Our Italian Adventure
(16 Reviews)
100% Recommended
Patrick McGill
Jamestown, NC
Europe and United Kingdom Travel Specialist
Welcome! I'm Patrick McGill, your dedicated travel expert specializing in custom-crafted journeys across Europe and the United Kingdom. My unwavering passion for exploration and deep appreciation for the rich and diverse cultures of these magnific...
Welcome! I'm Patrick McGill, your dedicated travel expert specializing in custom-crafted journeys across Europe and the United Kingdom. My unwavering passion for exploration and deep appreciation for the rich and diverse cultures of these magnificent destinations ensure that your travel dreams become reality.
My Mission:
My mission is to craft bespoke journeys that allow discerning adventurers to truly connect with the heart and soul of Europe. I believe travel is a transformative experience, and my role is to unlock the hidden wonders that ignite the passion and curiosity of each individual traveler.
My Vision:
I strive to be best known for curating life-enriching explorations across the UK and the Continent. By seamlessly blending guided experiences with independent discovery, I aspire to deliver unforgettable memories that foster lasting bonds between you and your immersive experiences in the historic, scenic, artistic and cultural aspects of Europe.
My Values:
- Personalization: I see each traveler as a unique individual, and meticulously tailor every element of the journey to align with their distinct interests, desires, and aspirations. No two trips are identical.
- Discovery: Travel is an opportunity to venture beyond the obvious, to learn new things and broaden our perspective.
- Connection: My role is to facilitate profound encounters - whether with places, people, or one's inner self - that cultivate a deeper understanding and appreciation of the world.
- Integrity: Honesty, transparency, and a steadfast commitment to excellence guide every interaction, ensuring my clients can entrust me with crafting their most cherished travel memories.
- Passion: I approach my work with an unwavering enthusiasm, driven by a genuine love for travel and a desire to share its transformative power with each and every guest.
My Services:
- Tailored Itineraries: Each journey is expertly designed to suit your unique interests and desires. I invest time in understanding what inspires you, ensuring your travel itinerary is a true reflection of your aspirations—from tranquil countryside escapes to vibrant city adventures.
- Cultural Immersion Experiences: I provide access to hidden gems, rare historical sites, and unique cultural activities. There's nothing quite like a cooking class in Tuscany or a private tour of a Scottish castle to enhance your appreciation of a destination's history and traditions.
- Personal Connections and Insights: I focus on Europe and the United Kingdom because of my extensive time living, working and traveling through this part of the world, and I am happy to share my experiences with you.
- Seamless Travel Planning: From the moment you dream of departure to the day you return home, I manage every facet of your travel experience. This includes bookings, transportation, and accommodation, ensuring your journey is as smooth and carefree as possible. Your peace of mind is my top priority.
- Supportive Travel Partner: My commitment doesn't end the moment you book your trip. I see to it that you have ongoing support while you are traveling.
A Unique Perspective on European Travel:
Traveling to Europe is not merely about "getting away"— it's about "getting in touch" with the world and the people around us. Connecting with different cultures helps us better understand ourselves and enriches our lives. This is the true essence of European travel: making meaningful connections that leave a lasting impact.
The Where and Why will determine the "How":
I believe that what you want to experience will have a large impact on how you travel. So whether your travel plans include a river cruise, ocean cruise, escorted tour, or a custom independent travel, I will create the itinerary that best meets your needs and desires.
Let’s Make Your Travel Dreams a Reality:
My goal is to help you make meaningful connections and ensure your European adventure is everything you've imagined and more. Let’s create priceless memories and enrich your life through extraordinary travel experiences.
Can Be Reached At
1-336-681-2970
One thing you can say for Italy is that you will develop a great appreciation for Art, Religion, History and Architecture. They are with you everywhere you go.
We started our adventure by landing in Rome. As is usually the case, we were arrived there early in the morning. Even though it was late September, it was still warm on this trip, often in the mid-80's.
After clearing customs, we picked up our luggage. Our next leg of our destination was Florence. There is a shuttle train that will take you directly to the Rome Train Station. The shuttle will take about 45 minutes to reach the Rome Train Station. A word of advice here: be sure to allow at least 3 hours from the time to land to make it to the train station. Rome is a busy airport, probably the busiest I have seen in Europe. And the shuttle will often run late.
We made our train to Florence. It is a high-speed train, and will get you to Florence in about two hours. The train is very comfortable and surprisingly was not that crowded.
Once we arrived in Florence, we checked in, and took the opportunity to explore. Our hotel was the St. Regis, right on the banks of the Arno River, so it was a great location. Later that afternoon, we had scheduled a tour of the Uffizi Gallery, and we had about 4 hours to get our bearings.
The Uffizi Gallery was amazing. We had a guide lead us through. To see the details in artwork that was hundreds of years old was wonderful.
The next day, we had a private guide for the Accademia. Of course the main attraction here is Michelangelo's David. That afternoon, we went to the Florence Duomo for a tour of the Cathedral. The square around the Duomo is also fun to watch, as artists and other crafts people will sell their wares in the square.
The next day, we took our first venture into the countryside. Most of the group tours will meet you at the Florence Train Station. When you get there you will need to find your group. Just ask around, and they should be easy to find. Just give yourself enough time to look around.
Our trip this day was to Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa. The cathedral there is a main attraction but just walking around the square and the side streets is worth it. If you go to Siena in July or August, be prepared that they have a horse race in the town square. In San Gimignano, we stopped for lunch at a local winery. Needless to say, the food and wine was excellent, and there were some great views of the surrounding countryside. Lastly, we went to Pisa, to see the famous Leaning Tower and the Baptistry.
The next day we said goodbye to Florence and took the train back to Rome. Like the trip to Florence it was a high speed train, so we had plenty of time to start exploring Rome on our return.
Our hotel in Rome was the Westin Excelsior, very conveniently located in the heart of Rome on the Via Veneto, just a few blocks from the Borghese Gardens and Gallery. The hotel really has the feel of classic Italian, and the rooms are spacious.
After checking in, we had an appointment for a guided tour of the Borghese Gallery. The paintings and sculptures in the gallery are amazing. Two things to keep in mind here: First, you will need to get tickets in advance and you will have an assigned time. Second, you will not be permitted to carry large bags or backpacks in the Gallery. You can check them, but they will be in a bin with several other bags from other guests.
Then next day, we went to see the Colosseum and the Roman Ruins. It was a bit long, but easy, walk from our hotel. And, on the way, we were able to see the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, and the the Palazzo Venezia. The Colosseum is quite a sight. Be sure to book the tickets that will allow you to go below the Colosseum floor. After touring the Colosseum, we were able to walk through the ruins.
The next day, we took a semi-private tour of Assisi and Orvieto. Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis, is a nice place to spend the day and to learn more about him and the Franciscan order. On the way back to Rome, we stopped in Orvieto, where the cathedral pictured in this post is located.
Our last full day in Rome was special, because we spent the morning there at Vatican City. We had breakfast in the Vatican, so we took a taxi to get there, but walked back afterward to our hotel. I recommend getting an early reservation for the Vatican because it will be crowded, even at 7:00 AM. Everything about the Vatican is awe-inspiring, from St. Peter's Basilica to the Sistine Chapel, the Square, and the Gardens. Be sure to book a guided tour.
This was a fantastic trip for us. To be in a place that has been an essential part of civilization, art, and religion is a must-see.