Think of it as our first flight. The Pilot Tour is our very first Curio Italia journey—a chance for a small group of adventurous travelers to experience Italy with us before anyone else. You’ll enjoy the full itinerary, but you’ll also be part of the “launch team,” shaping how future tours evolve.

Because it feels personal. You won’t just see Italy—you’ll taste wine with families who make it, wander piazzas the guidebooks forgot, and travel with a group small enough to feel like friends. Our focus is putting you in the position to create your OWN adventure and create your OWN memories. These are the stories that you will tell for the rest of your life. That’s the Curio Italia difference.

Because you’re helping us launch! As a Founding Traveler, you’ll receive a $500 Launch Credit and near-cost pricing. It’s our way of saying grazie mille for joining us at the very start.  (And, yeah, The secret is out of the bag – if you add the Puglia Add-On, you receive ANOTHER $500 Launch Credit!!) After this trip, tours will be offered at full price.

Almost everything! Your accommodations, daily breakfast, hosted activities, most meals, all ground transportation, and insider experiences (think vineyard tastings, artisan visits, and seaside walks). What’s not included: airfare to/from Italy, travel insurance, and a few optional meals or free-time activities.

Because we’re not another cookie-cutter tour company. Curio Italia is about curiosity, connections, and uncovering Italy’s hidden corners. We focus on authentic encounters—the family kitchen, the unmarked trail, the small-town piazza—where the real Italy comes alive.

Many “big bus” tours cost the same—or more—but rush you through crowded sites with 40+ people. Somehow, you will see three MAJOR cities in 3 days.  Imagine trying to visit LA,NY, and Miami in 3 days! Our price includes boutique hotels, insider access, and small-group intimacy you won’t find elsewhere.  

Small. Intimate. Cozy. We are planning for 12 Pilot Tour Travelers.  We >might< extend that number to 14 maximum. This means no big buses, no herds—just a handful of curious companions who quickly feel like family.

Absolutely. We believe in slow travel—structured experiences with space to wander. You’ll have time for a cappuccino in the piazza, a sunset walk, or that extra gelato stop you’ll thank yourself for later. Typically, you will start your day with a guided adventure.  After that, you can explore and create our own adventure!

Nope. This isn’t a boot camp—it’s Italy! We’ll walk cobblestone streets and up a few village hills, but nothing extreme. If you can comfortably stroll for an hour, you’ll be just fine.

We build in flexibility. Deposits are fully refundable within 15 days of booking, and we have a clear cancellation policy if something comes up later. On our end, while we stick closely to the published itinerary, we may make small adjustments if it creates a better experience (think: a hidden piazza we just can’t skip).  Click on “Overview of the Payment & Refund Process” link above for a summary.

Yes, please do! Travel is better shared. Just note that Pilot Tour spots are limited—if you’d like to bring someone, we encourage booking early so you can both join the founding group.  You will have to let us know the preferred sleeping requirements for you and your friend.  Otherwise… YES! Share your adventure!

We are SUPER jazzed for this cool extension!  After the main 8-day Rome + Cilento journey, you can extend with a 5-day Puglia adventure. Imagine wandering around fascinating trulli under the stars, exploring Lecce’s Baroque streets, and swimming in Polignano’s turquoise waters! These are truly unique experiences you will probably humble-brag about for many MANY years!  And, it’s offered exclusively to Pilot Tour guests at a special rate.

Pack light. Italy’s hill towns and cobblestones aren’t made for giant rolling suitcases. A medium checked bag or carry-on plus a small daypack is perfect.  You need to be able to handle your luggage up stairs, steps, and off/on transportation.

Charming, locally owned interesting boutique hotels. Think: family-run inns, restored villas, and seaside stays with character—not big chain hotels.  Most of the hotels are specially selected because of the unique experience we will enjoy. Each will bring a different ‘feel’ – from bustling central city locales, to pastoral and peaceful countryside stays, to rooms to soak in a seaside view. While each is nice and special, you shouldn’t expect super-opulent hotels you would see in the movies – that cost $1,000/night!  

Italy uses the euro (€). Cards are widely accepted, but it’s smart to carry a little cash for gelato, espresso, or small village shops.  NOTE: only Visa and Mastercard cards are widely accepted. Also, make sure you have a 4-digit PIN for all debit cards (and most credit cards).

No Italian required! Your hosts (and many locals) speak English. That said, a few phrases—buongiorno, grazie, un caffè per favore—will win you big smiles.