11 Day Affordable Italy with Sorrento or Naples
From
$2009
Land Only
$2779*
Air & Land
Featured Hotels
(Hotels may vary based on departure day of the week)
| Sunday Departure with Sorrento | ||
|---|---|---|
| Grand Hotel Principe | Venice | |
| Hyatt Centric Murano Venice | Murano, Venice | |
| Hotel Carlton on the Grand Canal | Venice | |
| Hotel Villa Mabapa | Venice Lido | |
| San Gallo Palace | Florence | |
| Grand Hotel Mediterraneo | Florence | |
| Hotel St. Martin | Rome | |
| UNA Hotels Deco Roma | Rome | |
| Massimo D'Azeglio | Rome | |
| Hotel Royal Continental | Naples | |
| Starhotels Terminus | Naples | |
| Hotel Michelangelo | Sorrento | |
| Sunday Departure with Naples | ||
|---|---|---|
| Hotel Carlton on the Grand Canal | Venice | |
| Hotel Villa Mabapa | Venice Lido | |
| Grand Hotel Principe | Venice | |
| Hyatt Centric Murano Venice | Murano, Venice | |
| Grand Hotel Mediterraneo | Florence | |
| San Gallo Palace | Florence | |
| Massimo D'Azeglio | Rome | |
| Hotel St. Martin | Rome | |
| UNA Hotels Deco Roma | Rome | |
| Hotel Royal Continental | Naples | |
| Starhotels Terminus | Naples | |
| Hotel Michelangelo | Sorrento | |
| Tuesday Departure with Sorrento | ||
|---|---|---|
| Grand Hotel Principe | Venice | |
| Hyatt Centric Murano Venice | Murano, Venice | |
| Hotel Carlton on the Grand Canal | Venice | |
| Hotel Villa Mabapa | Venice Lido | |
| San Gallo Palace | Florence | |
| Grand Hotel Mediterraneo | Florence | |
| Hotel St. Martin | Rome | |
| UNA Hotels Deco Roma | Rome | |
| Massimo D'Azeglio | Rome | |
| Hotel Royal Continental | Naples | |
| Starhotels Terminus | Naples | |
| Hotel Michelangelo | Sorrento | |
| Tuesday Departure with Naples | ||
|---|---|---|
| Grand Hotel Principe | Venice | |
| Hyatt Centric Murano Venice | Murano, Venice | |
| Hotel Carlton on the Grand Canal | Venice | |
| San Gallo Palace | Florence | |
| Grand Hotel Mediterraneo | Florence | |
| Hotel St. Martin | Rome | |
| UNA Hotels Deco Roma | Rome | |
| Massimo D'Azeglio | Rome | |
| Hotel Royal Continental | Naples | |
| Starhotels Terminus | Naples | |
| Hotel Michelangelo | Sorrento | |
| Friday Departure with Sorrento | ||
|---|---|---|
| Hotel Carlton on the Grand Canal | Venice | |
| Hotel Villa Mabapa | Venice Lido | |
| Grand Hotel Mediterraneo | Florence | |
| Massimo D'Azeglio | Rome | |
| Hotel Mediterraneo | Rome | |
| Grand Hotel Europa Palace | Sorrento | |
| Hotel Michelangelo | Sorrento | |
Click a Date to Book Online
Click a Date to Book Online
| 2023 Dates & Prices Single Supplement: $550 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Hotel | Dates | Embark | Tour Starts | Ship | Land Only | Air & Land | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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$2899 | $3699* | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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$2849 | $4069* | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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$2849 | $3599* | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Only 1 seat left! | $2699 | $3489* | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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$2499 | $3389* | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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$2499 | $3329* | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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$2599 | $3439* | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Only 1 seat left! | $2499 | $3379* | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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$2399 | $3369* | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Only 1 seat left! | $2649 | $3489* | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $2649 | $3419* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $2599 | $3369* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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$2249 | $3089* | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $2199 | $3149* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 2024 Dates & Prices Single Supplement: $550 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hotel | Dates | Embark | Tour Starts | Ship | Land Only | Air & Land | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $2299 | $3069* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Only 1 seat left! | $2149 | $2929* | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Only 1 seat left! | $2009 | $2779* | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $2199 | $2969* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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$2199 | $2969* | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Only 1 seat left! | $2349 | $3129* | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $2199 | $2969* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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$2899 | $3689* | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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$2599 | $3479* | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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$2549 | $3359* | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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$2349 | $3109* | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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$2799 | $3569* | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Only 1 seat left! | $2699 | $3579* | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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$2499 | $3769* | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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$2849 | $3619* | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Not Included:
Optional tours and gratuities.
Additional Information:
Land only price does not include arrival/departure transfers.
Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 6 PM. We recommend you select flights that arrive no later than 4 PM.
Accommodation Details:
Some departures are operated with more than one coach. Hotels of similar standard may be substituted.
Departures may stay in either Naples or Sorrento, the city will be indicated on your booking.
Passengers traveling abroad require a passport valid for six months beyond their travel dates. All travelers are responsible to check if a visa is required for all countries on their itinerary. For visa information, check our Visas page.
Is This Trip Right for You?
Escorted Package Includes
- Flights New York-Venice, Naples-New York
Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices - Airline taxes & fuel surcharges
- 9 nights First Class accommodations
- 2 nights Venice or Venice Lido
- 2 nights Florence
- 3 nights Rome
- 2 nights Sorrento or Naples
- Italian city hotel taxes, fees & service charges
- Hotel porterage
- All transfers included only with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure dates†
- 12 meals: 9 breakfasts, 3 dinners
- Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach
- Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout
- Services of local guides in all major cities
- Entrance fees per itinerary
- Comfortable wireless earphones for enhanced touring
Special Features
- Walking tour of Venice including St. Mark’s Square with its extraordinary treasures and architectural wonders
- Stop at a local farm in the Tuscan countryside for wine tasting and local specialties
- See Pisa's Piazza dei Miracoli with its famous Leaning Tower
- Explore the Renaissance city of Florence with a guided walking tour
- Visit the 13th century Basilica di San Francesco in Assisi
- Tour of the Vatican Museums and Michelangelo's incomparable Sistine Chapel
- Historic tour of Ancient Rome including the Roman Forum and outside view of the Colosseum
- Visit the excavations at Pompeii, a city frozen in time
†Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates
Is This Trip Right for You?
This program is active. Walking is done over uneven surfaces, stairs, steps and significant slopes. Expect most of the sightseeing to require three to four hours of walking as well as a considerable time standing. Many historical cities have specific driving regulations, with set drop off and pick up points, that result in extra walking to and from the sights. The pace is fast as many sites are included. This is an Off Season program. For more information, click here.
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Gate 1 Travel itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently.
This first class hotel is a prestigious ancient palace situated on the Grand Canal, just after the Scalzi Bridge.
Hotel Details
This first class hotel is located on the Grand Canal and is just a few minutes from the shopping and historical center.
Hotel Details
This first class hotel is located on Venice Lido island overlooking the Venice Lagoon.
Hotel Details
This first class hotel is situated on the bank of the River Arno, within walking distance of the city center.
Hotel Details
This first class hotel is located in Rome, between the National Library and Piazza dell'Indipendenza.
Hotel Details
This first class hotel is a historic establishment that is located right on the Neapolitan waterfront.
Hotel Details
This first class hotel is located on the Grand Canal and is just a few minutes from the shopping and historical center.
Hotel Details
This first class hotel is located on Venice Lido island overlooking the Venice Lagoon.
Hotel Details
This first class hotel is a prestigious ancient palace situated on the Grand Canal, just after the Scalzi Bridge.
Hotel Details
This first class hotel is situated on the bank of the River Arno, within walking distance of the city center.
Hotel Details
This first class hotel is located in Rome, between the National Library and Piazza dell'Indipendenza.
Hotel Details
This first class hotel is a historic establishment that is located right on the Neapolitan waterfront.
Hotel Details
This first class hotel is a prestigious ancient palace situated on the Grand Canal, just after the Scalzi Bridge.
Hotel Details
This first class hotel is located on the Grand Canal and is just a few minutes from the shopping and historical center.
Hotel Details
This first class hotel is located on Venice Lido island overlooking the Venice Lagoon.
Hotel Details
This first class hotel is situated on the bank of the River Arno, within walking distance of the city center.
Hotel Details
This first class hotel is located in Rome, between the National Library and Piazza dell'Indipendenza.
Hotel Details
This first class hotel is a historic establishment that is located right on the Neapolitan waterfront.
Hotel Details
This first class hotel is a prestigious ancient palace situated on the Grand Canal, just after the Scalzi Bridge.
Hotel Details
This first class hotel is located on the Grand Canal and is just a few minutes from the shopping and historical center.
Hotel Details
This first class hotel is situated on the bank of the River Arno, within walking distance of the city center.
Hotel Details
This first class hotel is located in Rome, between the National Library and Piazza dell'Indipendenza.
Hotel Details
This first class hotel is a historic establishment that is located right on the Neapolitan waterfront.
Hotel Details
This first class hotel is located on the Grand Canal and is just a few minutes from the shopping and historical center.
Hotel Details
This first class hotel is located on Venice Lido island overlooking the Venice Lagoon.
Hotel Details
This first class hotel is situated on the bank of the River Arno, within walking distance of the city center.
Hotel Details
This first class hotel is located in the historic center of Rome atop the Esquilino, the highest of Rome's seven hills.
Hotel Details
This first class hotel is located near the historic center of Sorrento, overlooking the sea.
Hotel Details
- Tours purchased while travelling may cost an extra 10% or more
- Tours often sell out. Avoid disappointment
- Save your cash. Credit card processing may not be possible locally
- Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure
- Book Online or call to book these tours up to 1 week before your departure
- The day the optionals operate varies by the day of the week
One of the experiences of any Italian holiday is a Venetian gondola ride. For centuries, the traditional flat bottom boat has been a major means of transportation in Venice though its primary role today is to take tourists on rides. Gondoliers may seem like "rough-and-ready" characters, however they are actually highly skilled operators constantly working on the perfect balance of this watercraft. The profession, handed down from generation to generation, is regulated by a guild which issues a limited number of licenses to highly trained gondoliers to navigate the narrow spaces of the Venetian canals. Explore part of the Grand Canal as well as some other hidden minor waterways. The gondola holds a maximum of six passengers. Please note that this is not a private gondola ride. Your gondolier will indicate the seating arrangements to balance the boat and you may not be seated next to your travel companions. Though you may envision the gondolier singing to you, there will only be a musician aboard one of the boats in your fleet of several different gondolas.
Pick-up details to be advised locally. Approximate tour duration is 30 minutes.
| Day #3 | 01 Apr 2022 - 31 Dec 2025 | $65.00 |
Come join in a Tuscan Feast tonight! An enjoyable ride through the lovely Tuscan hills will take you to a restaurant where a sumptuous Tuscan dinner will be served. As you enjoy the appetizers, the home-made pastas, the meats and dessert, let the wine flow and the music accompany your experience! Includes round-trip transportation, 5-course dinner with entertainment, and unlimited wine.
Pick-up details to be advised locally. Approximate tour duration is 2-3 hours.
| Day #5 | 01 Apr 2020 - 31 Mar 2024 | $79.00 |
This half day walking tour takes you to explore the grand piazzas of the Eternal City. Stand in awe in front of the majestic Spanish Steps, the longest and widest decorative steps in Europe, and with your local guide stroll through the most characteristic "piazzas and vias " of Rome. Stop to admire the breathtaking grandeur of the Trevi Fountain and take the opportunity to toss in one, two, or three coins, each of which is supposed to bring a unique kind of good fortune. View the monumental Pantheon, the best preserved of any Roman building and admire the baroque Piazza Navona, which follows the shape of the ancient Roman Domitian Stadium, with Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers and the Egyptian Obelisk.
Pick-up details to be advised locally. Approximate tour duration is 2-3 hours.
| Day #7 | 01 Apr 2021 - 31 Mar 2025 | $49.00 |
Italy's Amalfi Coast has long been described as the most stunning coastline in the world. Today's tour takes you for a drive along the Amalfi Coast to view its dramatic landscape and beautiful panorama. Along the road, famous for its narrow curves and hairpin bends, you'll see picturesque villages spaced about the ravines, the most famous being Positano and Amalfi. You'll admire the beautiful pink and white villas of the hillside; Amalfi, with its unmistakable cluster of whitewashed homes and beautiful cathedral overlooking the village square.
Pick-up details to be advised locally. Approximate tour duration is 6-7 hours.
| Day #10 | 01 Oct 2021 - 31 Mar 2024 | $79.00 |
One of the experiences of any Italian holiday is a Venetian gondola ride. For centuries, the traditional flat bottom boat has been a major means of transportation in Venice though its primary role today is to take tourists on rides. Gondoliers may seem like "rough-and-ready" characters, however they are actually highly skilled operators constantly working on the perfect balance of this watercraft. The profession, handed down from generation to generation, is regulated by a guild which issues a limited number of licenses to highly trained gondoliers to navigate the narrow spaces of the Venetian canals. Explore part of the Grand Canal as well as some other hidden minor waterways. The gondola holds a maximum of six passengers. Please note that this is not a private gondola ride. Your gondolier will indicate the seating arrangements to balance the boat and you may not be seated next to your travel companions. Though you may envision the gondolier singing to you, there will only be a musician aboard one of the boats in your fleet of several different gondolas.
Pick-up details to be advised locally. Approximate tour duration is 30 minutes.
| Day #3 | 01 Apr 2022 - 31 Dec 2025 | $65.00 |
Come join in a Tuscan Feast tonight! An enjoyable ride through the lovely Tuscan hills will take you to a restaurant where a sumptuous Tuscan dinner will be served. As you enjoy the appetizers, the home-made pastas, the meats and dessert, let the wine flow and the music accompany your experience! Includes round-trip transportation, 5-course dinner with entertainment, and unlimited wine.
Pick-up details to be advised locally. Approximate tour duration is 2-3 hours.
| Day #5 | 01 Apr 2020 - 31 Mar 2024 | $79.00 |
This half day walking tour takes you to explore the grand piazzas of the Eternal City. Stand in awe in front of the majestic Spanish Steps, the longest and widest decorative steps in Europe, and with your local guide stroll through the most characteristic "piazzas and vias " of Rome. Stop to admire the breathtaking grandeur of the Trevi Fountain and take the opportunity to toss in one, two, or three coins, each of which is supposed to bring a unique kind of good fortune. View the monumental Pantheon, the best preserved of any Roman building and admire the baroque Piazza Navona, which follows the shape of the ancient Roman Domitian Stadium, with Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers and the Egyptian Obelisk.
Pick-up details to be advised locally. Approximate tour duration is 2-3 hours.
| Day #7 | 01 Apr 2021 - 31 Mar 2025 | $49.00 |
One of the experiences of any Italian holiday is a Venetian gondola ride. For centuries, the traditional flat bottom boat has been a major means of transportation in Venice though its primary role today is to take tourists on rides. Gondoliers may seem like "rough-and-ready" characters, however they are actually highly skilled operators constantly working on the perfect balance of this watercraft. The profession, handed down from generation to generation, is regulated by a guild which issues a limited number of licenses to highly trained gondoliers to navigate the narrow spaces of the Venetian canals. Explore part of the Grand Canal as well as some other hidden minor waterways. The gondola holds a maximum of six passengers. Please note that this is not a private gondola ride. Your gondolier will indicate the seating arrangements to balance the boat and you may not be seated next to your travel companions. Though you may envision the gondolier singing to you, there will only be a musician aboard one of the boats in your fleet of several different gondolas.
Pick-up details to be advised locally. Approximate tour duration is 30 minutes.
| Day #3 | 01 Apr 2022 - 31 Dec 2025 | $65.00 |
Come join in a Tuscan Feast tonight! An enjoyable ride through the lovely Tuscan hills will take you to a restaurant where a sumptuous Tuscan dinner will be served. As you enjoy the appetizers, the home-made pastas, the meats and dessert, let the wine flow and the music accompany your experience! Includes round-trip transportation, 5-course dinner with entertainment, and unlimited wine.
Pick-up details to be advised locally. Approximate tour duration is 2-3 hours.
| Day #5 | 01 Apr 2020 - 31 Mar 2024 | $79.00 |
This half day walking tour takes you to explore the grand piazzas of the Eternal City. Stand in awe in front of the majestic Spanish Steps, the longest and widest decorative steps in Europe, and with your local guide stroll through the most characteristic "piazzas and vias " of Rome. Stop to admire the breathtaking grandeur of the Trevi Fountain and take the opportunity to toss in one, two, or three coins, each of which is supposed to bring a unique kind of good fortune. View the monumental Pantheon, the best preserved of any Roman building and admire the baroque Piazza Navona, which follows the shape of the ancient Roman Domitian Stadium, with Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers and the Egyptian Obelisk.
Pick-up details to be advised locally. Approximate tour duration is 2-3 hours.
| Day #7 | 01 Apr 2021 - 31 Mar 2025 | $49.00 |
Italy's Amalfi Coast has long been described as the most stunning coastline in the world. Today's tour takes you for a drive along the Amalfi Coast to view its dramatic landscape and beautiful panorama. Along the road, famous for its narrow curves and hairpin bends, you'll see picturesque villages spaced about the ravines, the most famous being Positano and Amalfi. You'll admire the beautiful pink and white villas of the hillside; Amalfi, with its unmistakable cluster of whitewashed homes and beautiful cathedral overlooking the village square.
Pick-up details to be advised locally. Approximate tour duration is 6-7 hours.
| Day #10 | 01 Oct 2021 - 31 Mar 2024 | $79.00 |
One of the experiences of any Italian holiday is a Venetian gondola ride. For centuries, the traditional flat bottom boat has been a major means of transportation in Venice though its primary role today is to take tourists on rides. Gondoliers may seem like "rough-and-ready" characters, however they are actually highly skilled operators constantly working on the perfect balance of this watercraft. The profession, handed down from generation to generation, is regulated by a guild which issues a limited number of licenses to highly trained gondoliers to navigate the narrow spaces of the Venetian canals. Explore part of the Grand Canal as well as some other hidden minor waterways. The gondola holds a maximum of six passengers. Please note that this is not a private gondola ride. Your gondolier will indicate the seating arrangements to balance the boat and you may not be seated next to your travel companions. Though you may envision the gondolier singing to you, there will only be a musician aboard one of the boats in your fleet of several different gondolas.
Pick-up details to be advised locally. Approximate tour duration is 30 minutes.
| Day #3 | 01 Apr 2022 - 31 Dec 2025 | $65.00 |
Come join in a Tuscan Feast tonight! An enjoyable ride through the lovely Tuscan hills will take you to a restaurant where a sumptuous Tuscan dinner will be served. As you enjoy the appetizers, the home-made pastas, the meats and dessert, let the wine flow and the music accompany your experience! Includes round-trip transportation, 5-course dinner with entertainment, and unlimited wine.
Pick-up details to be advised locally. Approximate tour duration is 2-3 hours.
| Day #5 | 01 Apr 2020 - 31 Mar 2024 | $79.00 |
This half day walking tour takes you to explore the grand piazzas of the Eternal City. Stand in awe in front of the majestic Spanish Steps, the longest and widest decorative steps in Europe, and with your local guide stroll through the most characteristic "piazzas and vias " of Rome. Stop to admire the breathtaking grandeur of the Trevi Fountain and take the opportunity to toss in one, two, or three coins, each of which is supposed to bring a unique kind of good fortune. View the monumental Pantheon, the best preserved of any Roman building and admire the baroque Piazza Navona, which follows the shape of the ancient Roman Domitian Stadium, with Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers and the Egyptian Obelisk.
Pick-up details to be advised locally. Approximate tour duration is 2-3 hours.
| Day #7 | 01 Apr 2021 - 31 Mar 2025 | $49.00 |
One of the experiences of any Italian holiday is a Venetian gondola ride. For centuries, the traditional flat bottom boat has been a major means of transportation in Venice though its primary role today is to take tourists on rides. Gondoliers may seem like "rough-and-ready" characters, however they are actually highly skilled operators constantly working on the perfect balance of this watercraft. The profession, handed down from generation to generation, is regulated by a guild which issues a limited number of licenses to highly trained gondoliers to navigate the narrow spaces of the Venetian canals. Explore part of the Grand Canal as well as some other hidden minor waterways. The gondola holds a maximum of six passengers. Please note that this is not a private gondola ride. Your gondolier will indicate the seating arrangements to balance the boat and you may not be seated next to your travel companions. Though you may envision the gondolier singing to you, there will only be a musician aboard one of the boats in your fleet of several different gondolas.
Pick-up details to be advised locally. Approximate tour duration is 30 minutes.
| Day #3 | 01 Apr 2022 - 31 Dec 2025 | $65.00 |
Come join in a Tuscan Feast tonight! An enjoyable ride through the lovely Tuscan hills will take you to a restaurant where a sumptuous Tuscan dinner will be served. As you enjoy the appetizers, the home-made pastas, the meats and dessert, let the wine flow and the music accompany your experience! Includes round-trip transportation, 5-course dinner with entertainment, and unlimited wine.
Pick-up details to be advised locally. Approximate tour duration is 2-3 hours.
| Day #5 | 01 Apr 2020 - 31 Mar 2024 | $79.00 |
This half day walking tour takes you to explore the grand piazzas of the Eternal City. Stand in awe in front of the majestic Spanish Steps, the longest and widest decorative steps in Europe, and with your local guide stroll through the most characteristic "piazzas and vias " of Rome. Stop to admire the breathtaking grandeur of the Trevi Fountain and take the opportunity to toss in one, two, or three coins, each of which is supposed to bring a unique kind of good fortune. View the monumental Pantheon, the best preserved of any Roman building and admire the baroque Piazza Navona, which follows the shape of the ancient Roman Domitian Stadium, with Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers and the Egyptian Obelisk.
Pick-up details to be advised locally. Approximate tour duration is 2-3 hours.
| Day #7 | 01 Apr 2021 - 31 Mar 2025 | $49.00 |
Italy's Amalfi Coast has long been described as the most stunning coastline in the world. Today's tour takes you for a drive along the Amalfi Coast to view its dramatic landscape and beautiful panorama. Along the road, famous for its narrow curves and hairpin bends, you'll see picturesque villages spaced about the ravines, the most famous being Positano and Amalfi. You'll admire the beautiful pink and white villas of the hillside; Amalfi, with its unmistakable cluster of whitewashed homes and beautiful cathedral overlooking the village square.
Pick-up details to be advised locally. Approximate tour duration is 6-7 hours.
| Day #10 | 01 Oct 2021 - 31 Mar 2024 | $79.00 |
| Know Before You Go | |
| 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. |
| Getting Ready to Go |
| Passports and Visas |
| It is each traveler's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the dates of travel 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. IMPORTANT: Passengers who are not U.S. citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passengers who enter, leave and then re-enter the same country on their itinerary should check if they require a double-entry visa. Passport applications are available at most U.S. Post Offices, as well as at regional Passport Agencies. Passengers requiring visas, whether obtained in advance or locally upon arrival, should ensure that their passport has blank pages.
