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8 Day Rome, Florence & Venice by Rail |
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$579
Land Only
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$1449*
Air & Land
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Highlights |
Independent Package Includes
- Flights NYC-Rome, Venice-NYC
Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices
- Airline fuel surcharges
- 6 nights accommodations in your choice of hotels
- 2 nights Rome
- 2 nights Florence
- 2 nights Venice
- Transportation between cities via First Class rail (Plan A, B or C) or Standard rail (Plans D, E) with reserved seats ▲
- Breakfast daily
▲ Upgrade to First Class rail is available for Plan D and Plan E
Also Available
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Optionals |
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Book your Optional Tours before you travel and see more, save time, save money, and protect your investment. Tours purchased while traveling may cost an extra 10% or even more! Tours often sell out - avoid disappointment! Save your cash - many countries do not accept credit cards. Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure.
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| #8 Illuminated Rome by Night 8:00 PM |
Day #2 |
01 Apr 2010 - 23 Dec 2010 $55
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This evening, depart Piazza San Bernardo for an illuminated tour of Rome's historic piazzas and fountains. Along the way to the famous Piazza della Repubblica, enjoy flood-lit views of the Palazzo Margherita, Porta Pinciana, Villa Borghese, Piazzale Flaminio, Via Flaminia, Piazza del Popolo, Piazza Augusto Imperatore, and Via del Corso. Arriving at the Piazza della Repubblica, visit Trevi Fountain, the largest and most exquisite Baroque fountain in Rome, before continuing along the Via Quattro Fontane to view the equally impressive, Fountains of the Four Seasons. From Piazza Venezia, enjoy charming views of the Memorial of King Vittorio Emanuele II and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. From this prime vantage point, admire the Capitol, Imperial Forum, Colosseum, Palatine Hill, Aventine Hill, Circus Maximus, and the Great Synagogue, overlooking the former Jewish ghetto. Conclude this fascinating tour of the Eternal City by night with views of the Castel Sant'Angelo and St. Peter's Basilica on your return.
Departs at 8:00 p.m. from Via V. E. Orlando, 95. Pick-up from hotel 45 minutes prior to departure time. Drop-off at hotel if in the city center, or near a taxi stand if your hotel is located outside the city center.
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| #3 & 2 Rome with lunch |
Day #3 |
30 Jun 2010 - 13 Aug 2010 $189
16 Aug 2010 - 31 Oct 2010 $189
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This morning, depart from the Piazza San Bernardo, site of Moses' Fountain, and travel along Via Bissolati and Via Veneto. Pass by Villa Borghese, one of Europe's most elegant parks, and previous estate of the noble Borghese family. The tour continues to the Vatican Museum and Galleries, where you will find galleries of chandeliers, tapestries, geographical maps, the Sobiesky Hall and the Immaculate Conception Hall. From here, visit the Sistine Chapel and behold the great frescoes by Michelangelo. Passing through the Vatican Hall continue to the Basilica of Saint Peter, one of the four major basilicas of Rome, and burial site of its namesake Saint Peter. Continue to the square of the Capitol and admire the unique sight of the Forum, Colosseum and Palatine Hill, one of Rome's most ancient districts. Walk along the pavement of the original Roman grid, which crosses the ruins of the Roman Forum, the Curia, and the Reggia. Enjoy views of the Temple of Vesta, the Arch of Titus and the Triumphal Arch of Constantine. Continue with an inside tour of the Colosseum, a giant amphitheater used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles, and the largest building ever constructed in the Roman Empire. The tour concludes with a visit to the church of St. Peter in Chains, where Michelangelo's famous statue of Moses is housed.
Please note that on Wednesdays during the Holy Father's Audience, the visit inside St. Peter's Basilica will not take place.
Departs at 7:30 a.m. (Apr 1-Nov 15); and 8:30 a.m. (Nov 16-Mar 31) from Via V. E. Orlando, 95. Pick-up from hotel 45 minutes prior to departure time (between 6:30 a.m. and 7:15 a.m for Mar 16-Nov 15 and between 7:30 a.m. and 8:15 a.m for Nov 16-Mar 31). Drop-off in city center.
