Custom Trips
Turn Your Travel Dreams into Reality
Custom Travel Planning
Expert-Crafted Custom Journeys with Archaeological Insights
For when one of our Group Trips aren’t a fit, let us plan your next extraordinary trip for you.
Transform your travel experience with personalized travel planning from an archaeology Ph.D.
Whether you’re seeking hidden historical gems or luxurious cultural experiences, we combine deep expertise with personalized service to create unforgettable journeys.
At Merakiva Travel, we believe that travel is personal and exciting. Whether you seek solitude, adventure with a few close friends, or a family getaway, we can help.
Why Choose Merakiva Travel
Archaeological Expertise
Access insights and hidden gems from a Ph.D. archaeologist that most travel advisors don’t know exist
Personalized Service
Every itinerary is crafted specifically for you, based on your interests, pace, and travel style
Seamless Experience
From planning to on-trip support, we handle all the details so you can focus on the journey
Start Planning Your Journey
Schedule your free 20-minute chat about your travel dreams
No commitment required
From Happy Clients
Travel Success Stories
“We couldn’t be more grateful to Merakiva Travel for planning the honeymoon of our dreams! Every detail was perfectly thought out, making our two-week journey through Italy completely seamless. Despite what could have been complicated logistics with multiple trains, ferries, and rental cars, everything went off without a hitch.
Marshall made sure every step of our trip was effortless, so we could focus on enjoying our time together. Thank you for creating the perfect honeymoon!”
Archer & Dillon
The Process
How It Works
Our complete travel planning packages provide a cohesive and delightful experience.
We arrange hotels, transportation, and attractions, working with you to create the perfect trip.
1
Free Consultation
Share your travel dreams in a relaxed conversation
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- No commitment required
- Virtual or phone meeting
- Discuss your ideal trip
2
Custom Proposal
Receive your tailored travel plan
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- Detailed day-by-day plan
- One of a kind accomadations & activites
- Clear pricing breakdown
- *After payment of trip planning fee
3
Refinement
Fine-tune until it’s perfect
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- 2 round of revisions
- Expert suggestions
- Flexible adjustments
4
Booking & Payment
We handle all reservations and details
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- Secure all reservations
- Process payments
- Organize documentation
5
Travel Confidently
Enjoy with our full support
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- Trip assistance
- Local connections
- Dynamic adjustments
Travel Like An Archaeologist
Expert Guidance & Unique Experiences
Meet Dr. Marshall Schurtz, archaeologist and founder of Merakiva Travel. With over a decade of experience excavating ancient sites and leading tours, Marshall brings a unique blend of academic expertise and practical tour leadership to every journey we design.
His passion for revealing hidden histories and forgotten stories transforms ordinary trips into extraordinary adventures that go far beyond typical tourist experiences.
LET US KNOW
Share Your Travel Dreams
Not ready for a meeting? Fill out the form with details about your dream trip. We’ll take a look and get back to you within 24 hours.
See What’s Possible
Sample Itinerary
Days 1-4
Amalfi Coast: Boutique Hotel in a Hidden Town
- Small-ship cruise to Capri Island
- Couples deep-tissue massage
Ferry & Train Transfer
Days 5-8
Rome: Renovated Monastery Hotel in a Trendy Roman Neighborhood
- Private guided tour of the Roman Forum & Colosseum
- Sistine chapel tour & breakfast in Vatican City
Train Transfer & Rental Car
Days 9-12
Tuscany: Authentic “Agroturismo” in a Tuscan Farmhouse
- Cooking class in local’s home in Sienna
- Day-long tour of vineyards and local wine tasting
Train Transfer
Days 13-15
Venice: Luxury Hotel in Historic Palace & Embassy
- Boat tour of archaeological sites on the secret islands of the Venetian Lagoon
- Exploring the “underground” crypts of ancient Venice
Honeymoon in Italy
Why Use A Travel Advisor?
The Value of Expert Planning
Why use a travel advisor? Can’t I just book this myself?
While creating an itinerary and planning a trip yourself is possible, there are unexpected costs. Plus, working with a travel advisor comes with many benefits.
- Hours spent researching (average 15-30 hours for a week-long trip)
- Stress of coordinating complex logistics
- Risk of missing details that ruin your trip
- Value of insider & expert knowledge
- Peace of mind support
Discover the Hidden Cost of Trip Planning
10 hours
The Real Price of Your Time
Planning this trip will cost you approximately: ~$0
Ready to plan your journey?
Find 20 minutes on your schedule to meet with me and chat
No strings attached
Let’s Chat About Your Trip
Pricing
Transparent travel planning fees. No surprises.
Standard Trip Planning
Let us design your perfect trip and take care of the details.
$
350
per group
Includes:
- Bespoke itinerary development
- Followup Consultation Call
- Accommodation and activities booking
- Transportation logistics support & booking (airfare excluded)
- Restaurant and experience curation
- Documentation support
- Travel support
Satisfaction Guarantee
We want you to be completely satisfied with your travel plan. If after two rounds of revisions you’re not happy with your itinerary, we’ll refund your planning fee in full.
Archaeological Insights Package
Feel like you’re traveling with an Archaeology Expert, while traveling on your own.
$
725
per group
Includes everything in Standard Trip Planning, PLUS:
- Custom video for each archaeological site (2-3 minutes each – like Cameo, but for archaeology)
- Audio guide series (5-10 minute episodes about each site)
- Written guides for each site
- 30-minute site briefing call
- Pre-trip Q&A
- Priority on-trip travel support
Satisfaction Guarantee
History should be fun, interesting, and accessible. If you’re not satisfied with the archaeological content after one free revision, we’ll refund you the difference from the planning fee.
Cruise Planning
Make the process of taking a cruise a walk in the park
$
195
per group
- Expert cruise selection & booking service
- Pre/post cruise planning & hotel arrangements
- Transfer arrangements
- Priority Support
- Luxury Cruise Bonus (for pp bookings $4,000+): Complimentary Archaeological Insights Package
Two Ways to Get Started
Quick Start
- Share your trip ideas and wishlist
- We’ll review and respond within 24 hours
- Perfect for initial planning
Personal Consultation
- 20-minute free consultation
- Direct expert guidance and feedback
- Start your trip planning ASAP