faq
From solo travelers to groups of friends or couples, our small groups of 7 travelers are made of all ages (18 or above). We enjoy becoming a little community as we slurp through plates of pasta and laugh trying to pronounce Italian words. Our guests understand that travel in Italy can hold unexpected surprises and they’re up for going with the flow, trusting that we know the best place to be at any moment. They’re open-minded, love trying new things, and are accustomed to toeing the boundaries of their comfort zone for the rewarding experiences that lay just outside it.
Our trips attract those who appreciate creativity and the arts, nature, meeting locals, and seeing things outside the guidebook that might not be luxurious but are authentic and genuine. All ages above 18 are welcome and we encourage the cross-generational exchange that occurs. A strong effort is made to make everyone feel part of the group no matter what age, race, gender, sexual preference, or hair-do!
Our off-the-beaten-path, immersive and laid-back travel style isn’t for everyone. If you're not sure let's chat about it!
International flights are not included in the trip cost. We may be able to help you research the best flights for your needs, just ask!
For full details on what's included, head to Upcoming Trips, select the trip you're interested in, then click the button to "Get the Detailed Itinerary". Or simply Get in Touch!
Our small group trips are carefully budgeted for 7 participants and we're making payments for the trip long before you book your spot. This means we have to adhere to a strict Cancellation Policy in order to maintain cost effectiveness for everyone. However, we require you to purchase travel insurance in an effort to provide some protection from potential losses should you need to cancel*.
Please take a look at our Cancellation Policy for more info.
*It is up to you to make sure your travel insurance policy includes trip cancellation coverage. Click here for Travel Insurance info.
Yep, Travel Insurance is required to join our small group trips.
If you're doing custom trip planning, you can opt out of travel insurance, but we highly recommend protecting your investment with insurance.
Typically, for tourism purposes, many visitors to Italy don't require a visa for short stays (less than 90 days) if they are from countries with visa-exempt agreements, such as the US. This website can help you understand if you need a visa or not. Need help? Simply reach out to our team, we would be happy to help guide you!
What to pack for your trip depends on the season and region you'll be visiting. Your trip leader will send you suggestions and a packing list before your trip.
You can check out our blog posts about packing:
Your Packing Guide for Fall in Tuscany
How to Pack for a Spring Trip to Tuscany
How to Organize Your Suitcase for Stress-Free Travel
Absolutely! We offer Custom Trip Planning and can use one of our existing trips as the base for your private trip which we'll then customize together.
While most tour companies boast small group sizes of 14-30 people, Creative Edge Travel small group tours have a maximum of just 7 guests. This allows us to have more immersive access into the culture, whether it's visiting our artisan friend in their studio or dining in a tiny "trullo" house. It also gives you more personalized attention and freedom to enjoy the trip the way that suits you best!
If you'd like to have a private room, yes, there is a single supplement.
Otherwise you can share a room to lower your cost! Most tours will automatically match you with a roommate if you book a Double Room and aren't bringing your own travel partner along to room with. If you do not wish to share, simply upgrade to a Single Room which will be private.
Some tours, such as Secrets of Southern Italy, do not offer the possibility to be matched with a roommate as it's not possible to have separate beds in those B&Bs.
When deciding whether or not to share a room, please consider what would create the best possible experience for you and others rooming with you if you know that you snore, need more personal space, or are a light sleeper. We do our best to match you with someone we think you’d be compatible with, but we of course cannot guarantee you will get along. You will never be matched with someone of the opposite sex. Email questions to sierra@creativeedgetravel.com
No problem! We also offer Custom Trip Planning for a day-by-day itinerary arranged especially for you.
If you are planning your own trip but are looking for a few unique experiences to add to your itinerary, take a look at our Italy Immersions!
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