Question 1

How much time & money will an Immersion save me?

Accepted Answer

TIME
Weeks! Researching standard, run-of-the-mill experiences is already time consuming. But when you’re looking for authentic, unique, immersive and meaningful experiences with locals– that can be virtually impossible to find on your own and you can lose endless hours scouring travel blogs and forums or even translating websites from Italian to English. Save yourself the hassle and the guesswork and book an Immersion to quickly and easily add that local flavor and unforgettable experiences to your trip!

MONEY
Thousands (USD). These type of exclusive, authentic and immersive experiences in Italy are usually reserved for those who hire a travel expert to create a personalized itinerary for them. There are benefits to hiring an expert– but we know many people just prefer to plan their own trips and we think they should have access to unique and memorable experiences, too!

Question 2

What's the best part about Immersions?

Accepted Answer

You get to give yourself a break from the research and planning. We know you do your own planning because you want to have control over making sure the trip is special and authentic– not like the other tourists. We get it! But all that research is time-consuming, exhausting, and it’s guesswork at the end of all that effort. We LOVE that our customers can focus on booking the straightforward pieces themselves, like the famous sights and must-do activities, then simply book an Immersion to add the more unique and local flavor! You get 3 unforgettable experiences added to your itinerary in one fell swoop! Done, Done, & Done!

Question 3

What’s included & excluded?

Accepted Answer

INCLUDED: 
You can see what’s included once you click on an Immersion and open the page with all the details. From the Immersion page, you can then click on each included experience to see further details.

EXCLUDED:
You can see what’s excluded once you click on an Immersion and open the page with all the details. From the Immersion page, you can then click on each experience included in the Immersion to see further details.

Please keep in mind, Immersions are designed for independent travelers who prefer to plan their own itinerary but want to add in some of those hard-to-find authentic experiences with locals. As such, Immersions are NOT custom trips and we are unable to spend time providing additional recommendations and resources. They do not include any additional advice, personalization, concierge services, or arrangements. If you’re looking for full service trip planning, a private, custom trip may be a better fit for you. You are welcome to book an itinerary consultation to ask your additional questions!

Question 4

How do I book & pay?

Accepted Answer

There is a "Book Now" button on each Immersion page. Enter the requested info and include the name of the Immersion you'd like to book along with the number of people in your party and submit. You'll then be brought to the checkout page to pay a $200 refundable deposit.

We'll check availability and current pricing and get in touch to let you know the total and send you a link to submit the remaining payment securely through Paypal (credit card, debit card, or ACH).

Question 5

Can I do an Immersion solo?

Accepted Answer

Hey there, solo traveler! High five! Yes, we can organize an Immersion for just one person. Just go ahead and book the Immersion you're interested in with a $200 deposit to get started! We’ll check availability and current pricing for 1 person and get back to you with a quote. The deposit is refundable.

Question 6

Can I do an Immersion with a group of friends?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely! Groups of 4 - 6 people get a 15% discount and groups of 7 - 10 people get 20% discount!

Question 7

Is there a maximum # of people I can book an Immersion for?

Accepted Answer

Our experiences are designed to be intimate and meaningful. Thus, it's best if your group is small. However, each experience has a different limit so it depends. It's best to submit an inquiry and let us guide you on how to build the best Immersion for your group!

Question 8

If I want MORE than 3 experiences can I do that? And if I want LESS than 3 can I also do that?

Accepted Answer

Can I book LESS than 3 experiences? 
Our Immersions are sets of 3 experiences curated together for a specific reason. They are not customizable as that level of service is reserved for our custom trip clients only. You are buying a fixed set of 3 experiences, but you don't have to participate in all 3 if there's one you don't want to attend. However– we really think you’ll make some very special memories at each and every one of these experiences!

Can I book MORE than 3?
At this time we only offer Immersions with a maximum of 3 experiences in each. If you're interested in a more complete trip, we can create a custom itinerary for you or you can check out our small group trips where your adventure will be fully facilitated by our experts (join a group or bring your own group)!
 
As an alternative, you can book two Immersions back to back. We will be happy to recommend a second immersion if you need some help.

Question 9

What if I don’t like one of the 3 experiences included in the Immersion?

Accepted Answer

Each Immersion is a standard set of 3 unique and special experiences that have been carefully curated together for a reason. You are buying a set of 3 experiences, but you don't have to participate in all 3 if there's one you don't want to attend. However– we really think you’ll make some very special memories at each and every one of these experiences!

Question 10

What’s the difference between an Immersion and custom trip planning and can I switch?

