The Rev. Craig Swan
St. Luke's Episcopal Church
Camillus, NY

What an amazing experience my family had touring Italy. After seeing and speaking with people from the cruise ship and tour groups as they wondered through Italy, I realized that I had made the right decision to book a private family tour with Key Row Tours. Paul’s service was excellent, beginning with planning our itinerary nine months prior to departure. He listened to our family’s diverse interests in music, history, religion, and of course shopping and provided a well balanced tour that met everyone’s expectations. His choice of centrally located hotels allowed us to experience Rome, Florence and Positano from within the heart of these wonderful places. What made touring Italy most wonderful, was Paul’s passion and knowledge of this beautiful country. Whether Paul was guiding us through the scavi ruins below the Vatican, tasting wine at a Tuscan winery or swimming in the Mediterranean, it was clear that Paul’s heart and soul are one with Italy and that there is nothing that brings him greater joy than to share his love of Italy with others. Thank you Paul and Key Row Tours for the family trip of a lifetime.

Rev. Charles Curry
Pastor of St. Ambrose Church
Endicott, New York

Our trip to Italy - these several weeks later - seems like a dream within a dream. It was all there as anticipated - antiquity, holy grounds and places, breathtaking artistry - in a word the sacred and the profane - all converging in the sites we visited - Rome, the Vatican, Tuscany and Assisi - places where the more complete picture of Italian fabric is ever unfolding and constantly revealing itselg. Into this setting we ten pilgrims - inspired by our fearless and dauntless leader, Paul Carman - ventured for 9 days. And what a rewarding experience - together we bonded, we prayed, we laughed, we marveled, we crossed streets courageously, we ate.and ate a bit more - and occasionally we sipped a bit of wine! All of this on sacred ground. Lord we are grateful. We thank you for creating Italy and for gracing it over the centuries with holy people and the inspired artists who have shaped it and whose descendants bid travelers like ourselves to come there and share in its immense holiness and beauty and richness. And thank you for giving us, through Paul the privilege and gift of this profoundly spiritual and life-altering pilgrimage."

Dr. and Mrs. Dale and Kandy Neal
Stowe, Vermont

"Words just cannot express how much we appreciate the ‘loving guidance’ you provided for our journey through Italy. The depth and breadth of the experience could not have been realized without your preparation, your enthusiasm, and the energy you poured into it. Your self-confidence and peaceful demeanor set the tone for an adventure that could have had some tense moments in our group of diverse, high-powered individuals.

"Walking the ancient city of Rome and listening to your heartfelt descriptions and stories of history provided a learning experience that could not have been duplicated ~ it added a sense of historical fact to a faith we already held dear. Precious memories were created for each of our senses. How blest we were to benefit from your expertise (and influence!) during Wednesday’s audience with the Pope and spectacular Scavi Tour two stories below St. Peter’s Basilica ~ the icing on a delicious cake! The trips to the areas of Florence and Positano were perfectly sandwiched between our days in the sacred spaces of Rome.

We thank God that we had the opportunity to travel to the 'magnificent mosaic' of Italy with you. We are especially appreciative of a new-found friendship."

Dr. and Mrs. Michael and Susan Dick
Rutland, Vermont

"We spent two wonderful weeks with Paul Carman as the leader of our 12 person tour group to Italy. Paul made all of the arrangements, flights, accommodations, transportation in Italy, and food. Paul was a wealth of information. He knew the historical significance of every fresco, every church, every painting or sculpture we saw. There is no way we could have seen as much of Italy as we did in the time we had without Paul Carman. We went to places and saw and did things that we could not have done on our own. Our tour was truly a trip of a lifetime!"

Kathy Kinane
Camillus, New York

"Visiting Italy will forever be one of the most significant times in my life. It was spiritually life changing and gave a whole new definition to the five senses. The leader of our group, Paul Carman, organized an unforgettable, educational, faith-filled experience. With his exceptional knowledge of Rome, Florence, Assisi and the Tuscany Region, we were not only able to visit and experience amazing sites; we learned about them on a personal, historical, and spiritual level."

