"The Ultimate Italian Immersion Excursion"
THE OVERVIEW
- Are you intrigued by all things Italian, the people, the culture, the food, the wine, the style,
the shopping?
- Would you like to experience Italy from a local’s perspective?
- Would you like to shop some of Italy's most popular footwear, accessory, and apparel brands at discounted prices?
- And how about the opportunity to actually customize your own footwear and accessories?
If so, you are in for an adventure you won’t forget.
On behalf of THESHOEMAKER’SSTUDIO, I invite you to explore and experience Italy from a native's perspective.
During our eight (8) days and seven (7) nights together, you will experience Le Marche, some of its neighboring towns/villages, and other more familiar attractions. You will discover some of the incredible sights, activities, food, wines, and products the locals hold dear. I will share with you some of the many hidden treasures that have been shared with me over my years of visiting and working in Italy.
This amazing excursion offers incredible shopping opportunities. Le Marche region is renowned for its production of footwear, accessories and apparel, and you will receive access to the outlets and factory stores of some of the most recognizable brands in the world, Armani, Gucci, Prada, Moncler, and Sergio Rossi to name a few. We will also introduce you to other incredible brands you may have never heard of.
In addition to receiving a bit of retail therapy, you will get to live out your inner designer. You will be my guest in my factory where my team and I will assist you in customizing footwear, bags, and other accessories from my latest collections (one item per participant is included with your trip).
Interested in going it alone for a bit, doing something more independently? No problem. We will happily assist you with coordinating your optional activities.
Participant Profile:
Any fun-loving, roll-with-the-punches, mature 21-year-old+ with a great zeal for life, a curious spirit, and looking for an unforgettable authentic Italian experience. A love of shoes, accessories, and shopping is optional, but celebrated.
Excursion Dates:
Sunday September 10, 2023 through Sunday September 17, 2023 (8 Days/7 Nights)
Costs:
- $5,500/participant (2 participants; one double or two single bed COMFORT ROOM) (Standard Package)
- $5,850/participant (1 participant; one double bed COMFORT ROOM)
- $6,150/participant (2 participants; one king or 2 single bed JR. SUITE) (Subject to availability)
- $6,800/participant (1 participant; one king bed JR SUITE) (Subject to availability)
Space is limited to 8 participants, so reserve your spot by booking today...
What is Included
+ Double-occupancy lodging
(upgraded accommodations are also available)
+ Ground transportation (arrivals, departures & during group activities)
+ All group outings/trips
+ Most meals (see itinerary)
+ One (1) customized item per participant
+ Assistance coordinating and/or booking independent activities (at participant's expense)
What is NOT Included
x Flights
x Any meals or beverages not mentioned
x Gratuities
x Travel Insurance
OUR TEAM
Ron Donovan (Host)
Ron is a veteran shoemaker and the founder of THESHOEMAKERSSTUDIO and RONDONOVAN Footwear & Accessories. For years, he has been splitting his time between New York City and Italy, where he produces his collections. Ron fell absolutely in love with Le Marche the very first time he visited. Ron’s luxury collections have been featured in some of the world’s leading fashion publications, sold through some of the world’s most exclusive retailers and have been worn by some of the most recognizable names internationally. Ron also speaks to and teaches shoemaking to various groups, organizations and institutions, including the renowned Fashion Institute of Technology (F.I.T.) and Parsons School of Design in New York City.
Roberto Gabrielli (Guide/Concierge)
Roberto is a native of Le Marche. Having grown up in the town of Tolentino, he is an authority on this amazing region and all it has to offer. A former profession volleyball player, he has also spent time living in London and the US. After returning to Le Marche, Roberto has established a long and successful career in the service industry. This charismatic quintessential Italian gentleman is well-known and respected and thrives on sharing his knowledge of and helping others experience his homeland.
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LE MARCHE' REGION / THE TOWN OF Civitanova
The Le Marche region is one of Italy's most hidden gems. Located about mid-country on the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea, this area is characterized by breathtaking landscapes, rolling hills in all shades of green, medieval hilltop towns, tiny villages with beautiful houses, kilometers of vineyards and olive trees, beautiful beaches along the blue sea, wonderful food, and exquisite wine. The views and colors are amazing.
Much of the region is still relatively tourist-free and uncrowded. In every town and village, you can feel soul and roots of the people. They are nuanced by their genuine and authentic atmosphere, traditions food, landscapes, and nature.
Our homebase for this excursion will be the town of Civitanova Marche. Juxtaposed between the breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea to the east and the Apennine Mountains to the west, Civitanova Marche and its neighboring towns and villages are well known and revered for their production of footwear, accessories, and apparel, they reflect the essence of "Made in Italy". At the same time, Civitanova Marche stands out for its strong seaside activity. It is an environment rich in naturalistic and historic cultural wonders that offer extremely suggestive, engaging, and immersive experiences.