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| Traveling with Friends or Family? |
| If you are traveling with friends or family who are booked on another reservation, please make sure that we are aware. On occasion, we may operate more than one vehicle on your tour departure in which case we will ensure that guests will be assigned together. This is achieved by connecting your reservations before your departure. Once you arrive in your destination, it may not be possible to make assignment changes. To check that your reservations are linked, log into https://www.gate1travel.com/res with your email and password, select your reservation number, and check to see that your reservations are indicated as "Traveling With" at the top right side of the display. |
| 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, driver's license) are in order. Make sure also that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip and carry them with you in case your luggage is delayed. Bring a change of clothes in your carry-on bag in the event that your luggage is delayed or lost. Lost luggage is common. We strongly urge you to consider carry-ons instead of checked bags when possible, and when checking a bag is necessary, choose a bag color and identification that stands out. We suggest that you make photocopies of passports, visas, personal ID and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals. You may also make a digital copy of your passport to keep a clear picture with the important details in your cell phone or digital camera photos. If you lose the originals while traveling, you'll have copies for easier reporting and replacement. Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names. You may consider bringing a small supply of over the counter medications for headaches and/or anti-diarrhea pills (especially when traveling outside of the USA and Western Europe). We recommend that you pack a portable alarm clock. Due to security reasons, many museums have restrictions on the size of bags that can be taken inside and backpacks, carry-on bags or large purses may not be permitted. It is recommended to bring a small shoulder bag or purse to use in these situations instead. Avoid placing valuables such as cameras in your checked luggage. Airplane pressure can cause similar pressure in your body, most notably in ears, as well as liquid tubes and bottles. Your physician can suggest medication for decongestion. We suggest that you place liquid containers into Ziploc bags to catch any leaks. |
| Travel Safety Advice: The safety of our guests is Gate 1’s #1 concern. Before making the decision to reserve your vacation, we want you to be aware of potential situations which may impact your holiday. While most of the time our programs run precisely according to plans, on rare occasion force majeure events including weather, transportation mechanical issues, or uninhabitable accommodation, civil unrest and even criminal or terrorist activities will present themselves unexpectedly and with little or no notice. Gate 1 will make the decision to cancel a tour only after receiving verifiable government issued information. We are otherwise obliged to comply with contractual airline and vendor agreements and carry out the tour until or unless we are advised otherwise. In the event of such an occurrence anytime after your date of departure, Gate 1 and the local destination ground staff, in coordination with government advisories, airlines, hotels, cruise ships and other vendors, will make decisions with regard to your safety first. We strongly recommend that tour participants review the destination country's specific information at https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html. |
| Travel Protection |
| Even the best-planned trips can be impacted by the unexpected. And that is why we recommend that you help protect yourself and your investment by purchasing Travel Protection for your Gate 1 trip. Travel Protection can help with medical coverage for illness or injury, trip cancellation and/or interruption, baggage loss, medical evacuation, and more. At any time before you complete Final Payment, you may choose to purchase Travel Protection. The protection plan premium is non-refundable after a 10-day review period. In addition, you must be medically able to travel at the time the premium is paid. For a summary of the plan details on coverages, benefits, limitations and exclusions, please refer to the Description of Coverage by visiting www.gate1travel.com/insurance/. Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit (CFAR) is a non-insurance feature that allows you to cancel up to 72 hours before your scheduled departure for any reason not otherwise covered in the Travel Protection Plan. CFAR must be purchased at the same time as the Travel Protection Plan as well as within 21 days of the original booking date. Independent or escorted tour reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to the full cost of your trip, less the cost of initial deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. Sea or river cruise reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to 50% of the cost of your trip, less the cost of initial trip deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. All CFAR credits are valid for a period of two years from the original date of travel. CFAR Credits have no cash value and are not transferrable. Airline-assessed fees are generally $300 per person, but may be as much as fully non-refundable. Some non-refundable airline tickets may retain value, less airline-assessed fees. Your future air credit must be used to book with the same airline. Deadlines to rebook and complete travel vary by airline and may be as early as 12 months from when the tickets were originally issued (not the date of travel). For details, www.gate1travel.com/insurance/. This program does not apply to custom groups and Antarctica cruises. Residents of New York, Missouri & Minnesota may purchase this Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit separate from Travel Protection. Call to speak with a reservation agent for details. This Cancel for any Reason Wavier Benefit is not insurance and is provided by Gate 1 Travel. |
| Mobile Phones |
| Mobile networks differ from country to country. We recommend you check with your provider to see if your wireless plan will work in the destination(s) you are visiting. To avoid possible roaming charges, you may want to consider purchasing an international plan. With most major phone companies, for a modest fee, you will be able to use your domestic plan's talk, text, and data allowances just like you do at home. If you can access the internet while you travel, you can also take advantage of services such as WhatsApp or Skype. |
| 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 (often indicated with a “+” sign), then the destination Country Code, then the 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 you are dialing from a mobile phone, you can enter a “+” instead of the international Exit Code (011, 001, 0011 or 00) by pressing and holding the 0 key. For most countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, South America and South Pacific, if you are calling from a local phone to a number within the same country, you should drop both the exit and country codes and then add a leading 0 (zero). Exceptions include Spain, Italy, Hungary and Malta (no additional zero needed to dial locally). Example: To dial the following number in Germany (as listed on your voucher): +(49) 0555-555 From USA or your US cell phone: 011-49-555-555 From another country in Europe: 00-49-555-555 From a German phone within Germany: 0555-555 |
| WiFi Access |
| WiFi is available in most airports, hotels, and cruise lines, as well as on some flights, trains, and buses. There may be a fee for access and service quality and speed may vary greatly especially while on moving vehicles. Availability on cruises is also dependent upon its location while sailing through multiple countries. Please note that WiFi can be extremely slow, unreliable, and sometimes nonexistent in developing countries. |
| Staying Healthy While Traveling |
| All travelers should familiarize themselves with local conditions, such as high altitude or required immunizations, which could affect their health. We recommend you consult with your personal healthcare provider, the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) and/or the World Health Organization (http://www.who.int/en/) for their recommendations. There are several easy steps you can take to stay healthy while traveling which may help prevent contracting an illness while away from home.
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| Notice on Aircraft Cabin Insecticide Treatment - Please note that some countries may require aircraft cabin insecticide treatment for in-bound foreign flights. A list of such countries is available at:
http://www.dot.gov/office-policy/aviation-policy/aircraft-disinsection-requirements. |
| Consideration for Tour Participants (Escorted Tours) |
For the benefit of all tour participants, we ask tour members to be considerate of their fellow travelers in the following ways:
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| 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. The months of October through March are considered rainy season in Venice, leading to high tides and occasionally waters reaching pedestrian areas. We suggest including a rain jacket and boots on your packing list. 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: https://www.gate1travel.com/weather/europe/default.aspx#italy-weather |
| About Drones |
| Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) or “drone” technology has quickly become affordable and is increasingly popular with recreational users. While some countries have clear, established drone laws, others do not, or existing regulations are undergoing review and change. Travelers who wish to bring a drone on their trip are responsible to research and abide by the laws and regulations of the countries they are visiting, as well as to check with their airline(s) regarding their rules for transporting drones. Please note that tours are unable to extend the length of scheduled visits and stops to accommodate use of drones. |
| Book & Film Recommendations |
| Many of our guests enjoy reading about their destination - either in advance of their trip or while traveling - as a way of adding context to their visit. Whether reading a traditional guide book, learning about the history and culture, or simply enjoying a fictional novel set in the destination, a good book can add greatly to your experience. Similarly, a good movie set in your destination helps set the mood before you travel. We asked our Tour Managers and staff to recommend books and films which past guests may have enjoyed. The following does not constitute an endorsement of any authors, books or films listed, it is merely a collection of guests' recommendations. |
| ITALY: Books Venice Is a Fish: A Sensual Guide by Tiziano Scarpa Secrets of Rome: Love and Death in the Eternal City or Secrets of the Vatican by Corrado Augias Under the Tuscan Sun: At Home in Italy or In Tuscany by Frances Mayes Caesar: Life of a Colossus by Adrian Keith Goldsworthy Italy for the Gourmet Traveler by Fred Plotkin Medici: Godfathers of the Renaissance by Paul Strathern A Day in the Life of Ancient Rome by Alberto Angela The Adventures of Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi Roma: The Novel of Ancient Rome by Steven Saylor ITALY: Films The Great Beauty (2013) I Am Love (2010) Under the Tuscan Sun (2003) The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999) Life is Beautiful (1997) A Room with a View (1985) La Dolce Vita (1960) Three Coins in the Fountain (1954) |
| Preparing for Your Trip |
| Seat Assignments |
| As a courtesy service, complimentary airline seat assignments are requested on your behalf and, when available, are displayed in order of Passenger #1, #2 and so on. Assignments reflect the best available seats at the time of booking. Some airlines and/or fare types do not allow for pre-seating and require this be done at airport check-in only; in which case the display shows “N/A”. Seats are subject to change by your airline(s) including, for example, when there is a schedule change or equipment change after your initial booking; this may cause seat assignments to be changed or even cancelled. Some airlines offer preferred seating for an additional fee; these seats may only be purchased directly from the airline. You will need your family name and the 6-digit airline “Record Locator” which is displayed with the flight details on your reservation. In the event that you change seat assignments directly with your airline, changes will not be reflected on your invoice or documents. At the time that Gate 1 travel documents are issued, the currently assigned seats will be listed based on the assignments stored in your airline reservation at that time. Should you have questions regarding your assignments, please write to us at www.gate1travel.com/contactus. |
| Luggage & Packing |
| Checked bags are typically limited to a total dimension of 62 inches by adding length + width + height (example: 26"+26"+10" = 62”), and a maximum weight of 50 lbs (23kg). Smart Bags with a USB charging port, GPS tracking device and other high-tech features are prohibited as checked or carry-on baggage unless the bag is made with removable batteries and the batteries are removed and stored separately. Many airlines charge for checked bags including flights which begin and end within the USA. The most inexpensive airfare options commonly known as Basic Economy airfares do not include any checked bags nor seat assignments before the day of departure. However, for some airlines, other airfare categories also do not include checked baggage. This will be clearly displayed in our airfare selection and on your invoice. Where available, we highly recommend selecting airfares which include at least 1 piece of checked baggage. Gate 1 Travel is not responsible for checked bag fees, excess luggage or weight charges levied by an airline. Checked baggage allowances displayed on reservation details and invoices reflect the applicable allowance at the time of booking but are subject to change by your airline(s). For your airline’s requirements and fees, visit www.gate1travel.com/baggagefees.aspx. For important baggage information, visit www.gate1travel.com/luggage.aspx. Avoid placing valuables in your checked luggage. Federal law forbids the carriage of hazardous materials aboard the aircraft in your luggage, your carry-on or on your person. A violation can result in five years’ imprisonment and penalties of $250,000 or more (49 U.S.C. 5124). Hazardous materials include explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids and solids, oxidizers, poisons, corrosives and radioactive materials. Examples: Paints, lighter fluid, fireworks, tear gases, oxygen bottles, and radio-pharmaceuticals. There are special exceptions for small quantities (up to 70 ounces total) of medicinal and toilet articles carried in your luggage and certain smoking materials carried on your person. Check the Transportation and Safety Administration (TSA) website www.tsa.gov to find out the current list of acceptable items you may bring on a plane before packing. We recommend that you use brightly colored luggage tags, straps or other identifiers to help you locate you luggage upon arrival or to describe it in the event that it is lost. |
| Day of Departure |
| Flight Services |
| What to do if You Need Assistance |
Whether you purchased your airfare from Gate 1 Travel or from the airline directly, please bear in mind that Gate 1 Travel does not own nor operate the airline(s), nor the airport facilities where they operate. At times, flying can be a frustrating experience, especially when things do not go exactly as planned, and airline explanations can be confusing or even misleading. Should you face a problem, remain calm and seek assistance either from the airline directly or from Gate 1. Please be aware that in most cases, on the day of your flight(s), airlines pass responsibility for your reservation to their staff at the airport and it is not always possible for Gate 1 Travel to intervene on your behalf, either through our reservations system or directly with your airline. |
| Arrival & Departure |
| Arrival Procedures |
| Upon arrival, please complete immigration formalities if necessary 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 collecting your luggage or 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. If you are delayed due to lost luggage, phone the number on the voucher or have a companion exit the Customs Area to advise the transfer representative. |
| 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, the better we can respond. Please refer to the Emergency Assistance instructions on this same document. 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 you 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. The cost of a transfer is more expensive than hiring a taxi, as a Gate 1 transfer necessarily includes round trip service, or 'dead-leg'. Often the places of call (airports, seaports, hotels) demand entrance and parking fees, where drivers may have to wait for up to an hour. Passengers comfortable hiring a taxi on their own and do not require assistance will save money. |
| 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. |
| Venice Airport Link Shared Water Taxi Transfers (Airport to Hotel) - After claiming your luggage, take the left door to exit Customs, and keep left as you enter the Arrivals Hall. Should you miss the representative with the Gate 1 sign, go to the left passing the public waterbus ticket counters and on your left side you will see the BUCINTORO desk (Desk # 71) where you will exchange your voucher. If needed, luggage carts are available in the airport terminal. From the Arrivals Hall you will be directed to the dock, where you will board a water taxi, which will take you to the mooring nearest your hotel. Please note that since this is a shared transfer, you may have to wait a few minutes for other passengers to board. Also, please keep in mind that porters are often not available to assist with transporting luggage. Printable Venice Airport map and directions: https://www.gate1travel.com/shared/italy/documents/venice-airport-arrivals.pdf |
| About Your Accommodations |
| Hotels |
| Gate 1 Travel has carefully selected each hotel based on overall quality, location, price, food, service, and cleanliness. All rooms are standard twin-bedded (two single beds) rooms with private facilities. Special requests such as bed types, smoking preference and connecting rooms are subject to availability. Room selection in all cases, unless otherwise reserved, is strictly at the discretion of the hotel's management on a run-of-house basis. Triple rooms consist of standard twin beds or one double bed plus a sofa/folding bed or cot for third person except in the U.S. and Canada, where triple rooms often consist of two double/queen beds for three persons; where available, a fee may be charged by the hotel for the addition of a cot/rollaway. The number of persons accommodated does not dictate the room size. Although available at most 4 and 5 star hotels, the use of air-conditioning abroad differs greatly from the United States, and is often shut down at night and from the end until the start of the summer months. Some lodges and accommodations in remote regions may not have all of the amenities, such as hairdryer, alarm clock and room service, that you might find in a larger hotel located in a city center. |
| Hotel Check-in/ Check-out |
| Hotel check-in time is generally not before 4:00 p.m. and check-out time is prior to 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. |
| Rome City Tax - The authorities of Rome apply a city tax on all hotels. The tax requires a contribution of Euro 4 per person per night for 2 and 3 star hotels, Euro 6 per person per night for 4 star hotels and Euro 7 per person per night for 5 star hotels. It will be charged and collected by your hotel and is payable in cash only. We regret that we are currently unable to collect this tax in advance or include it in your price for customers who are traveling independently or who arrange independent pre- or post-tour stays on an escorted tour. This tax is included in the tour price for customers who are traveling on an escorted tour accompanied by a Tour Manager who is able to pay directly to the hotel on your behalf. Please note that our hotel ratings may differ from official star ratings which determine the tax level. |
| Florence City Tax - The authorities of Florence have introduced a city tax on all hotels. The tax requires a contribution of Euro 6.00 per person per night for 3 star hotels, Euro 7.00 per person per night for 4 star hotels and Euro 8.00 per person per night for 5 star hotels. It will be charged and collected by your hotel and is payable in cash only. We regret that we are currently unable to collect this tax in advance or include it in your price for customers who are traveling independently or who arrange independent pre- or post-tour stays on an escorted tour. This tax is included in the tour price for customers who are traveling on an escorted tour accompanied by a Tour Manager who is able to pay directly to the hotel on your behalf. Please note that our hotel ratings may differ from official star ratings which determine the tax level. |
| Venice City Tax - The authorities of Venice apply a city tax on all hotels. The tax requires a contribution of Euro 3.50 per person per night for a 3 star hotel, Euro 4.50 per person per night for 4 star hotels and Euro 5 per person per night for a 5 star hotel. It will be charged and collected by your hotel and is payable in cash only. We regret that we are currently unable to collect this tax in advance or include it in your price for customers who are traveling independently or who arrange independent pre- or post-tour stays on an escorted tour. This tax is included in the tour price for customers who are traveling on an escorted tour accompanied by a Tour Manager who is able to pay directly to the hotel on your behalf. Please note that our hotel ratings may differ from official star ratings which determine the tax level. |
| Sorrento City Tax - The authorities of Sorrento apply a city tax on all hotels. The tax requires a contribution of Euro 3.00 per person per night for 3 and 4 star hotels and Euro 4.00 per person per night for 5 star hotels.. It will be charged and collected by your hotel and is payable in cash only. We regret that we are currently unable to collect this tax in advance or include it in your price for customers who are traveling independently or who arrange independent pre- or post-tour stays on an escorted tour. This tax is included in the tour price for customers who are traveling on an escorted tour accompanied by a Tour Manager who is able to pay directly to the hotel on your behalf. Please note that our hotel ratings may differ from official star ratings which determine the tax level. |
| At Your Destination |
| 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 and learn about foreign cultures, we ask first and foremost that you practice tolerance and respect for local customs. |
| Gratuities |
| Tipping is always a matter of personal discretion. For your convenience, please use the summary below as a guideline for recommended gratuity amounts. Gratuities may be paid in local currency or US dollar equivalent where accepted. Please be aware that 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 manager or phone our local office. Numbers are provided in your documents for your convenience. |
| Suggested Tipping: Escorted Tours |
Tour Manager (Coordinator; may or may not act as a guide): US $10 per person per day Driver (Provides chauffeur services and limited assistance with luggage): US $5 per person per day, US $3 per half day Local Guide (Offers in-depth information at specific locations. There may be one or many guides along a tour program): US $5 per person per day of sightseeing, US $3 per half day Hotel porters and wait staff: Included |
| 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. 5-10% is customary for good service. |
| About Your Sightseeing |
| To ensure a pleasant and fair experience for passengers on our escorted tours, there is a mandatory seat rotation policy on our motor coaches which will be organized by your Tour Manager. On river cruises, color-coded group splits may be used for shoreside included and Optional tours. Some buses are equipped with toilet facility, however they are strictly intended for emergency use only and often require the vehicle to stop for safety reasons before use. When travel dates coincide with religious holidays and national celebrations, some monuments and sites may be closed, sometimes without prior notice. On these occasions, escorted touring itineraries may be amended to reflect these closures. Occasionally, during holidays and certain periods, and/or due to other unforeseen circumstances including weather conditions, there may be last-minute changes, sometimes after arrival, which may affect the sequence of the tour and locations visited. National monuments and tourist sites regularly undergo renovations, which can obscure the monument's view. No tour will be canceled due to renovations, however Gate 1 will decide based on the conditions whether to amend an itinerary. To respect the privacy of all tour participants, your tour manager will not organize a group photo or collect passenger email addresses for a group list. |
| 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 check-in. The details of the hotel can be found in your documents. |
| 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. https://www.gate1travel.com/terms.aspx#optional |
| Independent Activities - Gate 1 itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently and with due consideration. Gate 1 is not responsible for any activities not expressly included in its programs. Caution should be exercised when selecting certain activities that may require physical strength, coordination or exertion. Particular care should be taken when considering animal rides, such as on camels, mules or horses |
| Italy - The Euro is the currency of Italy. Italian bank opening hours are typically Monday through Friday, 9am to 1pm depending on the bank. Most Italian banks do not offer exchange service. For this reason, it is strongly recommended to acquire a small amount of Euros prior to arriving. ATM machines are a better option. |
| Shopping |
| Most people enjoy bringing home at least one souvenir from the countries they visit. However, some find any amount of shopping to be too much while others never find enough opportunities. We have built into our Escorted itineraries a few shopping stops at recommended spots. These stops are designed to enhance your experience by providing an opportunity to see first-hand quality locally crafted merchandise which you may not be able to find on your own. Shops are checked to ensure the quality and authenticity of the products they offer, and we limit guides from visiting other locations. In some cases, we plan these stops to provide an opportunity to use clean bathrooms and to stretch your legs. All shops want your satisfaction, and therefore in case of any misunderstanding they ask that you kindly submit your claim to us within one week of the item's receipt. Claims submitted later will be subject to each store’s policies. While shopping independently, 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! About Tax-Free Shopping Tax-Free Shopping allows shoppers to reclaim the VAT (Value-Added Tax) or GST (Goods and Services Tax) they have paid on their purchases in some foreign countries in accordance with restrictions and procedures as dictated by each country. Refund eligibility varies by country, but may require presenting a scanned copy of your passport at the time of purchase, a minimum amount spent, or providing original store receipts. For more details, check the respective country’s online website, with the shop salesperson, with your tour manager or at www.globalblue.com for specific country regulations and airport operation hours. Please keep in mind that you must apply for VAT refund in the airport of the country the items were purchased and allow enough time prior to your flight for the application. U.S. Customs & Shipping Charges You may carry items with a fair retail value totaling $800 into the U.S. Taxes may be applied to the next $1,000 worth of merchandise. U.S. Customs determines the value of your items, often honoring a genuine sales receipt. Items which are shipped home are always subject to duty when received in the U.S. (in addition to shipping charges). Some shops may offer to include shipping and duties in the price but this typically means shipping only to the customs facility closest to you and payment only of the export duties; you would still need to collect the item and pay U.S. import duties. Please be aware that it is illegal to import products made from endangered animal species. U.S. Customs & Border Protection will seize these items, as well as most furs, coral, tortoise shell, reptile skins, feathers, plants, and items made from animal skins. |
| 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. |
| Your Safety is Very Important |
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Prior to your trip, if you are traveling overseas, we strongly recommend that you visit the website of the U.S. Department of State at www.travel.state.gov, specifically the section which addresses International Travel. You should read the tips for foreign travel and travel warnings for the country or countries that you plan to visit. It is also important that you do not allow your common sense to take a vacation while on your trip. Here are several tips which, if followed, will save much potential hardship:
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. |
| Tourist Street Scams |
Pickpockets and thieves can destroy an otherwise wonderful holiday. Be mindful of these precautions to help avoid being scammed or robbed:
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| Caution: Tours of the Forum & Colosseum, Rome - Please note that there have been reports of street vendors wearing Gate 1 Travel identification tags who offer tours of the Colosseum in Rome. These vendors are not employed by Gate 1 and are in no way affiliated with the company. Gate 1 tours are offered only for purchase in advance of your trip to Italy, or locally by your Tour Manager. Passengers traveling independently are recommended to purchase their tours through official vendors and to avoid street sales. |
| Security at Major Sites - Please expect longer wait times at major sightseeing locations due to heightened security restrictions. These locations include, but are not limited to, the San Marco Basilica in Venice, the Accademia in Florence, and the Colosseum & Vatican in Rome. Bags of any kind are no longer allowed inside the San Marco Basilica and large bags/backpacks are restricted from the Colosseum. We suggest you to carry only necessary items (i.e. wallet, cell phone, camera) safely on your body and leave all other valuables in the hotel room safe when visiting these sites. |
| Local Emergency Phone Numbers |
Italy
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| 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. |
| Meals & Dietary Requests |
| Included meals are based on the restaurant's buffet or set menu. Beverages are not included, unless specifically stated. Although special diets like Vegetarian and Vegan are relatively commonplace in the USA, much of the world's menu options are more provincial. Please do not expect to find the variety of food selection outside of the local norm. Every effort will be made to honor special dietary requests selected no later than 5 days prior to departure in the passenger details section of your reservation. In addition, we recommend that you make preferences known to your tour manager upon arrival, and at each hotel/restaurant. Special requests are subject to local conditions and availability and cannot be guaranteed. |
| Holidays |
| On public holidays, there may be reduced public transportation, as well as limited hours or closures of attractions, shops and restaurants. |
| Holidays - Italy |
Holidays 2023 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 6: Epiphany Apr 9: Easter Sunday Apr 10: Easter Monday 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 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: Parma: Jan 13-14 (St. Hilary of Poitiers), Aug 16-17 (St. Roch) & May 5 (St. Honoratus) Catania: Feb 3-5; Aug 17 (St. Agatha) Sorrento: Feb 14 (St. Antoninus) Agrigento: Feb 25 (St. Gerland) & Jun 18 (St. Calogerus) Como: Apr 2; Aug 31 (St. Abbondio) Ragusa: Apr 23 (St. George) Venice: Apr 25 (St. Mark) & Nov 11 (St. Martin's Day) Treviso: Apr 27 (St. Liberalis) & Mar 27; Aug 1; Aug 22 (St. Augusta) Baveno: Jun 19 (Sts. Gervasius & Protasius) Matera: Jun 20 (St. John) & Jul 2 (St. Madonna della Bruna) Florence, Genoa & Turin: Jun 24 (St John the Baptist) Amalfi: Jun 27; Nov 30 (St. Andrew) Rome: Jun 29 (St. Peter & Paul) Siena: Jul 2 & Aug 16, Palio horserace Taormina: Jul 8-9 (St. Pancras) Palermo: Jul 15 (St. Rosalia) Santa Margherita Ligure: July 20 (St. Margaret of Antiochia) Lecce: Aug 26 (St. Orontius) Naples: Sep 19 (St. Gennaro) Bologna: Oct 4 (St. Petronius) Trieste: Nov 3 (St. Giusto) Montecatini: Dec 4 (St. Barbara) Bari: Dec 6, May 7-9 (St. Nicholas) Milan & Stresa: Dec 7 (St. Ambrose) Siracusa: Dec 13 (St. Lucy) Holidays 2024 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 6: Epiphany Mar 31: Easter Sunday Apr 1: Easter Monday Apr 25: Liberation Day May 1: Labor Day Jun 2: Republic Day Aug 15: Assumption of the Virgin Mary / Ferragosto Nov 1: All Saints Day Dec 8: Immaculate Conception Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: St. Stephen's Day 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: Parma: Jan 13-14 (St. Hilary of Poitiers), Aug 16-17 (St. Roch) Catania: Feb 3-5 & Aug 17 (St. Agatha) Sorrento: Feb 14 (St. Antoninus) Agrigento: Feb 25 (St. Gerland) & July 7-July 14 (St. Calogerus) Como: Aug 31 (St. Abbondio) Ragusa: May 26 (St. George) Venice: Apr 25 (St. Mark) & Nov 11 (St. Martin's Day) Treviso: Apr 27 (St. Liberalis); Mar 27, Aug 1 & Aug 22 (St. Augusta) Baveno: Jun 19 (Sts. Gervasius & Protasius) Matera: Jun 20 (St. John) & Jul 2 (St. Madonna della Bruna) Florence, Genoa & Turin: Jun 24 (St John the Baptist) Amalfi: Jun 27; Nov 30 (Sant' Andrea) Rome: Jun 29 (St. Peter & Paul) Siena: Jul 2 & Aug 16, Palio horserace Taormina: Jul 8-9 (St. Pancras) Palermo: Jul 14-15 (St. Rosalia) Santa Margherita Ligure: July 20 (St. Margaret of Antiochia) Lecce: Aug 26 (St. Orontius) Naples: Sep 19 (St. Gennaro) Bologna: Oct 4 (St. Petronius) Trieste: Nov 3 (St. Giusto) Montecatini: Dec 4 (St. Barbara) Bari: Dec 6 & May 7-9 (St. Nicholas) Milan & Stresa: Dec 7 (St. Ambrose) Siracusa: Dec 13 (St. Lucy) |
| Rome Bus Regulations - The Rome Bus Regulation introduced in 2019 restricts tourist bus access to the historical city center, including the areas near the Colosseum, Forum and Vatican City. In order to comply with these new rules we will determine the best way to reach the included sites according to your itinerary and hotel location. |
| 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. |
| St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City |
| On rare occasions, St. Peter's Basilica reserves the right to close or restrict admission without prior notice. In this case, an inside visit of the Basilica may not be offered. While not guaranteed, we will try to accommodate the visit to St. Peter's Basilica based upon availability and schedule. |
| New Venice Visitor Tax Regulation - It was recently announced that the city of Venice will be implementing an entrance tax of 10 Euros per person for tourists visiting the city for the day. In most cases, the tax will be included in the cost of the transportation to access the city center, including cruise, taxi, or public transportation. However, there may be instances where visitors will need to pay the tax upon arrival. We regret that we are currently unable to collect this tax in advance. Due to the uncertainty of this new regulation the information above is subject to change. |
| Know Before You Go | |
| 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. |
| Getting Ready to Go |
| Passports and Visas |
| It is each traveler's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the dates of travel 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. IMPORTANT: Passengers who are not U.S. citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passengers who enter, leave and then re-enter the same country on their itinerary should check if they require a double-entry visa. Passport applications are available at most U.S. Post Offices, as well as at regional Passport Agencies. Passengers requiring visas, whether obtained in advance or locally upon arrival, should ensure that their passport has blank pages.