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| Florence Afternoon City Tour 2:30 PM |
Day #5 |
01 Apr 2010 - 31 Mar 2011 $64
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Enjoy a walking tour of the city center in Florence and have the opportunity to view sights such as the Palazzo Vecchio and Piazza Signoria. Afterwards, enjoy a visit to the famous Uffizi Gallery to admire original works of art by Leonardo, Giotto, Michelangelo, Botticelli, Raffaello, and many, many others. End your tour with a stop at Ponte Vecchio, a medieval bridge with shops built alongside.
Departs at 1:30 p.m. Pick-up 15 minutes prior to departure time from Piazza della Signoria in front of Nettuno Fountain. Drop-off in city center.
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| Gondola Serenade |
Day #6 |
18 Jul 2010 - 04 Sep 2010 $59
06 Sep 2010 - 20 Nov 2010 $59
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This evening, enjoy one of the highlights of any Italian holiday! Enjoy a relaxing gondola ride with music along the famous Grand Canal, and experience a piece of Venetian history. Glide along the centuries old canals, past lavish palaces and under famous arched bridges (the Gondola holds a maximum of six passengers. Please note that this is not a private gondola ride).
Departs at 7:30 p.m. (Apr 1-Oct 31) and 3:30 p.m. (Nov 1-Mar 31). Pick-up 15 minutes prior to departure time from Santa Maria del Giglio gondola pier. Drop-off at Santa Maria del Giglio gondola pier.
Tour does not operate on: May 1 (Labor Day), Dec 25 (Christmas), Jan 1 (New Year's Day).
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| Excursion to the Islands of Venice Lagoon |
Day #7 |
02 May 2010 - 04 Sep 2010 $29
06 Sep 2010 - 24 Dec 2010 $29
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Depart by boat from Alilaguna Pier to the charming island of Murano. Built on a series of small islands connected by bridges in the Venetian Lagoon, Murano is known throughout the world for its glass manufacturing industry. Enjoy a visit inside one of the island's glass blowing factories to witness first-hand the methods of this fascinating art. Continue to Burano, the most scenic island of the Lagoon, famous for its colorful houses and central church with leaning campanile. Visit Baldassarre Galuppi Street, the island's main avenue, filled with tiny shops that sell famous handmade lace. Continue to the island of Torcello to visit the church of Santa Fosca. Here you will see the church's unique portico in the form of a Greek cross, and the Byzantine Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta.
Departs daily at 2:30 p.m. (Apr 1-Oct 31) and 2:00 p.m. (Nov 1-March 31). Tour departs from Alilaguna Pier (In front of the entrance to the Royal Gardens of St. Mark's). Drop-off at Alilaguna Pier.
Tour does not operate on: May 1 (Labor Day), Dec 25 (Christmas), Jan 1 (New Year's Day).
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Book your Optional Tours before you travel and see more, save time, save money, and protect your investment. Tours purchased while traveling may cost an extra 10% or even more! Tours often sell out - avoid disappointment! Save your cash - many countries do not accept credit cards. Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure.
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Rates & Hotels |
Step 1: Select Your Choice of Hotel Plans Step 2: Click a Date to Book Online
OR: Click here to create your own flexible vacation
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*Not Included:
Airport taxes & fees, transfers, optional tours, and gratuities.
Additional Information:
Upgrade to First Class rail is available for Plan D and Plan E.
Entry Requirements:
US citizens require a passport valid for six months beyond travel dates.
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| Although most of the planning and preparation is taken care of for you, there are still a few things you should know and some details you should take care of to ensure your comfort, safety and peace of mind. Please review the following information before your departure to ensure that any surprises along the way will only be pleasant ones. | |
| Passports and Visas | It is each traveler's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of departure and a visa if required. Please check the information at www.gate1travel.com/visas.aspx for the specific country/region you are visiting for more details. Passengers who are not U.S. citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passport applications are available at most U.S. Post Offices, as well as at regional Passport Agencies.
| | Trip Preparation | A little pre-planning can make your trip go a lot smoother. Several weeks before your trip, make a list of what you will need to take with you. Make sure your personal documents (passports, visas) are in order and that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip. We suggest that you make photocopies of passports, visas, and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals. Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names. If you lose the originals while traveling, you'll have copies for easier reporting and replacement. We recommend that you pack a portable alarm clock.
| | Making Telephone Calls from One Country to Another | When dialing a number from one country to another, you should proceed as follows: dial your country's Exit Code + destination Country Code + Phone Number.