Accepted Answer

Custom trip planning is a high-touch, personalized service with unlimited access to an Italy expert throughout the process to answer all questions, listen to your needs and suggest the destination(s) that best support your vision, help with logistics, customize all experiences to your preferences and tailor the itinerary to your specific desires. It’s an hour-by-hour itinerary built from scratch to match your group’s needs and includes revisions until you feel it is absolutely perfect.

On the other hand, an Immersion is a standard set of 3 experiences. Immersions are not customized for you and do not include any additional advice, arrangements, or insider knowledge.

In summary, an Immersion is 3 puzzle pieces while a custom trip is the entire puzzle that was custom-designed for you.

Can you switch? Yes! As long as you switch before the Immersion has been confirmed, the amount paid on your Immersion will be applied to your final invoice. Custom trip planning is a high-touch, personalized service and the investment reflects the value. Because of the added value, time, and access to an Italy expert, the custom trip will be a higher-level investment, even if it includes the same experiences as the Immersion you originally booked. If you decide to upgrade to a custom trip before the Immersion has been confirmed, the amount already paid towards an Immersion will be applied to your custom trip cost.

Question 11

I’m not sure if I should book an Immersion or custom trip planning. Can you help me decide?

Accepted Answer

Sure! Email sierra@CreativeEdgeTravel.com to book a free 15-minute chat. On the call, you can share what you’re looking for and we’ll help you understand the different ways we can work together and which service would be the best fit for you.

Question 12

How far in advance do I need to book?

Accepted Answer

3 months prior is best (or earlier). Any later and we may have issues with availability. If your inquiry is sent within 3 weeks prior, there will be an additional last-minute planning fee of $200.

Question 13

Will there be a trip leader present?

Accepted Answer

There will not be a trip leader but in most cases there will be an English-speaking guide. Immersions are designed for independent travelers.

Question 14

What’s the cancellation policy on Immersions?

Accepted Answer

Immersions follow the same cancellation policy for all our trips. Below is a synopsis of the Cancellation Policy. Please click here to read the full Terms & Conditions.
 
Up to 150 days prior to departure:
Amounts paid can be applied to a future trip date within one year, permitted that the itinerary we've planned does not change. Otherwise additional planning fees will apply. Availability and pricing is not guaranteed. Should the cost of any element of your tour increase, the difference will be due immediately. Alternatively, you may opt to receive a full refund, less any fees and non-refundable or unrecoverable costs. The trip planning fee, which is included in your Immersion cost, is non-refundable.
 
Less than 150 days prior to departure:
No refunds, trip credit, or date changes will be granted.

We highly recommend you purchase travel insurance in order to recover as much of your investment as possible should you need to cancel the Immersion.

Question 15

What are some tips for traveling to Italy on a small group trip?

Accepted Answer

When you're exploring Italy with a small group, make it a point to connect with your fellow travelers during those shared experiences. The guides are absolute gems—they've got all the cool stories about Italy's culture and history, so don't be shy about chatting them up too! Small groups mean you've got flexibility on your side, ready for those spur-of-the-moment adventures. Don't miss out on group hangouts like meals and outings; they're the perfect chance to bond with your travel buddies. And of course, make sure to carve out some "me" time for your own solo explorations!

Read more here: https://www.creativeedgetravel.com/post/8-benefits-of-sustainable-off-the-beaten-path-travel

Question 16

What do I pack to go on a Tuscany tour in the Fall?

Accepted Answer

When traveling in your small group tour to Tuscany, you will want to focus on layers! Bring long sleeved shirts, comfortable jackets, and a sweater or two. You will want to include jeans and longer pants in your suitcase as it can get chillier in the evenings as well. While we will be out and about exploring, you will appreciate having the flexibility to throw on a jacket if you get chilly or remove a layer if you get too warm.

Read more suggestions on our blog here: https://www.creativeedgetravel.com/post/how-to-pack-for-a-spring-trip-to-tuscany

Question 17

What is the weather in Tuscany like?

Accepted Answer

Tuscany's weather is always changing! Springtime, from March to May, brings mild temps around 15-25°C (59-77°F), but watch out for those random rain showers. Summer, from June to August, turns up the heat! We're talking highs soaring into the 30s°C (86°F and up). Light, breezy clothes and sunscreen are your best friends during these scorching months. Fall, from September to November, cools things down a notch, hovering around 15-25°C (59-77°F). Then winter sneaks in from December to February, bringing cooler temps and sometimes dipping into the 30s°F, especially at night. So, Tuscany's got a little bit of everything—better pack for all the seasons!

Read more on our blog here: https://www.creativeedgetravel.com/post/top-5-reasons-to-visit-italy-in-the-fall

Get the FREE Guide: How to Connect with Locals in Italy - Click Here!

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