No doubt, the Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi was partial to his homeland, but surely his words will resonate as well with the many travelers who have fallen in love with Italy!
If this is your first visit and you’re focusing on Rome, Florence and Venice, you won’t be disappointed. This classic trio of cities captures everything we love about Italy – from its ancient landmarks and wealth of art and culture to its modern-day vibrancy and enduring culinary traditions. And if you’re a repeat traveler, there will always be an abundance of new sights and experiences awaiting your discovery.
If you’re venturing farther afield to explore other regions of the country – perhaps the charming seaside enclaves of Cinque Terre, the medieval hill towns of Tuscany, or the surprising city of Bologna – then you’ll have an opportunity to discover even more of Italy’s bounty. Indeed, Italy is that rare destination where food, wine and history come together so perfectly with abundant natural beauty, welcoming residents and a pace of life that it never fails to enchant.
So whatever your itinerary, come to Italy with every expectation of a marvelous time! And be sure to bring your smile, an open mind and your spirit of adventure… We’re sure that your journey will be filled with a delightful variety of experiences that are enriching, memorable, inspiring and just plain fun!
Passports + Visas
American citizens will need to present a valid passport upon entry into Italy. Passports must be valid for six (6) months after the completion of your stay. It is the traveler’s responsibility to obtain required travel documents (passport, visas and vaccination certificates). No visas are required for American citizens unless you are staying longer than 90 days. Visitors from countries other than the United States should check on their specific entry requirements with the nearest Italian consular office.
Now is a good time to assemble and check your travel documents, then keep them together in a safe, accessible area of your home. If you keep your passport in a bank safe deposit, retrieve it now to avoid a last-minute rush, and double-check the expiration date!
Your Health
Italy does not require any specific vaccinations or inoculations. However, your personal physician knows your health history and is the best person to consult regarding inoculations, health precautions and other advice for your upcoming journey. Always check the World Health Organization (WHO) website
http://www.who.int/ith/en/ and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website
https://www.cdc.gov/ before you travel internationally.
Each country has different health regulations and requirements. If you are taking a prescription medicine, especially those containing narcotics, such as sleeping pills or tranquilizers, please have a copy of your doctor’s prescription with you.
Medical supplies, such as CPAP machines for sleep apnea can be brought as an additional carry-on with most airlines. If you are traveling with a CPAP machine, please let us know in advance and consider bringing a backup battery in case of inconsistent electricity supply. Distilled water may be easily obtained in most destinations but all machines will work with filtered or bottled water in a pinch. Make sure you have all appropriate adaptors although newer machines have universal power supplies that can adapt to various voltage. Bring extra supplies (especially cushions) and pertinent replacement parts as repairing the machine while travelling may not be possible.
If You Face Physical Challenges
Journeys to Italy tend to be active trips. The excursions and activities often involve a great deal of walking over uneven terrain, both paved and unpaved. There will be hills to climb and descend, and steps usually have no wheelchair access. Even indoor sites like museums and historical buildings may have only steps, no elevators or ramps.
Ancient sites worldwide were constructed well before building codes or the existence of safety and accessibility standards. And in order to maintain the architectural and historical integrity that attracts visitors in the first place, many of the sites have been intentionally left in their natural state. As such, you will encounter uneven terrain, irregular steps, and a lack of handrails, barriers, ramps and cautionary warning signs where you might expect them back home. Therefore, it is extremely important for you to take great care and caution when exploring these sites. Pay attention to all instructions and do not wander away from your guide, especially off designated paths into unmarked terrain. When exploring on your own, heed all regulations, be extra mindful of your surroundings and note any conditions that could increase the risks (poor visibility, wet slippery surfaces, etc).
For travelers with mobility issues or physical challenges, be prepared for less accessibility than we enjoy in the United States. Hotels may be limited in the provisions made for such travelers and some do not have elevators. Airports are not always fully equipped with modern jetways, and ramps for wheelchairs are often absent.
We regret that we cannot provide individual assistance for guests who need mobility assistance. Nor can we ensure that local vehicles will be wheelchair-equipped. For these reasons, a qualified companion must accompany guests who need such assistance.
If you have any mobility or medical issues of which we should be aware, please advise Alexander+Roberts well in advance of your departure.
A Word about Hotels
As in other parts of the world, check-in time for most hotels is around 3:00PM and check-out time is typically 11AM. If your flight arrives early, and your room is not ready, you can usually store your luggage with the hotel and step out to explore a bit at your own pace or relax with a cup of tea or coffee in the lobby.