For most countries, the exit code is 00. Exceptions include the USA and Canada (011), Hong Kong and Cambodia (001), Australia (0011), and Russia (8 Pause 10*). For Brazil, please consult with the local telephone company. If the international number you wish to call starts with a 0 (zero), you must drop this starting digit when dialing the number.
| | Health Information | Check with your personal physician for the latest overseas travel health information, or contact the Center for Disease Control’s travelers’ hotline at 404-332-4559, web site www.cdc.gov.
| | Climate & Clothing | Italy - Spring and Fall: 55-75°F; Summer: 70-85°F; Winter: 40-55°F. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket. On cruises, informal dress is the general rule though on formal nights, a cocktail dress for women and a suit or coat and tie for men is required. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops).
Italy Average Temperatures: http://www.gate1travel.com/weather/europe/default.aspx#italy-weather
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| E-Tickets & Check-In Procedures |
Please review the flight itinerary included in these documents. Print and carry a copy of the air itinerary which contains the record locator (airline reservation number) and e-ticket number(s). At check-in, be prepared to provide your government issued identification (valid passport) and your e-ticket itinerary/ ticket numbers to the agent in order to receive your boarding pass.
An e-ticket (electronic ticket) represents the purchase of an airline seat. This form of ticket has replaced almost all formerly provided paper tickets. The e-ticket exists only as a digital record in the airlines computers. In most cases your reservation will be confirmed solely on the basis of your government-issued identification. However it may still be necessary to present the e-ticket itinerary which contains your specific reservation code and ticket number(s). Once confirmed, your luggage will be checked-in and a boarding pass provided.
Advance online check-in is available on some airlines. If available, you may enter your airline confirmation number at the airline's website, and print the boarding pass on your home printer within twenty-four hours of departure. Airlines without advance online check-in require you to present your identification and e-ticket numbers at the airport self-service kiosk or check-in counter.
When e-tickets cannot be issued, you will receive paper tickets.
If your tour program includes foreign domestic flights, and those tickets are not included together with the e-ticket itinerary in these documents, a separate voucher(s) confirming those services will be included. You will receive those tickets at your destination from a Gate 1 representative.
| | Airline Flights | Please check in at least three hours prior to the scheduled departure time to allow for security steps. Passengers connecting from another point within the USA may check their luggage through to their final destination, and although problems with lost luggage have been minimal, it is a possibility. Certain carriers do not allow baggage “interlining,” and luggage must be checked separately for each flight. If you are connecting from a domestic flight which is delayed for any reason, causing you to miss your international flight, you must ask the airline for assistance in getting you to your destination. Since all airline tickets are issued on special fares which carry restrictions and penalties if changed, you must have the airlines responsible make alternate arrangements on your behalf as Gate 1 has no authority or control over airline activities and policies. Do not leave the airline check-in desk until an alternative itinerary has been confirmed for you.
Flight schedule changes are common and may occur anytime until departure. Therefore it is the responsibility of each passenger to reconfirm their flights 72 hours prior to departure for all flights.
| | Airline Luggage Restrictions | Most international airlines are consistent with regard to the number and weight of the pieces you may check and bring onboard. Domestic carriers however, typically on small aircraft, differ. Therefore, we suggest that you check in advance if you are concerned about size or weight restrictions. Many airlines have begun to apply charges for checked bags. Please contact your airline or refer to its website for detailed information regarding your airline's checked baggage policies. Airline policies vary and may change at any time. Gate 1 Travel is not responsible for any excess luggage/ weight charges levied by an airline.
| | Airline Seats | Airline seats are confirmed whenever possible. Some airlines and/or fare types do not allow for pre-seating and require this be done at airport check-in only. Even when seats are pre-assigned however, we recommend that you contact the carrier one to two weeks prior to departure to reconfirm your seats. In many cases there are equipment changes after your initial booking which can cause airplane seating reconfiguration.
| | Airline Tickets | Most airline tickets are issued using special fares which cannot be changed or canceled without incurring additional cost. Should you lose or misplace your tickets while traveling, you should immediately notify the airline. In most cases they will have you complete a Lost Ticket Indemnity Form, and for a fee, issue replacement tickets.
