Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of traveler do you cater to?
MITICI Adventures’ tours are designed for the curious explorer seeking an opportunity to immerse deeply in another culture through the simplest parts of our existence: what we see, what we hear, what we taste, and how we make sense of the world around us. As Italians from Spoleto, we provide a truly authentic insider’s perspective, giving you access to unique experiences that allow you to form a deep connection with the culture you seek to explore. We use regional cuisine, arts, history, architecture, culture, and the surrounding natural beauty as entry points for you to make meaningful connections with our culture and create memorable moments during your stay.
Can I sign up as a solo traveler?
MITICI Adventures primarily offers custom, private group tours. However, we do currently have one shared group tour called An Educator’s Journey Through Central Italy, which is open to all interested adults. This tour takes place in June. Visit the Shared Group Tours page for more information.
How many travelers can be in my group?
While we specialize in group travel, we can accommodate couples traveling as a pair on a case-by-case basis. Our experiences are best suited for groups of 6 or more and are priced accordingly, though customization for varying group sizes is possible. Please note that groups smaller than 6 travelers will have a higher-priced experience per person to accommodate for various costs that are offset by more people in larger groups.
Do you offer discounts for larger groups?
We do! For every 10 travelers you bring in your group, 1 traveler is free (minus airfare).
How much will this cost per person?
Since every package is custom-crafted and there are many variables that will impact pricing, we can’t provide an exact per-person cost until we know all of the components that make up your itinerary. Once we gather a few more details from you and understand more clearly the scope of your trip, we can provide a non-binding estimate prior to signing the contract. In general, a 10-day tour for 6 travelers rooming double occupancy in the fall months could start around $3000 per person (not including airfare). Keep in mind that certain areas such as the Amalfi Coast tend to have some of the highest-priced rooms in Italy during the high season. Some variables that will affect cost include (but are not limited to): time of year you are traveling, whether meals are included, quality of hotels, types of and number of five-star lodging experiences, transportation (public or private), double or single occupancy in hotel rooms.
What is included in the cost of our group adventure?
Since every experience has custom components, we will work together to determine what is included in or excluded from your package. Typically, we will plan for hotel accommodations, breakfast and some dinners, travel between locations, guided tours, and any entrance fees. Travel insurance is not included in your package but is strongly advised. Prices provided are calculated based on a 6-person group staying in high-range hotels at double occupancy.
Is airfare included?
Airfare is not included in the fees for your package and each group is responsible for flight arrangements to Italy.
What is the payment schedule?
Services commence with a signed contract and a 30% non-refundable deposit, which will be applied in total to your itinerary cost. Final payment is due 90 days prior to your departure. If you are booking within 90 days of departure, then full payment is required upon signing your contract. We prefer check or wire transfer, but we also accept credit card payments for a small fee.
What are hotel accommodations like?
For most groups, home-base will be in Spoleto, Italy and you’ll stay at the Palazzo Leti, a charming 13th-century residence restored as a bed & breakfast. The Palazzo is ranked one of the top 20 most exclusive residences of epoch to sleep in Italy. From the Italian style garden, you can enjoy breakfast while taking in the breathtaking views of some of Spoleto’s most iconic landmarks. All rooms overlook the sacred mountain of the Spoletina valley, Monteluco, which offers the tranquility and harmony of the hermits who lived there. It is a beautiful and peaceful place to call home during your stay. If traveling overnight through other towns in the region, we will work with you to decide your ideal accommodations according to your desires and budget.
Do you accommodate travelers with mobility issues?
We will certainly try to accommodate the needs of anyone in your group. However, many towns in Italy are steep, paved with cobblestone and uneven terrain, and travel between towns often requires getting on and off a bus and perhaps a train, so we do recommend keeping this in mind before booking your travel. We will help you decide the best places to visit that can meet everyone’s needs.
I have special meal requirements. Can you accommodate me?
This is a very common request. Just let us know of your dietary restrictions in your group on the travel form we provide upon booking. We will work with you to ensure that your meals meet your needs during your trip.
What is the process of working together?
Once you fill out the inquiry form, we will reach out to set up a discovery call where we both ask questions to help identify your travel desires and we explain how we work with our clients. Next, we will put together your group’s itinerary and send it to you for review. You will be able to refine the details and once it is exactly what you are looking for, we will send you a confirmed copy with a contract and will collect a non-refundable 30% deposit. Once your itinerary is confirmed, we begin making reservations on your group’s behalf so any changes to the trip past this point may incur an administrative fee. Once the itinerary is confirmed, we recommend you book your flights and consider purchasing travel insurance. We will provide you with a travel packet that provides travel tips and everything you will need to consider as you pack. We are also available to answer any questions you have as you prepare for your trip.
Once flights are booked, we ask that you send us everyone’s flight information and copies of your passports. We will also collect a travel form from everybody in your group to indicate special requests and information we may need to book hotels and various activities on your behalf.
Ninety days prior to travel, the remaining balance is due. Once on the ground in Italy, unless otherwise indicated, you will be met at the airport and shown to your arranged transportation to your first destination. Andrea Muti will be your tour guide and point person for all of your adventures during your stay. He will be there to answer your questions and give you recommendations on what to do, where to eat, and what to see. From beginning to end, you will have a personal connection to the region to guide you through your vacation.
When is the best time to travel to Central Italy?
Central Italy has much to offer throughout the entire year, so any time is a great time to visit! There are changing seasons and it does get quite cold in the winter but don’t let that stop you from booking travel during those months. October is Perugia’s chocolate festival. November is peak truffle season and the time of year when olive oil is pressed. The Festival dei Due Mondi, an annual summer music and opera festival in Spoleto is during the summer months. Let us know your priorities when booking and we can help you determine the best time of year to visit.
Do I need a visa to travel to Italy?
Italy does not require U.S. or Canadian citizens to purchase an entry visa. Non-U.S. or non-Canadian citizens can check if a visa is required for entry by visiting: vistoperitalia.esteri.it/home/en.
Do I need a passport to travel to Italy?
Yes. Everyone traveling to Italy needs a passport. Please check your passport’s expiration date before you reserve your trip, as it must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date to be granted entry into and out of the country.
What kind of insurance do I need?
Travel insurance, medical insurance, and cancellation insurance are not included. Travel insurance is highly recommended and we ask that you review the limited amount of the coverage included in your individual medical insurance package and confirm that you are adequately covered for any eventuality. If you choose to purchase travel insurance, you must do so within 10-15 days of paying your deposit to MITICI (or per your insurance company’s policy).
What are your COVID-19 safety protocols?
The health and safety of our clients and fellow citizens is our utmost priority. We are frequently and closely monitoring the guidance from both U.S. and Italian governments to ensure our COVID-19 safety protocols are in line with theirs. Since these are fluid depending on the state of each country, and much will depend on when you choose to book your travel, we have created a page dedicated to COVID-19 updates, which you can view here. We will make updates to this page as frequently as we have them.
How do we begin?
Fill out the inquiry form to set up your free discovery call and we will start the planning process.