I am Cindi Sanden, and Awaken Travels is based in Soddy-Daisy, just north of Chattanooga. I plan trips all over Europe, and Italy is the one people ask about most. These are the questions I get asked most.
When is the best time to go to Italy?
Spring and fall. April, May, September and October are milder and less crowded than summer.
How many days do I need?
For a first trip, about 10 to 14 days with two or three bases. Moving every night wears people out.
Should we go on our own, take a tour or do a river cruise?
I plan all three. A custom trip gives you the most freedom, a river cruise means you unpack once, and a small group trip means someone else handles every detail.
Do you host trips to Europe?
Yes. Awaken Travels hosts small group trips to Europe that anyone can join.
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Have you been to Europe yourself?
Yes, three times. In July 2018 I co-hosted a group of Arizona Girl Scouts on an 11-day trip to London, Paris and Switzerland, including Lucerne and Our Chalet, a Girl Scout world center in the Swiss Alps. In March 2024 my husband and I spent 20 days in Europe, crossing four countries mostly by train, with a river cruise on Emerald Cruises and the ASTA River Cruise Expo along the way. In July 2025 I traveled with my teen through Slovenia, Croatia, Hungary, Austria, Germany and Czechia, with time on the Danube. For Italy, I lean on my team's own trips there and the many Italy trips I have planned for clients.