Our Story - Welcome to Irpinia
Ciao! My name is Josephine Carrabs, the Australian owner/ founder of Irpinia Escapes, and lawyer in my native Sydney, who has made it my passionate mission to shine a spotlight on the ancient district known as Irpinia, at the heart of Avellino in Campania.
My late paternal grandmother hails from this area, and throughout my youth I felt a connectedness both to my beloved Nonna (who migrated to Australia after marriage) and to this breathtaking region.
In 2023, my return to Irpinia with my young family signified more than just that feeling of ‘coming home’; it ignited this very vision of Irpinia Escapes, and my mission to share the untouched beauty of this region and provide unforgettable and genuine experiences for travelers was born. It’s why bespoke tours and curated packages have been created for those wanting to discover Irpinia.
When you travel with us, it’s more than sightseeing, it’s living. It’s wandering off the beaten path, tasting flavors passed down through generations, and immersing yourself in the beauty of traditions that feel like they’ve stood still in time.
We are proud to have been featured on two of Australia’s largest television stations, Channel 7, on “The Great Outdoors” as well as a one-hour program on Channel 9 titled “A Journey to Irpinia- by David Whitehill”. Irpinia Escapes was also awarded the Small Business Enterprise Award in 2024 by the Italian Chamber of Commerce Sydney and has hosted a number of celebrities and influencers in Irpinia including Richard Wilkins, AM and his son, Christian Wilkins.
This is the Italy I want to share with you.
Irpinia isn’t a place you just visit. It’s a place where you’re welcomed like family. From winemakers who pour their hearts into every glass to Nonnas who teach you the magic of handmade pasta, these are the moments that connect you to the soul of Italy. I created Irpinia Escapes because I knew this was something too special to keep to myself.
When you travel with us, it’s more than sightseeing, it’s living. It’s wandering off the beaten path, tasting flavours passed down through generations, and immersing yourself in the beauty of traditions that feel like they’ve stood still in time. And the best part? You’re never just a guest here, you’re part of the family.
So, come along! Let’s share a glass of wine, swap stories, and create memories you’ll cherish forever.
Benvenuti in Irpinia, We can’t wait to show you around!
Our Promise - Authentic Italy
Our created escapes allow you to immerse yourself in the heart and soul of Southern Italy. Our mission is to foster a deep connection between travelers and authentic Italy—the one that envelops you in warmth, tradition, and an indescribable sense of joy.
To ensure our clients' most exclusive and authentic experiences, we have leveraged our in-depth local knowledge and established network to partner with locally owned and operated businesses, including Zembalo Bed and Breakfast and Fiorentino Wines.
Our Partners
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Rafaelle - Zembalo B&B
After years in the offshore scaffolding safety sector, Raffaele returned to his village, Gesualdo. Drawn by its authenticity, he opened "Zembalo" B&B, where human connections and good vibes flourish. Inspired by the picturesque landscapes and welcoming community, Raffaele infused his love for regional traditions into every detail: preparing traditional meals, hosting local artists, and recommending Irpinia's best to visitors.
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Maurizio - Operations Manager & Guide
Maurizio's studies in Italy and the UK have given him extensive experience in tourism and hospitality. He worked in regions like Trentino and Tuscany, renowned for their tourism. Believing in a more conscious and respectful form of tourism, Maurizio sees Irpinia, his homeland, as perfect for this vision. As Irpinia Escapes' operations manager and tour guide, he showcases the true beauty of Irpinia.
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Gianni - Fiorentino Wines
Gianni lives in Paternopoli, a quiet village in central Irpinia. After years as a legal consultant, he pursued his true passion for winemaking. Raised among vineyards, Gianni and his siblings established a state-of-the-art winery on ancestral land bought by their grandfather Luigi. With six acres dedicated to Aglianico red wine, Gianni also planted new vines for future white wine production, continuing his family’s winemaking tradition.