lama, Sharon Stone, Morgan Freeman and recently Daniel Craig during the shooting of the last 007 movie.
He also manages “Turismore”, a consultant agency for boutique hotels and he founded the club “Matera Collection – Unique and Characteristic Hotels”, whose associates are luxury tour operators and hotels.
His extensive experiences in the luxury segment of travel is now directed and focused on the project “The Puglia Tours” with the aim to offer exclusive tours and services to high-end clientele.
Anna Sbordoni
Travel Designer & Tour Guide
anna@thepugliatours.com
Born and raised in Rome, Anna has always had a passion for travel and exploration.
Graduated from the “Superior School for Translators and Interpreters” in Rome, she is an official licensed tour guide and tour leader.
She speaks 4 languages: Italian, English, French, German.
After many years of experience as Assistant to Presidents and Managing Directors of Multinational Groups (Thyssenkrupp/Germany, Smithkline/USA) and other collaborations with press agencies, marketing and communication departments, she has totally embraced her career in the tourism business.
Anna has worked as Tour Director and Tour Guide for major US and European Tour Operators in Italy and in numerous countries all over the world and has often designed and developed itineraries for them.
She has a deep knowledge of the luxury segment and she knows how to succeed in meeting the demands of high-end guests.
Anna has a passion for her country and likes to share her culture and knowledge with her guests, focusing on unique and authentic experiences.
Awdie Coppola
Local Expert & Tour Guide
awdie@thepugliatours.com
Born and raised in Lecce, Puglia, of an Anglo-Italian family, Awdie was brought up bilingual in English and Italian.
He speaks five languages and is a freelance translator, interpreter and lecturer, as well as teacher of English and Spanish.
He graduated in translation at the University of Trieste, specializing in Archaeology, History and Tourism.
For over 30 years he has worked in the tourist sector as a Tour Guide in Northern Italy, the United Kingdom, Albania and Greece and since 2008 mainly in Puglia and Southern Italy.
For many reasons Puglia has always been his favourite region in Italy. Puglia is an inspiring blend of flavours, colours, and fragrances unique in the Mediterranean.
Puglia and its history, culture and lifestyle are key aspects of Awdie’s introduction to the region.
As a native local expert with his vast knowledge and enthusiasm he will let you experience a unique and unforgettable tour of Puglia.