| | Code-share Flights | Many airlines participate in alliances and special agreements with other airlines which permit passengers to travel from one point to another using more than one carrier. While your ticket may indicate that you are flying with one carrier (eg: Delta), you may find that you are actually seated in a plane belonging to another carrier (eg: Alitalia). Please review your airline itinerary carefully to determine which airline you should go to for check-in; if your flight is operated by a carrier other than the primary airline indicated on the itinerary, your itinerary will state "Flight Operated by (Airline)." If you have any concerns regarding which airline to check-in with, you may contact the airline directly or Gate 1 Travel for clarification.
| | Luggage | All Gate 1 tour packages allow one piece of luggage per person, plus carry-on bag. Additional baggage will be subject to airline handling charges of up to $100 per piece. As Gate 1 will not be responsible for loss or damage to luggage and personal belongings, you MUST report any loss or damage immediately at the time of the incident and obtain a written report from the local authority for submission to your insurance provider. If your luggage is lost or damaged by the airlines, a baggage claim form MUST be filed with the carrier before leaving the airport. See www.gate1travel.com/luggage.aspx for Important Baggage Information for U.S. Travelers.
| | Alitalia Flights | Please note flight schedules can change or may be cancelled while you are traveling. It is best to re-confirm your flights 48-24 hours prior to travel.
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| Arrival Procedures | Upon arrival, please complete immigration formalities and claim your luggage. If your program includes airport arrival transfers, check your voucher for specific instructions, as they vary with every destination. In most cases, you will be met after passing through Customs by the local representative who will be holding a Gate 1 Travel sign and/or a sign with your name on it. In some instances you will be instructed to walk a short distance to a transportation counter. The company's name and location will be printed on your voucher. If for any reason you do not connect with the Gate 1 transfer personnel, go to the Tourist Information Desk and ask them to page the Gate 1 Travel representative or phone the number on your voucher.
| | What To Do When Your Flight Is Delayed | Airlines do not share flight manifest information. Therefore, the only way we may learn of a delay or schedule change while you are traveling is from you, the traveler. The sooner you are able to contact one of our offices, overseas or in the USA, the better we can respond. Gate 1 Travel is only able to guarantee pre-reserved arrival transfers for up to one hour from the scheduled time, no matter the cause. In case you are delayed for any reason, and are unable to follow the instructions on your voucher, please make independent transfer arrangements and retain your receipts. Unused tour services, including transfers and hotel nights are not refundable. Upon your return home you will need to contact your airline and/or insurance carrier to investigate the possibility of reimbursement for any unused tour services.
| | Departure Procedures | If your program includes departure transfers, instructions will be stated on your voucher or provided locally.
| | Transfers | Due to local traffic and other extenuating circumstances, we ask that you allow 30 minutes from your scheduled transfer time for our representative to arrive. This includes hotel, airport and cruise transfers. Such possible delays are taken into consideration in scheduling transfers and you should therefore have no concerns about arriving late for your tour, flight or cruise. For transfers from a hotel, let the hotel reception desk or concierge know that you are waiting for a transfer. In the case of a missed transfer, reimbursement for your out-of-pocket expenses will be considered provided you obtain a written statement from the hotel's front desk verifying the length of time you waited, and the time you left the hotel, and a receipt for your transportation with time and date.
Escorted tour programs include transfers, providing you have purchased airfare from Gate 1 to arrive and depart on the scheduled tour dates. If you are traveling independently, you may purchase the transfers from Gate 1 or contract your own method of transportation to the hotel or cruise ship. The cost of a transfer will generally be more expensive than hiring a taxi as the pre-arranged transfer necessarily includes round trip service, or a 'dead-leg'. Additionally the driver may have to wait at the collection point for up to an hour.
| Venice Transfers - Most transfers in Venice are provided by water taxi (occasionally transfers may be provided by car). Only those hotels with a canal mooring can be reached directly. For all others, the water taxi will drop off and pick up at the nearest mooring. It will then be necessary to walk to your hotel. In some cases the hotel may be several blocks away. Some mooring areas cannot be reached during high or low tide, heavy rain, or storms. In this event, the nearest available mooring will be used. Since few of the mooring areas have porters to assist with transporting luggage, it is strongly recommended that you travel with one piece of wheeled luggage that you are comfortable handling on your own.