Dr. and Mrs. William Mark and Teresa McVea
Camillus, New York

"Paul Carman is a veritable fountain of knowledge of both local customs and historical knowledge. On his tours, he devotes primary focus to his group and strives to ensure that everyone shares in his rich cultural experience as well as enjoys all there is to see. Paul treats his guests while on tour as if they were all friends. No detail too small to warrant his personal attention, no request too ‘off-beat’ to address and resolve. Paul has unprecedented access to a number of sites that would other wise be unavailable to the average traveler. More importantly, he has the depth of knowledge and breadth of experience to fundamentally explain not just the historical significance of the sights seen, but their deeper cultural and spiritual significance as well.

"In a larger sense, Paul organized the entire trip prior to our departure from the United States with such attention to details that no one in our rather large party had even the slightest glitch in their travel plans. The trip, the adventure, was so well planned it just flowed. If you ever want to take a trip, not just in a geographical sense, but in the true sense of a trip, please work with Paul and let him work his special brand of magic."

Mike & Patricia Letizia
Syracuse, New York

"My wife Patricia and I had the wonderful experience of traveling to Italy with Paul Carman and four other couples. We had never been to Italy and had no idea what to expect. Paul spent an evening with my wife and I telling us the "nuts and bolts" of the trip. He mapped out the entire journey by showing us pictures of where we would be staying, suggested what we wear, carefully explained the currency exchange rates, and the sights that we would be seeing. Paul made Italy come alive before we ever left Syracuse and had every detail taken care of.

"Because Paul is so fluent in Italian and knew what to see, where to shop, and most importantly where to eat, our trip was spectacular. Every time that I thought I saw the most beautiful scene, Paul showed us something better. Above all, I'll never forget mealtime. Paul brought together people who really didn't know each other before the trip started. His friendly guidance and leadership united all of us as close friends. We are looking forward to going back to Italy soon with Paul Carman."

Jim and Lynn Cummings
Tully, New York

PACK YOUR BAGS AND TRAVEL WITHOUT A CARE!

Yes…you can do that with Paul Carman and Keyrow Tours! Because of Paul’s superb organization, past experiences, and knowledge of the country, we were able to enjoy Italy without the problems of hotel bookings, quality of restaurants, and tour entries. Every hotel was ready for us and so accommodating to our needs, every restaurant was of superb quality and service, and we never waited for entry to any scheduled tour as Paul had seen to every detail. Paul’s vast knowledge of ancient history. Theology, and his command of the Italian language greatly contributed to the enjoyment of seeing, listening, learning and absorbing the beauty that was bestowed upon us. Paul'’ quiet expertise and charm added a special quality of seeing all the treasures of Rome, Florence, and the aqua blue waters of the Mediterranean, andwe were able to drink it all in without the worries of planning itieraries, booking hotels, or trying to decide which restaurant to have dinner in.All our questions were answered, all our needs were met, and Paul took care of us all.

We have been fortunate to have traveled to many parts of the world, but our fortune only increased upon meeting Paul and having the opportunity to see wItaly with him in command. We would NEVER have seen the beauty of Italy with such ease ad comfort without Paul Carman. It was an experience of a lifetime, and we feel the best compliment we can make is to say that we are already planning a second trip to Italy with Paul, and look forward to visiting other parts of this beautiful country with not only a wonderful travel guide, but with someone we hope we can now call our friend. Pack your bags and go!

Jean and Dave Klem
Tully, New York

Thank you for the trip of a lifetime. We packed our bags and threw away all our worries when we traveled with you. Your knowledge and expertise of Italy was invaluable to us. You were our teacher, leader, and friend. Through your eyes we learned about Italy’s culture, food, historic places, awe-inspiring sights and, of course, her wine! You have us a wonderful gift Paul – Italy!. When we now think of Italy it will be forever with joy and a heartfelt warmpth of the 12 amazing days we spent with you on our Italian adventure. Keyrow Tours is the best and we were blessed to have traveled with you. Thank you for everything.