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THE CUISINE & THE WINE
Your time in Le Marche would not be complete without experiencing the authentic cuisine of the area. The foundation of life in Le Marche centers around family, friends and social interaction. Mealtimes, food and wine are primary components of these activities. The region boasts fresh locally-caught seafood, organic meats, fruits and vegetables, and truffles from local farms. Over the course of the week, we will share with you some of the best culinary experiences Italy has to offer. So, prepare your palate, regional specialties and delicacies await.
THE ACCOMODATIONS
Our home away from home will be the newly renovated MIRAMARE Hotel. Located in the heart of the Civitanova Marche, on the main square and less than 100 meters from the beach, this historic hotel is one of the most important reference points of the city. In addition to its beautiful decor, the quaint MIRAMARE is renowned for its exceptional standard of hospitality, making it an ideal aspect of our experiences.
The following are the accommodation options:
- 2 participants; one double or two single bed (included)
- 1 participant; one double bed COMFORT ROOM ($350 upgrade/participant)
- 2 participants; one king or 2 single bed JR. SUITE ($650 upgrade/participant)
(Subject to availability)
- 1 participant; one king bed JR SUITE ($1,300 upgrade/participant)
(Subject to availability)
THE ACTIVITIES
Our itinerary has been meticulously developed to provide you an authentic Italian experience. The wide range of activities planned include exploratory outings to neighboring towns, villages, and attractions, a day trip to Rome, fabulous culinary experiences, the vibrant nightlife, a winery tour and tasting, beach outings, and of course incredible shopping. This includes a day trip to "The Mall" the renowned designer outlet shopping destination in Tuscany.
Optional Activities
We have even set aside a bit of free time for you. Use this as an opportunity to just relax, or experience more of what this beautiful region has to offer. Our team will gladly assist you in creating the ultimate optional adventures such as:
- Nature Adventures (hot springs, hiking, etc.)
- Spa and Beauty Services
- Water Activities
- Boating Outings
- Golf and Tennis Outings
- Sight-seeing Tours (various points of interests)
- And More
TRANSPORTATION
When you land at Rome Fiumicino (FCO) airport, you will be met and transported to our accommodations in Rome for the evening. The following day, after a bit of local exploration, you will be driven to Civitanova-Marche’ and our beautiful residence, The Miramare Hotel, for the remainder of the week. Transportation for all group activities will be a luxury passenger van. All you will need to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy your unique Italian experience in style and comfort.
THE STYLE / THE SHOPPING
Italian style is recognized throughout the world, and Le Marche is the epitome of "Made-In-Italy". The region is known particularly for its production of footwear and accessories. In addition to well-known international brands, there are also many smaller brands produced there that you might not yet know.
Civitanova Marche and its neighboring towns offer a high concentration of factory and outlet stores, such as Santoni, Tod's, Lori Blu, and Le Stilla. There are also a myriad of small artisan workshops and boutiques. And you will be delighted by the outdoor pop-up markets.
As special offering, you will get the opportunity to visit my factory where I and my team will assist you in customizing footwear, bags and accessories from my latest RONDONOVAN collections. One item is included in your trip fee (retail value up to $1,000).
ITINERARY
Day 1 (Sunday):
- Arrivals & Hotel Check-ins in ROME
- Participant Free Time
- Welcome Cocktails Before Dinner (Included)
- Group Dinner (Included)
Day 2 (Monday):
- Breakfast (Included)
- Group Outing: A walking tour of the Spanish Steps
and nearby attractions (Including The Original Gucci Store)
- Participant Free Time To Explore ROME
- Meet And Travel To Civitanova
- Group Dinner Adventure Along The Way (Included)
- Late Arrival & Hotel Check-ins in Civitanova
Day 3 (Tuesday):
- Breakfast (Included)
- Factory Visit (Product selections & customizations)
- Lunch (Included)
- Material Sourcing
- Group Dinner Adventure (Included)
Day 4 (Wednesday):
- Breakfast (Included)
- Group Outing: Awe-inspiring Adriatic Beach Day (Included) or
Free Time/Independent Activities (Not Included)
- Lunch (Included)
- Group Outing: Beach Day Continued (Included) or
Free Time/Independent Activities (Not Included)
- Group Dinner Adventure (Included)
Day 5 (Thursday):
- Breakfast (Included)
- Day Trip: A Scenic Journey Into Tuscany To Shop At "The Mall" Designer Outlet And Other Factory Stores Along The Way or Free Time/Independent Activities (Not Included)
- Lunch On Your Own (Not included)
- Group Dinner Adventure Along The Way Back (Included)
Day 6 (Friday):
- Breakfast (Included)
- Shopping: Local Factories, Outlets & Retailers or
Free Time/Independent Activities (Not Included)
- Lunch (Included)
- Group Outing: Vineyard Visit/Wine Tasting (Included)
- Dinner at a beach dinner club (Included)/Party
Day 7 (Saturday):
- Breakfast (Included)
- Group Outing: Visit Several Neighboring Hillside Towns/Villages or
- Shopping: Saturday Market in the Town Square or
Free Time/Independent Activities (Not Included)
- Lunch On Your Own (Not included)
- Meet, Organize, and Depart For ROME
- Arrival & Hotel Check-ins in ROME
- Group Farewell Dinner (Included)
Day 8 (Sunday):
- Breakfast (Included)
- Departures
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Payment Options:
There are two (2) payment options to reserve your spot:
1) Pay your trip fees in full.
