About Us
Specialists in Curated Travel to Southern Italy
Golden Riva is a luxury travel company that curates immersive, personalized journeys through Calabria, Italy. Founded by Marco Palermo and Gary Portuesi, two of the most respected names in Italian travel, the company offers a deeper way to experience southern Italy, one rooted in authenticity, culture, and refined comfort.
Drawing on decades of combined experience through Authentic Italy and Authentic Explorations, Golden Riva opens doors to Calabria’s most treasured places. Guests are invited to explore vineyard-covered hillsides, ancient Greek ruins, quiet fishing villages, and family-run kitchens that have been cooking the same beloved recipes for generations. Every journey is handcrafted with care, balancing meaningful local experiences with world-class hospitality.
Golden Riva serves travelers who are curious, discerning, and eager to connect with the real Italy. The company partners directly with local artisans, chefs, historians, and guides to ensure that each trip supports the communities it touches. With a focus on storytelling, heritage, and personalized attention, Golden Riva redefines what it means to travel well.
Meet the Founders
Marco Palermo
Marco Palermo is a native of Calabria with a passion for hospitality, cultural heritage, and immersive travel. He studied languages and international relations at La Sapienza University in Rome before serving in a diplomatic protocol role at the U.S. Embassy in Italy. There, he helped coordinate high-level visits for global leaders including President Barack Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry.
In 2016, Marco join the team at Authentic Explorations, where he became known for his warm approach and exceptional knowledge of Italy’s lesser-known regions. His work focuses on designing tailored experiences that celebrate local identity and foster personal connection. As Executive Account Director, Marco helped elevate Authentic Explorations as a trusted name among luxury travelers.
Recognized by Travel + Leisure as a top A-List travel advisor since 2022, Marco brings deep regional expertise and heartfelt insight to Golden Riva. His intimate knowledge of Calabria’s food, its traditions, and its people guides the company’s vision and ensures that every guest feels like an honored guest in his homeland.
Gary Portuesi
Gary Portuesi is a luxury travel veteran with more than 25 years of experience in designing unforgettable journeys across Italy. He began his career at American Express, where he cultivated a deep understanding of customer service and destination expertise. In 2002, he founded Authentic Sicily, a boutique travel company that quickly grew to include all of Italy under the name Authentic Italy.
In 2019, Gary co-founded Authentic Explorations, expanding his company’s focus to include curated experiences across Europe and Latin America. He is consistently recognized as one of the industry’s leading advisors and has been named to Condé Nast Traveler’s Top Travel Specialist list and Travel + Leisure’s A-List from 2017 to the present.
At Golden Riva, Gary brings a strategic vision grounded in decades of relationship-building and logistical excellence. His focus is on delivering seamless, meaningful travel experiences that connect people to place through storytelling, tradition, and human connection. His commitment to authenticity continues to shape Golden Riva’s mission and approach.