Your arrival transfer is reserved and held for one hour from your scheduled time of arrival in Venice. If you miss your transfer, please proceed to the dock and transfer on your own to your hotel. It is recommended that you retain the receipt of your transfer in case you are able to claim it from your travel insurance.
| Venice Airport Link Shared Water Taxi Transfers (Hotel to Airport) - Please be at the mooring location indicated on your voucher at least 5 minutes prior to pick up time. Your pre-paid voucher is valid only for the Airport Link water taxi operated by BUCINTORO and only for the time indicated on your voucher. Your pre-paid Gate 1 voucher is NOT valid for any other water taxi. Upon arrival at the airport, it will be necessary to walk approximately half a mile, with your luggage, from the dock to the terminal.
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| Hotels | Gate 1 Travel has carefully selected each hotel based on overall quality, location, price, food, service, and cleanliness. All rooms are standard rooms with two single beds and private facilities, unless you have specifically requested and paid for an upgrade. Room selection is strictly at the discretion of the hotel management. We reserve the right to make hotel substitutions with those of equal standard.
| | Hotel Check-in/ Check-out | Check-in time is usually 4pm or later. Check-out time is 12 noon. If you will be arriving early in the day or departing in the evening, hotels will usually allow you to store your luggage in their luggage room. Ask at the front desk if the hotel can check you in earlier, or let you stay later.
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| Eco & Sustainable Tourism | We support global efforts to create a more eco-friendly world, intolerant of any forms of cruelty, abuse and intentional environmental destruction. To that end we ask that our clients maintain a watchful eye as they travel, and report any abuses they may encounter. One of the many benefits of tourism is the shared cultural knowledge and ultimate elimination of negative behavior through education. We rely on your good feedback to enable this element of symbiosis. As you travel to and learn about foreign cultures, we ask first and foremost that you practice tolerance and respect for local customs.
| | Land Only Passengers (Escorted Tours) | Your tour manager will contact you after your arrival at your hotel. Passengers who have not purchased arrival transfers from Gate 1 Travel should proceed directly to the hotel for checkin. The details of the hotel can be found in your documents.
| | About Your Italy Rail Tickets | Your travel documents will include electronic rail tickets(e-ticket). Tickets will be sent to you a few days after your final documents Please call Gate 1 Travel if you don't receive your rail tickets a week prior to your trip date. Your tickets will be written in Italian. Please take note of the following important information (with English translations) on your ticket: 
| BIGLIETTO - Rail Ticket | | Da | Departure City, Date, DepartureTime | | A | Arrival City | | CL (Classe) | Class of service: | | | 1 (first class) | | | 2 (second class) | | ** note that the word 'standard' mentioned on your ticket refers to the tariff, and not the class of service | | DETTAGLIO VIAGGIO - Travel Information | | Treno | Train Number | | Partenza | Departure City + Station, Date | | Arrivo | Arrival City + Station, Date | | Carrozza | Train Car Number | | Posti | Seat Number(s) | | DETTAGLIO TARIFFE = Tariff Details | | Tariffa | Tariff (generally standard) | | Adulti | Number of adults | | Ragazzi | Number of children | | Codice CP | Reservation Code (PNR) | | Codice biglietto | Ticket Number | Always double check train times locally in case of any changes to the schedules. We are not responsible for cancellation of trains, diversions or maintenance work which might create delays. However, we provide emergency contact numbers and will always endeavor to assist if there are any delays or associated problems. Ticket Changes Ticket changes are not permitted. However, train and seat reservations may be amended prior to departure online at: http://www.trenitalia.com/en/orari_biglietti/ticketless/disposizioni_generali.html#cambioprenotaz
In order to make changes you will need the PNR (Reservation code) and a CP Code. You will receive this information along with your electronic documents on a separate email. No changes can be made without the information required above.
Boarding the Train
For Italian Eurostar, Intercity and Intercity Plus:  The actual issuing of the ticket for Italian Eurostar, Intercity and Intercity Plus ONLY trains takes place on board the train. The conductor will “issue” the ticket after checking the PNR (Reservation code) on your reservation with their list of expected passengers. In the instance that a passenger loses or forgets their PNR (Reservation code / Codice CP), but can provide proof of identity (using a valid piece of identification) that corresponds with the details on the list, the conductor may issue the ticket without requesting payment. Under all other circumstances, the you will have to pay for the ticket. In the unlikely event that you are charged for a new ticket, please retain all receipts and ticket stubs to submit for a potential refund upon return to the United States.
