From Rome to Tuscany: A Firsthand Look at the Trails Travel Program
At Trails Park and Recreation District, we believe that travel is not just about visiting new places—it’s about embarking on unforgettable adventures, embracing new experiences, and creating lasting memories. Our Trails Travel program, in partnership with Collette Travel, offers an opportunity to explore the world with ease, comfort, and expert guidance. Whether you’re drawn to cultural exploration, outdoor adventures, or simply relaxing in breathtaking destinations, our travel opportunities cater to all interests and age groups.
In this blog, we want to showcase the incredible experiences our travelers have had through the Trails Travel program. We’ll highlight a recent trip to Italy, as shared by Paige Rogers, our Cultural Arts Supervisor, who traveled with the group to explore some of Italy’s most iconic cities. Her first-hand account will provide a unique look into what it’s like to travel with Trails Travel, from meticulous planning to immersive cultural experiences.
Why Choose Trails Travel?
Our travel program isn’t just about visiting new destinations; it’s about offering you an opportunity to experience them in a way that feels both authentic and comfortable. Unlike typical travel agencies, Trails Travel works with Collette Travel to provide you with all-inclusive packages that cover airfare, excursions, most meals, and even transportation logistics. Trails works hard to coordinate pre-trip logistics, and Colette Travel coordinates the in-country experience with over 100 years of travel tour expertise. These packages are designed to create a seamless travel experience for you — one that removes the usual stress and uncertainty that can come with planning a trip on your own.
The benefits of joining a group tour through Trails Travel are endless. From the moment you depart, you’ll have a tour manager who coordinates every aspect of your journey, taking the guesswork out of logistics so you can simply enjoy the experience. Whether you’re traveling solo, with a partner, or with a group of friends, you’ll have the opportunity to explore new cultures, meet new people, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Paige’s Journey to Italy: A Cultural Adventure
Paige, who oversees our Cultural Arts Department, recently had the chance to embark on a breathtaking journey to Italy through the Trails Travel program. As someone who curates cultural experiences for the community, Paige was eager to experience the beauty, history, and rich culture of Italy firsthand. Her detailed account of the trip offers a glimpse into the level of care and quality that our travel program provides.
Let’s dive into some of the highlights of Paige’s experience, starting with the seamless logistics that set the tone for the entire trip.
Seamless Travel from Start to Finish
One of the first things Paige noticed when embarking on the trip was how organized the entire experience was. “From the pickup to go to the airport, to our return trip, every detail was well thought out and organized,” she shared. This level of care is precisely what makes the Trails Travel program stand out.
When the group was ready to head to the airport, they didn’t need to worry about parking or leaving a car behind. Instead, a Mercedes van arrived to transport the group, and the driver was even dressed in a tuxedo—adding a touch of luxury to the journey. It’s this attention to detail that creates a premium experience from the very first moment.
Upon arrival in Rome, travelers were greeted by a local tour manager who ensured the group felt comfortable and prepared for the days ahead. “We always had a tour manager who kept us on schedule and helped us navigate the city during our free periods,” Paige explained. Whether it was understanding the schedule, ensuring luggage was delivered to rooms, or arranging transportation, the tour manager was there to make sure every detail was taken care of.
Guided Tours: Discovering Rome’s Rich History
One of the most exciting aspects of Paige’s trip was the opportunity to explore Rome, a city steeped in centuries of history, art, and culture. During their stay, the group participated in half-day tours each day, ensuring they were able to see the best of what Rome had to offer without feeling rushed.
“On the first day, we had a tour of historical sites, including the iconic Trevi Fountain,” Paige recounted. A local guide, named Christina, led the group, providing in-depth insights into the culture, history, and significance of the landmarks. These guided tours offered a unique perspective on the city, allowing the travelers to experience Rome through the eyes of a knowledgeable local.
One fascinating story Paige shared was about the Trevi Fountain. “Apparently, the man who owned the barber shop near the Trevi Fountain complained about its construction, saying no one would care about it. So, the sculptor designed a large marble ball in the fountain that blocked the view of the fountain from the barber’s shop. It’s known as the ‘spite sculpture!’” This quirky piece of history added an extra layer of intrigue to the tour, and it’s these kinds of unexpected stories that make the journey unforgettable.