2) Make the requisite deposit payment and accept our monthly payment plan. (As you can see in the schedule below, deposits will increase monthly as we get closer to our excursion's start date. Monthly payments will remain the same until full payment is made.)
* Please note that when using our payment plan, the amount difference for upgraded accommodations will be added as an additional payment on August 15, 2023.
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Refunds for deposits and/or payments:
Because our expenses are based on reserved spots, we will be unable to refund your deposit and payments if you decide to cancel your trip.
Cancellation policy:
The retreat hosts reserve the right to cancel or reschedule this trip up until June 1, 2023. If the departure is canceled out of your control, you will be alerted by June 1, 2023 and will receive a full refund.
In this case, the hosts are not responsible for your preparation expenses, such as airline tickets, extra accommodations, loss of work, or any other cost associated with preparing for your trip. We recommend booking travel insurance, along with refundable flights/accommodations in case of cancellation.
Trip cancellation due to COVID-19:
A full CREDIT will be issued if the tour is canceled due to COVID-19 travel restrictions or full border closure. This CREDIT can be applied towards any of our future excursions. We strongly suggest purchasing your own travel insurance for added protections.
FAQs:
- Can I change my payment methods after I make my deposit?
Yes! Payment methods can be changed after initial deposit.
- What airport and dates should I arrange my flights for?
Please make flight arrangements to ARRIVE in Rome (FCO) on the morning of September 10, 2023 and to DEPART from Rome (FCO) on September 17, 2023.
- Are there special airfares for participants?
There are no special airfares. However, the travel agency listed below may be able to help you.
Please note that these are merely suggestions and that we ARE NOT endorsing this company and ARE NOT receiving any form of compensation.
KIMA Travel
Contact: John Petrizzi
E-mail: info@kimagroup.com
Phone: +1.718.729.8200
- What do I need to bring?
The majority of this trip is INCLUSIVE. Please thoroughly read the day-to-day itinerary for a detailed schedule of the entire experience.
- Will all my ground transportation be covered?
Yes, ground transportation for all arrivals, departures, and during group activities is included.
- Should I get travel insurance? If so, what are some options?
We advise that you protect your trip with travel insurance. Below is a list of 3 more prominent travel insurance companies you might want to explore. Please note that these are merely suggestions and that we ARE NOT endorsing any of these companies and ARE NOT receiving any form of compensation.
Allianz Travel Insurance
The company offers a selection of 10 insurance plans to suit different traveler needs. Each plan comes with its own coverage limits and inclusions. The OneTrip Prime plan is a popular single-trip option, with trip cancellation coverage of up to $100,000, emergency medical coverage of up to $50,000, up to $1,000 in baggage loss, theft or damage, and up to $800 for travel delays, among other benefits.
Travelex Insurance Services
Travelex offers 2 main travel insurance plans: (1) Travel Basic, and (2) Travel Select. The more affordable plan is the company's Travel Basic plan, which covers 100% of the insured trip cost for cancellations and interruptions, plus up to $500 for trip delays. For a more comprehensive plan, consider the Travel Select plan for higher limits to emergency medical evacuation, repatriation coverage, emergency medical and dental coverage, and lost, damaged or stolen baggage and personal effects.
World Nomads Travel Insurance
The company's Standard Plan is an affordable plan that offers up to $2,500 in trip protection coverage. If you need more, consider the Explorer Plan for a higher premium — it covers up to $10,000 in trip protection. While both plans provide up to $100,000 in emergency medical coverage, the Explorer Plan offers more robust limits, including a $500,000 limit for emergency evacuation.
Please keep in mind that coverage limits and availability may vary from state to state. Please consult each travel insurance website for fine print details.
CONTACT US
For any additional questions or information,
your host can be contacted as follows: