The climate of Italy is moderate and generally agreeable. Late summer and early autumn days can be hot while nights are cool.
Temperatures between spring and fall range between the mid 80's to the low 50's.
HOTELS
All hotels are considered First Class or better. Towels and soap are provided. Washcloths are not. It would be wise to
bring a few with you.
MEALS
A Continental breakfast of orange juice, coffee, bread, butter and jam is served daily. You'll enjoy a nightly three-course dinner. Except during the cruise extension, lunches are
not included in the price of your travel program. Lunch may be purchased at a cost from $6 to $15, depending on individual taste.
(Travel Tip: It is not appropriate to make your lunch from the hotel's breakfast food).
SPECIAL DIETS
We will do our best to meet your requirements. However, there will be limitations in our ability to do so depending upon the country and hotel in which we are staying.
PLEASE BE PREPARED TO
PURCHASE ANY SPECIALIZED FOODSTUFFS, WHICH YOU MIGHT NEED AT THE LOCAL MARKET.
BEVERAGES AND EXTRAS
Outside the United States beverages are not generally included with the meal except for coffee or tea at
breakfast. If you order beverages at lunch or dinner, you will be charged for them. Please settle for these extras before you leave the dining room.
Water served at the table, in most hotels we use, is
considered safe. Bottled water, coffee, tea and soft drinks are always available at a supplemental charge.
SPECIAL NOTICE
Some monasteries will not allow women to enter unless they are wearing a skirt. Please
consult your guide for further details.
MONEY
Because almost everything is included in your travel program, you will need money only for lunches and incidental expenses. You should be able to satisfy your
needs with $400 to $900. Do not carry large sums of cash. In Italy, you will need to change your American money into Euros. Use credit cards for large purchases.
PHONE CALLS
In making long distance calls
to the United States, remember it is cheaper to place the call collect. The hotel will charge a service fee. You may want to purchase an International phone card in Italy to call from a public phone.
LOST ARTICLES
Educational Travel Services, Inc. does not assume any responsibility for items lost
in hotels, busses, or at points of sightseeing.
FORWARDING ADDRESS
Mail can be sent to you directly to your hotel. Letters to tour members should not be mailed from the U.S.A. later than 6-9 days prior to
departure.
BE A CONSIDERATE TRAVELER
Remember you are traveling as a group and should consider the comfort and well being of the entire group at all times. If you are late getting on the bus, everyone loses
valuable time. You should settle any personal charges you may have (such as laundry, telephone, etc. directly with the hotel the night before you check out. This way you will not hold up the group at the last minute
while you settle your personal bills.
If you have to be absent from a day of touring for any reason, please notify your tour guide as soon as possible.
Please be prepared to rotate your seat on the bus daily. No
smoking is allowed in the dining room or on the bus.
LUGGAGE
We must insist on ONE SUITCASE ONLY per person. You are allowed a total of 44 lbs. of luggage. Your suitcase should not be larger than
30"X21"X10". Your carry-on piece should measure approximately 12"X12"X18". Any piece, which does not fit under the seat or in the overhead compartment, will be placed in the cargo hold with
the checked luggage. We do not recommend the use of garment bags.
NOTE: Your hand luggage (carry-on) is your responsibility. Do not allow your carry-on luggage to be handled by porters at hotels or airports.
Carry your hand luggage. ALL BAGS MUST BE MARKED WITH YOUR NAME, ADDRESS AND BUS COLOR.
IDENTIFICATION
You will receive luggage tags before you leave home. These must be placed on the handle of your suitcase.
Nametags will give everyone in the group a chance to get acquainted, will help us to keep track of the party and will facilitate the group's passage through the various customs points. WEAR YOUR NAME BADGE AT ALL TIMES.
TAKE YOUR CAMERA
You will have time to take pictures. Be sure to carry a good supply of film. You can buy film as you go, but it will be more expensive and not always convenient to obtain. A lead-lined film
bag is not necessary. Only the most sensitive film (400 ASA) or above is affected by airport x-ray machines.
ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES
The electric current in Europe and the Middle East is 229 Volts. To operate
American small appliances or gadgets you will need BOTH a CONVERTER and
ADAPTER PLUGS. Electric clocks, tape recorders and video camera rechargers may not work properly even with a converter due to the difference in the number of cycles.
AN EXPERIENCED TRAVELER'S TIPS FOR PACKING
You don't need to buy a new wardrobe for your trip. Clothes that you wear at home will be fine. Pack items which you find are comfortable: clothes which don't wrinkle and can be worn in layers; colors which allow you to
mix an match; combinations which can go from a market place to a Cathedral without a pause.
Europeans and Middle Easterners do not usually wear shorts except when playing sports or on the beach. Shorts are not allowed
in many churches. Unless you plan to "hit the beach" or participate in sports, leave your shorts at home. In many churches, sleeveless outfits are not allowed. Be sure to carry a coat, shirt or large scarf
with which to cover-up! A skirt is required attire for women who visit the Monasteries.
Packing List Don't leave home without...
* 1 pair of super walking shoes (to live in!)
* Adapter
* Converter
* 1 warm cardigan sweater
* Travel Alarm
* 2 pair slacks
* 1 skirt (woman)
Also Pack
* 1 sports coat (man)
* Towelettes (packets)
* 1 pair jeans or casual pants
* Tissues (travel packs)
* 3 cotton shirts
* 1 sweater vest
* Extension cord
* 1 rain coat, with warm, removable lining
* Plastic hangers and clothes pins
* Emergency sewing kit and safety pins
* Rain hat and/or small umbrella
* Insect Repellent (for evenings in the park)
* Windbreaker with hood
* Small tape recorder and batteries
* Scarf and gloves
* Washcloths and ziplock baggies
* Swim suit
* All-purpose travel bag (doubles as camera bag and purse)
TRAVELERS ADVICE
DO...
* Carry your passport at all times
* Purchase Travel Protection (there are many sources)
* Take only what you can carry.
* Plan your wardrobe around one color
* Carry an extra supply of all prescriptions)
* Plan to dress in layers
* Carry a list of essential medications and your doctor's phone number
* Place liquids in plastic bottles and pack in zip lock bags
* Mark all belongings -- cameras, etc. with your name, group number and bus color
DON'T...
* Pack money, medicines or valuables in your
suitcase. Instead, place these items in your purse, pocket or carry on luggage.
* Over pack
* Bring expensive jewelry or items of value
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS AND PREPARATION
To obtain maximum benefits
from the program, you should be in good physical and mental health, able and willing to actively participate in group events, coach trips and boat rides.
Those who are less active will still find the journey a
delightful experience. If you need to rest during the day, there is often a pleasant park, which you can enjoy, or you can simply remain on the bus. Check with your doctor for medical advice pertinent to the trip
and your health.
TRAVEL PROTECTION PLAN
Educational Travel strongly recommends the purchase of pre-travel coverage, which covers most cancellation fees.
We also highly recommend a travel protection plan which would
protect you in the following cases: illness or death, medical expenses overseas, lost or damaged luggage, and economy airfare if it is necessary to fly home early due to personal illness or death of immediate family
member. You may choose to purchase the travel protection plan we offer or obtain coverage on your own.
Please remember, travel protection plan benefits cannot be collected until a passenger returns to the U.S. and files a claim
with the travel protection plan company.
ILLNESS
If you need immediate medical attention while abroad, contact the reception area of the hotel. A doctor or emergency services will be summoned for you. You will find that
most doctors speak good English, although you may need to speak slowly and clearly.
Your Educational Travel Representative should be notified. She or he will assist you in every way possible. You should remember,
however, that expenses incurred (medical, transportation, phone, etc.) must be paid by you. If you find it necessary to leave the tour and return to the U.S., you must also pay the supplemental airfare.
HINTS FROM EXPERIENCED TRAVELERS
* Take only what you can carry yourself
* Plan your wardrobe around one color
* Plan to dress in layers
* Take nothing that wrinkles (or simply ignore wrinkles).
* Place all liquids in plastic bottles and pack inside zip-lock bags.
