individual-trips – Azeitalia

individual TRIPS

AzeItalia creates personalized journeys for individual athletes who dream of experiencing authentic Italian water polo. As an American water polo player who’s made Italy home for over 15 years, I understand exactly what it takes to help you thrive in this unique environment. You’ll train alongside local Italian athletes, develop your skills through focused coaching sessions, and become a true member of an Italian club team – not just a visitor.
Your journey goes beyond the pool. Between morning practices and evening scrimmages, you’ll explore charming coastal towns, learn to make traditional focaccia, and create memories that last a lifetime. Whether you’re looking to refine your technique, experience different playing styles, or challenge yourself in international competition, I’ll customize every aspect of your trip to match your goals.

Cancellation Policy

FULLY
CUSTOMIZABLE

Cancellation Policy

FULLY
CUSTOMIZABLE

ADVENTURE

FRIENDSHIP

FUN

TRAINING

ADVENTURE

FRIENDSHIP

FUN

TRAINING

OPEN TO

WATERPOLO
PLAYERS

U12 TO
NATIONALS TEAMS

ALL
GENDERS

ALL
LEVELS

OPEN TO

WATERPOLO
PLAYERS

U12 TO NATIONALS TEAMS

ALL GENDERS

ALL LEVELS

INCLUDED IN YOUR QUOTE

Club training with a local water polo team
Pool rental, lifeguard, referee
Morning Trainings
Scrimmages
Equipment: Balls and caps
Bi-Lingual Tour Manager Full-time service by regional expert

NOT INCLUDED IN YOUR QUOTE

Accommodation (CAN BE ARRANGED)
Food (CAN BE ARRANGED)
Excursions (CAN BE ARRANGED)
Transportation (CAN BE ARRANGED)
Flights (CAN BE ARRANGED)
Italian Coach (CAN BE ARRANGED)
Travel Insurance
Personal Items

POPULAR EXCURSIONS & EXPERIENCES:

Have another destination in mind? Let me know, and we can make it happen!

COOKING CLASS

Italy

FOR ALL

GELATO MAKING

Italy

FOR ALL

FLORENCE

Italy

FOR ALL

PORTOFINO

Italy

FOR ALL

PISA

Italy

FOR ALL

HIKING

SAN FRUTTUOSO

Italy

FOR ALL

LOUNGE CHAIRS

SAN FRUTTUOSO

Italy

FOR ALL

CINQUE TERRE

Italy

FOR ALL

VALLETTA

Malta

FOR ALL

WINE TASTING

Italy

FOR PARENTS

BOAT TRIP

BLUE LAGOON

Malta

FOR ALL

BOAT RENTAL

Italy

FOR PARENTS

KAYAK

Italy, Malta

FOR ALL

BOAT PARTY

Italy

FOR ALL

all you need to know

DATES

The travel dates are fully customizable. We’ll work with you to select the ideal timeframe that aligns with both your schedule and the club’s availability.

FLIGHT

Flights are not included in the base package. You can book them independently, or if you prefer, I can connect you with someone who can assist in organizing your flights.

ACCOMODATION

While team trips typically include pre-arranged accommodations, individual athlete stays are intentionally flexible to match your personal preferences and comfort. Whether you prefer the convenience of a hotel like Hotel Cenobio dei Dogi or Albergo Augusta, or the independence of a self-catering apartment where you can prepare your own meals, Camogli offers diverse options to suit your style. I highly recommend connecting with me before finalizing your booking so I can confirm the location’s proximity to training facilities and ensure you’re situated in an optimal area for both training and enjoying the local experience. From luxury hotels to cozy vacation homes through Wanderful Italy, I can guide you toward accommodations that best match your needs and budget.

FOOD

For individual athlete trips, meals are intentionally not included in the package based on 13+ years of experience and athlete preferences. I’ve found that athletes enjoy the flexibility to explore local restaurants, prepare their own meals, or grab quick bites on the beach. Rather than paying for a fixed meal package that may not suit everyone’s schedule or preferences, I’ll show you where the local grocery stores are located upon arrival. This approach has proven more cost-effective and allows athletes to manage their own nutrition while experiencing authentic Italian cuisine on their own terms – whether that’s cooking in their apartment, trying different local restaurants, or enjoying a panini by the beach

TRANSPORTATION

For individual athlete trips, all transportation to and from training sessions is fully included, whether by bus or train. This covers your daily commute to pools, training facilities, and scrimmage locations. While these essential training-related transfers are covered, you have flexibility for other travel plans during your free time. Need to explore other areas or plan additional excursions? I’m happy to help you organize extra transportation, whether it’s booking a train ticket to Cinque Terre, arranging a taxi to Santa Margherita, or navigating the local bus system. My years of experience with the local transportation networks can help make your travel arrangements smooth and efficient.

