Time Zone: 6 hours ahead of US Eastern Time Zone

Language: Italian

Climate: Mediterranean

Currency: Euro (EUR)

Electricity: 220 volts

Economy: Mixed Market with Strong Industrial Segment

Government: Democratic Republic

Religion: Christianity

• Our group flights are made with regularly scheduled air using such airlines as Delta, Lufthansa, El Al, United, Royal Jordanian, etc.
• Not all groups fly together due to itineraries, touring and size of group. All groups will ultimately meet at the first hotel.
• If you have an emergency which requires you to change your flight and have purchased our Travel Protection Plan, contact them first. They will be able to make the changes for you, properly utilizing the coverage provided in your plan.

• All flight times are subject to change without notice – always re-confirm your flight times with the airline (we are not responsible for expenses incurred as a result of changes and/or delays).
• Keep receipt(s) of expenses related to delays or changes for possible reimbursement through your Travel Protection Plan (if purchased) when you return.
• Arrive for your flight 2 to 3 hours prior to departure or as suggested by the departing airport.
• Report missed or cancelled flights to our office immediately – relay information concerning alternate flight information given to you by the airline. Our emergency line operates 24/7.
• Seating has been completed by the airline – if you change your seating or make any other adjustments, please be aware that control of your ticket will no longer be with the company, but with the airline itself.
• Always verify your special request meal preference with the airline.

• Make sure you are wearing your name badge - this aids in identifying you with your group!
• Go through customs and passport control, then collect your luggage.
• If you have missing or damaged luggage, fill out paperwork with the airline before leaving the baggage claim area.
• Exit baggage claim area, watch for “EO” signs – guides will remain in the area to locate guests.
• Follow guide instructions for transferring to the bus and loading luggage.

• Our deluxe touring buses are air-conditioned/heated.
• Buses have bathrooms; however, frequent restroom stops are made.
• Buses are locked while you are touring - you may leave items on the bus during the touring day – but never valuable or perishable items. Take all personal items with you at the end of each touring day.
• Bottled water may be available for purchase at a nominal fee.

• If you need to cancel, call our office immediately.
  • Follow up the phone cancellation in writing.
  • Refer to brochure regarding cancellation penalties.
  • If purchased, contact Trip Mate or the company where you purchased your travel protection plan to file a claim.

Staying connected while traveling is half the fun – sharing touring stories or just checking in with family and friends. Cell phones are an excellent source for staying connected, but there are a few things you must check on with your cell phone provider before you travel. Here are some of those items:

• Confirm that your cell phone can be used internationally.
• Request international rates (note all countries being visited).
• Inquire about activating and deactivating process.
• Keep in mind other technology and apps that may be available to you, such as Skype, FaceTime, Viper, iMessage, WhatsApp.

• Layer your clothing and keep it casual. No "dress-up" events are scheduled.
• Comfortable walking shoes are a must.
• A sweater or jacket is recommended.
• Some religious such as monasteries require your knees & shoulders be covered (applies to both men & women.

• Currency in Italy is the Euro (EUR).
• Go to https://www.xe.com/ for the current exchange rate.

• Have at least a small amount of local currency with you on your overseas arrival (Euro). Touring may occur upon arrival & lunch will be on your own.

• Prepaid gratuities are covered for the hotel staff (porters, dining, housekeeping, front desk).
• Additional tipping is appropriate for extra or special services requested from the hotel staff.
• Tips are appropriate when eating out.
• Tips are appreciated when using certain restrooms (your guide will let you know when this is expected).
• Voluntary Love Offerings for your guide and driver will be collected towards the end of your trip.
• Suggested amounts for love offerings are:
  • Guide - $6 USD per person, per day
  • Driver - $3 USD per person, per day

• Hotels are Deluxe First Class 3 & 4-Star properties offering exceptional amenities for your comfort & enjoyment. 
• Hotel Gratuities (Porters, Waiters, Housekeeping, Front Desk) have been pre-paid for you.
• Some hotels offer laundry rooms and/or ironing rooms.
• Most hotels offer laundry services at an additional charge. (Always verify the return date of your items.)
• Electric current is 220; you will need a power converter to change current to 110 and an adapter to adapt the plug.
   

• Rooms have private showers, TV, phone, wifi (check with hotel concerning access & possible fees).
• Most hotels have blow dryers. Check hotel website for details.
• Double Rooms are made up of either two single beds or one double bed.
• Single rooms are smaller than double rooms and have only one single bed.

• Due to limited space on the motor coach, only one checked piece of luggage per person is allowed. One carry-on and one small personal item (purse, laptop, etc.) are also allowed.
• Carry-ons and personal items must fit under your seat or in the overhead compartments of the plane.
• Overhead compartments on the bus are much smaller than on the plane.
• Attach the color-coded luggage tag provided in your final documents as well as your own luggage ID tag. 
   
• IMPORTANT LUGGAGE NOTE
  • Typically, your checked luggage must weigh 50 lbs or less.
  • Typically, your carry-on luggage must weigh 20 lbs. or less. ​​​​
  •  **Check with your airline for specific limits. Excess luggage charges will be imposed for any overages!**

Food and water are safe in Italy. Bottled water is recommended while touring and can be purchased on the bus for a minimal charge.