Alternatively, prior to boarding the train, you may choose to “issue” your ticket(s) at a Self Service Machine. You will need the PNR (Reservation code / Codice CP) on the e-ticket which you will receive with your E-Document or Documents. Once you arrive at the Station, locate a Self Service machine and follow the instructions. On the self-service machine screen select "Internet" and follow the simple issuing procedure. You will be allowed to collect your rail tickets up to 10 minutes prior to the train departure time from any self service machine (or station ticket desk in case the self service machines are not available or out of order). Before getting on the train, remember to validate your ticket using one of the punching machines located at the beginning of each platform. For all other trains (Diretto, Interregionale & Regionale): An actual paper ticket will be needed for all regional trains. Rail tickets will be delivered to the first hotel of your tour. Please call the local phone number on your documents if you do not receive your tickets upon check in at front desk
| | Shopping | Shopping in a foreign country can be a wonderful experience. We do include a few stops at recommended popular shops on every escorted tour, intended to enhance your cultural experience. As you explore the country independently, you may find fantastic, one-of-a-kind merchandise. You may get terrific bargains. However, we advise you to exercise care and common sense when making any purchase. Always get a formal receipt. And remember that, just like in this country, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is!
| Italy - Shops are generally open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m., with some variations in Northern Italy, where the lunch break is shorter and shops close earlier. In the major cities, large stores and souvenir shops remain open throughout the day.
Italy is renowned for its fashion industry, with fine clothes for men and women, lacework, jewelry, and leather accessories. Other quality goods include ceramics, gold and silver items, alabaster, woodwork, embroidery, glass and crystal ware. Major credit cards are usually accepted, though cash is preferred for small purchases.
| | Currency | We suggest getting a small amount of currency for the first country you're visiting before you leave the U.S. It is a good idea to carry a chart with you to help you convert U.S. dollars to the local currency. It's also a good idea not to carry too much money. Many countries have ATM machines that accept most U.S. ATM cards, but be sure you know your ATM password in numbers-the keypads on foreign ATMs don't always have letters. ATM machines will only dispense cash in local currency. Check with respective consulates to learn current currency allowances and requirements. Use your credit card whenever possible. Should you decide to carry cash or travelers checks, exchange them at banks where the rate is more favorable than at hotels or exchange bureaus. Please note that many banks and most vendors will not accept or exchange $100 bills. We suggest to carry $20 bills or smaller.
| Italy - The Euro is the currency of Italy.
| | Purchasing Tours Locally | On escorted tours, the guides will generally sell optional tours to passengers who have not pre-purchased them. Payment can be made by cash or credit card, unless otherwise noted below. This does not apply to Independent packages. Please see Gate 1 Terms & Conditions for more information. http://www.gate1travel.com/terms.aspx#optional
| | Credit Cards | While credit cards are accepted in most destinations, it is advisable to carry local currency. Inform your credit card company that you are traveling to avoid your card being blocked for security reasons.
| | Gratuities | This is a matter of personal discretion. You may use the following as a guideline:
- Tour escort (Coordinator; may or may not act as a guide):
$6 or $7 per person per day
- Driver (Provides chauffeur services and limited assistance with luggage):
$3 per person per day
- Local Guide (Offers in-depth information at specific locations. There may be one or many guides along a tour program):
$2 per person per half day of sightseeing (2-3 hours)
- River Cruises:
$6 or $7 per person per day as indicated by each cruise line (see details regarding European River Cruises)
- Hotel Porter:
$1 per bag per person
- Wait staff:
$1.50 per person (lunch or dinner)
Tipping is considered by many locals to be a part of their normal remuneration and some may approach you for additional "compensation." There is no need to be intimidated by the request, nor should you feel pressured to pay more than recommended. If you become uncomfortable by any behavior you encounter, please advise your tour escort or phone our local office. Numbers have been provided in your documents for your convenience.
| Italy - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. Restaurant bills often include a service charge.