Martin and Maureen Brophy
Tully, New York

An experience like non other – the #1 vacation and opportunity to learn history from a master. Experience Italian culture first hand and see a magnificent country. All of this and never have to worry about a thing! Paul handled everything to perfection, and we are going back!

Kathy and Tom Homestead
Tully, New York

Thank you for the trip of a lifetime. If we had a bucket list, your trip would certainly be on it! How do we say enough about the food, the wine, the knowledge that you shared with us? Every day was different and every day was wonderful. Thank you for all that you have shown us. We hope that all of our friends will be able to see and feel Italy as only you can show them.

Mindy Gigacz
Jordan, New York

I am still smiling and memories of Italy flood my spirit. The trip was outstanding – I loved it all! Paul, I can’t begin to tell you how happy I am to have shared this journey with you and our group. I loved it all. Many, many times I thought of my relatives and how they would have enjoyed learning about Italy. My highlights besides the food and wine and company would have to be the Vatican, Assisi, our train ride through the countryside, Florence, and the Trevi Fountain of Rome. There was so much more, but those are my most precious memories. Thank you Paul!

~ Mindy Gigacz, Jordan, New York

 

Rev. Denny Hayes
   Pastor of Corpus Christi and St. Patrick’s Church
Southern Onondaga County, New York

I had the pleasure of joining Paul Carman on one of his tours to Italy in November 2008. Without a glitch, Paul coordinated everything for twelve travelers from Central New York: flight arrangements, ground transportation, hotels, restaurants, entrance tickets, and incredible daily walking tours. I especially enjoyed the Vatican Museum, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica and the catacombs. The artwork, history, architecture and local cuisine were unforgettable. Paul’s explanation of these incredible sights and others was personal, energetic, and informative. Beyond that, I have to say that traveling in a group of this size created an intimate experience that was quite unique. What a world of difference from a large tour group! We were able to see and experience so much more…from small cafes and family-run restaurants to a personally guided Scavi Tour of St. Peter’s Tomb, Paul’s expertise guided our journey through this beautiful country. It was like having a knowledgeable friend show us all the best sights. As a pastor I feel that Paul Carman and Keyrow Tours would be a meaningful experience for parish groups, families, and friends.

 

Joan and Charles Swetitch
Endicott, New York

Keyrow Tours, owned and operated by Paul Carman, provides tours of Italy for small groups. Paul’s living in Italy for many years, his appreciation for art and history, and his theological education gives the tourist a very special look into the history behind Rome and other cities in Italy. His planning and execution of the itinerary was superb. For us, seeing ancient places such as the Coliseum, Roman Forum, arches, the catacombs, Saint Peter’s grave, churches, Florence, Siena, Assisi, etc. was awesome. The wine tasting was lots of fun! Walking the narrow streets gave us a sense of being back in time. We enjoyed the trip very much!

 

Bob Kick
Camillus, New York

We highly recommend this tour: from Rome to Florence to Siena, to San Gimignano and Assisi, Paul was a wonderful tour guide who led us on a special journey. He knows Italy in ways others would not, as he lived and studied in Rome for five years and has traveled in Italy extensively. Paul has special contacts in Rome and was able to take us to places not open to the general public. Paul’s knowledge of history, art and architecture made our trip a learning experience. So the trip was educational, but we had a lot of fun, great food, wine and a lot of laughter.

At times my stomach ached from laughing so much. Paul, thanks so much for being a great guide to our group! You truly unlocked Italy for us. We are grateful for all you’ve done to make our journey a wonderful success.. Grazie Paolo!