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| Traveling with Friends or Family? |
| If you are traveling with friends or family who are booked on another reservation, please make sure that we are aware. On occasion, we may operate more than one vehicle on your tour departure in which case we will ensure that guests will be assigned together. This is achieved by connecting your reservations before your departure. Once you arrive in your destination, it may not be possible to make assignment changes. To check that your reservations are linked, log into https://www.gate1travel.com/res with your email and password, select your reservation number, and check to see that your reservations are indicated as "Traveling With" at the top right side of the display. |
| 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, driver's license) are in order. Make sure also that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip and carry them with you in case your luggage is delayed. Bring a change of clothes in your carry-on bag in the event that your luggage is delayed or lost. Lost luggage is common. We strongly urge you to consider carry-ons instead of checked bags when possible, and when checking a bag is necessary, choose a bag color and identification that stands out. We suggest that you make photocopies of passports, visas, personal ID and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals. You may also make a digital copy of your passport to keep a clear picture with the important details in your cell phone or digital camera photos. If you lose the originals while traveling, you'll have copies for easier reporting and replacement. Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names. You may consider bringing a small supply of over the counter medications for headaches and/or anti-diarrhea pills (especially when traveling outside of the USA and Western Europe). We recommend that you pack a portable alarm clock. Due to security reasons, many museums have restrictions on the size of bags that can be taken inside and backpacks, carry-on bags or large purses may not be permitted. It is recommended to bring a small shoulder bag or purse to use in these situations instead. Avoid placing valuables such as cameras in your checked luggage. Airplane pressure can cause similar pressure in your body, most notably in ears, as well as liquid tubes and bottles. Your physician can suggest medication for decongestion. We suggest that you place liquid containers into Ziploc bags to catch any leaks. |
| Travel Safety Advice: The safety of our guests is Gate 1’s #1 concern. Before making the decision to reserve your vacation, we want you to be aware of potential situations which may impact your holiday. While most of the time our programs run precisely according to plans, on rare occasion force majeure events including weather, transportation mechanical issues, or uninhabitable accommodation, civil unrest and even criminal or terrorist activities will present themselves unexpectedly and with little or no notice. Gate 1 will make the decision to cancel a tour only after receiving verifiable government issued information. We are otherwise obliged to comply with contractual airline and vendor agreements and carry out the tour until or unless we are advised otherwise. In the event of such an occurrence anytime after your date of departure, Gate 1 and the local destination ground staff, in coordination with government advisories, airlines, hotels, cruise ships and other vendors, will make decisions with regard to your safety first. We strongly recommend that tour participants review the destination country's specific information at https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html. |
| Travel Protection |
| Even the best-planned trips can be impacted by the unexpected. And that is why we recommend that you help protect yourself and your investment by purchasing Travel Protection for your Gate 1 trip. Travel Protection can help with medical coverage for illness or injury, trip cancellation and/or interruption, baggage loss, medical evacuation, and more. At any time before you complete Final Payment, you may choose to purchase Travel Protection. The protection plan premium is non-refundable after a 10-day review period. In addition, you must be medically able to travel at the time the premium is paid. For a summary of the plan details on coverages, benefits, limitations and exclusions, please refer to the Description of Coverage by visiting www.gate1travel.com/insurance/. Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit (CFAR) is a non-insurance feature that allows you to cancel up to 72 hours before your scheduled departure for any reason not otherwise covered in the Travel Protection Plan. CFAR must be purchased at the same time as the Travel Protection Plan as well as within 21 days of the original booking date. Independent or escorted tour reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to the full cost of your trip, less the cost of initial deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. Sea or river cruise reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to 50% of the cost of your trip, less the cost of initial trip deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. All CFAR credits are valid for a period of two years from the original date of travel. CFAR Credits have no cash value and are not transferrable. Airline-assessed fees are generally $300 per person, but may be as much as fully non-refundable. Some non-refundable airline tickets may retain value, less airline-assessed fees. Your future air credit must be used to book with the same airline. Deadlines to rebook and complete travel vary by airline and may be as early as 12 months from when the tickets were originally issued (not the date of travel). For details, www.gate1travel.com/insurance/. This program does not apply to custom groups and Antarctica cruises. Residents of New York, Missouri & Minnesota may purchase this Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit separate from Travel Protection. Call to speak with a reservation agent for details. This Cancel for any Reason Wavier Benefit is not insurance and is provided by Gate 1 Travel. |
| Mobile Phones |
| Mobile networks differ from country to country. We recommend you check with your provider to see if your wireless plan will work in the destination(s) you are visiting. To avoid possible roaming charges, you may want to consider purchasing an international plan. With most major phone companies, for a modest fee, you will be able to use your domestic plan's talk, text, and data allowances just like you do at home. If you can access the internet while you travel, you can also take advantage of services such as WhatsApp or Skype. |
| 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 (often indicated with a “+” sign), then the destination Country Code, then the 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 you are dialing from a mobile phone, you can enter a “+” instead of the international Exit Code (011, 001, 0011 or 00) by pressing and holding the 0 key. For most countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, South America and South Pacific, if you are calling from a local phone to a number within the same country, you should drop both the exit and country codes and then add a leading 0 (zero). Exceptions include Spain, Italy, Hungary and Malta (no additional zero needed to dial locally). Example: To dial the following number in Germany (as listed on your voucher): +(49) 0555-555 From USA or your US cell phone: 011-49-555-555 From another country in Europe: 00-49-555-555 From a German phone within Germany: 0555-555 |
| WiFi Access |
| WiFi is available in most airports, hotels, and cruise lines, as well as on some flights, trains, and buses. There may be a fee for access and service quality and speed may vary greatly especially while on moving vehicles. Availability on cruises is also dependent upon its location while sailing through multiple countries. Please note that WiFi can be extremely slow, unreliable, and sometimes nonexistent in developing countries. |
| Staying Healthy While Traveling |
| All travelers should familiarize themselves with local conditions, such as high altitude or required immunizations, which could affect their health. We recommend you consult with your personal healthcare provider, the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) and/or the World Health Organization (http://www.who.int/en/) for their recommendations. There are several easy steps you can take to stay healthy while traveling which may help prevent contracting an illness while away from home.
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| Notice on Aircraft Cabin Insecticide Treatment - Please note that some countries may require aircraft cabin insecticide treatment for in-bound foreign flights. A list of such countries is available at:
http://www.dot.gov/office-policy/aviation-policy/aircraft-disinsection-requirements. |
| Consideration for Tour Participants (Escorted Tours) |
For the benefit of all tour participants, we ask tour members to be considerate of their fellow travelers in the following ways:
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| 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. The months of October through March are considered rainy season in Venice, leading to high tides and occasionally waters reaching pedestrian areas. We suggest including a rain jacket and boots on your packing list. 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: https://www.gate1travel.com/weather/europe/default.aspx#italy-weather |
| About Drones |
| Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) or “drone” technology has quickly become affordable and is increasingly popular with recreational users. While some countries have clear, established drone laws, others do not, or existing regulations are undergoing review and change. Travelers who wish to bring a drone on their trip are responsible to research and abide by the laws and regulations of the countries they are visiting, as well as to check with their airline(s) regarding their rules for transporting drones. Please note that tours are unable to extend the length of scheduled visits and stops to accommodate use of drones. |
| Book & Film Recommendations |
| Many of our guests enjoy reading about their destination - either in advance of their trip or while traveling - as a way of adding context to their visit. Whether reading a traditional guide book, learning about the history and culture, or simply enjoying a fictional novel set in the destination, a good book can add greatly to your experience. Similarly, a good movie set in your destination helps set the mood before you travel. We asked our Tour Managers and staff to recommend books and films which past guests may have enjoyed. The following does not constitute an endorsement of any authors, books or films listed, it is merely a collection of guests' recommendations. |
| ITALY: Books Venice Is a Fish: A Sensual Guide by Tiziano Scarpa Secrets of Rome: Love and Death in the Eternal City or Secrets of the Vatican by Corrado Augias Under the Tuscan Sun: At Home in Italy or In Tuscany by Frances Mayes Caesar: Life of a Colossus by Adrian Keith Goldsworthy Italy for the Gourmet Traveler by Fred Plotkin Medici: Godfathers of the Renaissance by Paul Strathern A Day in the Life of Ancient Rome by Alberto Angela The Adventures of Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi Roma: The Novel of Ancient Rome by Steven Saylor ITALY: Films The Great Beauty (2013) I Am Love (2010) Under the Tuscan Sun (2003) The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999) Life is Beautiful (1997) A Room with a View (1985) La Dolce Vita (1960) Three Coins in the Fountain (1954) |
| Preparing for Your Trip |
| Seat Assignments |
| As a courtesy service, complimentary airline seat assignments are requested on your behalf and, when available, are displayed in order of Passenger #1, #2 and so on. Assignments reflect the best available seats at the time of booking. Some airlines and/or fare types do not allow for pre-seating and require this be done at airport check-in only; in which case the display shows “N/A”. Seats are subject to change by your airline(s) including, for example, when there is a schedule change or equipment change after your initial booking; this may cause seat assignments to be changed or even cancelled. Some airlines offer preferred seating for an additional fee; these seats may only be purchased directly from the airline. You will need your family name and the 6-digit airline “Record Locator” which is displayed with the flight details on your reservation. In the event that you change seat assignments directly with your airline, changes will not be reflected on your invoice or documents. At the time that Gate 1 travel documents are issued, the currently assigned seats will be listed based on the assignments stored in your airline reservation at that time. Should you have questions regarding your assignments, please write to us at www.gate1travel.com/contactus. |
| Luggage & Packing |
| Checked bags are typically limited to a total dimension of 62 inches by adding length + width + height (example: 26"+26"+10" = 62”), and a maximum weight of 50 lbs (23kg). Smart Bags with a USB charging port, GPS tracking device and other high-tech features are prohibited as checked or carry-on baggage unless the bag is made with removable batteries and the batteries are removed and stored separately. Many airlines charge for checked bags including flights which begin and end within the USA. The most inexpensive airfare options commonly known as Basic Economy airfares do not include any checked bags nor seat assignments before the day of departure. However, for some airlines, other airfare categories also do not include checked baggage. This will be clearly displayed in our airfare selection and on your invoice. Where available, we highly recommend selecting airfares which include at least 1 piece of checked baggage. Gate 1 Travel is not responsible for checked bag fees, excess luggage or weight charges levied by an airline. Checked baggage allowances displayed on reservation details and invoices reflect the applicable allowance at the time of booking but are subject to change by your airline(s). For your airline’s requirements and fees, visit www.gate1travel.com/baggagefees.aspx. For important baggage information, visit www.gate1travel.com/luggage.aspx. Avoid placing valuables in your checked luggage. Federal law forbids the carriage of hazardous materials aboard the aircraft in your luggage, your carry-on or on your person. A violation can result in five years’ imprisonment and penalties of $250,000 or more (49 U.S.C. 5124). Hazardous materials include explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids and solids, oxidizers, poisons, corrosives and radioactive materials. Examples: Paints, lighter fluid, fireworks, tear gases, oxygen bottles, and radio-pharmaceuticals. There are special exceptions for small quantities (up to 70 ounces total) of medicinal and toilet articles carried in your luggage and certain smoking materials carried on your person. Check the Transportation and Safety Administration (TSA) website www.tsa.gov to find out the current list of acceptable items you may bring on a plane before packing. We recommend that you use brightly colored luggage tags, straps or other identifiers to help you locate you luggage upon arrival or to describe it in the event that it is lost. |
| Day of Departure |
| Flight Services |
| What to do if You Need Assistance |
Whether you purchased your airfare from Gate 1 Travel or from the airline directly, please bear in mind that Gate 1 Travel does not own nor operate the airline(s), nor the airport facilities where they operate. At times, flying can be a frustrating experience, especially when things do not go exactly as planned, and airline explanations can be confusing or even misleading. Should you face a problem, remain calm and seek assistance either from the airline directly or from Gate 1. Please be aware that in most cases, on the day of your flight(s), airlines pass responsibility for your reservation to their staff at the airport and it is not always possible for Gate 1 Travel to intervene on your behalf, either through our reservations system or directly with your airline. |
| Arrival & Departure |
| Arrival Procedures |
| Upon arrival, please complete immigration formalities if necessary 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 collecting your luggage or 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. If you are delayed due to lost luggage, phone the number on the voucher or have a companion exit the Customs Area to advise the transfer representative. |
| 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, the better we can respond. Please refer to the Emergency Assistance instructions on this same document. 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 you 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. The cost of a transfer is more expensive than hiring a taxi, as a Gate 1 transfer necessarily includes round trip service, or 'dead-leg'. Often the places of call (airports, seaports, hotels) demand entrance and parking fees, where drivers may have to wait for up to an hour. Passengers comfortable hiring a taxi on their own and do not require assistance will save money. |
| 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. |
| Venice Airport Link Shared Water Taxi Transfers (Airport to Hotel) - After claiming your luggage, take the left door to exit Customs, and keep left as you enter the Arrivals Hall. Should you miss the representative with the Gate 1 sign, go to the left passing the public waterbus ticket counters and on your left side you will see the BUCINTORO desk (Desk # 71) where you will exchange your voucher. If needed, luggage carts are available in the airport terminal. From the Arrivals Hall you will be directed to the dock, where you will board a water taxi, which will take you to the mooring nearest your hotel. Please note that since this is a shared transfer, you may have to wait a few minutes for other passengers to board. Also, please keep in mind that porters are often not available to assist with transporting luggage. Printable Venice Airport map and directions: https://www.gate1travel.com/shared/italy/documents/venice-airport-arrivals.pdf |
| About Your Accommodations |
| Hotels |
| Gate 1 Travel has carefully selected each hotel based on overall quality, location, price, food, service, and cleanliness. All rooms are standard twin-bedded (two single beds) rooms with private facilities. Special requests such as bed types, smoking preference and connecting rooms are subject to availability. Room selection in all cases, unless otherwise reserved, is strictly at the discretion of the hotel's management on a run-of-house basis. Triple rooms consist of standard twin beds or one double bed plus a sofa/folding bed or cot for third person except in the U.S. and Canada, where triple rooms often consist of two double/queen beds for three persons; where available, a fee may be charged by the hotel for the addition of a cot/rollaway. The number of persons accommodated does not dictate the room size. Although available at most 4 and 5 star hotels, the use of air-conditioning abroad differs greatly from the United States, and is often shut down at night and from the end until the start of the summer months. Some lodges and accommodations in remote regions may not have all of the amenities, such as hairdryer, alarm clock and room service, that you might find in a larger hotel located in a city center. |
| Hotel Check-in/ Check-out |
| Hotel check-in time is generally not before 4:00 p.m. and check-out time is prior to 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. |
| Rome City Tax - The authorities of Rome apply a city tax on all hotels. The tax requires a contribution of Euro 4 per person per night for 2 and 3 star hotels, Euro 6 per person per night for 4 star hotels and Euro 7 per person per night for 5 star hotels. It will be charged and collected by your hotel and is payable in cash only. We regret that we are currently unable to collect this tax in advance or include it in your price for customers who are traveling independently or who arrange independent pre- or post-tour stays on an escorted tour. This tax is included in the tour price for customers who are traveling on an escorted tour accompanied by a Tour Manager who is able to pay directly to the hotel on your behalf. Please note that our hotel ratings may differ from official star ratings which determine the tax level. |
| Florence City Tax - The authorities of Florence have introduced a city tax on all hotels. The tax requires a contribution of Euro 6.00 per person per night for 3 star hotels, Euro 7.00 per person per night for 4 star hotels and Euro 8.00 per person per night for 5 star hotels. It will be charged and collected by your hotel and is payable in cash only. We regret that we are currently unable to collect this tax in advance or include it in your price for customers who are traveling independently or who arrange independent pre- or post-tour stays on an escorted tour. This tax is included in the tour price for customers who are traveling on an escorted tour accompanied by a Tour Manager who is able to pay directly to the hotel on your behalf. Please note that our hotel ratings may differ from official star ratings which determine the tax level. |
| Venice City Tax - The authorities of Venice apply a city tax on all hotels. The tax requires a contribution of Euro 3.50 per person per night for a 3 star hotel, Euro 4.50 per person per night for 4 star hotels and Euro 5 per person per night for a 5 star hotel. It will be charged and collected by your hotel and is payable in cash only. We regret that we are currently unable to collect this tax in advance or include it in your price for customers who are traveling independently or who arrange independent pre- or post-tour stays on an escorted tour. This tax is included in the tour price for customers who are traveling on an escorted tour accompanied by a Tour Manager who is able to pay directly to the hotel on your behalf. Please note that our hotel ratings may differ from official star ratings which determine the tax level. |
| Naples City Tax - The authorities of Naples apply a city tax on all hotels. The tax requires a contribution of Euro 2.50 per person per night for a 3 star hotel, Euro 3.50 per person per night for a 4 star hotel and Euro 4.50 per person per night for a 5 star hotel up to a maximum of 10 consecutive nights. It will be charged and collected by your hotel and is payable in cash only. We regret that we are currently unable to collect this tax in advance or include it in your price for customers who are traveling independently or who arrange independent pre- or post-tour stays on an escorted tour. This tax is included in the tour price for customers who are traveling on an escorted tour accompanied by a Tour Manager who is able to pay directly to the hotel on your behalf. Please note that our hotel ratings may differ from official star ratings which determine the tax level. |