If early check-in is absolutely required, advance arrangements can usually be confirmed for the cost of an additional night.
Similarly, if you have a late departure flight, hotels will store your luggage after you’ve checked-out, leaving you unencumbered to explore and relax until it’s time to go to the airport. Depending upon how busy they are, hotels may allow you to occupy your room for another hour or two without charge; check with the front desk to determine if this is possible for your day of departure. If a late check-out is absolutely required, advance arrangements can be confirmed for an extra cost.
Please notify your travel agent or Alexander+Roberts if you wish to confirm either early check-in or late check-out.
Our Flexible Sightseeing
Whether you’re a first-time traveler or repeat visitor to Italy, our selection of included sightseeing tours in Italy allows you to tailor your touring to your personal interests. In order to provide maximum flexibility, we’ve carefully handpicked a variety of shared sightseeing options in each city.
These motor coach tours operate on a shared basis with other visitors to Italy who have not necessarily booked their trip through Alexander+Roberts. All of the tour guides are licensed professionals with a deep and broad knowledge of Italy, their native land. With an excellent command of English and other languages, they will share their passion and insights to enhance your selected excursion. Please contact us though if you wish to explore our sightseeing options offered on private basis.
If you have already booked optional tours in Italy, this information has been conveyed to our local office. Upon arrival, double-check with our local office to ensure that you are clear about where and when your tour begins. Make sure that you are prompt for all sightseeing tours! Once in Italy, our local office or the hotel concierge can assist you with additional arrangements, including sightseeing, dinner reservations, guided shopping excursions and cultural performances. At the time of booking you will have to pay in cash in the local currency.
Climate
Central and southern Italy enjoy a predominantly Mediterranean climate. Northern Italy, however, has a transition zone from the Mediterranean climate to alpine. In the far north of the country, winters are normally cold, windy and humid with snow coverage in the mountainous areas while the south enjoys the balmy winter Mediterranean sun. Spring and autumn are clearly defined. From April to September you can expect the sun to shine for about 12 hours a day. The hot spells of summer tend to be broken by sudden showers and thunderstorms. The average July temperature will range from the low 80s to the high 90s, however, be prepared for hotter summer spells.
Money Matters
The currency of Italy is the Euro (€, EUR), Europe’s common currency. Exchange rates can vary widely but one US dollar roughly equals about €0.90.
Major credit cards are accepted in most shops and restaurants. We recommend that before you travel you inform both your bank and your credit card company which countries you will be visiting. It is also a good idea to inquire about fees for transactions abroad.
Traveler’s checks must be cashed into local currency. You may be required to show your passport when cashing traveler’s checks, and there is usually a transaction fee involved. Make sure to ask what the fee is before exchanging your money. The best place to exchange is at a bank. Although the exchange rates at train stations and independent counters look favorable, they usually also charge extremely high commissions for exchange.
ATMs on both the Cirrus and Plus networks will give you instant cash in the local currency. You can find ATMs in most major Italian cities. However, most European ATMs will not accept PIN numbers longer than 4 digits. Also, please be aware that like many American ATMs, some Italian ATMs limit how much cash can be taken out at one time.
It’s always a good idea to carry some Euros, especially small bills for tips and small purchases.
Tipping
All tips are voluntary and at your discretion. It is a nice gesture to tip your guides and drivers whether on a private tour or coach tour. Please use your own discretion as to the amount. Follow the guidelines you would use for similar service in the US. When tipping your local guide or driver, a personal note from you is always a source of great pleasure to them.
The following recommendations are meant to help you prepare for your trip but as always please use your own discretion when tipping:
Local Guides: $3-4 per person per excursion
Driver(s): $2-3 per person per day
If you enjoy a private excursion with a private guide and driver, we suggest you double the above amounts.
At restaurants a 15% tip is expected and standard practice if you are satisfied with the service, the food and the experience in general. Tips should be given directly to your server and not left on the table. Before you tip, make sure that it has not already been added to your bill although in Italy it is customary to leave a small tip for waiters and hotel room maids even if the bill includes service charges. Most restaurants cannot accept tips on credit card even if the meal is paid with credit card. Tips should always be provided in cash.
Local City Taxes
In most Italian cities, city taxes are charged for your hotel accommodations and range from 1 to 10 Euros per person per night, with the rate increasing within this range by tier (3-star hotels are assessed at a lower rate than 4-star hotels; likewise, 4-star hotels are assessed at a lower rate than 5-star hotels). Rome has the highest city taxes in the country: 4 Euros at 3-star hotels, 6 Euros at 4-star hotels, and 7 Euros at 5-star hotels. At Rome airport hotels, though, the tax is a flat 2 Euro across all hotel classes. These city taxes cannot be prepaid and are not included in your package cost. Payment will be applied upon checkout at each hotel respectively.
These prices are subject to change at any time but can be used as an indicator for budgeting purposes.
About Electricity
Electric current is 230V at 50 Hz AC and most outlets support two round-pin plugs. An adapter plug and a converter may be necessary to charge your electronic devices, and are usually available from the front desk. If you’re bringing electric appliances from the US such as an electric razor or hair dryer, you’ll need a converter and a plug adapter. However, many hotels have electrical outlets at 110V for electric shavers. For more information on plugs and sockets, review the information at:
www.iec.ch/worldplugs/map.htm
Internet and Phone calls
If you plan to bring your cell phone when you travel, please check with your carrier to ensure that your plan covers international calls and/or mobile data from the countries you will visit on your trip and whether there may be money saving plans available from your carrier that can be arranged in advance. Alternatively, local prepaid SIM cards for your phone are usually available at the airport where you arrive and can be used to tap into local service providers. Wi-fi is available at many hotels either complimentary or for a fee; you can find Wi-Fi information on your itinerary and hotel list, or check with the front desk upon check in regarding access details.
If making an international call from your hotel room, please check the rates first. Hotels often contract with outside companies to provide direct-dial telephone services for guests calling overseas from their rooms, and the rates can be unexpectedly high.
The dialing code for Italy is +39; you’ll need to prefix the local number with this dialing code when calling from outside of Italy.
Is the Water Safe to Drink?
The tap water in Italy is safe to drink. However, most Italians drink bottled water. In restaurants, when you order water you will be served bottled water at a charge. If you do not want to pay for it, ask specifically for tap water.
Meal Time!
Your hotel accommodations include breakfast. You will find a good choice of typical European and American breakfast foods.
Eating a leisurely Italian meal is one of the pleasures of traveling in Italy! Traditional meals may last one or two hours or even longer, and some restaurants will not serve lunch before 1:00PM or dinner before 8:00PM. Italians take food very seriously. Each region, and sometimes even a city, will have regional specialties that they are very proud of. Your experience might be enhanced by telling your waiter that you want to try the regional specialties. A full meal usually consists of an appetizer, first course and a second course with a side dish.
The waiter will almost never bring the bill until you ask for it. When you are ready for the bill, simply ask for il conto. Prices listed on the menu usually include tax and service fee. You may leave a small tip (a few coins) if you wish. Not all restaurants accept credit cards so be prepared with cash.
A Word about Train Travel in Italy
There are several types of trains operated by privately run lines and the Italian railway system. “Eurostar Italia” and “Italo” trains are exclusively first-class inter-city trains on which you must have a reservation or you may be unable to board. “Diretto Espresso” and interregional trains are long-distance expresses that stop only at the larger stations. Lastly, there are regional services, which stop at every station along their route. In winter, trains are not crowded, but during the summer a seat reservation is necessary on the main routes.
If your program includes train travel in Italy, please review your travel documents, where you will find your first-class rail tickets with seat reservations. (In a few cases, if you’ve extended an itinerary to a city that is not served by first-class trains, that portion of your itinerary will have the appropriate rail tickets and seat reservations, if available.) Please check your tickets for your train number as well as the date and time of departure from each city. If you’ve purchased transfer services to or from the train station, please review your transfer vouchers as well and reconfirm the time of your transfer with your local host in each city.
A separate note of caution: please beware of pickpockets around train stations (and on the train). Do not leave your possessions unattended.
Shopping
By all means, enjoy your shopping! But we do recommend that you avoid objects that appear to be ancient artifacts. Many so-called artifacts are anything but old. In addition, the export of genuine ancient relics is strictly controlled so that cultural treasures do not leave the country. Animal skins, things made with tropical bird feathers, and similar items should also be avoided. Some could be made from endangered species and their export (and import into the US) may be illegal. Buying only from reputable shops will help you to avoid problems.
Ban on Public Snacking Near Historical Sites
The city councils of Venice, Florence and Rome have banned snacking in key locations in their historic city centers (particularly on or near any monuments). It is a costly offense: fines range from 25 to 500 Euro! Please look carefully for signage denoting areas where you should not eat in public.
What are the Business Hours?
