Curio trips are built around a pretty simple idea: go to interesting places with interesting people, and don't over-plan the fun out of it.

We'll visit some places you've probably heard of, and others you probably haven't. We mix the Italy you came hoping to see with places and experiences you might never have discovered on your own.

Our groups are small, our trips are personally hosted, and experiences have to earn their place on the itinerary. We're not trying to show you all of Italy. We're trying to have a really good time exploring a piece of it.

It varies by trip, but generally your Curio trip will include accommodations, transportation during the tour, scheduled guides and activities, entrance fees, and most of your meals.

We intentionally don't include every meal or fill every hour. Part of traveling is having the freedom to wander off, find your own restaurant, or spend an evening however you'd like.

Each trip page spells out exactly what's included.

Most, but not all, are. and It's intentional.

In smaller towns, on travel days, or when we've found a place that's worth making part of the experience, we'll usually eat together. Sometimes there aren't many practical alternatives. Other times, the meal is simply something we think you shouldn't miss.

But in a place like Rome, we'd rather give you some places we like and let you explore. You might want a long dinner, a quick pizza, or something completely different from everyone else in the group.

We don't include meals just to make the inclusions list longer. We include them when doing so makes the experience better.

Sometimes, leaving something out is intentional.

Many Curio travelers have been to Italy before. Many have already toured the Colosseum, visited the Vatican Museums, or seen some of Italy's other major attractions. We don't think everyone should have to pay for the same experience again just because it's expected on an Italy itinerary.

We'd rather use that time and money for something different.

Of course, if it's your first trip to Rome, or you'd simply like to visit one of those places again, you absolutely can. That's one reason we build free time into our trips. You'll have time to see some of the things that matter to you without requiring everyone else to do the same.

Yes. Intentionally.

Traveling with a group doesn't mean you should have to spend every waking hour with the group. When the itinerary allows, we build in time to explore, shop, sit at a café, visit something that interests you, take a nap, or do absolutely nothing.

We'll take care of the things that make sense to do together and leave room for you to experience some of Italy on your own.

Sometimes the best part of a trip is the part nobody scheduled.

Small. Most Curio trips are designed for approximately 10–12 travelers.

That matters especially when we visit smaller towns. A place that rarely sees tour groups simply isn't set up for 40 or 50 people arriving at once. A small group can visit without overwhelming the restaurants, cafés and streets that make the place interesting in the first place.

It also gives us more flexibility with transportation, restaurants and the kinds of experiences we can include along the way.

Curio trips are founder-led journeys, which means Lucas travels with the group and hosts the trip from beginning to end.

We also bring in professional local guides and experts where their knowledge makes the experience better. The idea isn't for one person to pretend to know everything about Italy. It's to bring in the right people at the right time.

Curio isn't intended to specialize in one particular part of Italy.  Tours are planned for places we find something interesting enough to build a trip around.  We focus on unique and less-visited areas.  But, not at the exclusion of the famous places.

Some trips may include famous destinations such as Rome, Tuscany or Pompeii. Others may take us into places such as Cilento or Ciociaria that many American travelers have barely heard of.

The destination matters. Why we're going there matters more.

It caries - a little structured and a little unstructured.

One day might include Pompeii with a knowledgeable guide. Another might take us into a small town you've never heard of. Some places are best experienced as you prefer for a few hours. There could be an agriturismo, historical ruins, a boat trip along the coast, a long lunch, or something we discover simply because we're there.

We plan the things worth planning and leave some room for everything else.

Most Curio trips are planned for spring and fall. The weather is generally pleasant, and we can avoid some of the worst heat and crowds of the summer season.

Individual trip dates are listed on the Tours page.

No ... not to join a Curio trip.

We'll take care of the situations where Italian is necessary. But learning buongiorno, grazie, and a few other words before you arrive certainly doesn't hurt.

Absolutely. You don't need to bring a travel companion to join a Curio trip.

Keepin mind, because hotel rooms generally cost almost as much for one person as for two, there may be a higher single-occupancy price. When that's the case, you'll see "single supplement" to reflect your private room before you book.

Italy involves walking. There are cobblestones, stairs, hills, uneven streets and historic places that weren't designed with modern accessibility in mind.

We describe the physical demands of each trip before you book so you know what to expect. Curio isn't intended to be an adventure or hiking tour, but travelers should generally be comfortable spending time on their feet and walking through towns and historical sites.

If you're unsure about a particular trip, ask us.

Curio currently uses a Priority List before opening reservations for a trip.

Joining the list doesn't force you to book or pay a deposit. It simply lets us know you're seriously interested and gives you priority when we're ready to begin reservations. 

We'll contact people on the Priority List with the trip details and next steps first. You'll have an opportunity to ask questions and decide whether you'd like to join us before making your reservation.

Because Curio groups are small, there aren't many spots on each trip. If you see a trip that interests you, it's a good idea to let us know early. You can even us know a place you'd like to visit allows us to start planning a tour around your specific interests.  This is the advantage of our "small group design"!

Generally, tours are available for booking 6-12 months in advance. 

You don't need to be ready to book. Joining a trip's Priority List simply tells us you're interested and gives you the first opportunity to move forward as plans are finalized.

Each Curio trip has clearly stated cancellation and refund terms. You can always see the general refund and cancellation terms by clicking below.

We also strongly recommend travel insurance. A trip to Italy is a significant purchase, and insurance can protect you when illness, emergencies or other unexpected circumstances interfere with your plans.  Insurance is typically a low-cost piece of mind.  As always, we can help provide helpful advice if you have any questions.

Your transportation to and from Italy is not included.

We'll tell you where and when you need to meet the group and provide practical information to help you plan your arrival and departure.

Many travelers build a longer trip to Italy around their Curio trip, adding a few days before, after, or both. We're happy to point you in the right direction if you're considering spending additional time in Italy.

Yes. Curio Italia is a U.S.-based tour company operated by Perretti Tours LLC  and registered as a Seller of Travel in California (CST#2164035).

We work with professional guides, hotels, transportation providers and other local partners in Italy.

Upcoming trips will be posted here on the Curio Italia website and announced to Curio subscribers. If a trip interests you, you can also contact us with questions before deciding whether it's right for you.