| At Your Destination |
| 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 and learn about foreign cultures, we ask first and foremost that you practice tolerance and respect for local customs. |
| Gratuities |
| Tipping is always a matter of personal discretion. For your convenience, please use the summary below as a guideline for recommended gratuity amounts. Gratuities may be paid in local currency or US dollar equivalent where accepted. Please be aware that 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 manager or phone our local office. Numbers are provided in your documents for your convenience. |
| Suggested Tipping: Escorted Tours |
Tour Manager (Coordinator; may or may not act as a guide): US $10 per person per day Driver (Provides chauffeur services and limited assistance with luggage): US $5 per person per day, US $3 per half day Local Guide (Offers in-depth information at specific locations. There may be one or many guides along a tour program): US $5 per person per day of sightseeing, US $3 per half day Hotel porters and wait staff: Included |
| 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. 5-10% is customary for good service. |
| About Your Sightseeing |
| To ensure a pleasant and fair experience for passengers on our escorted tours, there is a mandatory seat rotation policy on our motor coaches which will be organized by your Tour Manager. On river cruises, color-coded group splits may be used for shoreside included and Optional tours. Some buses are equipped with toilet facility, however they are strictly intended for emergency use only and often require the vehicle to stop for safety reasons before use. When travel dates coincide with religious holidays and national celebrations, some monuments and sites may be closed, sometimes without prior notice. On these occasions, escorted touring itineraries may be amended to reflect these closures. Occasionally, during holidays and certain periods, and/or due to other unforeseen circumstances including weather conditions, there may be last-minute changes, sometimes after arrival, which may affect the sequence of the tour and locations visited. National monuments and tourist sites regularly undergo renovations, which can obscure the monument's view. No tour will be canceled due to renovations, however Gate 1 will decide based on the conditions whether to amend an itinerary. To respect the privacy of all tour participants, your tour manager will not organize a group photo or collect passenger email addresses for a group list. |
| 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 check-in. The details of the hotel can be found in your documents. |
| 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. https://www.gate1travel.com/terms.aspx#optional |
| Independent Activities - Gate 1 itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently and with due consideration. Gate 1 is not responsible for any activities not expressly included in its programs. Caution should be exercised when selecting certain activities that may require physical strength, coordination or exertion. Particular care should be taken when considering animal rides, such as on camels, mules or horses |
| Italy - The Euro is the currency of Italy. Italian bank opening hours are typically Monday through Friday, 9am to 1pm depending on the bank. Most Italian banks do not offer exchange service. For this reason, it is strongly recommended to acquire a small amount of Euros prior to arriving. ATM machines are a better option. |
| Shopping |
| Most people enjoy bringing home at least one souvenir from the countries they visit. However, some find any amount of shopping to be too much while others never find enough opportunities. We have built into our Escorted itineraries a few shopping stops at recommended spots. These stops are designed to enhance your experience by providing an opportunity to see first-hand quality locally crafted merchandise which you may not be able to find on your own. Shops are checked to ensure the quality and authenticity of the products they offer, and we limit guides from visiting other locations. In some cases, we plan these stops to provide an opportunity to use clean bathrooms and to stretch your legs. All shops want your satisfaction, and therefore in case of any misunderstanding they ask that you kindly submit your claim to us within one week of the item's receipt. Claims submitted later will be subject to each store’s policies. While shopping independently, 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! About Tax-Free Shopping Tax-Free Shopping allows shoppers to reclaim the VAT (Value-Added Tax) or GST (Goods and Services Tax) they have paid on their purchases in some foreign countries in accordance with restrictions and procedures as dictated by each country. Refund eligibility varies by country, but may require presenting a scanned copy of your passport at the time of purchase, a minimum amount spent, or providing original store receipts. For more details, check the respective country’s online website, with the shop salesperson, with your tour manager or at www.globalblue.com for specific country regulations and airport operation hours. Please keep in mind that you must apply for VAT refund in the airport of the country the items were purchased and allow enough time prior to your flight for the application. U.S. Customs & Shipping Charges You may carry items with a fair retail value totaling $800 into the U.S. Taxes may be applied to the next $1,000 worth of merchandise. U.S. Customs determines the value of your items, often honoring a genuine sales receipt. Items which are shipped home are always subject to duty when received in the U.S. (in addition to shipping charges). Some shops may offer to include shipping and duties in the price but this typically means shipping only to the customs facility closest to you and payment only of the export duties; you would still need to collect the item and pay U.S. import duties. Please be aware that it is illegal to import products made from endangered animal species. U.S. Customs & Border Protection will seize these items, as well as most furs, coral, tortoise shell, reptile skins, feathers, plants, and items made from animal skins. |
| 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. |
| Your Safety is Very Important |
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Prior to your trip, if you are traveling overseas, we strongly recommend that you visit the website of the U.S. Department of State at www.travel.state.gov, specifically the section which addresses International Travel. You should read the tips for foreign travel and travel warnings for the country or countries that you plan to visit. It is also important that you do not allow your common sense to take a vacation while on your trip. Here are several tips which, if followed, will save much potential hardship:
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. |
| Tourist Street Scams |
Pickpockets and thieves can destroy an otherwise wonderful holiday. Be mindful of these precautions to help avoid being scammed or robbed:
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| Caution: Tours of the Forum & Colosseum, Rome - Please note that there have been reports of street vendors wearing Gate 1 Travel identification tags who offer tours of the Colosseum in Rome. These vendors are not employed by Gate 1 and are in no way affiliated with the company. Gate 1 tours are offered only for purchase in advance of your trip to Italy, or locally by your Tour Manager. Passengers traveling independently are recommended to purchase their tours through official vendors and to avoid street sales. |
| Security at Major Sites - Please expect longer wait times at major sightseeing locations due to heightened security restrictions. These locations include, but are not limited to, the San Marco Basilica in Venice, the Accademia in Florence, and the Colosseum & Vatican in Rome. Bags of any kind are no longer allowed inside the San Marco Basilica and large bags/backpacks are restricted from the Colosseum. We suggest you to carry only necessary items (i.e. wallet, cell phone, camera) safely on your body and leave all other valuables in the hotel room safe when visiting these sites. |
| Local Emergency Phone Numbers |
Italy
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| 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. |
| Meals & Dietary Requests |
| Included meals are based on the restaurant's buffet or set menu. Beverages are not included, unless specifically stated. Although special diets like Vegetarian and Vegan are relatively commonplace in the USA, much of the world's menu options are more provincial. Please do not expect to find the variety of food selection outside of the local norm. Every effort will be made to honor special dietary requests selected no later than 5 days prior to departure in the passenger details section of your reservation. In addition, we recommend that you make preferences known to your tour manager upon arrival, and at each hotel/restaurant. Special requests are subject to local conditions and availability and cannot be guaranteed. |
| Holidays |
| On public holidays, there may be reduced public transportation, as well as limited hours or closures of attractions, shops and restaurants. |
| Holidays - Italy |
Holidays 2023 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 6: Epiphany Apr 9: Easter Sunday Apr 10: Easter Monday 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 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: Parma: Jan 13-14 (St. Hilary of Poitiers), Aug 16-17 (St. Roch) & May 5 (St. Honoratus) Catania: Feb 3-5; Aug 17 (St. Agatha) Sorrento: Feb 14 (St. Antoninus) Agrigento: Feb 25 (St. Gerland) & Jun 18 (St. Calogerus) Como: Apr 2; Aug 31 (St. Abbondio) Ragusa: Apr 23 (St. George) Venice: Apr 25 (St. Mark) & Nov 11 (St. Martin's Day) Treviso: Apr 27 (St. Liberalis) & Mar 27; Aug 1; Aug 22 (St. Augusta) Baveno: Jun 19 (Sts. Gervasius & Protasius) Matera: Jun 20 (St. John) & Jul 2 (St. Madonna della Bruna) Florence, Genoa & Turin: Jun 24 (St John the Baptist) Amalfi: Jun 27; Nov 30 (St. Andrew) Rome: Jun 29 (St. Peter & Paul) Siena: Jul 2 & Aug 16, Palio horserace Taormina: Jul 8-9 (St. Pancras) Palermo: Jul 15 (St. Rosalia) Santa Margherita Ligure: July 20 (St. Margaret of Antiochia) Lecce: Aug 26 (St. Orontius) Naples: Sep 19 (St. Gennaro) Bologna: Oct 4 (St. Petronius) Trieste: Nov 3 (St. Giusto) Montecatini: Dec 4 (St. Barbara) Bari: Dec 6, May 7-9 (St. Nicholas) Milan & Stresa: Dec 7 (St. Ambrose) Siracusa: Dec 13 (St. Lucy) Holidays 2024 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 6: Epiphany Mar 31: Easter Sunday Apr 1: Easter Monday Apr 25: Liberation Day May 1: Labor Day Jun 2: Republic Day Aug 15: Assumption of the Virgin Mary / Ferragosto Nov 1: All Saints Day Dec 8: Immaculate Conception Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: St. Stephen's Day 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: Parma: Jan 13-14 (St. Hilary of Poitiers), Aug 16-17 (St. Roch) Catania: Feb 3-5 & Aug 17 (St. Agatha) Sorrento: Feb 14 (St. Antoninus) Agrigento: Feb 25 (St. Gerland) & July 7-July 14 (St. Calogerus) Como: Aug 31 (St. Abbondio) Ragusa: May 26 (St. George) Venice: Apr 25 (St. Mark) & Nov 11 (St. Martin's Day) Treviso: Apr 27 (St. Liberalis); Mar 27, Aug 1 & Aug 22 (St. Augusta) Baveno: Jun 19 (Sts. Gervasius & Protasius) Matera: Jun 20 (St. John) & Jul 2 (St. Madonna della Bruna) Florence, Genoa & Turin: Jun 24 (St John the Baptist) Amalfi: Jun 27; Nov 30 (Sant' Andrea) Rome: Jun 29 (St. Peter & Paul) Siena: Jul 2 & Aug 16, Palio horserace Taormina: Jul 8-9 (St. Pancras) Palermo: Jul 14-15 (St. Rosalia) Santa Margherita Ligure: July 20 (St. Margaret of Antiochia) Lecce: Aug 26 (St. Orontius) Naples: Sep 19 (St. Gennaro) Bologna: Oct 4 (St. Petronius) Trieste: Nov 3 (St. Giusto) Montecatini: Dec 4 (St. Barbara) Bari: Dec 6 & May 7-9 (St. Nicholas) Milan & Stresa: Dec 7 (St. Ambrose) Siracusa: Dec 13 (St. Lucy) |
| Rome Bus Regulations - The Rome Bus Regulation introduced in 2019 restricts tourist bus access to the historical city center, including the areas near the Colosseum, Forum and Vatican City. In order to comply with these new rules we will determine the best way to reach the included sites according to your itinerary and hotel location. |
| 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. |
| St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City |
| On rare occasions, St. Peter's Basilica reserves the right to close or restrict admission without prior notice. In this case, an inside visit of the Basilica may not be offered. While not guaranteed, we will try to accommodate the visit to St. Peter's Basilica based upon availability and schedule. |
| New Venice Visitor Tax Regulation - It was recently announced that the city of Venice will be implementing an entrance tax of 10 Euros per person for tourists visiting the city for the day. In most cases, the tax will be included in the cost of the transportation to access the city center, including cruise, taxi, or public transportation. However, there may be instances where visitors will need to pay the tax upon arrival. We regret that we are currently unable to collect this tax in advance. Due to the uncertainty of this new regulation the information above is subject to change. |
| Know Before You Go | |
| 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. |
| Getting Ready to Go |
| Passports and Visas |
| It is each traveler's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the dates of travel 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. IMPORTANT: Passengers who are not U.S. citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passengers who enter, leave and then re-enter the same country on their itinerary should check if they require a double-entry visa. Passport applications are available at most U.S. Post Offices, as well as at regional Passport Agencies. Passengers requiring visas, whether obtained in advance or locally upon arrival, should ensure that their passport has blank pages.
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| Traveling with Friends or Family? |
| If you are traveling with friends or family who are booked on another reservation, please make sure that we are aware. On occasion, we may operate more than one vehicle on your tour departure in which case we will ensure that guests will be assigned together. This is achieved by connecting your reservations before your departure. Once you arrive in your destination, it may not be possible to make assignment changes. To check that your reservations are linked, log into https://www.gate1travel.com/res with your email and password, select your reservation number, and check to see that your reservations are indicated as "Traveling With" at the top right side of the display. |
| 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, driver's license) are in order. Make sure also that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip and carry them with you in case your luggage is delayed. Bring a change of clothes in your carry-on bag in the event that your luggage is delayed or lost. Lost luggage is common. We strongly urge you to consider carry-ons instead of checked bags when possible, and when checking a bag is necessary, choose a bag color and identification that stands out. We suggest that you make photocopies of passports, visas, personal ID and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals. You may also make a digital copy of your passport to keep a clear picture with the important details in your cell phone or digital camera photos. If you lose the originals while traveling, you'll have copies for easier reporting and replacement. Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names. You may consider bringing a small supply of over the counter medications for headaches and/or anti-diarrhea pills (especially when traveling outside of the USA and Western Europe). We recommend that you pack a portable alarm clock. Due to security reasons, many museums have restrictions on the size of bags that can be taken inside and backpacks, carry-on bags or large purses may not be permitted. It is recommended to bring a small shoulder bag or purse to use in these situations instead. Avoid placing valuables such as cameras in your checked luggage. Airplane pressure can cause similar pressure in your body, most notably in ears, as well as liquid tubes and bottles. Your physician can suggest medication for decongestion. We suggest that you place liquid containers into Ziploc bags to catch any leaks. |
| Travel Safety Advice: The safety of our guests is Gate 1’s #1 concern. Before making the decision to reserve your vacation, we want you to be aware of potential situations which may impact your holiday. While most of the time our programs run precisely according to plans, on rare occasion force majeure events including weather, transportation mechanical issues, or uninhabitable accommodation, civil unrest and even criminal or terrorist activities will present themselves unexpectedly and with little or no notice. Gate 1 will make the decision to cancel a tour only after receiving verifiable government issued information. We are otherwise obliged to comply with contractual airline and vendor agreements and carry out the tour until or unless we are advised otherwise. In the event of such an occurrence anytime after your date of departure, Gate 1 and the local destination ground staff, in coordination with government advisories, airlines, hotels, cruise ships and other vendors, will make decisions with regard to your safety first. We strongly recommend that tour participants review the destination country's specific information at https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html. |
| Travel Protection |
| Even the best-planned trips can be impacted by the unexpected. And that is why we recommend that you help protect yourself and your investment by purchasing Travel Protection for your Gate 1 trip. Travel Protection can help with medical coverage for illness or injury, trip cancellation and/or interruption, baggage loss, medical evacuation, and more. At any time before you complete Final Payment, you may choose to purchase Travel Protection. The protection plan premium is non-refundable after a 10-day review period. In addition, you must be medically able to travel at the time the premium is paid. For a summary of the plan details on coverages, benefits, limitations and exclusions, please refer to the Description of Coverage by visiting www.gate1travel.com/insurance/. Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit (CFAR) is a non-insurance feature that allows you to cancel up to 72 hours before your scheduled departure for any reason not otherwise covered in the Travel Protection Plan. CFAR must be purchased at the same time as the Travel Protection Plan as well as within 21 days of the original booking date. Independent or escorted tour reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to the full cost of your trip, less the cost of initial deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. Sea or river cruise reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to 50% of the cost of your trip, less the cost of initial trip deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. All CFAR credits are valid for a period of two years from the original date of travel. CFAR Credits have no cash value and are not transferrable. Airline-assessed fees are generally $300 per person, but may be as much as fully non-refundable. Some non-refundable airline tickets may retain value, less airline-assessed fees. Your future air credit must be used to book with the same airline. Deadlines to rebook and complete travel vary by airline and may be as early as 12 months from when the tickets were originally issued (not the date of travel). For details, www.gate1travel.com/insurance/. This program does not apply to custom groups and Antarctica cruises. Residents of New York, Missouri & Minnesota may purchase this Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit separate from Travel Protection. Call to speak with a reservation agent for details. This Cancel for any Reason Wavier Benefit is not insurance and is provided by Gate 1 Travel. |
| Mobile Phones |
| Mobile networks differ from country to country. We recommend you check with your provider to see if your wireless plan will work in the destination(s) you are visiting. To avoid possible roaming charges, you may want to consider purchasing an international plan. With most major phone companies, for a modest fee, you will be able to use your domestic plan's talk, text, and data allowances just like you do at home. If you can access the internet while you travel, you can also take advantage of services such as WhatsApp or Skype. |
| 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 (often indicated with a “+” sign), then the destination Country Code, then the 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 you are dialing from a mobile phone, you can enter a “+” instead of the international Exit Code (011, 001, 0011 or 00) by pressing and holding the 0 key. For most countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, South America and South Pacific, if you are calling from a local phone to a number within the same country, you should drop both the exit and country codes and then add a leading 0 (zero). Exceptions include Spain, Italy, Hungary and Malta (no additional zero needed to dial locally). Example: To dial the following number in Germany (as listed on your voucher): +(49) 0555-555 From USA or your US cell phone: 011-49-555-555 From another country in Europe: 00-49-555-555 From a German phone within Germany: 0555-555 |
| WiFi Access |
| WiFi is available in most airports, hotels, and cruise lines, as well as on some flights, trains, and buses. There may be a fee for access and service quality and speed may vary greatly especially while on moving vehicles. Availability on cruises is also dependent upon its location while sailing through multiple countries. Please note that WiFi can be extremely slow, unreliable, and sometimes nonexistent in developing countries. |
| Staying Healthy While Traveling |
| All travelers should familiarize themselves with local conditions, such as high altitude or required immunizations, which could affect their health. We recommend you consult with your personal healthcare provider, the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) and/or the World Health Organization (http://www.who.int/en/) for their recommendations. There are several easy steps you can take to stay healthy while traveling which may help prevent contracting an illness while away from home.