Italy is 6 hours ahead of New York City and businesses generally operate between 8:00AM and 6:00PM. In some cases businesses will close for a mid-day meal. Most shops are closed on Sunday; Italy also observes many civic and religious holidays that will close banks and other businesses.
A Note about Traveling with Minors
Many countries currently require documentary evidence of a relationship between minors traveling with an adult. Although Italy is not one of them, we strongly recommend that parents traveling alone with a minor carry a notarized letter from the absent parent authorizing the trip, regardless of whether the parent is married or divorced. Never-married parents, parents whose spouse has died, and parents who have been granted sole legal custody of children are encouraged to carry notarized proof of their status, including death certificate where appropriate. Grandparents traveling with grandchildren and adults traveling with children who are not their own should carry letters of authorization from both parents of the children. It is wise to also carry the child’s birth certificate with the original seal. Please visit the state department’s website travel.state.gov if you plan to travel with a minor.
Packing Advice to Get You Started
Generally, the attire is casual with the emphasis on comfort and convenience. Easy-to-care-for clothing and mix-and-match separates are ideal to prevent the need to bring a lot of clothes. To accommodate the variable weather, you should pack rain gear (raincoat or all-weather jacket, collapsible umbrella and hat) and clothing you can layer. For dining out, the dress code is “smart casual.” However, you may wish to pack semi-formal attire if you plan to attend the theater or an evening cultural event.
If your program includes visits to churches, the Vatican or other religious sites, please dress conservatively on these dates to show respect for the local custom. Most Italians consider shorts, mini-skirts, and uncovered shoulders inappropriate attire for a church setting. If you are dressed this way, you may not be allowed to enter the church.
Since your itinerary includes some walking during city sightseeing tours and excursions, please pay particular attention to footwear: a pair of comfortable walking shoes with rubber soles and firm arch support is strongly recommended. Note that cobblestone streets are common in old towns of Italy; some of the sites included on your tours are accessible only on foot. European cities tend to restrict access to city centers and their historical core to pedestrians; therefore, be prepared for lots of walking! Suitable footwear consists of low-heeled shoes, sneakers, tennis shoes and similar. Be prepared for rainy days no matter the season. Don’t forget your sunglasses and sunscreen.
A Few Final Tips
Some handy items we recommend include: an extra pair of glasses, an alarm clock, zip-lock plastic bags, a bottle opener and an English/Italian dictionary.
Reminders about Your Baggage
While baggage restrictions may vary by airline, most carriers limit international passengers to one checked bag weighing no more than 50 pounds with maximum linear dimensions (length + width + height) of 62 inches/158 cm. Depending on the airline there could be a surcharge for any additional checked baggage. For information about the baggage allowance and applicable fees for the first and second checked bag and carry-on, please visit your airline’s website before you begin to pack.
TSA Packing Tips
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) publishes a comprehensive list of items that are Permitted and Prohibited in carry-on and checked baggage. You can find the complete list online at
https://www.tsa.gov/travel.
For vacation travelers, the important thing to remember is that only one small bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes can be in your carry-on bag when you pass through security. Each item is limited to 3.4 ounces (100ml) - and all containers must fit inside a clear, 1-quart sized, zip-top bag. If you have containers that are larger than 3.4 ounces, they must go inside your checked baggage.
Medications, baby formula/food and breast milk are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding the 3.4-ounce limit, and they do not have to be in a zip-lock bag. You should declare these items at the checkpoint, and keep in mind that TSA Officers may need to inspect them.
A Few Words about Safety + Security
Traveling abroad is no different than visiting a new city in the United States. Although you will find Italians to be friendly and welcoming, use common sense precautions to safeguard your person and your possessions at all times.
• Do not go out and about with your passport unless specifically instructed to do so by your local guides.
• Keep your extra cash and passport in the in-room safe of your hotel. In the few instances where they are not available, then store these items in the safety deposit box at the front desk.
• Always make a copy of your passport, credit cards and e-tickets and keep them separate from the originals so that they can be more readily replaced if lost or stolen. Leave extra copies with someone at home who you can reach while traveling. Or consider scanning these documents and emailing them to an address that you can access while abroad.
• If you don’t already own one, consider investing in a money belt that can be concealed under your clothing. This is a good place to keep the cash and credit cards that you need for personal expenses while sightseeing, shopping and touring. Do not display large amounts of cash in public. Carry your purse with the strap across your chest, not dangling from your shoulder or arm.
These measures will save you countless time and trouble should your credit cards, airline tickets or passport be lost or stolen.