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Ciao Darcy Lets You Live La Dolce Vita

Ciao Darcy is a boutique tour company focused on sharing authentic Italian experiences with you. Since 2004, we have connected travelers to unforgettable sights, food, and accommodations, giving them the chance to see the true heart and soul of Italy.

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What Sets Us Apart

We craft personalized itineraries

We thoughtfully select distinctive and charming accommodations, authentic restaurants, and the best local guides and activities. Our tours average 8-10 people, giving us a blend of fun, adventure, and relaxation as we explore Italy together. While itineraries are carefully planned, touring Italy can sometimes offer wonderful surprises. The magic of traveling in such a small group allows us to cater to this spontaneity, as sometimes, unplanned activities can become the most memorable.

We handle each detail of your experience

Our consultation and itinerary planning services are designed to give you a worry-free vacation. We organize every aspect of your trip, including accommodation choices such as lodging in luxurious hotels, villas, or charming B&Bs. We will set up train passes, drivers, rental cars, day tours, or any activities, such as wine tastings, cooking classes, and bike tours. We confirm all reservations before you leave, so you can relax and get ready for a wonderful Italian vacation!

We do it for the love of Italia

We at Ciao Darcy believe that the best way to fall in love with Italy is to experience it through the careful and expert craftsmanship of the people who know and love it best. By traveling to Italy regularly, we have developed strong relationships with people we now consider family. We guide each tour personally, so we are able to share the special places we have discovered and come to love with you.

Custom Experience
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Meet Darcy

Founder and Group Leader

From the moment I first set foot in Italy, I felt an immediate sense of home. I was captivated by the culture, the cuisine, the people. As I shared stories from my travels with friends, I realized I wanted to do more than just recount my experiences. I wanted to create opportunities for others to fall in love with Italy the way I had. And so, in 2004, Ciao Darcy was born.

I have always had a deep appreciation for great food and travel – something that began in childhood, growing up between Southern California and Seattle. Over the years, I’ve traveled extensively, both on my own and with family and friends, discovering incredible places along the way. Yet nothing has ever compared to my love for Italy. My greatest passion continues to be exploring all it has to offer and sharing its magic with you. 

Come join us!

 

xo,

Darcy

Italy Postage

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I reserve a tour or reach Ciao Darcy?

To sign up for a Ciao Darcy Tour, go to our Contact page and complete the form.

How do I pay for my tour?

You can mail a personal check paid to Ciao Darcy and sent to the address below or call 425.941.0164 for credit card transactions.

Ciao Darcy
321 High School Rd NE, Ste D3 #122
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110

How large are your tours?

We are a small tour company taking on average 8-10 people, giving us the ability to stay in smaller, charming, family-run hotels. We also have a larger choice of restaurants and dining in wonderful local trattorias.

What is included in the tour?

Our tours include all hotel accommodations (double occupancy), all breakfasts, some lunches, and most dinners with wine. We also include all park entry fees, scheduled admission fees, all transportation during the trip, and gratuities for hotels, meals, and local guides. Contact us or check out our specific tours for more details!

What’s not included?

We do not include airfare or transportation to the hotel at the beginning and end of the tour. We also do not include travel insurance.

What about trip insurance?

We highly recommend taking out trip insurance before your departure!
Some of our favorites are:

How physically fit do I have to be?

We will be walking a fair amount in the towns we visit. To comfortably complete our walking tours, you should be able to hike moderate terrain with some hills and be able to climb a number of stairs. To prepare yourself for one of our tours, we recommend starting a walking program at least 2 months before the tour.

Do I have to carry my own luggage?

Yes, so pack light and use luggage with sturdy wheels! We do our best to book a hotel with an elevator, but that option is not always available.

For helpful hints on packing, check out the following sites:

What if I don’t feel comfortable checking my luggage?

Try a luggage shipping service! They will come to your house and ship your luggage directly to your hotel.

We recommend:

What should I pack for my trip?

The most important item should be your shoes! We will be doing a lot of walking/hiking so it is important to wear something with good support and traction. A daypack is a must for carrying personal belongings you will want for the day, such as an umbrella, water, sunglasses and to have room for any purchases you may pick up along the way. A light-weight Gore-Tex jacket is also a good idea in case of rain.

For more packing tips, check out our list here.

How do I apply for a US passport?

For passport services, go to http://www.travel.state.gov. Please make sure well ahead of time that your passport is valid and up-to-date!

What can I bring home from my vacation?

Each country has different rules for international travel. For US customs information, go to http://www.cbp.gov.

Could you design a private tour for my family and friends?

Yes, we can design a tour according to your needs and interests! Whether you are interested in cooking, ancient history, challenging hikes, or all three, we are ready to create a unique vacation for you, your family, and friends. Our Itinerary Planning Services are available to handle the research, planning and booking for you.

How to Get Started

Contact Us

We’ll set up a time to discuss the best service for your travel plans.

Tell Us Your Vision

We’ll work together to make your dream come to life. Ciao Darcy will draft an itinerary and start booking any experiences you would like.

Live La Dolce Vita

Make lasting memories as you experience all Italy has to offer.

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