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| Notice on Aircraft Cabin Insecticide Treatment - Please note that some countries may require aircraft cabin insecticide treatment for in-bound foreign flights. A list of such countries is available at:
http://www.dot.gov/office-policy/aviation-policy/aircraft-disinsection-requirements. |
| Consideration for Tour Participants (Escorted Tours) |
For the benefit of all tour participants, we ask tour members to be considerate of their fellow travelers in the following ways:
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| 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. The months of October through March are considered rainy season in Venice, leading to high tides and occasionally waters reaching pedestrian areas. We suggest including a rain jacket and boots on your packing list. 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: https://www.gate1travel.com/weather/europe/default.aspx#italy-weather |
| About Drones |
| Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) or “drone” technology has quickly become affordable and is increasingly popular with recreational users. While some countries have clear, established drone laws, others do not, or existing regulations are undergoing review and change. Travelers who wish to bring a drone on their trip are responsible to research and abide by the laws and regulations of the countries they are visiting, as well as to check with their airline(s) regarding their rules for transporting drones. Please note that tours are unable to extend the length of scheduled visits and stops to accommodate use of drones. |
| Book & Film Recommendations |
| Many of our guests enjoy reading about their destination - either in advance of their trip or while traveling - as a way of adding context to their visit. Whether reading a traditional guide book, learning about the history and culture, or simply enjoying a fictional novel set in the destination, a good book can add greatly to your experience. Similarly, a good movie set in your destination helps set the mood before you travel. We asked our Tour Managers and staff to recommend books and films which past guests may have enjoyed. The following does not constitute an endorsement of any authors, books or films listed, it is merely a collection of guests' recommendations. |
| ITALY: Books Venice Is a Fish: A Sensual Guide by Tiziano Scarpa Secrets of Rome: Love and Death in the Eternal City or Secrets of the Vatican by Corrado Augias Under the Tuscan Sun: At Home in Italy or In Tuscany by Frances Mayes Caesar: Life of a Colossus by Adrian Keith Goldsworthy Italy for the Gourmet Traveler by Fred Plotkin Medici: Godfathers of the Renaissance by Paul Strathern A Day in the Life of Ancient Rome by Alberto Angela The Adventures of Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi Roma: The Novel of Ancient Rome by Steven Saylor ITALY: Films The Great Beauty (2013) I Am Love (2010) Under the Tuscan Sun (2003) The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999) Life is Beautiful (1997) A Room with a View (1985) La Dolce Vita (1960) Three Coins in the Fountain (1954) |
| Preparing for Your Trip |
| Seat Assignments |
| As a courtesy service, complimentary airline seat assignments are requested on your behalf and, when available, are displayed in order of Passenger #1, #2 and so on. Assignments reflect the best available seats at the time of booking. Some airlines and/or fare types do not allow for pre-seating and require this be done at airport check-in only; in which case the display shows “N/A”. Seats are subject to change by your airline(s) including, for example, when there is a schedule change or equipment change after your initial booking; this may cause seat assignments to be changed or even cancelled. Some airlines offer preferred seating for an additional fee; these seats may only be purchased directly from the airline. You will need your family name and the 6-digit airline “Record Locator” which is displayed with the flight details on your reservation. In the event that you change seat assignments directly with your airline, changes will not be reflected on your invoice or documents. At the time that Gate 1 travel documents are issued, the currently assigned seats will be listed based on the assignments stored in your airline reservation at that time. Should you have questions regarding your assignments, please write to us at www.gate1travel.com/contactus. |
| Luggage & Packing |
| Checked bags are typically limited to a total dimension of 62 inches by adding length + width + height (example: 26"+26"+10" = 62”), and a maximum weight of 50 lbs (23kg). Smart Bags with a USB charging port, GPS tracking device and other high-tech features are prohibited as checked or carry-on baggage unless the bag is made with removable batteries and the batteries are removed and stored separately. Many airlines charge for checked bags including flights which begin and end within the USA. The most inexpensive airfare options commonly known as Basic Economy airfares do not include any checked bags nor seat assignments before the day of departure. However, for some airlines, other airfare categories also do not include checked baggage. This will be clearly displayed in our airfare selection and on your invoice. Where available, we highly recommend selecting airfares which include at least 1 piece of checked baggage. Gate 1 Travel is not responsible for checked bag fees, excess luggage or weight charges levied by an airline. Checked baggage allowances displayed on reservation details and invoices reflect the applicable allowance at the time of booking but are subject to change by your airline(s). For your airline’s requirements and fees, visit www.gate1travel.com/baggagefees.aspx. For important baggage information, visit www.gate1travel.com/luggage.aspx. Avoid placing valuables in your checked luggage. Federal law forbids the carriage of hazardous materials aboard the aircraft in your luggage, your carry-on or on your person. A violation can result in five years’ imprisonment and penalties of $250,000 or more (49 U.S.C. 5124). Hazardous materials include explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids and solids, oxidizers, poisons, corrosives and radioactive materials. Examples: Paints, lighter fluid, fireworks, tear gases, oxygen bottles, and radio-pharmaceuticals. There are special exceptions for small quantities (up to 70 ounces total) of medicinal and toilet articles carried in your luggage and certain smoking materials carried on your person. Check the Transportation and Safety Administration (TSA) website www.tsa.gov to find out the current list of acceptable items you may bring on a plane before packing. We recommend that you use brightly colored luggage tags, straps or other identifiers to help you locate you luggage upon arrival or to describe it in the event that it is lost. |
| Day of Departure |
| Flight Services |
| What to do if You Need Assistance |
Whether you purchased your airfare from Gate 1 Travel or from the airline directly, please bear in mind that Gate 1 Travel does not own nor operate the airline(s), nor the airport facilities where they operate. At times, flying can be a frustrating experience, especially when things do not go exactly as planned, and airline explanations can be confusing or even misleading. Should you face a problem, remain calm and seek assistance either from the airline directly or from Gate 1. Please be aware that in most cases, on the day of your flight(s), airlines pass responsibility for your reservation to their staff at the airport and it is not always possible for Gate 1 Travel to intervene on your behalf, either through our reservations system or directly with your airline. |
| Arrival & Departure |
| Arrival Procedures |
| Upon arrival, please complete immigration formalities if necessary 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 collecting your luggage or 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. If you are delayed due to lost luggage, phone the number on the voucher or have a companion exit the Customs Area to advise the transfer representative. |
| 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, the better we can respond. Please refer to the Emergency Assistance instructions on this same document. 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 you 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. The cost of a transfer is more expensive than hiring a taxi, as a Gate 1 transfer necessarily includes round trip service, or 'dead-leg'. Often the places of call (airports, seaports, hotels) demand entrance and parking fees, where drivers may have to wait for up to an hour. Passengers comfortable hiring a taxi on their own and do not require assistance will save money. |
| 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. |
| Venice Airport Link Shared Water Taxi Transfers (Airport to Hotel) - After claiming your luggage, take the left door to exit Customs, and keep left as you enter the Arrivals Hall. Should you miss the representative with the Gate 1 sign, go to the left passing the public waterbus ticket counters and on your left side you will see the BUCINTORO desk (Desk # 71) where you will exchange your voucher. If needed, luggage carts are available in the airport terminal. From the Arrivals Hall you will be directed to the dock, where you will board a water taxi, which will take you to the mooring nearest your hotel. Please note that since this is a shared transfer, you may have to wait a few minutes for other passengers to board. Also, please keep in mind that porters are often not available to assist with transporting luggage. Printable Venice Airport map and directions: https://www.gate1travel.com/shared/italy/documents/venice-airport-arrivals.pdf |
| About Your Accommodations |
| Hotels |
| Gate 1 Travel has carefully selected each hotel based on overall quality, location, price, food, service, and cleanliness. All rooms are standard twin-bedded (two single beds) rooms with private facilities. Special requests such as bed types, smoking preference and connecting rooms are subject to availability. Room selection in all cases, unless otherwise reserved, is strictly at the discretion of the hotel's management on a run-of-house basis. Triple rooms consist of standard twin beds or one double bed plus a sofa/folding bed or cot for third person except in the U.S. and Canada, where triple rooms often consist of two double/queen beds for three persons; where available, a fee may be charged by the hotel for the addition of a cot/rollaway. The number of persons accommodated does not dictate the room size. Although available at most 4 and 5 star hotels, the use of air-conditioning abroad differs greatly from the United States, and is often shut down at night and from the end until the start of the summer months. Some lodges and accommodations in remote regions may not have all of the amenities, such as hairdryer, alarm clock and room service, that you might find in a larger hotel located in a city center. |
| Hotel Check-in/ Check-out |
| Hotel check-in time is generally not before 4:00 p.m. and check-out time is prior to 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. |
| Rome City Tax - The authorities of Rome apply a city tax on all hotels. The tax requires a contribution of Euro 4 per person per night for 2 and 3 star hotels, Euro 6 per person per night for 4 star hotels and Euro 7 per person per night for 5 star hotels. It will be charged and collected by your hotel and is payable in cash only. We regret that we are currently unable to collect this tax in advance or include it in your price for customers who are traveling independently or who arrange independent pre- or post-tour stays on an escorted tour. This tax is included in the tour price for customers who are traveling on an escorted tour accompanied by a Tour Manager who is able to pay directly to the hotel on your behalf. Please note that our hotel ratings may differ from official star ratings which determine the tax level. |
| Florence City Tax - The authorities of Florence have introduced a city tax on all hotels. The tax requires a contribution of Euro 6.00 per person per night for 3 star hotels, Euro 7.00 per person per night for 4 star hotels and Euro 8.00 per person per night for 5 star hotels. It will be charged and collected by your hotel and is payable in cash only. We regret that we are currently unable to collect this tax in advance or include it in your price for customers who are traveling independently or who arrange independent pre- or post-tour stays on an escorted tour. This tax is included in the tour price for customers who are traveling on an escorted tour accompanied by a Tour Manager who is able to pay directly to the hotel on your behalf. Please note that our hotel ratings may differ from official star ratings which determine the tax level. |
| Venice City Tax - The authorities of Venice apply a city tax on all hotels. The tax requires a contribution of Euro 3.50 per person per night for a 3 star hotel, Euro 4.50 per person per night for 4 star hotels and Euro 5 per person per night for a 5 star hotel. It will be charged and collected by your hotel and is payable in cash only. We regret that we are currently unable to collect this tax in advance or include it in your price for customers who are traveling independently or who arrange independent pre- or post-tour stays on an escorted tour. This tax is included in the tour price for customers who are traveling on an escorted tour accompanied by a Tour Manager who is able to pay directly to the hotel on your behalf. Please note that our hotel ratings may differ from official star ratings which determine the tax level. |
| Sorrento City Tax - The authorities of Sorrento apply a city tax on all hotels. The tax requires a contribution of Euro 3.00 per person per night for 3 and 4 star hotels and Euro 4.00 per person per night for 5 star hotels.. It will be charged and collected by your hotel and is payable in cash only. We regret that we are currently unable to collect this tax in advance or include it in your price for customers who are traveling independently or who arrange independent pre- or post-tour stays on an escorted tour. This tax is included in the tour price for customers who are traveling on an escorted tour accompanied by a Tour Manager who is able to pay directly to the hotel on your behalf. Please note that our hotel ratings may differ from official star ratings which determine the tax level. |
| At Your Destination |
| 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 and learn about foreign cultures, we ask first and foremost that you practice tolerance and respect for local customs. |
| Gratuities |
| Tipping is always a matter of personal discretion. For your convenience, please use the summary below as a guideline for recommended gratuity amounts. Gratuities may be paid in local currency or US dollar equivalent where accepted. Please be aware that 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 manager or phone our local office. Numbers are provided in your documents for your convenience. |
| Suggested Tipping: Escorted Tours |
Tour Manager (Coordinator; may or may not act as a guide): US $10 per person per day Driver (Provides chauffeur services and limited assistance with luggage): US $5 per person per day, US $3 per half day Local Guide (Offers in-depth information at specific locations. There may be one or many guides along a tour program): US $5 per person per day of sightseeing, US $3 per half day Hotel porters and wait staff: Included |
| 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. 5-10% is customary for good service. |
| About Your Sightseeing |
| To ensure a pleasant and fair experience for passengers on our escorted tours, there is a mandatory seat rotation policy on our motor coaches which will be organized by your Tour Manager. On river cruises, color-coded group splits may be used for shoreside included and Optional tours. Some buses are equipped with toilet facility, however they are strictly intended for emergency use only and often require the vehicle to stop for safety reasons before use. When travel dates coincide with religious holidays and national celebrations, some monuments and sites may be closed, sometimes without prior notice. On these occasions, escorted touring itineraries may be amended to reflect these closures. Occasionally, during holidays and certain periods, and/or due to other unforeseen circumstances including weather conditions, there may be last-minute changes, sometimes after arrival, which may affect the sequence of the tour and locations visited. National monuments and tourist sites regularly undergo renovations, which can obscure the monument's view. No tour will be canceled due to renovations, however Gate 1 will decide based on the conditions whether to amend an itinerary. To respect the privacy of all tour participants, your tour manager will not organize a group photo or collect passenger email addresses for a group list. |
| 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 check-in. The details of the hotel can be found in your documents. |
| 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. https://www.gate1travel.com/terms.aspx#optional |
| Independent Activities - Gate 1 itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently and with due consideration. Gate 1 is not responsible for any activities not expressly included in its programs. Caution should be exercised when selecting certain activities that may require physical strength, coordination or exertion. Particular care should be taken when considering animal rides, such as on camels, mules or horses |
| Italy - The Euro is the currency of Italy. Italian bank opening hours are typically Monday through Friday, 9am to 1pm depending on the bank. Most Italian banks do not offer exchange service. For this reason, it is strongly recommended to acquire a small amount of Euros prior to arriving. ATM machines are a better option. |
| Shopping |
| Most people enjoy bringing home at least one souvenir from the countries they visit. However, some find any amount of shopping to be too much while others never find enough opportunities. We have built into our Escorted itineraries a few shopping stops at recommended spots. These stops are designed to enhance your experience by providing an opportunity to see first-hand quality locally crafted merchandise which you may not be able to find on your own. Shops are checked to ensure the quality and authenticity of the products they offer, and we limit guides from visiting other locations. In some cases, we plan these stops to provide an opportunity to use clean bathrooms and to stretch your legs. All shops want your satisfaction, and therefore in case of any misunderstanding they ask that you kindly submit your claim to us within one week of the item's receipt. Claims submitted later will be subject to each store’s policies. While shopping independently, 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! About Tax-Free Shopping Tax-Free Shopping allows shoppers to reclaim the VAT (Value-Added Tax) or GST (Goods and Services Tax) they have paid on their purchases in some foreign countries in accordance with restrictions and procedures as dictated by each country. Refund eligibility varies by country, but may require presenting a scanned copy of your passport at the time of purchase, a minimum amount spent, or providing original store receipts. For more details, check the respective country’s online website, with the shop salesperson, with your tour manager or at www.globalblue.com for specific country regulations and airport operation hours. Please keep in mind that you must apply for VAT refund in the airport of the country the items were purchased and allow enough time prior to your flight for the application. U.S. Customs & Shipping Charges You may carry items with a fair retail value totaling $800 into the U.S. Taxes may be applied to the next $1,000 worth of merchandise. U.S. Customs determines the value of your items, often honoring a genuine sales receipt. Items which are shipped home are always subject to duty when received in the U.S. (in addition to shipping charges). Some shops may offer to include shipping and duties in the price but this typically means shipping only to the customs facility closest to you and payment only of the export duties; you would still need to collect the item and pay U.S. import duties. Please be aware that it is illegal to import products made from endangered animal species. U.S. Customs & Border Protection will seize these items, as well as most furs, coral, tortoise shell, reptile skins, feathers, plants, and items made from animal skins. |
| 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. |
| Your Safety is Very Important |
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Prior to your trip, if you are traveling overseas, we strongly recommend that you visit the website of the U.S. Department of State at www.travel.state.gov, specifically the section which addresses International Travel. You should read the tips for foreign travel and travel warnings for the country or countries that you plan to visit. It is also important that you do not allow your common sense to take a vacation while on your trip. Here are several tips which, if followed, will save much potential hardship:
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. |
| Tourist Street Scams |
Pickpockets and thieves can destroy an otherwise wonderful holiday. Be mindful of these precautions to help avoid being scammed or robbed:
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| Caution: Tours of the Forum & Colosseum, Rome - Please note that there have been reports of street vendors wearing Gate 1 Travel identification tags who offer tours of the Colosseum in Rome. These vendors are not employed by Gate 1 and are in no way affiliated with the company. Gate 1 tours are offered only for purchase in advance of your trip to Italy, or locally by your Tour Manager. Passengers traveling independently are recommended to purchase their tours through official vendors and to avoid street sales. |
| Security at Major Sites - Please expect longer wait times at major sightseeing locations due to heightened security restrictions. These locations include, but are not limited to, the San Marco Basilica in Venice, the Accademia in Florence, and the Colosseum & Vatican in Rome. Bags of any kind are no longer allowed inside the San Marco Basilica and large bags/backpacks are restricted from the Colosseum. We suggest you to carry only necessary items (i.e. wallet, cell phone, camera) safely on your body and leave all other valuables in the hotel room safe when visiting these sites. |
| Local Emergency Phone Numbers |
Italy
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| 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. |
| Meals & Dietary Requests |
| Included meals are based on the restaurant's buffet or set menu. Beverages are not included, unless specifically stated. Although special diets like Vegetarian and Vegan are relatively commonplace in the USA, much of the world's menu options are more provincial. Please do not expect to find the variety of food selection outside of the local norm. Every effort will be made to honor special dietary requests selected no later than 5 days prior to departure in the passenger details section of your reservation. In addition, we recommend that you make preferences known to your tour manager upon arrival, and at each hotel/restaurant. Special requests are subject to local conditions and availability and cannot be guaranteed. |
| Holidays |
| On public holidays, there may be reduced public transportation, as well as limited hours or closures of attractions, shops and restaurants. |
| Holidays - Italy |
Holidays 2023 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 6: Epiphany Apr 9: Easter Sunday Apr 10: Easter Monday 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 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: Parma: Jan 13-14 (St. Hilary of Poitiers), Aug 16-17 (St. Roch) & May 5 (St. Honoratus) Catania: Feb 3-5; Aug 17 (St. Agatha) Sorrento: Feb 14 (St. Antoninus) Agrigento: Feb 25 (St. Gerland) & Jun 18 (St. Calogerus) Como: Apr 2; Aug 31 (St. Abbondio) Ragusa: Apr 23 (St. George) Venice: Apr 25 (St. Mark) & Nov 11 (St. Martin's Day) Treviso: Apr 27 (St. Liberalis) & Mar 27; Aug 1; Aug 22 (St. Augusta) Baveno: Jun 19 (Sts. Gervasius & Protasius) Matera: Jun 20 (St. John) & Jul 2 (St. Madonna della Bruna) Florence, Genoa & Turin: Jun 24 (St John the Baptist) Amalfi: Jun 27; Nov 30 (St. Andrew) Rome: Jun 29 (St. Peter & Paul) Siena: Jul 2 & Aug 16, Palio horserace Taormina: Jul 8-9 (St. Pancras) Palermo: Jul 15 (St. Rosalia) Santa Margherita Ligure: July 20 (St. Margaret of Antiochia) Lecce: Aug 26 (St. Orontius) Naples: Sep 19 (St. Gennaro) Bologna: Oct 4 (St. Petronius) Trieste: Nov 3 (St. Giusto) Montecatini: Dec 4 (St. Barbara) Bari: Dec 6, May 7-9 (St. Nicholas) Milan & Stresa: Dec 7 (St. Ambrose) Siracusa: Dec 13 (St. Lucy) Holidays 2024 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 6: Epiphany Mar 31: Easter Sunday Apr 1: Easter Monday Apr 25: Liberation Day May 1: Labor Day Jun 2: Republic Day Aug 15: Assumption of the Virgin Mary / Ferragosto Nov 1: All Saints Day Dec 8: Immaculate Conception Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: St. Stephen's Day 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: Parma: Jan 13-14 (St. Hilary of Poitiers), Aug 16-17 (St. Roch) Catania: Feb 3-5 & Aug 17 (St. Agatha) Sorrento: Feb 14 (St. Antoninus) Agrigento: Feb 25 (St. Gerland) & July 7-July 14 (St. Calogerus) Como: Aug 31 (St. Abbondio) Ragusa: May 26 (St. George) Venice: Apr 25 (St. Mark) & Nov 11 (St. Martin's Day) Treviso: Apr 27 (St. Liberalis); Mar 27, Aug 1 & Aug 22 (St. Augusta) Baveno: Jun 19 (Sts. Gervasius & Protasius) Matera: Jun 20 (St. John) & Jul 2 (St. Madonna della Bruna) Florence, Genoa & Turin: Jun 24 (St John the Baptist) Amalfi: Jun 27; Nov 30 (Sant' Andrea) Rome: Jun 29 (St. Peter & Paul) Siena: Jul 2 & Aug 16, Palio horserace Taormina: Jul 8-9 (St. Pancras) Palermo: Jul 14-15 (St. Rosalia) Santa Margherita Ligure: July 20 (St. Margaret of Antiochia) Lecce: Aug 26 (St. Orontius) Naples: Sep 19 (St. Gennaro) Bologna: Oct 4 (St. Petronius) Trieste: Nov 3 (St. Giusto) Montecatini: Dec 4 (St. Barbara) Bari: Dec 6 & May 7-9 (St. Nicholas) Milan & Stresa: Dec 7 (St. Ambrose) Siracusa: Dec 13 (St. Lucy) |
| Rome Bus Regulations - The Rome Bus Regulation introduced in 2019 restricts tourist bus access to the historical city center, including the areas near the Colosseum, Forum and Vatican City. In order to comply with these new rules we will determine the best way to reach the included sites according to your itinerary and hotel location. |
| 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. |
| St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City |
| On rare occasions, St. Peter's Basilica reserves the right to close or restrict admission without prior notice. In this case, an inside visit of the Basilica may not be offered. While not guaranteed, we will try to accommodate the visit to St. Peter's Basilica based upon availability and schedule. |
| New Venice Visitor Tax Regulation - It was recently announced that the city of Venice will be implementing an entrance tax of 10 Euros per person for tourists visiting the city for the day. In most cases, the tax will be included in the cost of the transportation to access the city center, including cruise, taxi, or public transportation. However, there may be instances where visitors will need to pay the tax upon arrival. We regret that we are currently unable to collect this tax in advance. Due to the uncertainty of this new regulation the information above is subject to change. |
| Know Before You Go | |
| 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. |
| Getting Ready to Go |
| Passports and Visas |
| It is each traveler's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the dates of travel 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. IMPORTANT: Passengers who are not U.S. citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passengers who enter, leave and then re-enter the same country on their itinerary should check if they require a double-entry visa. Passport applications are available at most U.S. Post Offices, as well as at regional Passport Agencies. Passengers requiring visas, whether obtained in advance or locally upon arrival, should ensure that their passport has blank pages.
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| Traveling with Friends or Family? |
| If you are traveling with friends or family who are booked on another reservation, please make sure that we are aware. On occasion, we may operate more than one vehicle on your tour departure in which case we will ensure that guests will be assigned together. This is achieved by connecting your reservations before your departure. Once you arrive in your destination, it may not be possible to make assignment changes. To check that your reservations are linked, log into https://www.gate1travel.com/res with your email and password, select your reservation number, and check to see that your reservations are indicated as "Traveling With" at the top right side of the display. |
| 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, driver's license) are in order. Make sure also that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip and carry them with you in case your luggage is delayed. Bring a change of clothes in your carry-on bag in the event that your luggage is delayed or lost. Lost luggage is common. We strongly urge you to consider carry-ons instead of checked bags when possible, and when checking a bag is necessary, choose a bag color and identification that stands out. We suggest that you make photocopies of passports, visas, personal ID and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals. You may also make a digital copy of your passport to keep a clear picture with the important details in your cell phone or digital camera photos. If you lose the originals while traveling, you'll have copies for easier reporting and replacement. Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names. You may consider bringing a small supply of over the counter medications for headaches and/or anti-diarrhea pills (especially when traveling outside of the USA and Western Europe). We recommend that you pack a portable alarm clock. Due to security reasons, many museums have restrictions on the size of bags that can be taken inside and backpacks, carry-on bags or large purses may not be permitted. It is recommended to bring a small shoulder bag or purse to use in these situations instead. Avoid placing valuables such as cameras in your checked luggage. Airplane pressure can cause similar pressure in your body, most notably in ears, as well as liquid tubes and bottles. Your physician can suggest medication for decongestion. We suggest that you place liquid containers into Ziploc bags to catch any leaks. |
| Travel Safety Advice: The safety of our guests is Gate 1’s #1 concern. Before making the decision to reserve your vacation, we want you to be aware of potential situations which may impact your holiday. While most of the time our programs run precisely according to plans, on rare occasion force majeure events including weather, transportation mechanical issues, or uninhabitable accommodation, civil unrest and even criminal or terrorist activities will present themselves unexpectedly and with little or no notice. Gate 1 will make the decision to cancel a tour only after receiving verifiable government issued information. We are otherwise obliged to comply with contractual airline and vendor agreements and carry out the tour until or unless we are advised otherwise. In the event of such an occurrence anytime after your date of departure, Gate 1 and the local destination ground staff, in coordination with government advisories, airlines, hotels, cruise ships and other vendors, will make decisions with regard to your safety first. We strongly recommend that tour participants review the destination country's specific information at https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html. |
| Travel Protection |
| Even the best-planned trips can be impacted by the unexpected. And that is why we recommend that you help protect yourself and your investment by purchasing Travel Protection for your Gate 1 trip. Travel Protection can help with medical coverage for illness or injury, trip cancellation and/or interruption, baggage loss, medical evacuation, and more. At any time before you complete Final Payment, you may choose to purchase Travel Protection. The protection plan premium is non-refundable after a 10-day review period. In addition, you must be medically able to travel at the time the premium is paid. For a summary of the plan details on coverages, benefits, limitations and exclusions, please refer to the Description of Coverage by visiting www.gate1travel.com/insurance/. Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit (CFAR) is a non-insurance feature that allows you to cancel up to 72 hours before your scheduled departure for any reason not otherwise covered in the Travel Protection Plan. CFAR must be purchased at the same time as the Travel Protection Plan as well as within 21 days of the original booking date. Independent or escorted tour reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to the full cost of your trip, less the cost of initial deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. Sea or river cruise reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to 50% of the cost of your trip, less the cost of initial trip deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. All CFAR credits are valid for a period of two years from the original date of travel. CFAR Credits have no cash value and are not transferrable. Airline-assessed fees are generally $300 per person, but may be as much as fully non-refundable. Some non-refundable airline tickets may retain value, less airline-assessed fees. Your future air credit must be used to book with the same airline. Deadlines to rebook and complete travel vary by airline and may be as early as 12 months from when the tickets were originally issued (not the date of travel). For details, www.gate1travel.com/insurance/. This program does not apply to custom groups and Antarctica cruises. Residents of New York, Missouri & Minnesota may purchase this Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit separate from Travel Protection. Call to speak with a reservation agent for details. This Cancel for any Reason Wavier Benefit is not insurance and is provided by Gate 1 Travel. |
| Mobile Phones |
| Mobile networks differ from country to country. We recommend you check with your provider to see if your wireless plan will work in the destination(s) you are visiting. To avoid possible roaming charges, you may want to consider purchasing an international plan. With most major phone companies, for a modest fee, you will be able to use your domestic plan's talk, text, and data allowances just like you do at home. If you can access the internet while you travel, you can also take advantage of services such as WhatsApp or Skype. |
| 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 (often indicated with a “+” sign), then the destination Country Code, then the 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 you are dialing from a mobile phone, you can enter a “+” instead of the international Exit Code (011, 001, 0011 or 00) by pressing and holding the 0 key. For most countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, South America and South Pacific, if you are calling from a local phone to a number within the same country, you should drop both the exit and country codes and then add a leading 0 (zero). Exceptions include Spain, Italy, Hungary and Malta (no additional zero needed to dial locally). Example: To dial the following number in Germany (as listed on your voucher): +(49) 0555-555 From USA or your US cell phone: 011-49-555-555 From another country in Europe: 00-49-555-555 From a German phone within Germany: 0555-555 |
| WiFi Access |
| WiFi is available in most airports, hotels, and cruise lines, as well as on some flights, trains, and buses. There may be a fee for access and service quality and speed may vary greatly especially while on moving vehicles. Availability on cruises is also dependent upon its location while sailing through multiple countries. Please note that WiFi can be extremely slow, unreliable, and sometimes nonexistent in developing countries. |
| Staying Healthy While Traveling |
| All travelers should familiarize themselves with local conditions, such as high altitude or required immunizations, which could affect their health. We recommend you consult with your personal healthcare provider, the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) and/or the World Health Organization (http://www.who.int/en/) for their recommendations. There are several easy steps you can take to stay healthy while traveling which may help prevent contracting an illness while away from home.
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| Notice on Aircraft Cabin Insecticide Treatment - Please note that some countries may require aircraft cabin insecticide treatment for in-bound foreign flights. A list of such countries is available at:
http://www.dot.gov/office-policy/aviation-policy/aircraft-disinsection-requirements. |
| Consideration for Tour Participants (Escorted Tours) |
For the benefit of all tour participants, we ask tour members to be considerate of their fellow travelers in the following ways:
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| 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. The months of October through March are considered rainy season in Venice, leading to high tides and occasionally waters reaching pedestrian areas. We suggest including a rain jacket and boots on your packing list. 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: https://www.gate1travel.com/weather/europe/default.aspx#italy-weather |
| About Drones |
| Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) or “drone” technology has quickly become affordable and is increasingly popular with recreational users. While some countries have clear, established drone laws, others do not, or existing regulations are undergoing review and change. Travelers who wish to bring a drone on their trip are responsible to research and abide by the laws and regulations of the countries they are visiting, as well as to check with their airline(s) regarding their rules for transporting drones. Please note that tours are unable to extend the length of scheduled visits and stops to accommodate use of drones. |
| Book & Film Recommendations |
| Many of our guests enjoy reading about their destination - either in advance of their trip or while traveling - as a way of adding context to their visit. Whether reading a traditional guide book, learning about the history and culture, or simply enjoying a fictional novel set in the destination, a good book can add greatly to your experience. Similarly, a good movie set in your destination helps set the mood before you travel. We asked our Tour Managers and staff to recommend books and films which past guests may have enjoyed. The following does not constitute an endorsement of any authors, books or films listed, it is merely a collection of guests' recommendations. |
| ITALY: Books Venice Is a Fish: A Sensual Guide by Tiziano Scarpa Secrets of Rome: Love and Death in the Eternal City or Secrets of the Vatican by Corrado Augias Under the Tuscan Sun: At Home in Italy or In Tuscany by Frances Mayes Caesar: Life of a Colossus by Adrian Keith Goldsworthy Italy for the Gourmet Traveler by Fred Plotkin Medici: Godfathers of the Renaissance by Paul Strathern A Day in the Life of Ancient Rome by Alberto Angela The Adventures of Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi Roma: The Novel of Ancient Rome by Steven Saylor ITALY: Films The Great Beauty (2013) I Am Love (2010) Under the Tuscan Sun (2003) The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999) Life is Beautiful (1997) A Room with a View (1985) La Dolce Vita (1960) Three Coins in the Fountain (1954) |
| Preparing for Your Trip |
| Seat Assignments |
| As a courtesy service, complimentary airline seat assignments are requested on your behalf and, when available, are displayed in order of Passenger #1, #2 and so on. Assignments reflect the best available seats at the time of booking. Some airlines and/or fare types do not allow for pre-seating and require this be done at airport check-in only; in which case the display shows “N/A”. Seats are subject to change by your airline(s) including, for example, when there is a schedule change or equipment change after your initial booking; this may cause seat assignments to be changed or even cancelled. Some airlines offer preferred seating for an additional fee; these seats may only be purchased directly from the airline. You will need your family name and the 6-digit airline “Record Locator” which is displayed with the flight details on your reservation. In the event that you change seat assignments directly with your airline, changes will not be reflected on your invoice or documents. At the time that Gate 1 travel documents are issued, the currently assigned seats will be listed based on the assignments stored in your airline reservation at that time. Should you have questions regarding your assignments, please write to us at www.gate1travel.com/contactus. |
| Luggage & Packing |
| Checked bags are typically limited to a total dimension of 62 inches by adding length + width + height (example: 26"+26"+10" = 62”), and a maximum weight of 50 lbs (23kg). Smart Bags with a USB charging port, GPS tracking device and other high-tech features are prohibited as checked or carry-on baggage unless the bag is made with removable batteries and the batteries are removed and stored separately. Many airlines charge for checked bags including flights which begin and end within the USA. The most inexpensive airfare options commonly known as Basic Economy airfares do not include any checked bags nor seat assignments before the day of departure. However, for some airlines, other airfare categories also do not include checked baggage. This will be clearly displayed in our airfare selection and on your invoice. Where available, we highly recommend selecting airfares which include at least 1 piece of checked baggage. Gate 1 Travel is not responsible for checked bag fees, excess luggage or weight charges levied by an airline. Checked baggage allowances displayed on reservation details and invoices reflect the applicable allowance at the time of booking but are subject to change by your airline(s). For your airline’s requirements and fees, visit www.gate1travel.com/baggagefees.aspx. For important baggage information, visit www.gate1travel.com/luggage.aspx. Avoid placing valuables in your checked luggage. Federal law forbids the carriage of hazardous materials aboard the aircraft in your luggage, your carry-on or on your person. A violation can result in five years’ imprisonment and penalties of $250,000 or more (49 U.S.C. 5124). Hazardous materials include explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids and solids, oxidizers, poisons, corrosives and radioactive materials. Examples: Paints, lighter fluid, fireworks, tear gases, oxygen bottles, and radio-pharmaceuticals. There are special exceptions for small quantities (up to 70 ounces total) of medicinal and toilet articles carried in your luggage and certain smoking materials carried on your person. Check the Transportation and Safety Administration (TSA) website www.tsa.gov to find out the current list of acceptable items you may bring on a plane before packing. We recommend that you use brightly colored luggage tags, straps or other identifiers to help you locate you luggage upon arrival or to describe it in the event that it is lost. |
| Day of Departure |
| Flight Services |
| What to do if You Need Assistance |
Whether you purchased your airfare from Gate 1 Travel or from the airline directly, please bear in mind that Gate 1 Travel does not own nor operate the airline(s), nor the airport facilities where they operate. At times, flying can be a frustrating experience, especially when things do not go exactly as planned, and airline explanations can be confusing or even misleading. Should you face a problem, remain calm and seek assistance either from the airline directly or from Gate 1. Please be aware that in most cases, on the day of your flight(s), airlines pass responsibility for your reservation to their staff at the airport and it is not always possible for Gate 1 Travel to intervene on your behalf, either through our reservations system or directly with your airline. |
| Arrival & Departure |
| Arrival Procedures |
| Upon arrival, please complete immigration formalities if necessary 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 collecting your luggage or 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. If you are delayed due to lost luggage, phone the number on the voucher or have a companion exit the Customs Area to advise the transfer representative. |
| 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, the better we can respond. Please refer to the Emergency Assistance instructions on this same document. 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 you 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. The cost of a transfer is more expensive than hiring a taxi, as a Gate 1 transfer necessarily includes round trip service, or 'dead-leg'. Often the places of call (airports, seaports, hotels) demand entrance and parking fees, where drivers may have to wait for up to an hour. Passengers comfortable hiring a taxi on their own and do not require assistance will save money. |
| 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. |
| Venice Airport Link Shared Water Taxi Transfers (Airport to Hotel) - After claiming your luggage, take the left door to exit Customs, and keep left as you enter the Arrivals Hall. Should you miss the representative with the Gate 1 sign, go to the left passing the public waterbus ticket counters and on your left side you will see the BUCINTORO desk (Desk # 71) where you will exchange your voucher. If needed, luggage carts are available in the airport terminal. From the Arrivals Hall you will be directed to the dock, where you will board a water taxi, which will take you to the mooring nearest your hotel. Please note that since this is a shared transfer, you may have to wait a few minutes for other passengers to board. Also, please keep in mind that porters are often not available to assist with transporting luggage. Printable Venice Airport map and directions: https://www.gate1travel.com/shared/italy/documents/venice-airport-arrivals.pdf |
| About Your Accommodations |
| Hotels |
| Gate 1 Travel has carefully selected each hotel based on overall quality, location, price, food, service, and cleanliness. All rooms are standard twin-bedded (two single beds) rooms with private facilities. Special requests such as bed types, smoking preference and connecting rooms are subject to availability. Room selection in all cases, unless otherwise reserved, is strictly at the discretion of the hotel's management on a run-of-house basis. Triple rooms consist of standard twin beds or one double bed plus a sofa/folding bed or cot for third person except in the U.S. and Canada, where triple rooms often consist of two double/queen beds for three persons; where available, a fee may be charged by the hotel for the addition of a cot/rollaway. The number of persons accommodated does not dictate the room size. Although available at most 4 and 5 star hotels, the use of air-conditioning abroad differs greatly from the United States, and is often shut down at night and from the end until the start of the summer months. Some lodges and accommodations in remote regions may not have all of the amenities, such as hairdryer, alarm clock and room service, that you might find in a larger hotel located in a city center. |
| Hotel Check-in/ Check-out |
| Hotel check-in time is generally not before 4:00 p.m. and check-out time is prior to 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. |
| Rome City Tax - The authorities of Rome apply a city tax on all hotels. The tax requires a contribution of Euro 4 per person per night for 2 and 3 star hotels, Euro 6 per person per night for 4 star hotels and Euro 7 per person per night for 5 star hotels. It will be charged and collected by your hotel and is payable in cash only. We regret that we are currently unable to collect this tax in advance or include it in your price for customers who are traveling independently or who arrange independent pre- or post-tour stays on an escorted tour. This tax is included in the tour price for customers who are traveling on an escorted tour accompanied by a Tour Manager who is able to pay directly to the hotel on your behalf. Please note that our hotel ratings may differ from official star ratings which determine the tax level. |
| Florence City Tax - The authorities of Florence have introduced a city tax on all hotels. The tax requires a contribution of Euro 6.00 per person per night for 3 star hotels, Euro 7.00 per person per night for 4 star hotels and Euro 8.00 per person per night for 5 star hotels. It will be charged and collected by your hotel and is payable in cash only. We regret that we are currently unable to collect this tax in advance or include it in your price for customers who are traveling independently or who arrange independent pre- or post-tour stays on an escorted tour. This tax is included in the tour price for customers who are traveling on an escorted tour accompanied by a Tour Manager who is able to pay directly to the hotel on your behalf. Please note that our hotel ratings may differ from official star ratings which determine the tax level. |
| Venice City Tax - The authorities of Venice apply a city tax on all hotels. The tax requires a contribution of Euro 3.50 per person per night for a 3 star hotel, Euro 4.50 per person per night for 4 star hotels and Euro 5 per person per night for a 5 star hotel. It will be charged and collected by your hotel and is payable in cash only. We regret that we are currently unable to collect this tax in advance or include it in your price for customers who are traveling independently or who arrange independent pre- or post-tour stays on an escorted tour. This tax is included in the tour price for customers who are traveling on an escorted tour accompanied by a Tour Manager who is able to pay directly to the hotel on your behalf. Please note that our hotel ratings may differ from official star ratings which determine the tax level. |
| Naples City Tax - The authorities of Naples apply a city tax on all hotels. The tax requires a contribution of Euro 2.50 per person per night for a 3 star hotel, Euro 3.50 per person per night for a 4 star hotel and Euro 4.50 per person per night for a 5 star hotel up to a maximum of 10 consecutive nights. It will be charged and collected by your hotel and is payable in cash only. We regret that we are currently unable to collect this tax in advance or include it in your price for customers who are traveling independently or who arrange independent pre- or post-tour stays on an escorted tour. This tax is included in the tour price for customers who are traveling on an escorted tour accompanied by a Tour Manager who is able to pay directly to the hotel on your behalf. Please note that our hotel ratings may differ from official star ratings which determine the tax level. |
| At Your Destination |
| 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 and learn about foreign cultures, we ask first and foremost that you practice tolerance and respect for local customs. |
| Gratuities |
| Tipping is always a matter of personal discretion. For your convenience, please use the summary below as a guideline for recommended gratuity amounts. Gratuities may be paid in local currency or US dollar equivalent where accepted. Please be aware that 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 manager or phone our local office. Numbers are provided in your documents for your convenience. |
| Suggested Tipping: Escorted Tours |
Tour Manager (Coordinator; may or may not act as a guide): US $10 per person per day Driver (Provides chauffeur services and limited assistance with luggage): US $5 per person per day, US $3 per half day Local Guide (Offers in-depth information at specific locations. There may be one or many guides along a tour program): US $5 per person per day of sightseeing, US $3 per half day Hotel porters and wait staff: Included |
| 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. 5-10% is customary for good service. |
| About Your Sightseeing |
| To ensure a pleasant and fair experience for passengers on our escorted tours, there is a mandatory seat rotation policy on our motor coaches which will be organized by your Tour Manager. On river cruises, color-coded group splits may be used for shoreside included and Optional tours. Some buses are equipped with toilet facility, however they are strictly intended for emergency use only and often require the vehicle to stop for safety reasons before use. When travel dates coincide with religious holidays and national celebrations, some monuments and sites may be closed, sometimes without prior notice. On these occasions, escorted touring itineraries may be amended to reflect these closures. Occasionally, during holidays and certain periods, and/or due to other unforeseen circumstances including weather conditions, there may be last-minute changes, sometimes after arrival, which may affect the sequence of the tour and locations visited. National monuments and tourist sites regularly undergo renovations, which can obscure the monument's view. No tour will be canceled due to renovations, however Gate 1 will decide based on the conditions whether to amend an itinerary. To respect the privacy of all tour participants, your tour manager will not organize a group photo or collect passenger email addresses for a group list. |
| 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 check-in. The details of the hotel can be found in your documents. |
| 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. https://www.gate1travel.com/terms.aspx#optional |
| Independent Activities - Gate 1 itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently and with due consideration. Gate 1 is not responsible for any activities not expressly included in its programs. Caution should be exercised when selecting certain activities that may require physical strength, coordination or exertion. Particular care should be taken when considering animal rides, such as on camels, mules or horses |
| Italy - The Euro is the currency of Italy. Italian bank opening hours are typically Monday through Friday, 9am to 1pm depending on the bank. Most Italian banks do not offer exchange service. For this reason, it is strongly recommended to acquire a small amount of Euros prior to arriving. ATM machines are a better option. |
| Shopping |
| Most people enjoy bringing home at least one souvenir from the countries they visit. However, some find any amount of shopping to be too much while others never find enough opportunities. We have built into our Escorted itineraries a few shopping stops at recommended spots. These stops are designed to enhance your experience by providing an opportunity to see first-hand quality locally crafted merchandise which you may not be able to find on your own. Shops are checked to ensure the quality and authenticity of the products they offer, and we limit guides from visiting other locations. In some cases, we plan these stops to provide an opportunity to use clean bathrooms and to stretch your legs. All shops want your satisfaction, and therefore in case of any misunderstanding they ask that you kindly submit your claim to us within one week of the item's receipt. Claims submitted later will be subject to each store’s policies. While shopping independently, 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! About Tax-Free Shopping Tax-Free Shopping allows shoppers to reclaim the VAT (Value-Added Tax) or GST (Goods and Services Tax) they have paid on their purchases in some foreign countries in accordance with restrictions and procedures as dictated by each country. Refund eligibility varies by country, but may require presenting a scanned copy of your passport at the time of purchase, a minimum amount spent, or providing original store receipts. For more details, check the respective country’s online website, with the shop salesperson, with your tour manager or at www.globalblue.com for specific country regulations and airport operation hours. Please keep in mind that you must apply for VAT refund in the airport of the country the items were purchased and allow enough time prior to your flight for the application. U.S. Customs & Shipping Charges You may carry items with a fair retail value totaling $800 into the U.S. Taxes may be applied to the next $1,000 worth of merchandise. U.S. Customs determines the value of your items, often honoring a genuine sales receipt. Items which are shipped home are always subject to duty when received in the U.S. (in addition to shipping charges). Some shops may offer to include shipping and duties in the price but this typically means shipping only to the customs facility closest to you and payment only of the export duties; you would still need to collect the item and pay U.S. import duties. Please be aware that it is illegal to import products made from endangered animal species. U.S. Customs & Border Protection will seize these items, as well as most furs, coral, tortoise shell, reptile skins, feathers, plants, and items made from animal skins. |
| 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. |
| Your Safety is Very Important |
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Prior to your trip, if you are traveling overseas, we strongly recommend that you visit the website of the U.S. Department of State at www.travel.state.gov, specifically the section which addresses International Travel. You should read the tips for foreign travel and travel warnings for the country or countries that you plan to visit. It is also important that you do not allow your common sense to take a vacation while on your trip. Here are several tips which, if followed, will save much potential hardship:
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. |
| Tourist Street Scams |
Pickpockets and thieves can destroy an otherwise wonderful holiday. Be mindful of these precautions to help avoid being scammed or robbed:
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| Caution: Tours of the Forum & Colosseum, Rome - Please note that there have been reports of street vendors wearing Gate 1 Travel identification tags who offer tours of the Colosseum in Rome. These vendors are not employed by Gate 1 and are in no way affiliated with the company. Gate 1 tours are offered only for purchase in advance of your trip to Italy, or locally by your Tour Manager. Passengers traveling independently are recommended to purchase their tours through official vendors and to avoid street sales. |
| Security at Major Sites - Please expect longer wait times at major sightseeing locations due to heightened security restrictions. These locations include, but are not limited to, the San Marco Basilica in Venice, the Accademia in Florence, and the Colosseum & Vatican in Rome. Bags of any kind are no longer allowed inside the San Marco Basilica and large bags/backpacks are restricted from the Colosseum. We suggest you to carry only necessary items (i.e. wallet, cell phone, camera) safely on your body and leave all other valuables in the hotel room safe when visiting these sites. |
| Local Emergency Phone Numbers |
Italy
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| 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. |
| Meals & Dietary Requests |
| Included meals are based on the restaurant's buffet or set menu. Beverages are not included, unless specifically stated. Although special diets like Vegetarian and Vegan are relatively commonplace in the USA, much of the world's menu options are more provincial. Please do not expect to find the variety of food selection outside of the local norm. Every effort will be made to honor special dietary requests selected no later than 5 days prior to departure in the passenger details section of your reservation. In addition, we recommend that you make preferences known to your tour manager upon arrival, and at each hotel/restaurant. Special requests are subject to local conditions and availability and cannot be guaranteed. |
| Holidays |
| On public holidays, there may be reduced public transportation, as well as limited hours or closures of attractions, shops and restaurants. |
| Holidays - Italy |
Holidays 2023 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 6: Epiphany Apr 9: Easter Sunday Apr 10: Easter Monday 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 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: Parma: Jan 13-14 (St. Hilary of Poitiers), Aug 16-17 (St. Roch) & May 5 (St. Honoratus) Catania: Feb 3-5; Aug 17 (St. Agatha) Sorrento: Feb 14 (St. Antoninus) Agrigento: Feb 25 (St. Gerland) & Jun 18 (St. Calogerus) Como: Apr 2; Aug 31 (St. Abbondio) Ragusa: Apr 23 (St. George) Venice: Apr 25 (St. Mark) & Nov 11 (St. Martin's Day) Treviso: Apr 27 (St. Liberalis) & Mar 27; Aug 1; Aug 22 (St. Augusta) Baveno: Jun 19 (Sts. Gervasius & Protasius) Matera: Jun 20 (St. John) & Jul 2 (St. Madonna della Bruna) Florence, Genoa & Turin: Jun 24 (St John the Baptist) Amalfi: Jun 27; Nov 30 (St. Andrew) Rome: Jun 29 (St. Peter & Paul) Siena: Jul 2 & Aug 16, Palio horserace Taormina: Jul 8-9 (St. Pancras) Palermo: Jul 15 (St. Rosalia) Santa Margherita Ligure: July 20 (St. Margaret of Antiochia) Lecce: Aug 26 (St. Orontius) Naples: Sep 19 (St. Gennaro) Bologna: Oct 4 (St. Petronius) Trieste: Nov 3 (St. Giusto) Montecatini: Dec 4 (St. Barbara) Bari: Dec 6, May 7-9 (St. Nicholas) Milan & Stresa: Dec 7 (St. Ambrose) Siracusa: Dec 13 (St. Lucy) Holidays 2024 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 6: Epiphany Mar 31: Easter Sunday Apr 1: Easter Monday Apr 25: Liberation Day May 1: Labor Day Jun 2: Republic Day Aug 15: Assumption of the Virgin Mary / Ferragosto Nov 1: All Saints Day Dec 8: Immaculate Conception Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: St. Stephen's Day 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: Parma: Jan 13-14 (St. Hilary of Poitiers), Aug 16-17 (St. Roch) Catania: Feb 3-5 & Aug 17 (St. Agatha) Sorrento: Feb 14 (St. Antoninus) Agrigento: Feb 25 (St. Gerland) & July 7-July 14 (St. Calogerus) Como: Aug 31 (St. Abbondio) Ragusa: May 26 (St. George) Venice: Apr 25 (St. Mark) & Nov 11 (St. Martin's Day) Treviso: Apr 27 (St. Liberalis); Mar 27, Aug 1 & Aug 22 (St. Augusta) Baveno: Jun 19 (Sts. Gervasius & Protasius) Matera: Jun 20 (St. John) & Jul 2 (St. Madonna della Bruna) Florence, Genoa & Turin: Jun 24 (St John the Baptist) Amalfi: Jun 27; Nov 30 (Sant' Andrea) Rome: Jun 29 (St. Peter & Paul) Siena: Jul 2 & Aug 16, Palio horserace Taormina: Jul 8-9 (St. Pancras) Palermo: Jul 14-15 (St. Rosalia) Santa Margherita Ligure: July 20 (St. Margaret of Antiochia) Lecce: Aug 26 (St. Orontius) Naples: Sep 19 (St. Gennaro) Bologna: Oct 4 (St. Petronius) Trieste: Nov 3 (St. Giusto) Montecatini: Dec 4 (St. Barbara) Bari: Dec 6 & May 7-9 (St. Nicholas) Milan & Stresa: Dec 7 (St. Ambrose) Siracusa: Dec 13 (St. Lucy) |
| Rome Bus Regulations - The Rome Bus Regulation introduced in 2019 restricts tourist bus access to the historical city center, including the areas near the Colosseum, Forum and Vatican City. In order to comply with these new rules we will determine the best way to reach the included sites according to your itinerary and hotel location. |
| 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. |
| St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City |
| On rare occasions, St. Peter's Basilica reserves the right to close or restrict admission without prior notice. In this case, an inside visit of the Basilica may not be offered. While not guaranteed, we will try to accommodate the visit to St. Peter's Basilica based upon availability and schedule. |
| New Venice Visitor Tax Regulation - It was recently announced that the city of Venice will be implementing an entrance tax of 10 Euros per person for tourists visiting the city for the day. In most cases, the tax will be included in the cost of the transportation to access the city center, including cruise, taxi, or public transportation. However, there may be instances where visitors will need to pay the tax upon arrival. We regret that we are currently unable to collect this tax in advance. Due to the uncertainty of this new regulation the information above is subject to change. |
| Know Before You Go | |
| 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. |
| Getting Ready to Go |
| Passports and Visas |
| It is each traveler's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the dates of travel 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. IMPORTANT: Passengers who are not U.S. citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passengers who enter, leave and then re-enter the same country on their itinerary should check if they require a double-entry visa. Passport applications are available at most U.S. Post Offices, as well as at regional Passport Agencies. Passengers requiring visas, whether obtained in advance or locally upon arrival, should ensure that their passport has blank pages.