| | Your Safety is Very Important | Every effort has been taken by Gate 1 Travel to ensure your safety. However, it is important that you do not allow your common sense to take a vacation while you're on your trip. Be aware of potentially dangerous places and situations as you would at home. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry and carry your valuables concealed in inside pockets or hidden pouches. Don't put all your valuables (money, credit cards, passports, etc.) in the same place. (In case that one wallet is stolen, you should have other valuables and identification in another safe place.) Don't leave valuables laying loose in your room-use the hotel safe. Keep copies of your passports, credit card numbers and travelers checks numbers in the hotel safe. If you've purchased an escorted tour program, your travel documents will include telephone numbers of local Gate 1 Travel representatives who will do their utmost to assist you in the event of an emergency. The numbers are printed on your Gate 1 Travel vouchers. Please copy the numbers. Once you relinquish the voucher, you will not have this information. Passengers traveling independently should employ the services of hotel concierges and local authorities.
| | Local Emergency Phone Numbers | Italy
- Ambulance/Medical: 118
- Fire: 115
- Police: 112
| | Languages | Italy - Italian is the local language. English is generally spoken in tourist areas.
| | Electricity | Please note: The U.S. uses 120 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances.
| Italy - The voltage used is 220 volts.
| | Code of Conduct | Italy - Family and social ties are, broadly speaking, stronger in Italy than in other Western European countries, and the Roman Catholic church retains a strong cultural influence. Common courtesies should be practiced. Casual dress is appropriate, but beachwear should be confined to the beach and poolside. Conservative clothing should be worn when visiting religious buildings, meaning legs and shoulders should be covered. While the cities are very safe, pickpocketing can occur. Avoid conspicuous expensive jewelry and be mindful of your wallet or handbag. Even though many Italians smoke, smoking is prohibited in all public buildings, public transport, cinemas and restaurants.
| | Holidays - Italy |
| Holidays 2010 |
| Jan 1 |
New Year's Day |
Jan 6 |
Epiphany |
Apr 4 |
Easter |
Apr 25 |
Liberation Day |
| May 1 |
Labor Day |
Jun 2 |
Republic Day |
Aug 15 |
Assumption of the Virgin |
Nov 1 |
All Saints Day |
| Dec 8 |
Immaculate Conception |
Dec 25 |
Christmas Day |
Dec 26 |
St. Stephen's Day |
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Please note that in addition, local feast days are held in honor of town patron saints, generally without closure of shops and offices. These include:
| Catania: |
February 3 - 5 (St. Agatha) |
Sorrento: |
February 14 (St. Antoninus) |
Florence, Genoa & Turin: |
June 24 (St John the Baptist) |
Amalfi: |
June 27 (St. Andrew) |
| Rome: |
June 29 (St. Peter & Paul) |
Siena: |
July 2 & Aug 16, Palio horserace |
Palermo: |
July 15 (St. Rosalia) |
Como |
August 31 (St. Abbondio) |
| Naples: |
September 19 (St. Gennaro) |
Bologna: |
October 4 (St. Petronius) |
Trieste: |
November 3 (St. Giusto) |
Venice: |
November 21 (St. Mark) |
| Montecatini: |
December 4 (St. Barbara) |
Bari: |
December 6 (St. Nicholas) |
Milan: |
December 7 (St. Ambrose) |
| | Papal Audiences, Vatican City - Italy | General audiences with His Holiness the Pope are usually held once a week (Wednesdays at 11 a.m.) in Vatican City. They may be held inside the Basilica itself or in the hall of the Papal Audiences (Aula Paolo VI, Seating 7000), and in summer in Saint Peter's Square or in the papal summer residence at Castel Gandolfo. Please note that Castel Gandolfo is located approximately 20 miles south-east of Rome, not in Vatican City.
Catholics are requested to have a letter of introduction from their parish priest. For this audience women should dress modestly, with arms and head covered. Dress should be dark or subdued in color. Men are requested to
wear a tie and jacket. | | Food and Meals | As specified in each itinerary. Meals are based on the hotel's or restaurant's buffet or set menu. In general, beverages are not included, unless specifically stated. Although Gate 1 cannot make guarantees, every effort will be made to honor special dietary requests submitted in writing at least 72 hours prior to departure to info@gate1travel.com.
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