 

Bob and Nancy Serko
Endwell, New York

Nancy and I would like to express our gratitude for the marvelous tour of Italy. The professionalism with which you organized and guideed our visits to Tome, the Vatican, Florence, Assisi, and Tuscany were beyond our expectations. The daily schedules were very efficient – utilizing every moment to our full enjoyment. Your knowledge of the historical and religious sites made each day memorable. It was like a walk back into history. We can’t express our appreciation enough for the warm, friendly, compassionate, and personal care you gave to us. Your patience and guidance added to our wonderful experience. The selection of hotels, transportation, restaurants and food allowed us to experience the true flavor of Italy. This was more than a tour – it was a historical and spiritual pilgrimage. We look forward to joining you again in the near future. Grazie!

 

 

Barb Conway
Camillus, New York

“Paul, thank you for unlocking Italy! The Italian holiday was an endless inspirational journey…It was my trip of a lifetime! In the middle of the night, I’d wake up and think about what we had visited. Michelangelo is very inspirational to me. The Sistine Chapel’s fresco of God creating man is one of my favorite pieces. Seeing his works brought me closer to the Divine! In the end the trip comes back to the people: We started this journey mainly as strangers and now 11 days later we depart with new and wonderful friends. I remember Chuck saying as we were departing, “Rome is crying because we are leaving!” I loved that expression, for I was crying right along with Rome!

 

One of my favorite memories with Keyrow Tours was in Florence. Being in that city, with all of its great Renaissance artists and thinkers, was an incredible experience. The highlight of the day for me was seeing a reproduction of the statue of David in Piazza della Signoria, and my wife and I getting our picture taken in front of it. To understand why, one has to go back 63 years ago and follow a young soldier from Anzio, to Rome, and onto Florence where by chance he encountered his best friend from home and had his picture taken in front of “David.” This young man was my father! So having my picture taken with my best friend, my wife, was very moving…I feel closer to my Dad having walked the same plaza he walked years ago. Thank you Keyrow Tours!”

~ Jim Conway, Camillus, New York

Linda Kick
Camillus, New York

We recently saw Tony Bennett perform on TV. Afterward my husband remarked that he could still sing “for his age,” and I remarked that he still looked good “for his age.” This made me think that we, as a culture, fail to appreciate what is old in general. In Italy so much is old – old and strong and beautiful: the churches, statues, fountains, art – paintings, frescoes and mosaics. As our group traveled, we admired the softly rolling hillsides, a patchwork quilt of farm fields, woolly sheep grazing along a hillside, cypress trees standing sentry, tall and proud. We experienced the softness of colors, brown plowed fields, gray-green olive trees marching up the hills in ordered rows, ochre and tan homes with terra cotta roofs seemingly rising from the soil; the hardness of stone and brick walls, softened by lush plants that had taken a foothold in cracks and crevices. The stone roads and towers of San Gimignano – so very old and lovely! The steep hills and narrow twisting alley streets where, as we walked along, we caught scents of baking pizza and strong coffee emanating from doorways. We were given such a warm and joyous greeting by Pierluigi at his winery followed by a dramatic wine tasting demonstration, which was accompanied by wonderful food. The Lasagna was heavenly! Tony Bennett may have left his heart in San Francisco, but I left my heart in Tuscany! Thanks be to God for this opportunity and to Paul Carman for being our gentle and knowledgeable guide!

 

Marianne Wynne
Camillus, New York

I want to thank Paul Carman for being such an incredible tour guide on our trip to the Eternal City of Rome, Florence, Siena, San Gimignano, and Assisi. Being in Italy and seeing all of the places I had read and studied about brought things into a reality for me. Paul ran our trip so smoothly, and if there was a problem he immediately rectified it. I especially will remember our audience with Pope Benedict XVI and thousands of Christians from all over the world. At the end we were all able to sing the words of the Our Father in Latin...the old universal language. That Pater Noster was very moving for me. Thank you Paul, for making this a very pleasant journey.