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| Traveling with Friends or Family? |
| If you are traveling with friends or family who are booked on another reservation, please make sure that we are aware. On occasion, we may operate more than one vehicle on your tour departure in which case we will ensure that guests will be assigned together. This is achieved by connecting your reservations before your departure. Once you arrive in your destination, it may not be possible to make assignment changes. To check that your reservations are linked, log into https://www.gate1travel.com/res with your email and password, select your reservation number, and check to see that your reservations are indicated as "Traveling With" at the top right side of the display. |
| 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, driver's license) are in order. Make sure also that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip and carry them with you in case your luggage is delayed. Bring a change of clothes in your carry-on bag in the event that your luggage is delayed or lost. Lost luggage is common. We strongly urge you to consider carry-ons instead of checked bags when possible, and when checking a bag is necessary, choose a bag color and identification that stands out. We suggest that you make photocopies of passports, visas, personal ID and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals. You may also make a digital copy of your passport to keep a clear picture with the important details in your cell phone or digital camera photos. If you lose the originals while traveling, you'll have copies for easier reporting and replacement. Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names. You may consider bringing a small supply of over the counter medications for headaches and/or anti-diarrhea pills (especially when traveling outside of the USA and Western Europe). We recommend that you pack a portable alarm clock. Due to security reasons, many museums have restrictions on the size of bags that can be taken inside and backpacks, carry-on bags or large purses may not be permitted. It is recommended to bring a small shoulder bag or purse to use in these situations instead. Avoid placing valuables such as cameras in your checked luggage. Airplane pressure can cause similar pressure in your body, most notably in ears, as well as liquid tubes and bottles. Your physician can suggest medication for decongestion. We suggest that you place liquid containers into Ziploc bags to catch any leaks. |
| Travel Safety Advice: The safety of our guests is Gate 1’s #1 concern. Before making the decision to reserve your vacation, we want you to be aware of potential situations which may impact your holiday. While most of the time our programs run precisely according to plans, on rare occasion force majeure events including weather, transportation mechanical issues, or uninhabitable accommodation, civil unrest and even criminal or terrorist activities will present themselves unexpectedly and with little or no notice. Gate 1 will make the decision to cancel a tour only after receiving verifiable government issued information. We are otherwise obliged to comply with contractual airline and vendor agreements and carry out the tour until or unless we are advised otherwise. In the event of such an occurrence anytime after your date of departure, Gate 1 and the local destination ground staff, in coordination with government advisories, airlines, hotels, cruise ships and other vendors, will make decisions with regard to your safety first. We strongly recommend that tour participants review the destination country's specific information at https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html. |
| Travel Protection |
| Even the best-planned trips can be impacted by the unexpected. And that is why we recommend that you help protect yourself and your investment by purchasing Travel Protection for your Gate 1 trip. Travel Protection can help with medical coverage for illness or injury, trip cancellation and/or interruption, baggage loss, medical evacuation, and more. At any time before you complete Final Payment, you may choose to purchase Travel Protection. The protection plan premium is non-refundable after a 10-day review period. In addition, you must be medically able to travel at the time the premium is paid. For a summary of the plan details on coverages, benefits, limitations and exclusions, please refer to the Description of Coverage by visiting www.gate1travel.com/insurance/. Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit (CFAR) is a non-insurance feature that allows you to cancel up to 72 hours before your scheduled departure for any reason not otherwise covered in the Travel Protection Plan. CFAR must be purchased at the same time as the Travel Protection Plan as well as within 21 days of the original booking date. Independent or escorted tour reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to the full cost of your trip, less the cost of initial deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. Sea or river cruise reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to 50% of the cost of your trip, less the cost of initial trip deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. All CFAR credits are valid for a period of two years from the original date of travel. CFAR Credits have no cash value and are not transferrable. Airline-assessed fees are generally $300 per person, but may be as much as fully non-refundable. Some non-refundable airline tickets may retain value, less airline-assessed fees. Your future air credit must be used to book with the same airline. Deadlines to rebook and complete travel vary by airline and may be as early as 12 months from when the tickets were originally issued (not the date of travel). For details, www.gate1travel.com/insurance/. This program does not apply to custom groups and Antarctica cruises. Residents of New York, Missouri & Minnesota may purchase this Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit separate from Travel Protection. Call to speak with a reservation agent for details. This Cancel for any Reason Wavier Benefit is not insurance and is provided by Gate 1 Travel. |
| Mobile Phones |
| Mobile networks differ from country to country. We recommend you check with your provider to see if your wireless plan will work in the destination(s) you are visiting. To avoid possible roaming charges, you may want to consider purchasing an international plan. With most major phone companies, for a modest fee, you will be able to use your domestic plan's talk, text, and data allowances just like you do at home. If you can access the internet while you travel, you can also take advantage of services such as WhatsApp or Skype. |
| 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 (often indicated with a “+” sign), then the destination Country Code, then the 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 you are dialing from a mobile phone, you can enter a “+” instead of the international Exit Code (011, 001, 0011 or 00) by pressing and holding the 0 key. For most countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, South America and South Pacific, if you are calling from a local phone to a number within the same country, you should drop both the exit and country codes and then add a leading 0 (zero). Exceptions include Spain, Italy, Hungary and Malta (no additional zero needed to dial locally). Example: To dial the following number in Germany (as listed on your voucher): +(49) 0555-555 From USA or your US cell phone: 011-49-555-555 From another country in Europe: 00-49-555-555 From a German phone within Germany: 0555-555 |
| WiFi Access |
| WiFi is available in most airports, hotels, and cruise lines, as well as on some flights, trains, and buses. There may be a fee for access and service quality and speed may vary greatly especially while on moving vehicles. Availability on cruises is also dependent upon its location while sailing through multiple countries. Please note that WiFi can be extremely slow, unreliable, and sometimes nonexistent in developing countries. |
| Staying Healthy While Traveling |
| All travelers should familiarize themselves with local conditions, such as high altitude or required immunizations, which could affect their health. We recommend you consult with your personal healthcare provider, the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) and/or the World Health Organization (http://www.who.int/en/) for their recommendations. There are several easy steps you can take to stay healthy while traveling which may help prevent contracting an illness while away from home.
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| Notice on Aircraft Cabin Insecticide Treatment - Please note that some countries may require aircraft cabin insecticide treatment for in-bound foreign flights. A list of such countries is available at:
http://www.dot.gov/office-policy/aviation-policy/aircraft-disinsection-requirements. |
| Consideration for Tour Participants (Escorted Tours) |
For the benefit of all tour participants, we ask tour members to be considerate of their fellow travelers in the following ways:
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| 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. The months of October through March are considered rainy season in Venice, leading to high tides and occasionally waters reaching pedestrian areas. We suggest including a rain jacket and boots on your packing list. 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: https://www.gate1travel.com/weather/europe/default.aspx#italy-weather |
| About Drones |
| Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) or “drone” technology has quickly become affordable and is increasingly popular with recreational users. While some countries have clear, established drone laws, others do not, or existing regulations are undergoing review and change. Travelers who wish to bring a drone on their trip are responsible to research and abide by the laws and regulations of the countries they are visiting, as well as to check with their airline(s) regarding their rules for transporting drones. Please note that tours are unable to extend the length of scheduled visits and stops to accommodate use of drones. |
| Book & Film Recommendations |
| Many of our guests enjoy reading about their destination - either in advance of their trip or while traveling - as a way of adding context to their visit. Whether reading a traditional guide book, learning about the history and culture, or simply enjoying a fictional novel set in the destination, a good book can add greatly to your experience. Similarly, a good movie set in your destination helps set the mood before you travel. We asked our Tour Managers and staff to recommend books and films which past guests may have enjoyed. The following does not constitute an endorsement of any authors, books or films listed, it is merely a collection of guests' recommendations. |
| ITALY: Books Venice Is a Fish: A Sensual Guide by Tiziano Scarpa Secrets of Rome: Love and Death in the Eternal City or Secrets of the Vatican by Corrado Augias Under the Tuscan Sun: At Home in Italy or In Tuscany by Frances Mayes Caesar: Life of a Colossus by Adrian Keith Goldsworthy Italy for the Gourmet Traveler by Fred Plotkin Medici: Godfathers of the Renaissance by Paul Strathern A Day in the Life of Ancient Rome by Alberto Angela The Adventures of Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi Roma: The Novel of Ancient Rome by Steven Saylor ITALY: Films The Great Beauty (2013) I Am Love (2010) Under the Tuscan Sun (2003) The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999) Life is Beautiful (1997) A Room with a View (1985) La Dolce Vita (1960) Three Coins in the Fountain (1954) |
| Preparing for Your Trip |
| Seat Assignments |
| As a courtesy service, complimentary airline seat assignments are requested on your behalf and, when available, are displayed in order of Passenger #1, #2 and so on. Assignments reflect the best available seats at the time of booking. Some airlines and/or fare types do not allow for pre-seating and require this be done at airport check-in only; in which case the display shows “N/A”. Seats are subject to change by your airline(s) including, for example, when there is a schedule change or equipment change after your initial booking; this may cause seat assignments to be changed or even cancelled. Some airlines offer preferred seating for an additional fee; these seats may only be purchased directly from the airline. You will need your family name and the 6-digit airline “Record Locator” which is displayed with the flight details on your reservation. In the event that you change seat assignments directly with your airline, changes will not be reflected on your invoice or documents. At the time that Gate 1 travel documents are issued, the currently assigned seats will be listed based on the assignments stored in your airline reservation at that time. Should you have questions regarding your assignments, please write to us at www.gate1travel.com/contactus. |
| Luggage & Packing |
| Checked bags are typically limited to a total dimension of 62 inches by adding length + width + height (example: 26"+26"+10" = 62”), and a maximum weight of 50 lbs (23kg). Smart Bags with a USB charging port, GPS tracking device and other high-tech features are prohibited as checked or carry-on baggage unless the bag is made with removable batteries and the batteries are removed and stored separately. Many airlines charge for checked bags including flights which begin and end within the USA. The most inexpensive airfare options commonly known as Basic Economy airfares do not include any checked bags nor seat assignments before the day of departure. However, for some airlines, other airfare categories also do not include checked baggage. This will be clearly displayed in our airfare selection and on your invoice. Where available, we highly recommend selecting airfares which include at least 1 piece of checked baggage. Gate 1 Travel is not responsible for checked bag fees, excess luggage or weight charges levied by an airline. Checked baggage allowances displayed on reservation details and invoices reflect the applicable allowance at the time of booking but are subject to change by your airline(s). For your airline’s requirements and fees, visit www.gate1travel.com/baggagefees.aspx. For important baggage information, visit www.gate1travel.com/luggage.aspx. Avoid placing valuables in your checked luggage. Federal law forbids the carriage of hazardous materials aboard the aircraft in your luggage, your carry-on or on your person. A violation can result in five years’ imprisonment and penalties of $250,000 or more (49 U.S.C. 5124). Hazardous materials include explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids and solids, oxidizers, poisons, corrosives and radioactive materials. Examples: Paints, lighter fluid, fireworks, tear gases, oxygen bottles, and radio-pharmaceuticals. There are special exceptions for small quantities (up to 70 ounces total) of medicinal and toilet articles carried in your luggage and certain smoking materials carried on your person. Check the Transportation and Safety Administration (TSA) website www.tsa.gov to find out the current list of acceptable items you may bring on a plane before packing. We recommend that you use brightly colored luggage tags, straps or other identifiers to help you locate you luggage upon arrival or to describe it in the event that it is lost. |
| Day of Departure |
| Flight Services |
| What to do if You Need Assistance |
Whether you purchased your airfare from Gate 1 Travel or from the airline directly, please bear in mind that Gate 1 Travel does not own nor operate the airline(s), nor the airport facilities where they operate. At times, flying can be a frustrating experience, especially when things do not go exactly as planned, and airline explanations can be confusing or even misleading. Should you face a problem, remain calm and seek assistance either from the airline directly or from Gate 1. Please be aware that in most cases, on the day of your flight(s), airlines pass responsibility for your reservation to their staff at the airport and it is not always possible for Gate 1 Travel to intervene on your behalf, either through our reservations system or directly with your airline. |
| Arrival & Departure |
| Arrival Procedures |
| Upon arrival, please complete immigration formalities if necessary 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 collecting your luggage or 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. If you are delayed due to lost luggage, phone the number on the voucher or have a companion exit the Customs Area to advise the transfer representative. |
| 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, the better we can respond. Please refer to the Emergency Assistance instructions on this same document. 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 you 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. The cost of a transfer is more expensive than hiring a taxi, as a Gate 1 transfer necessarily includes round trip service, or 'dead-leg'. Often the places of call (airports, seaports, hotels) demand entrance and parking fees, where drivers may have to wait for up to an hour. Passengers comfortable hiring a taxi on their own and do not require assistance will save money. |
| 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. |
| Venice Airport Link Shared Water Taxi Transfers (Airport to Hotel) - After claiming your luggage, take the left door to exit Customs, and keep left as you enter the Arrivals Hall. Should you miss the representative with the Gate 1 sign, go to the left passing the public waterbus ticket counters and on your left side you will see the BUCINTORO desk (Desk # 71) where you will exchange your voucher. If needed, luggage carts are available in the airport terminal. From the Arrivals Hall you will be directed to the dock, where you will board a water taxi, which will take you to the mooring nearest your hotel. Please note that since this is a shared transfer, you may have to wait a few minutes for other passengers to board. Also, please keep in mind that porters are often not available to assist with transporting luggage. Printable Venice Airport map and directions: https://www.gate1travel.com/shared/italy/documents/venice-airport-arrivals.pdf |
| About Your Accommodations |
| Hotels |
| Gate 1 Travel has carefully selected each hotel based on overall quality, location, price, food, service, and cleanliness. All rooms are standard twin-bedded (two single beds) rooms with private facilities. Special requests such as bed types, smoking preference and connecting rooms are subject to availability. Room selection in all cases, unless otherwise reserved, is strictly at the discretion of the hotel's management on a run-of-house basis. Triple rooms consist of standard twin beds or one double bed plus a sofa/folding bed or cot for third person except in the U.S. and Canada, where triple rooms often consist of two double/queen beds for three persons; where available, a fee may be charged by the hotel for the addition of a cot/rollaway. The number of persons accommodated does not dictate the room size. Although available at most 4 and 5 star hotels, the use of air-conditioning abroad differs greatly from the United States, and is often shut down at night and from the end until the start of the summer months. Some lodges and accommodations in remote regions may not have all of the amenities, such as hairdryer, alarm clock and room service, that you might find in a larger hotel located in a city center. |
| Hotel Check-in/ Check-out |
| Hotel check-in time is generally not before 4:00 p.m. and check-out time is prior to 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. |
| Rome City Tax - The authorities of Rome apply a city tax on all hotels. The tax requires a contribution of Euro 4 per person per night for 2 and 3 star hotels, Euro 6 per person per night for 4 star hotels and Euro 7 per person per night for 5 star hotels. It will be charged and collected by your hotel and is payable in cash only. We regret that we are currently unable to collect this tax in advance or include it in your price for customers who are traveling independently or who arrange independent pre- or post-tour stays on an escorted tour. This tax is included in the tour price for customers who are traveling on an escorted tour accompanied by a Tour Manager who is able to pay directly to the hotel on your behalf. Please note that our hotel ratings may differ from official star ratings which determine the tax level. |
| Florence City Tax - The authorities of Florence have introduced a city tax on all hotels. The tax requires a contribution of Euro 6.00 per person per night for 3 star hotels, Euro 7.00 per person per night for 4 star hotels and Euro 8.00 per person per night for 5 star hotels. It will be charged and collected by your hotel and is payable in cash only. We regret that we are currently unable to collect this tax in advance or include it in your price for customers who are traveling independently or who arrange independent pre- or post-tour stays on an escorted tour. This tax is included in the tour price for customers who are traveling on an escorted tour accompanied by a Tour Manager who is able to pay directly to the hotel on your behalf. Please note that our hotel ratings may differ from official star ratings which determine the tax level. |
| Venice City Tax - The authorities of Venice apply a city tax on all hotels. The tax requires a contribution of Euro 3.50 per person per night for a 3 star hotel, Euro 4.50 per person per night for 4 star hotels and Euro 5 per person per night for a 5 star hotel. It will be charged and collected by your hotel and is payable in cash only. We regret that we are currently unable to collect this tax in advance or include it in your price for customers who are traveling independently or who arrange independent pre- or post-tour stays on an escorted tour. This tax is included in the tour price for customers who are traveling on an escorted tour accompanied by a Tour Manager who is able to pay directly to the hotel on your behalf. Please note that our hotel ratings may differ from official star ratings which determine the tax level. |
| Sorrento City Tax - The authorities of Sorrento apply a city tax on all hotels. The tax requires a contribution of Euro 3.00 per person per night for 3 and 4 star hotels and Euro 4.00 per person per night for 5 star hotels.. It will be charged and collected by your hotel and is payable in cash only. We regret that we are currently unable to collect this tax in advance or include it in your price for customers who are traveling independently or who arrange independent pre- or post-tour stays on an escorted tour. This tax is included in the tour price for customers who are traveling on an escorted tour accompanied by a Tour Manager who is able to pay directly to the hotel on your behalf. Please note that our hotel ratings may differ from official star ratings which determine the tax level. |
| At Your Destination |
| 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 and learn about foreign cultures, we ask first and foremost that you practice tolerance and respect for local customs. |
| Gratuities |
| Tipping is always a matter of personal discretion. For your convenience, please use the summary below as a guideline for recommended gratuity amounts. Gratuities may be paid in local currency or US dollar equivalent where accepted. Please be aware that 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 manager or phone our local office. Numbers are provided in your documents for your convenience. |
| Suggested Tipping: Escorted Tours |
Tour Manager (Coordinator; may or may not act as a guide): US $10 per person per day Driver (Provides chauffeur services and limited assistance with luggage): US $5 per person per day, US $3 per half day Local Guide (Offers in-depth information at specific locations. There may be one or many guides along a tour program): US $5 per person per day of sightseeing, US $3 per half day Hotel porters and wait staff: Included |
| 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. 5-10% is customary for good service. |
| About Your Sightseeing |
| To ensure a pleasant and fair experience for passengers on our escorted tours, there is a mandatory seat rotation policy on our motor coaches which will be organized by your Tour Manager. On river cruises, color-coded group splits may be used for shoreside included and Optional tours. Some buses are equipped with toilet facility, however they are strictly intended for emergency use only and often require the vehicle to stop for safety reasons before use. When travel dates coincide with religious holidays and national celebrations, some monuments and sites may be closed, sometimes without prior notice. On these occasions, escorted touring itineraries may be amended to reflect these closures. Occasionally, during holidays and certain periods, and/or due to other unforeseen circumstances including weather conditions, there may be last-minute changes, sometimes after arrival, which may affect the sequence of the tour and locations visited. National monuments and tourist sites regularly undergo renovations, which can obscure the monument's view. No tour will be canceled due to renovations, however Gate 1 will decide based on the conditions whether to amend an itinerary. To respect the privacy of all tour participants, your tour manager will not organize a group photo or collect passenger email addresses for a group list. |
| 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 check-in. The details of the hotel can be found in your documents. |
| 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. https://www.gate1travel.com/terms.aspx#optional |
| Independent Activities - Gate 1 itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently and with due consideration. Gate 1 is not responsible for any activities not expressly included in its programs. Caution should be exercised when selecting certain activities that may require physical strength, coordination or exertion. Particular care should be taken when considering animal rides, such as on camels, mules or horses |
| Italy - The Euro is the currency of Italy. Italian bank opening hours are typically Monday through Friday, 9am to 1pm depending on the bank. Most Italian banks do not offer exchange service. For this reason, it is strongly recommended to acquire a small amount of Euros prior to arriving. ATM machines are a better option. |
| Shopping |
| Most people enjoy bringing home at least one souvenir from the countries they visit. However, some find any amount of shopping to be too much while others never find enough opportunities. We have built into our Escorted itineraries a few shopping stops at recommended spots. These stops are designed to enhance your experience by providing an opportunity to see first-hand quality locally crafted merchandise which you may not be able to find on your own. Shops are checked to ensure the quality and authenticity of the products they offer, and we limit guides from visiting other locations. In some cases, we plan these stops to provide an opportunity to use clean bathrooms and to stretch your legs. All shops want your satisfaction, and therefore in case of any misunderstanding they ask that you kindly submit your claim to us within one week of the item's receipt. Claims submitted later will be subject to each store’s policies. While shopping independently, 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! About Tax-Free Shopping Tax-Free Shopping allows shoppers to reclaim the VAT (Value-Added Tax) or GST (Goods and Services Tax) they have paid on their purchases in some foreign countries in accordance with restrictions and procedures as dictated by each country. Refund eligibility varies by country, but may require presenting a scanned copy of your passport at the time of purchase, a minimum amount spent, or providing original store receipts. For more details, check the respective country’s online website, with the shop salesperson, with your tour manager or at www.globalblue.com for specific country regulations and airport operation hours. Please keep in mind that you must apply for VAT refund in the airport of the country the items were purchased and allow enough time prior to your flight for the application. U.S. Customs & Shipping Charges You may carry items with a fair retail value totaling $800 into the U.S. Taxes may be applied to the next $1,000 worth of merchandise. U.S. Customs determines the value of your items, often honoring a genuine sales receipt. Items which are shipped home are always subject to duty when received in the U.S. (in addition to shipping charges). Some shops may offer to include shipping and duties in the price but this typically means shipping only to the customs facility closest to you and payment only of the export duties; you would still need to collect the item and pay U.S. import duties. Please be aware that it is illegal to import products made from endangered animal species. U.S. Customs & Border Protection will seize these items, as well as most furs, coral, tortoise shell, reptile skins, feathers, plants, and items made from animal skins. |
| 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. |
| Your Safety is Very Important |
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Prior to your trip, if you are traveling overseas, we strongly recommend that you visit the website of the U.S. Department of State at www.travel.state.gov, specifically the section which addresses International Travel. You should read the tips for foreign travel and travel warnings for the country or countries that you plan to visit. It is also important that you do not allow your common sense to take a vacation while on your trip. Here are several tips which, if followed, will save much potential hardship:
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. |
| Tourist Street Scams |
Pickpockets and thieves can destroy an otherwise wonderful holiday. Be mindful of these precautions to help avoid being scammed or robbed:
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| Caution: Tours of the Forum & Colosseum, Rome - Please note that there have been reports of street vendors wearing Gate 1 Travel identification tags who offer tours of the Colosseum in Rome. These vendors are not employed by Gate 1 and are in no way affiliated with the company. Gate 1 tours are offered only for purchase in advance of your trip to Italy, or locally by your Tour Manager. Passengers traveling independently are recommended to purchase their tours through official vendors and to avoid street sales. |
| Security at Major Sites - Please expect longer wait times at major sightseeing locations due to heightened security restrictions. These locations include, but are not limited to, the San Marco Basilica in Venice, the Accademia in Florence, and the Colosseum & Vatican in Rome. Bags of any kind are no longer allowed inside the San Marco Basilica and large bags/backpacks are restricted from the Colosseum. We suggest you to carry only necessary items (i.e. wallet, cell phone, camera) safely on your body and leave all other valuables in the hotel room safe when visiting these sites. |
| Local Emergency Phone Numbers |
Italy
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| 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. |
| Meals & Dietary Requests |
| Included meals are based on the restaurant's buffet or set menu. Beverages are not included, unless specifically stated. Although special diets like Vegetarian and Vegan are relatively commonplace in the USA, much of the world's menu options are more provincial. Please do not expect to find the variety of food selection outside of the local norm. Every effort will be made to honor special dietary requests selected no later than 5 days prior to departure in the passenger details section of your reservation. In addition, we recommend that you make preferences known to your tour manager upon arrival, and at each hotel/restaurant. Special requests are subject to local conditions and availability and cannot be guaranteed. |
| Holidays |
| On public holidays, there may be reduced public transportation, as well as limited hours or closures of attractions, shops and restaurants. |
| Holidays - Italy |
Holidays 2023 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 6: Epiphany Apr 9: Easter Sunday Apr 10: Easter Monday 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 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: Parma: Jan 13-14 (St. Hilary of Poitiers), Aug 16-17 (St. Roch) & May 5 (St. Honoratus) Catania: Feb 3-5; Aug 17 (St. Agatha) Sorrento: Feb 14 (St. Antoninus) Agrigento: Feb 25 (St. Gerland) & Jun 18 (St. Calogerus) Como: Apr 2; Aug 31 (St. Abbondio) Ragusa: Apr 23 (St. George) Venice: Apr 25 (St. Mark) & Nov 11 (St. Martin's Day) Treviso: Apr 27 (St. Liberalis) & Mar 27; Aug 1; Aug 22 (St. Augusta) Baveno: Jun 19 (Sts. Gervasius & Protasius) Matera: Jun 20 (St. John) & Jul 2 (St. Madonna della Bruna) Florence, Genoa & Turin: Jun 24 (St John the Baptist) Amalfi: Jun 27; Nov 30 (St. Andrew) Rome: Jun 29 (St. Peter & Paul) Siena: Jul 2 & Aug 16, Palio horserace Taormina: Jul 8-9 (St. Pancras) Palermo: Jul 15 (St. Rosalia) Santa Margherita Ligure: July 20 (St. Margaret of Antiochia) Lecce: Aug 26 (St. Orontius) Naples: Sep 19 (St. Gennaro) Bologna: Oct 4 (St. Petronius) Trieste: Nov 3 (St. Giusto) Montecatini: Dec 4 (St. Barbara) Bari: Dec 6, May 7-9 (St. Nicholas) Milan & Stresa: Dec 7 (St. Ambrose) Siracusa: Dec 13 (St. Lucy) Holidays 2024 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 6: Epiphany Mar 31: Easter Sunday Apr 1: Easter Monday Apr 25: Liberation Day May 1: Labor Day Jun 2: Republic Day Aug 15: Assumption of the Virgin Mary / Ferragosto Nov 1: All Saints Day Dec 8: Immaculate Conception Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: St. Stephen's Day 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: Parma: Jan 13-14 (St. Hilary of Poitiers), Aug 16-17 (St. Roch) Catania: Feb 3-5 & Aug 17 (St. Agatha) Sorrento: Feb 14 (St. Antoninus) Agrigento: Feb 25 (St. Gerland) & July 7-July 14 (St. Calogerus) Como: Aug 31 (St. Abbondio) Ragusa: May 26 (St. George) Venice: Apr 25 (St. Mark) & Nov 11 (St. Martin's Day) Treviso: Apr 27 (St. Liberalis); Mar 27, Aug 1 & Aug 22 (St. Augusta) Baveno: Jun 19 (Sts. Gervasius & Protasius) Matera: Jun 20 (St. John) & Jul 2 (St. Madonna della Bruna) Florence, Genoa & Turin: Jun 24 (St John the Baptist) Amalfi: Jun 27; Nov 30 (Sant' Andrea) Rome: Jun 29 (St. Peter & Paul) Siena: Jul 2 & Aug 16, Palio horserace Taormina: Jul 8-9 (St. Pancras) Palermo: Jul 14-15 (St. Rosalia) Santa Margherita Ligure: July 20 (St. Margaret of Antiochia) Lecce: Aug 26 (St. Orontius) Naples: Sep 19 (St. Gennaro) Bologna: Oct 4 (St. Petronius) Trieste: Nov 3 (St. Giusto) Montecatini: Dec 4 (St. Barbara) Bari: Dec 6 & May 7-9 (St. Nicholas) Milan & Stresa: Dec 7 (St. Ambrose) Siracusa: Dec 13 (St. Lucy) |
| Rome Bus Regulations - The Rome Bus Regulation introduced in 2019 restricts tourist bus access to the historical city center, including the areas near the Colosseum, Forum and Vatican City. In order to comply with these new rules we will determine the best way to reach the included sites according to your itinerary and hotel location. |
| 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. |
| St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City |
| On rare occasions, St. Peter's Basilica reserves the right to close or restrict admission without prior notice. In this case, an inside visit of the Basilica may not be offered. While not guaranteed, we will try to accommodate the visit to St. Peter's Basilica based upon availability and schedule. |
| New Venice Visitor Tax Regulation - It was recently announced that the city of Venice will be implementing an entrance tax of 10 Euros per person for tourists visiting the city for the day. In most cases, the tax will be included in the cost of the transportation to access the city center, including cruise, taxi, or public transportation. However, there may be instances where visitors will need to pay the tax upon arrival. We regret that we are currently unable to collect this tax in advance. Due to the uncertainty of this new regulation the information above is subject to change. |
We just got back from our first Gate 1 experience in Italy, and our guide Gabriella was AMAZNG!!! my husband and i just got married in January and she did the sweetest little gestures to make such special memories for us. She handled every situation with such confidence and structure and we have never had a guide as fun and kind as her! Thank you Gabriella from the bottom of our hearts! We can only hope to have you as a guide again in the future!!!
