TUSCAN VILLAGES and the ROMAN EMPIRE
An Immersive Connecting Experience
Oct 7-15, 2024
$4000/person or $3800/person if you bring another couple
Does not include airfare. Pairs and couples only.
Itinerary is subject to minor changes.
Mixed Group of max 7 couples (friends can come in pairs)
Fitness level- 5-7 miles a day walking
"My husband and I followed Casey’s lead as he took us through Italy on our first trip to Europe in October of 2023. I knew I’d be amazed by the culture, art, history, architecture, and cuisine. Of course, I was right. What I didn’t anticipate is how well Casey blended all of those things into unforgettable memories every day. He made it feel as though it was effortless. I know there was an insane amount of careful and intentional planning on his part to pull off such a perfect trip. It flowed seamlessly as we made our way through the ruins of the Roman Empire, edifices of Roman Catholicism in all their grandeur, historical sites I had previously only dreamed of visiting, gorgeous towns nestled atop hillsides, and so much more. We traversed bustling cities and peaceful farm stays. We were immersed in culture and tested our language skills. We had once in a lifetime experiences every day, all day long. I often go back in my mind to a family farm cellar where a quiet but lively fella sliced prosciutto for us that he had packed in salt and cured himself. We ate our weight in gelato and when Casey pointed out the best shops we always had another scoop just to compare, for science. I loved the variety in the trip. There were days full of history and learning mixed with free time allowing us to wander through the gorgeous streets lined with shops. I loved that I didn’t have to plan a single thing. We saw everything we came for and more we didn’t even know about. If a trip to Italy is on your radar, I promise there is no better way to go about it than to let Casey provide you with a full scale cultural experience that will have you begging to go back." -Kana and Hunter Carlson
FLORENCE/LUCCA/PISA
OCT 7-10
Our lodging is located 5 minutes walk from the fabulous Duomo. The tower balcony affords us a 360 degree surreal view of the city.
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Day tour to Lucca and Pisa
Ride Bikes in Lucca
Tour of David
Best food and gelato
Leather Market
Gems of Florence
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Visits to Sienna and San Gimignano en route.
Worlds Best Gelato
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TUSCAN VILLA/VILLAGES
OCT 10-13
Charming Villa in Central Tuscany
close to some of the best cities Tuscany has to offer. Barbecue with the famous local steaks.
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Day visits to these beautiful hilltop cities:
Montepulciano
Pienza
Orvieto
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ROME
OCT 13-15
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Tour the Colosseum and Roman Forum
Pantheon
Trevi
Spanish Steps
Hidden Rome Gems
Best Food, Best Gelato
"Casey truly plans these trips to be "the trip of a lifetime". I've been twice and loved every second! GO...you won't regret it! -Angie and Andy A
"We went with Casey last fall, and it was an amazing, mind blowing trip. I have planned many trips on my own and I know how much work it is to figure out the logistics and with Casey that all melted away. Bless you Casey. Best trip EVER!" -Heidi and Ivun S.
""Going this past October made me want to become a regular. Hands down the best trip I've ever been on." Hunter and Kana C.
Organized and Led by
Casey and Melanie McFarland
435-881-9795
Each group we take is unique. It's our greatest desire that our guests make connections to the best of food, culture, history, and people of Italy. We take pride in orchestrating an experience that will be unforgettable. Casey is fluent in the Italian language and has spent nearly three years living in various parts of this beautiful country.
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- All lodging beginning Oct 7. Tour ends the morning of Oct 15
-Italian/English Speaking guide (Casey)
- One big meal every day at hand picked restaurants. Breakfast.
-Day trips at handful of small towns
- Entrance fees to all tours named on itinerary. There will be some free Time to explore extracurricular tours if desired..
- Ground transportation from city to city beginning Oct 7 and ending Oct 15..
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:
- Flights
- Passport (make sure it doesn't expire within 6 months of travel)
- Travel insurance (optional but recommended)
-Gelato and other snacks, etc. (we only stop at the best gelato places)
- Extra taxi costs during free time in addition to daily transportation provided
- Personal expenses/incidentals
All package prices are based on double occupancy (tickets for the tour are sold as a package for two guests).
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Price for entire trip per person is $4000 or $3800 if you bring another couple along . Must book as a couple or bring a friend to share a room. Deposit of $1000/person required to book. Deposits are non-refundable after April 10, 2024. Balance is due September 7.
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* We recommend arriving at least a day early to acclimate to the time change and in case of flight delays.. Flying into Florence or Rome (FCO) is the best option for this trip. However, some people come early and explore other parts of Italy or Europe and then meet us. You are responsible to be at Palazzo Graziani in Florence at noon October 7. If you fly into Rome you can take a train to Florence.
This trip is designed to be nimble so we can bop in and out of small towns. Once we leave Rome everything we bring will be placed in two 9-passenger vans. That being said we follow the Rick Steves rule of ONE carry-on. Pack for five days and we will have laundry abilities at the villa.
Because we will be walking a considerable amount this trip requires participants be able to walk up to five miles a day and keep up with a group. Many cities in Italy are built on hills and we will be walking a considerable amount. It's typical to walk 5-7 miles a day without thinking about it but its broken up and not all at once.
Each couple will have their own room and with an exception or two their own bathroom, At times beds will need to be pushed together to form one large bed (This is an Italian thing). The rooms are clean and you will be comfortable but we definitely err on the side of proximity to action over luxury.
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Local Guide
Fabiana D'Angelo
