Less Than 10 Guests – April 23 – May 1 (2026)
Rome – Herculaneum- Cilento – Paestum
We Are Just Looking for Curious Travelers
Limited Invitations Still Available
This isn’t just another Italy tour — it’s an early, founder-led experience designed to help shape what Curio Italia becomes.
Spring participants join as pilot contributors, offering feedback and reflections while helping document the journey through photos and stories.
For the right people, invitations may also include contributor support or partial scholarships. This is about alignment and shared curiosity — not just travel plans.
Travel deeper. Travel slower. Travel curious.
The Spring Pilot Experience explores Rome and quieter corners of Lazio and southern Italy — with time built in for wandering, connection, and discovery.
We focus on fewer places and spend more time in each — avoiding rushed schedules and oversized tour stops.
Along the way, you’ll experience:
Rome beyond the obvious highlights
Herculaneum and its surrounding landscape
Food-forward towns and coastal villages in the Cilento
Hill towns in Lazio and Campania rarely included on group itineraries
Prices shown are per person (double occupancy) excluding airfare. Solo travelers are subject to a “solo supplement”.
PILOT TOUR Regular Price: $3,950
Launch Price starting at: $3,700
(with $250 Launch Credit)
Solo Supplement: $350
You have a choice of paying one payment, or if it is easier, 3 monthly payments. Click HERE to see payment options.
Spring Pilot travelers typically join at an early-stage rate in the $2,000 – $3,000 range, depending on room type and final group size. NOTE: This is significantly below future Curio departures.
Final pricing is shared privately after invitation.
Stay curious. We’ll take care of the rest.
By requesting an invitation you agree to our Terms of Service.
Not available to residents of FL, HI, or WA.
Travel planning should feel exciting, not risky.
$100 refundable reservation to hold your spot
15-day full refund window after booking
Flexible, transparent payment schedule
Clear cancellation terms — no hidden fine print
You’ll always know where you stand.
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.
This tour is available to most U.S. residents. Due to state Seller of Travel regulations, Curio Italia cannot accept bookings from residents of Florida, Hawaii, or Washington at this time.
This tour is a great fit if you:
✔ Appreciate food, wine, and cultural nuance
✔ Prefer smaller groups and slower pacing
✔ Want experiences beyond “top 10” lists
✔ Like the idea of being part of something new
If that sounds like you — welcome. You belong here.
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 stroll. After that, you can explore and create your own adventure!
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.
We deliver a premium small-group experience at big tour “herd-style tour” pricing! 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 Los Angeles, Lake Tahoe, and San Francisco… Or, Boston, New York, and Washington D.C. in 3 days.
Our price includes smaller boutique hotels, insider access, and small-group intimacy you won’t find elsewhere – especially at these prices. Small custom groups like Curio Italia tours are typically MUCH higher! Even though our costs per person are higher, we are committed to keeping our prices as accessible as possible.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Absolutely not. This tour is meant to closely reflect the typical Curio tour. It will have the same feel. the same approach, and the same travel philosophy. If anything, there might actually be TOO much scheduled. We will swing and sway to best match the specific travelers interests of the group.
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!
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.
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).
PLEASE NOTE: Because some travel “Economy” (like us!) and some travel “First Class” (lucky them!) … All Curio Italia tours exclude airfare.
"Starting in Rome - we try to hide from the crowds! Plus, Pompeii’s ancient streets, Cilento’s turquoise coves, winery visits, ruins, and lot's of history!"
TOUR SUMMARY
Duration: 8 days
Locations: Rome, Pompeii, Paestum,Caserta, Cliento
Tour Cost: from $4,050/person
Max Group Size: 14 guests
"Caves in Matera. Trulli that glow differently by day and night. Baroque streets in Lecce. And the jaw-dropping cliffs of Polignano. Sun, sea, history, and magic—packed into one AMAZING trip!"
TOUR SUMMARY
Duration: 5 days
Locations: Matera, Lecce, Trulli, Polignano
Tour Cost: from $2,950/person
Max Group Size: 10 guests
"From Rome’s timeless stones to Puglia’s mystical cities, this 14-day journey weaves history, flavors, and coastlines into one unforgettable adventure"
TOUR SUMMARY
Duration: 14 days
Locations: Rome, Pompeii, Matera, Lecce, Polignano
Tour Cost: from $6,150/person
Max Group Size: 10 guests
Aren't you excited? You are almost there! We certainly cannot wait. By filling out this form, you are saving your spot on our Pilot Tour! No payment or deposit is due today. We'll contact you when the official registration opens. At that time, you can make any changes to your choices before booking.
A Boutique Tour Planner Crafting Distinctive Experiences
Curio Italia offers personalized experiences tailored to individual tastes. Our small-group tours focus on immersive cultural journeys and memorable moments, guided by local experts who share their knowledge and attention to detail.
CA Licensed Seller of Travel
CST# 2164035-40
Learn | Explore | Imagine
