Carolyn Coulson
She/Her
Based in Northern Virginia
Speaks English, French
Carolyn Coulson
Ask me about
My Story
I'm a medieval historian and theater professor who has lived in the UK and traveled throughout mainland Europe, Scandinavia, and Egypt. I love travel planning for all budgets and finding unusual things to do.
My Travel Style
Long history of backpacking, trains, and solo travel, but I love luxury too. History, art, theater, and local food are my favorite travel elements, and I have lots of recommendations. I'm sensitive to all budgets and quirky interests and will work with you to create a personalized trip to remember!
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My reviews (2)
Eliza G.
5 months ago
Carolyn is an incredible travel advisor who made every step of planning my trip effortless and enjoyable. She took the time to understand exactly what I wanted and went above and beyond to create a personalized, stress-free experience. Her attention to detail, quick communication, and expert recommendations—from flights and lodging to activities and dining—made the entire journey smooth and unforgettable. I truly couldn’t have asked for a better experience, and I can’t wait to plan my next adventure with her!
Christopher G.
6 months ago
First rate service all around!
Eliza G.
5 months ago
Carolyn is an incredible travel advisor who made every step of planning my trip effortless and enjoyable. She took the time to understand exactly what I wanted and went above and beyond to create a personalized, stress-free experience. Her attention to detail, quick communication, and expert recommendations—from flights and lodging to activities and dining—made the entire journey smooth and unforgettable. I truly couldn’t have asked for a better experience, and I can’t wait to plan my next adventure with her!
Christopher G.
6 months ago
First rate service all around!
My travel ideas (1)
Renaissance Gems of Northern Italy
As a historian and lover of the art, architecture, and theater of the Renaissance, I curated this week-long trip for myself to visit significant Renaissance sites in Vicenza, Verona, Mantua, Padua, and Sabbioneta. Each of these cities is within a couple of hours of each other, so you can stay in Verona or Vicenza as a home base. I stayed in Vicenza, because I prefer a quieter, less touristy environment. In addition to their magnificent Renaissance buildings, these towns are ideal for strolling cobblestone streets, sipping your favorite drink, sampling local pasta dishes, and admiring the graciousness of Palladian arcades. These cities all thrived under a variety of Renaissance Dukes, who seem to have passed their personalities on to the cities they built. I’d characterize them thus: Vicenza is like a proud matriarch or dowager duchess; Verona is a buzzing, busy super-mom; Padua is a little like one’s grandparents with their memories of war alongside beautiful treasures of faith; Mantua feels a little proper, like an old-fashioned patriarch; and since Sabbioneta is practically a ghost town, it’s the ancient ancestors.
Renaissance Gems of Northern Italy
As a historian and lover of the art, architecture, and theater of the Renaissance, I curated this week-long trip for myself to visit significant Renaissance sites in Vicenza, Verona, Mantua, Padua, and Sabbioneta. Each of these cities is within a couple of hours of each other, so you can stay in Verona or Vicenza as a home base. I stayed in Vicenza, because I prefer a quieter, less touristy environment. In addition to their magnificent Renaissance buildings, these towns are ideal for strolling cobblestone streets, sipping your favorite drink, sampling local pasta dishes, and admiring the graciousness of Palladian arcades. These cities all thrived under a variety of Renaissance Dukes, who seem to have passed their personalities on to the cities they built. I’d characterize them thus: Vicenza is like a proud matriarch or dowager duchess; Verona is a buzzing, busy super-mom; Padua is a little like one’s grandparents with their memories of war alongside beautiful treasures of faith; Mantua feels a little proper, like an old-fashioned patriarch; and since Sabbioneta is practically a ghost town, it’s the ancient ancestors.
Renaissance Gems of Northern Italy
As a historian and lover of the art, architecture, and theater of the Renaissance, I curated this week-long trip for myself to visit significant Renaissance sites in Vicenza, Verona, Mantua, Padua, and Sabbioneta. Each of these cities is within a couple of hours of each other, so you can stay in Verona or Vicenza as a home base. I stayed in Vicenza, because I prefer a quieter, less touristy environment. In addition to their magnificent Renaissance buildings, these towns are ideal for strolling cobblestone streets, sipping your favorite drink, sampling local pasta dishes, and admiring the graciousness of Palladian arcades. These cities all thrived under a variety of Renaissance Dukes, who seem to have passed their personalities on to the cities they built. I’d characterize them thus: Vicenza is like a proud matriarch or dowager duchess; Verona is a buzzing, busy super-mom; Padua is a little like one’s grandparents with their memories of war alongside beautiful treasures of faith; Mantua feels a little proper, like an old-fashioned patriarch; and since Sabbioneta is practically a ghost town, it’s the ancient ancestors.
Renaissance Gems of Northern Italy
As a historian and lover of the art, architecture, and theater of the Renaissance, I curated this week-long trip for myself to visit significant Renaissance sites in Vicenza, Verona, Mantua, Padua, and Sabbioneta. Each of these cities is within a couple of hours of each other, so you can stay in Verona or Vicenza as a home base. I stayed in Vicenza, because I prefer a quieter, less touristy environment. In addition to their magnificent Renaissance buildings, these towns are ideal for strolling cobblestone streets, sipping your favorite drink, sampling local pasta dishes, and admiring the graciousness of Palladian arcades. These cities all thrived under a variety of Renaissance Dukes, who seem to have passed their personalities on to the cities they built. I’d characterize them thus: Vicenza is like a proud matriarch or dowager duchess; Verona is a buzzing, busy super-mom; Padua is a little like one’s grandparents with their memories of war alongside beautiful treasures of faith; Mantua feels a little proper, like an old-fashioned patriarch; and since Sabbioneta is practically a ghost town, it’s the ancient ancestors.
My travel photos