• Breakfast
  Hotel Buffet includes a variety of American & European breakfast foods including coffee, tea and juice. (Eggs, deli meat, cheese, bread, cereal, yogurt and milk are offered).
   
• Lunch
  Unless otherwise noted in your itinerary, lunch is on your own. Your guide will choose an area that will offer a variety of food Options.
   
• Dinner
  Either a set menu or hotel buffet will be offered. Beverages, other than water, are not included but can be purchased at a supplemental charge.
   
• Food Allergies/Dietary Restrictions
  The chef will be happy to suggest foods on the buffet that can be within your dietary needs. However, please note that although the hotel will do everything possible to assist you, they may not be able to address each allergy or dietary concern. Always be prepared to supplement your meal as necessary.

• Medical devices that require electricity will likely need an international adapter/converter. The adapter simply allows you to plug your appliance into the various wall plugs in foreign countries. The converter is used to step up or down the voltage to properly support the electrical appliance (see 'Electrical Converters/Adapters' below).
• Notify the airline of your intention to bring a medical device on board - and if you intend to use it in flight. (This includes CPAP machines.)
• Check with TSA for allowances and restrictions at https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/all-list.

• Most medications (prescriptions or supplements) are permitted for international travel, however, always check with TSA for current allowances and restrictions at https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/all-list.
•  Bring medication in its original container if possible.
• A written prescription of your medication(s) in generic form from your physician will assist in getting an emergency re-fill if needed while out of the country.
• Notify our office ASAP if you have medication that requires refrigeration.

• Guests registering for this tour accept the responsibility for being in good health and able to walk and travel on the tour. Because many sites are not accessible to the physically challenged, those needing oxygen, wheelchairs, or other ambulatory assistance will find the tour extremely limiting in their experiences.
• Handicap-accessible facilities cannot be guaranteed for this tour destination. Non-US countries are not obligated to comply with our Handicap Accessible Regulations.
• Buses are not handicap accessible and do not have space for storing wheelchairs, motorized wheelchairs/scooters or other ambulatory assistance items.
• If you are needing ambulatory assistance, you will likely find travel on this program quite difficult and many sites inaccessible.
• If you are in need of assistance, we kindly request that you bring a travel partner to help.
• On average, you can expect to walk 1 - 3 miles a day; although this is typically not all at one time.
• Speak with your guide concerning the ambulatory difficulty at a touring site. You may either stay on the bus or sit nearby.

• Visa and Mastercard credit cards are widely accepted in Europe. American Express and Discover credit cards are not commonly accepted and to avoid issues please plan to not use these credit cards.
•  ATM’s are available, however, you will only receive the local currency. **Notify your bank or credit card
  company if you plan to make purchases with your debit or credit card.**
• ATM usage generally is subject to fees and daily withdrawal limits.
• The amount of cash you take on tour is a personal decision.
• Keep in mind the following items are NOT included:
• Shopping, lunches and love offering.
• We suggest a minimum of $500 in cash. Smaller bills are suggested.

• US & Canadian Citizens - a valid passport is required for short-term visits.
• Passport copies need to be on file with our office prior to your departure.
• Passports MUST be valid for 6 months after your return to the USA.
• Some countries may require your passport to also contain 2 blank pages.
• TRANSIT VISAS – Non-US or Canadian citizens must also check for required Transit Visas for any country that you may pass through (transit) even if it is just to change planes.
• Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate location from your passport. This will greatly assist you should you lose your passport.

• Make sure you have plenty of memory or the ability to download your pictures.
• Bring extra batteries or battery backup.
• Be aware that certain sites do not allow photography and/or video- or may charge for the privilege. Your guide will keep you informed of such restrictions.

• Time is allowed for shopping during your touring day.
• Purchases made are at your own risk.
• US Residents are allowed $800 in duty-free purchases. Visit US Customs Web Site for further information and restrictions.
• VAT (Value Added Tax) is a sales tax on most goods sold. It can be upwards of 19% or higher in Europe & Israel. The VAT is part of the price that is marked not added at the register. It is possible for visitors to claim back most of the tax & may be worth the trouble if you have purchased a high-priced item. Check with the retailer to see if they offer the voucher/paperwork needed to do this. information, visit on-line sources for specific countries.

• Headsets will be provided for your convenience so you can easily hear the guide.
• The amount of time touring and site sequence can vary according to the itinerary and local conditions. Most touring will be full days. Your guide will announce the schedule daily.
• Evenings are generally open for you to rest or explore on your own.
• If you skip a tour day (itinerary permitting), please notify your Tour Guide. Missed sightseeing is not refundable.

• Travel Protection purchased through our company offers coverage for trip interruption, lost/damaged baggage, cancellation & medical expenses etc.
• Compete detail concerning Policy coverage is available on our website.
•   **IMPORTANT NOTE** Services received must be paid for at time rendered.  Keep all receipts.  Request a claim form through the Travel Protection Company upon your return.
• Your final documents will include the Travel Protection phone numbers for both the US  and international situations as well as their website.  They are available to assist you 24/7.

• You must always verify current requirements for your destination. For this information, we suggest going to https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel.
• You may also wish to consult your physician for his/her personal advice for you.

• Average temperatures:

  • Season	Average High	Average Low
    Spring	65	46
    Summer	83	62
    Fall	68	49
    Winter	50	35

• Remember, temperatures can vary widely.  Closer to your departure, check international forecasts for the area.  Weather Information