Getting Started: Information about Italy
We strive to make any service, whether it be a Sightseeing Tour, Shore Excursion or Transfer, complete and personalized. Before you embark on your Italian adventure, we would like to inform you about Italy.
When you travel the Italian peninsula, you not only are immersed in a vast cultural heritage, but often you may feel transported back in time as you walk cobble-stoned streets or traverse the same bridges used centuries before. Italy is the residence of two-thirds of the world's artistic collection, home to expansive cities and rustic villages, and some of the most famous cuisine and wine in the world. The country is very versatile, pleasing those who want to immerse themselves in nature, in the hustle and bustle of a cosmopolitan city, for those who want to participate in sporting events or simply sit back and watch them, those inspired by art, architecture, and fashion, and provides an Italian experience for all tastes and desires.
Here Are Some Tips And Information Necessary To Prepare You For Your Travels:
Passports and Visas:
You will need a valid passport with an expiration date of no less than three months after your intended Italian departure date, and proof of intention to leave, such as a return ticket; no special visas are necessary, but it is recommended that you consult your local Italian Embassy website for information concerning necessary vaccinations and documentation for small children. The traveler may stay up to 90 days without a special travel visa.Currency and Exchange:
Italy is part of the European union and uses the Euro. Although you can exchange Dollars for Euros in airports and individual exchange points throughout Europe, there is a commission, often quite large, taken from the amount exchanged. It is recommended that you check with your local bank about ordering Euros directly from the domestic branch, where although there is often a wait of several days, you will only pay a flat ordering fee, or often, no fee at all. It is also recommended that you check the exchange rate even when using a credit card, as it fluctuates daily. Always carry some cash, as many Italian institutions, especially in the smaller areas, do not accept debit or credit cards, even in markets and boutiques of larger cities
Languages:
Italian is the main language in Italy, often followed by French and English. Basic English is often spoken in large city centers and can be found concerning general information in most state institutions and cultural monuments. If you are interested in learning about a specific monument or work, we highly suggest that you hire a guide or invest in a guidebook from a notable publishing house. Note that as you adventure to the outlaying regions of each city, you find differences in the Italian language itself as well as a fewer amount of people with a general knowledge of English.
Weather:
Italy is temperate, and tends to have four defined seasons. The northern regions can be compared to the north-eastern United States, the center and southern regions to the south-eastern states. Note that air conditioning is a luxury! Check with the accommodation where you will be staying: at times you can request an in-room unit for added cost if your accommodation does not have units built into the rooms.Electricity and Conversion:
The electricity in Italy is 220V, a standard in Europe. The United States uses 120V, and you will need a continental or universal transformer. It is wise to read information concerning the electric capacity and buffering of the transformer, as some laptops require a larger dose or stronger protection. Often hotels will directly list a hairdryer as an amenity; if it is not listed, ask, as it is not a common item found in smaller institutions. This applies to clothes irons and ironing boards as well.
Telephones and SIM cards:
Italy uses the GSM network, and companies such as T-Mobile and AT&T may be compatible with the services. Depending on the phone model and company, international rates are often available. A phone with an Italian SIM card and number can be purchased for under 40 euro should this be an urgent need, and functions as a pre-paid service would in the US.
Tipping:
Tipping is a plus in Italy, and Europe in general, but it is not expected. It is more common to tip guides, English Speaking Drivers and hotel staff than taxi drivers. To acknowledge fantastic service in a restaurant, a 10% tip will be appreciated (but not mandatory).