DOCUMENTS

For your arrival, you will need the following documents:

Passport – Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your planned arrival date.
Visa (if applicable) – Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa to enter Italy. Please check with your local embassy or consulate.
Travel Insurance – Proof of travel insurance that covers health, accidents, and emergencies during your stay.
Signed Waiver – A waiver from a parent or guardian that permits you to travel with your coach.
Flight Information – A copy of your flight details, including your arrival time and flight number.

Make sure to have both digital and hard copies of these documents for easy access during your travels. Let me know if you need any assistance!

EXCURSIONS

While the individual athlete package doesn’t include formal excursions, there are plenty of opportunities to join in on adventures! As a local resident, I often invite individual athletes to tag along when I’m guiding team excursions or during my daily explorations of the area. This organic approach allows you to experience authentic Italian life and local hidden gems. Whether it’s joining a team’s trip to Portofino, coming along for a hike to San Rocco, learning to make traditional Focaccia Formaggio, or simply discovering my favorite gelato spots, these spontaneous adventures often become highlights of the trip. This flexible arrangement means you can join activities that interest you without being locked into a fixed excursion schedule.

DISCLAIMER: Any visits to museums and/or other tourist attractions during the city tours are not included in the package price.

WHAT TO BRING

Here’s a packing list for your trip:

Sneakers – Comfortable for training and excursions.
Swimsuit – For both games and the beach.
Flip-flops – For the pool deck and casual wear.
Towel – For your swim sessions.
Swimming goggles – Essential for training and matches.
Rain jacket (k-way) – Just in case of rain or chilly weather.
Water bottle – Not required, but recommended to stay hydrated.
Sunscreen – You can buy it in Italy, but if you have a preferred brand, bring it along.
Personal medications – Italy has different medications, so if you rely on specific ones, be sure to bring them with you.

Let me know if you have any questions about what to pack!

PAYMENT

Your trip deposit will be processed securely through the WeTravel platform, offering you convenient payment flexibility. You can choose to pay either by credit card or bank transfer, whichever method is most convenient for you. The deposit is non-refundable and secures your spot in the program. Please note our cancellation policy: if you need to cancel, fees are 10% if cancelled 120+ days prior, 30% if 90 days prior, 50% if 60 days prior, and no refund within two months of the trip unless a replacement is found. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment.

FAQs

What’s the level of play?

One of the unique aspects of our individual training program is that there are no rigid skill level requirements – we welcome athletes of all abilities. After assessing your current level and goals during the initial trial period, I’ll work with local coaches to place you in the most appropriate training environment. Whether you’re an elite player ready to train with A1 teams like Pro Recco or Bogliasco, or you’re developing your skills and would benefit from a more foundational program, we’ll find the perfect fit. This personalized matching process ensures you’ll train at a level that challenges you appropriately while fostering improvement and confidence in your game.

Who will my athlete practice with?

Individual athletes will be matched with local Italian club teams based on their skill level and development needs. For female athletes, we have partnerships with Bogliasco (featuring A1 coach Mario Sinatra), Camogli, Rapallo, and Locatelli. Male athletes can train with prestigious clubs like Camogli, Pro Recco, Sori, and Bogliasco. Upon arrival, athletes participate in a trial period where both the local coach and I evaluate their performance to ensure placement with the most beneficial team for their growth. This personalized approach ensures each athlete trains at an appropriate competitive level and receives maximum value from their Italian water polo experience.

Are there other individuals at the same time?

To ensure the highest quality training experience and maximize playing time with local club teams, I maintain strict capacity limits of three female and three male individual athletes at any given time. This intentional limitation, based on years of experience, ensures each athlete gets meaningful playing time and personalized attention during club team training sessions. This approach has proven optimal for both the visiting athletes and the host clubs, allowing for proper integration into team practices and scrimmages while maintaining high-quality training opportunities.

Can athletes come by themselves?

Whether you’re coming solo, with parents, or friends, we welcome all travel arrangements that work best for you. Once you arrive in Camogli, you’ll be under my personal care and guidance. As a long-term resident living here, I’ll be your local support system – helping you navigate training, daily life, and the Italian experience. This personalized attention ensures that every athlete, regardless of how they arrive, has the support they need to make the most of their training experience. From showing you around town to introducing you to your training team, I’ll be there to ensure you’re comfortable and well-taken care of throughout your stay.