The Whisper Devices: Enhancing the Tour Experience
One of the concerns travelers often have when joining group tours is how to hear the guide in crowded or noisy locations. However, with the whisper technology provided by Collette Travel, this issue was easily solved.
“The Whisper is a small box worn around the neck with an earpiece that attaches to it. It allows you to clearly hear the guide, even in busy areas or windy conditions,” Paige explained. This was a game-changer during tours of crowded locations like the Vatican, where there can be a lot of background noise. The Whisper system ensured that everyone could hear the guide’s commentary clearly, no matter where they were standing in the group. It was a simple yet effective way to enhance the overall experience.
Exploring the Vatican and Beyond
Paige, and the rest of the group, also visited the Vatican, home to some of the world’s most famous art and architecture. The group toured the Vatican Museum, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica, all of which are rich in cultural and religious significance. As with the rest of the trip, Christina, the tour guide, provided a detailed history of the Vatican, making the experience even more meaningful.
After the Vatican tour, the group had some free time in the afternoon, allowing them to explore on their own. A few travelers decided they wanted to see the catacombs and, with a little help from Christina, they were able to set up a tour. “Christina arranged a taxi, ensured we got to the catacombs and had an English-speaking guide while there, and made sure we had transportation back,” Paige said. This level of ease and organization meant that travelers could explore beyond the scheduled excursions without worrying about logistics.
Adventures in Tuscany
Following their time in Rome, the group traveled to the Tuscany region, where they stayed in the charming town of Montecatini Terme. From here, they set out on daily excursions to nearby cities, including Florence, Siena, Cinque Terre, and San Gimignano.
“Our tour manager in Tuscany, Lucca, was incredible. He shared fascinating stories on the bus rides, which were sometimes over an hour long. We learned so much about the history of the towns we were visiting,” Paige shared. Lucca’s engaging storytelling kept the group entertained and informed, transforming the bus rides into an educational and enjoyable experience.
Once they arrived in each city, they were met by local guides who continued the immersive tours. With the Whisper system, they explored the cities’ monuments, churches, and historic sites, learning about the significance of each location. After the guided tours, the group had some free time to explore independently.
“Lucca always gave us recommendations on where to eat, where to shop, and even where to go hiking,” Paige explained. Some travelers took the opportunity to hike to old church bell towers, while others enjoyed a more leisurely experience at local cafes, watching the world go by.
The Collette App: A Modern Travel Companion
One of the most innovative aspects of the trip was the use of the Collette App, a digital tool that made navigating the destinations even easier. “The app kept track of our daily plans and gave us useful background information on the towns we were visiting,” Paige said. It also featured a journaling tool, so travelers could document their experiences, reflections, and learnings along the way.
One of the coolest features of the app was the augmented reality view, where travelers could hold their phone up to view landmarks and instantly receive information about them. “It would show you the names of streets, churches, pieces of art—everything you were looking at,” Paige explained. This enhanced feature was particularly helpful when exploring new cities, as it allowed travelers to connect even more deeply with the locations they were visiting.
Additionally, the app offered maps, restaurant guides, shopping recommendations, and other useful information, making it a go-to resource throughout the trip.
A Truly Unforgettable Experience
By the end of the trip, Paige was thoroughly impressed by how everything was organized and executed. “I don’t think I would have changed a thing!” she said. The combination of expert guides, seamless logistics, and the opportunity for free exploration made this trip to Italy an experience she will cherish forever. The level of care and detail that Collette Travel and Trails Travel put into organizing these trips ensures that every traveler enjoys a smooth, enriching journey.
Join Us on the Next Adventure!
If you’re ready to embark on your own unforgettable journey, we invite you to join us on our next adventures! Our upcoming trips include:
- Japan (April 11-24, 2026)
- Azores (September 10-22, 2026)
- USA Colors of New England (September 2026)
- Greece (April 2027)
We’re also offering a travel information meeting about our upcoming trips on Monday, August 18. Whether you’re interested in exploring the ancient temples of Japan or hiking the stunning landscapes of the Azores, there’s something for everyone.
With our all-inclusive packages, expert guides, and attention to detail, you can relax knowing that everything is taken care of— leaving you to focus on making memories and discovering the world.
To learn more about our travel program and to reserve your spot, visit our Trails Travel page. We can’t wait to explore the world with you!