MONEY MATTERS
IN ITALY: It is necessary to change currency. Please do not expect or demand to use American money.
Before you leave home, you may wish to exchange a small sum at your local bank. You may prefer to wait until you arrive at the international airport. Your hotel will also exchange money for you.
EXCHANGE RATES AND FACILITIES: The best exchange rate will always be found at a bank. You should know that the exchange rate changes twice a day, at opening and at noon. You should also know t hat banks
charge for their service. This rate varies from bank to bank.
PLEASE NOTE: When you exchange Euros back into American dollars, you will lose one-third the value of your money. Therefore,
you do not want to have more Euros than you plan to spend. You should change only a small amount of dollars into Euros and , when you need more Euros, you can exchange more dollars.
Any left over currency can be exchanged at a bank overseas or in the U.S. Please note: coins can only be exchanged in the country in which they were issued.
MAJOR CREDIT CARDS: Credit cards are accepted in many stores and shops throughout Italy. However, in some places, credit cards are honored only in major tourist stores.
PERSONAL CHECKS: Do bring your check
book! They can sometimes be useful in emergency situations. Personal checks are NOT accepted in stores and cannot be written to banks or hotels. ET Guides cannot accept personal checks for cash.
EVEN WHEN YOU CAN USE AMERICAN MONEY: Remember that the change back from your dollars will almost always be in the currency of the country. Please do not expect nor demand American money.
NOTE: Educational Travel
does not provide money exchange or personal check cashing services in Italy.
SERVICE CHARGES AND TIPS:
Before you leave the U.S., Educational Travel has already collected money for standard service charges and tips. ET will distribute the tips to the porters, waiters, maids, reception staff, etc. If you ask for a special favor of a maid or porter, for example, you should tip these persons as you would at home.
A voluntary LOVE OFFERING
for you Guide and Driver will be taken on each bus as an expression of your appreciation for their service. We recommend $3.00 per day per person for the guide and $2.00 per person per day for the driver.
SHOPPING
Although this is not a "shopping tour," we fully understand the desire to bring home souvenirs. Time has been allotted for shopping. Some of you will think this time is not enough and some
will think too much time is spent on shopping. Please remember, the purpose of our travel programs is educational and we try to arrange the programs to please the majority of participants.
Shopping is done
"at your own risk." Educational Travel assumes no responsibility for purchases at places recommended by any guide. Beware of merchants who sell low cost items only to vastly overcharge on expensive
items. Avoid street peddlers, especially while touring. They are a hindrance to the group. Do not even say "NO" to them; ignore them completely. And never allow peddlers on the motorcoach.
VALUE ADDED TAX REFUNDS
A "Value Added" tax (VAT) is much like our sales tax. In most countries abroad, VAT is charged on all items purchased. As a tourist, you can recover this tax if:
1) Your purchases in one store exceed a specific amount.
2) You receive from the store a Tax Refund form.
3) You present this form and your unopened merchandise to customs officials
at the border of the country where it was purchased. Customs officers will validate your form with an official stamp.
4) You mail the validated form to the store where you made your purchase. They will mail you a
check for the tax refund.
For more information, please check with your guide during the first week of travel.
U.S. CUSTOMS REGULATIONS
A returning U.S. resident is allowed $800.00 in purchases duty free
under the following regulations:
1) You must be abroad at least 48 hours.
2) Articles totaling $800 must be based on a fair retail value of the country from which them came. There is no limit on cigarettes (within
the $800 exemption).
3) Articles totaling $800 will be covered by customs exemptions provided they:
a) Accompany the returning resident
b) Are acquired as an incident of the trip
c) Are for personal, household and gift purposes
d) Are properly recorded with customs
4) One quart of alcohol is permitted for persons over 21 years of age. However, liquor importation laws must not be
in violation of laws of the state of arrival. These laws vary from state to state.
5) Gifts may be mailed to the U.S. A. duty free but are limited to $50.00 gifts per person per day (does not include perfumes costing
more than $5, tobacco, or liquor).
This information at the time of posting; however, all information is subject to change without notice.