Ashley H.
Just a short note to let you know we had a fantastic time in Italy. It was everything we could have imagined and more. We met a bunch of beautiful people in our group and plan to stay in touch with most of them. Our tour guide Francesca was the best, she made every minute of our excursion very special. We can't say enough good things about her. Our bus driver Ivano was great and had a lot of laughs on our night trips. The local tour guides were so personable with a wealth of knowledge in their area of expertise. Lastly we want to thank you for your guidance and patience with us setting this whole experience up for us. As first time travelers to Europe you made it so simple for us to understand. We are looking forward to working with you again on our next journey.
Michael D.
Our trip was fabulous and spectacular and exceeded our expectations. Thanks to our excellent guide, Suzy, and all the other guides for the various cities we visited, we were enlightened to the culture of each region. The visit to the winery in Tuscany is a memory forever as is the boat ride around Capri. The fact that we entered various sites the first thing to avoid crowds, and often were the only ones at those sites such as the Roman Forum and the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's, was an added bonus. The accommodations were terrific, especially The Grand Hotel Vesuvius in Sorrento with the bay and Mt. Vesuvius view. From start to finish, it was the best trip we've been on. Thank you to all for putting together a perfect vacation.
Christine K.
Our tour manager Francesca was incredible. While it is impossible to list all Francescs's qualities in a few sentences I will try. Of course she was knowledgeable and courteous. Francesca went beyond. A tireless employee, Francesca never paused making sure our needs were met. Most importantly Francesca is the type of caring person everyone instantly likes. She is genuine. Our trip was awesome and Francesca enhanced our experience. I will definitely use Gate 1 again.
Robert P.
This was my 50th Gate 1 trip, and from the moment I was greeted so warmly at the Milan airport by our pre-stay tour manager Remo, I knew it would be special. Two nights in charming Baveno on Lake Maggiore, followed by two nights in lovely Lucerne before proceeding to Basel for a city tour and boarding of my home for the next week on the Rhine River cruise to Amsterdam, the "Monarch Empress". Your flagship and what a beautiful ship: pristine, comfortable, so well designed and with a crew that run it like a Swiss clock. There were so many standouts from start to finish, the great, efficient and personable crew led by our Ukrainian Capt. Igor, Pavel, Marius, George, Kris, Nora, Nura, the wonderful guys at reception, and all who did their part, our head chef and his staff and his delicious menus - every meal was so good and dinners were very special and wine plentiful, and of course not forgetting the G1 staff, our fantastic Cruise Director Soma, fun, knowledgeable, kind and supremely organized and the delightful Activity Director, Laura. Above all they are both just wonderful human beings. The Rhine River cruise is not as picturesque as the Danube, but it is the beating heart of Europe and there is a lot of commercial barge traffic and industry along the way, but port calls were very charming, well thought out and so interesting, and there is a very beautiful stretch between Rüdesheim and Koblenz with so many castles and a constant castle alert from our leader Soma! It was a fabulous trip and as always sorry to see it end, but I know that it is just until the next one and more adventures with G1 - my special thanks for this one and for truly being treated like a Queen, who doesn't love that!
Lorraine P.
First and foremost, Gate1 Travel is phenomenal & provided customer service experience & standout accommodations provided by you all, and I greatly appreciate it as it was my first time using your company - Already booked my second trip! I can't thank you all enough for your outstanding professionalism and wonderful customer service mantra. Alessandro - my tour guide for my recent trip to Italy illustrated superb enjoyment, vast knowledge of the geography, very informative, and a true master of details and time management, and he was just absolutely wonderful! Cheers!
Mona M.
This trip was amazing! Gate 1 was excellent in everything they did! The Hotels, Guides, Itineraries, Dinners, and selection of foods were perfect in every way!!! We have recommended Gate 1 to everyone we have met! Excellent job and thank you for making an exciting and successful bucket list adventure perfect!!
Terry F.
WOW.....that pretty much sums up our vacation with Gate1 Travel. This was our first guided tour, and certainly not our last..., The heat could have been overwhelming to some, but our Tour Manager Giuliana made sure to rearrange scheduling when possible to avoid the heat. She shared her knowledge of Italy as we went through the different regions, and always made sure make our local guides comfortable with us as well. I could go on and on about our "once in a lifetime" vacation, everything appeared effortless, but it was to the efforts of Giuliana that we can give thanks. Without her tireless behind the scenes work, we would have never enjoyed our vacation to the same degree.
Christopher C.
Our family had a wonderful trip to Italy via Gate 1, thanks in great part to our tour director, Viviana. Vivi is so much more than a knowledgeable and helpful tour director. She is warm and friendly like family and wants to ensure that we have the best experience possible. She is an invaluable resource about all things Italy (and Gate 1, and travel in general), from the local customs, to the people, to the food, the history, the art - I could go on. Basically, she is everything you couldn't possible pack into a dozen top-notch guidebooks. Most of all, Vivi cares about each one of us under her wing. She had the utmost care and respect for each of us (and there were many different needs/challenges on this trip). She listened and suggested activities/foods/etc. based on our individual personalities. She even anticipated our needs and questions, often dropping information in the morning that later in the day we'd truly appreciate during an "aha!" moment. Italy is a beautiful country that sells itself. Vivi sold us on Gate 1 and the parts of Italy that few travel guidebooks do justice. She loves Italy and the great team at Gate 1. Because of Vivi, we do too!
Maria H.
Dio was a supreme tour guide. He was professional, highly informed, fun, funny, helpful, and kept us on schedule. He also filled us in on so much history. I learned more from him in 11 days than I learned from years in school. He was always interesting to listen to and made the trip really exciting. I knew that he would take care of whatever we needed, whether it was a restaurant recommendation or pointing out the best place to withdraw some euros. We really appreciated the reminders about how to tip in Italy, how to stay safe, and how to navigate the often crowded and narrow streets. Our other tour guides, including Vanessa, Marco, and Fabrizio, were all so informative, kind, and helpful. The entire trip we felt as if we were in good hands! My husband and I both marveled at how Dio was able to manage everything so smoothly and make it look easy, although we know his job must be difficult and sometimes frustrating! Dio offered service with a smile and never wavered in providing us with excellent customer service. He even found us when we were lost and woke up at 3 a.m. to make sure we made it to the airport for our early flight! We loved our time with Dio and hope we can take more tours with him in the future.
Cassie M.
The trip was great. Alessandra was amazing, so very kind, competent and just plain fun. Our local guide Michela was also fantastic. They made a great team and were so very welcoming, caring and supportive. I invited a friend who read the description but found the trip quite the challenger and our guides were wonderful with her. The hotel, though dated in decor, was actually a great place to stay. The rooms were spacious and the beds comfortable. The view was amazing and one of the highlights of the time spent in Sorrento. The breakfast was great each day and the staff for dining were fun and thoughtful, even filling the water bladder for my backpack. The location of the hotel was perfect as there were restaurants close by for the days you came home exhausted, but it was close enough to most of the city to be able to walk and explore in the evenings. It was lovely to not have to pack up and change hotels and I really valued that aspect of this trip.
Jean G.
I wanted to send the Gate1 team a very sincere note of thanks and appreciation for the best tour leader we have ever had on a family vacation. This was our 3rd time traveling with Gate1, and we have taken countless other tours over the years as well. This Italy tour, and our tour leader Maurizio, were without question our best tour experience we have ever had. When we booked the tour, we were somewhat worried about how the tour and tour guide might appeal to our two teenage daughters. Now that we have returned home, it seems silly that we had those concerns at all. Maurizio was humorous, engaging, well versed in his Italian history, and made both of our kids feel entirely welcomed and involved on each of our many stops along the way. His mix of wit, charm, humor, history, enthusiasm, and humanity struck the prefect chord for my family, and the other members of our tour group. The finale he allowed us to experience at the Gelato location, where the kids got to participate in the making of the authentic Italian treat, was perfect capstone event for our family. Maurizio's professionalism, and passion for Italy was abundantly clear each and every day. It was a real joy to get to know him, and it was an honor to have him impart a fraction of his pride and knowledge about Italy with my family. He is a first rate ambassador for your company, and I simply wanted to make sure that you team was made aware of what a huge difference it made for my family, to have such an outstanding tour guide with us for this trip!
Timothy E.
The 12-day tour of Italy was our #6 times with Gate 1. Our discovery trip to Venice, Florence, Rome and Sorrento was an exceptional experience in a large part due to our Tour Manager Mauricio. Maurizio was knowledgeable, humorous, helpful, looking to all details. He even drew and distributed several maps of Italy, describing the history, the regions, and other important information which was really helpful. The whole tour was planned, organized as well as executed perfectly! Every afternoon, the next day activities was posted and the communication was clear, and there was no second guessing. Every day before the tour, Maurizio also shared his recommendations on restaurants, foods, ATM's, sightseeing places where we could spend our free time, of cause, this included where to buy the best "Gelato". He had two little surprises for us along the way and he was so funny, treated us like family not tourist. He possessed a remarkable ability to engage with each traveler, making us feel like a close-knit community from day one. His warm and welcoming demeanor created an inclusive atmosphere, where everyone felt comfortable and excited to explore together. Mauricio was a very responsible professional, by the end of the trip, my husband and I were the last two to leave the hotel for the Naples Airport. Maurizio personally sent us to the airport, actually, he had to rush for the train and back to Rome that morning, but he still came to the check-in counter twice to see whether we had any issues and helped us go through the entire check-in processes which made us very impressive. We cannot say enough about him and also our bus driver Carlo who made sure we arrived safely to all our destinations. We met wonderful people on our trip, and this was one of the best Gate 1 trips that we have taken. Kudos to Gate 1 and Maurizio!! Thanks so much.
Li Y.
The trip was absolutely amazing and the food was beyond delicious. Our TM Susanna alongside hiking guide Michelle and driver Marco went out of their way to make sure all of us were safe and well taken care of. We will certainly look to do another walking tour with Gate1.
Jayshree M.
Trip was wonderful. I loved hiking with our small group of 14. Susanna, our tour manager was very helpful and patient. We had a wonderful hiking guide who took time to explain about the flora. The food and wine was wonderful. Location of the Hotel was perfect, within walking distance of the main square, restaurants and shops.
Sandra T.
Our Discovery trip to Sicily-Malta was an exceptional experience in large part due to our Tour Manager Sergio. He is a true asset for Gate1 with his thorough knowledge, enthusiasm and fantastic sense of humor which he brought to our Tour Group. The sites we visited offered terrific insight into to the history, culture and food of this region. All the local Tour Guides were very knowledgeable and because of the small size of our group, were able to see and experience points of interest that would not be practical with a larger Tour group. Franco, our Tour Bus Driver, was very attentive and excelled at navigating the many narrow streets and roads around Sicily. This was our 12th trip with Gate1 and first Discovery Tour and it exceeded all our expectations such that we'll be definitely looking into taking more Discovery Tours in the future.
Thomas O.
AWESOME! Had slight concern this trip would not be as memorable as our Italy trip four years ago, due to Covid and surge in travel. I was totally wrong. We saw new places and had experiences different from our first trip. Our tour manager, Christopher, exceeded our high expectations. He is an asset to Gate 1. He is professional, organized, knowledgeable, personable. Though we had a diverse group with varying abilities, Chrisotopher, through his concern for the group, managed to provide everyone with an unforgettable experience. My wife and I have had two wonderful adventures with Gate 1. Hopefully we will be able to enjoy another in the near future. Thank you Christopher and all the local guides, drivers and support staff.
John S.
Our trip was absolutely amazing! We cannot thank you enough for helping to make our 25th anniversary trip to Italy so special and memorable -- it was absolutely wonderful and was the trip of our dreams! What made this trip truly special was our fantastic tour Director Alice. She was truly the BEST Tour Director ever and has such a natural gift for bring people together! Her wisdom and insight made Italy come to life for us and we absolutely fell in love with that beautiful country! Plus, her organized, professional, patient, kind, joyful, fun, and energetic manner made everything such a joy!! Gate 1 is truly lucky to have Alice on your team and we can't wait to come back and schedule another Gate 1 trip! Thank you again for everything!
Margaret M.
We would like to take this opportunity to say thank you for the trip of a lifetime! This was our first Gate 1 trip so we did not know what to expect but we were so pleasantly surprised and it more than met our expectations. Our tour guide Maurizio was knowledgeable and gave the most interesting and in-depth information but what we enjoyed most about him was his heart for his Italia! He was organized and always kept us on track and he addressed any concerns, needs or questions we had throughout the entire trip from good places to eat and of course where to find the best gelato , he had little surprises for us along the way and he was funny and he treated us like family not tourist. He had us all saying Italian phrases by the end of the trip and our flight home which left at 3 a.m. in the morning Maurizio was there to make sure we had breakfast and got to our destination on time. We cannot say enough about him and also our bus driver Carlo who made sure we arrived safely to all our destinations. We met wonderful people on our trip and we look forward to booking our next trip with Gate 1.
Kevin M.
Our family had an outstanding experience with Gate 1! Our tour manager Maurizio was exceptional and the local tour guides were superb as well. Maurizio paid attention to every detail and made the trip a remarkable experience. We were so surprised when my daughter was presented with a birthday cake at the winery in Florence. This was a wonderful surprise and totally unexpected. Maurizio also presented our tour group with a wonderful gelato demonstration in Sorrento. This was another unexpected surprise and everyone really enjoyed the special presentation. It was so interesting to see the authentic way gelato is created. This vacation was overall an enjoyable, exciting and memorable experience that my family with cherish forever. Gate 1 did an amazing job and again I can't have enough gratitude to Maurizio for his impeccable knowledge, organization, attention to detail and professionalism. I've told many people about my experience and referred them to Gate 1. We are also looking forward to our next Gate 1 vacation.
Sherry L.
We loved our trip!! This was our second Gate 1 travel adventure and your company REALLY does an excellent job selecting your tour managers! My husband and I are not 'adventurous' travelers - so we appreciate taking a vacation abroad that is guided by folks familiar with the country. Giuliana was such a pleasure-we felt so cared for the entire time! She was really managing several difficult 'situations' during the trip but it was clear that she always had both our safety as well as our trip enjoyment as her priorities. Francesco our tour bus driver was also super safe as well as kind. Both my husband and myself have food sensitivities and Giuliana ALWAYS made sure that those issues were attended to-while still allowing us to experience Italian foods in an enjoyable way. Lastly, the tour itinerary was perfect. Just enough driving between locations and time spent in the various regions to get a flavor of the areas. Stacy- our booking agent was great too! Always helpful, had answers to all our questions, made changes for us when decided to extend our trip a few days to see Venice, and let us know up front that there was LOTS of walking (she was right- we loved it though - it helped us work off all the extra food calories!). We will definitely be continuing to use Gate 1 for our big trips- thanks again!!!
Lezlie K.
I will flat out say that from the moment we met our Tour Manager, Andrea, in Venice, until we said goodbye in Sorrento, was amazing! Andrea is a true professional - he is very experienced and knowledgeable. He has a wonderful rapport with every single client on the trip, making sure that everyone's needs are being met. He is a natural and genuinely enjoys what he is doing. It is a difficult job even when everything goes according to plan but throw in some of the worst weather in Italy's history (record rains, sleet, and flooding) and the job becomes almost impossible. Andrea never missed a beat. He worked every day to make arrangements/changes to ensure that we would see and do as much of our original itinerary as possible. Every afternoon our next day's itinerary was posted so there was no second guessing when and where we had to be - very organized. He was amazing! We all came to love our driver, Carlo. He and Andrea had great chemistry and rapport. Most of all we felt safe in his hands. It takes great skill to navigate those buses on the windy narrow roads, which we all came to appreciate. A note on the bus . . . it was always immaculate and supplied with water for everyone. The tour guides in each city were excellent as well. Friendly and so incredibly knowledgeable. It was clear that they enjoy working with Andrea which created a friendly but professional atmosphere. With their help, I came to love and appreciate every city we visited. Top notch! The hotels were clean and centrally located . All you need is a comfortable bed, hot shower and 2 pillows. These hotels provided that. Will I book another Gate 1 Travel tour? Absolutely. I will book one of the smaller group tours next time. Though I have to admit, our group was very good almost 100% on time, respectful, friendly, and helpful, if needed.
Maureen M.
This was my first Gate1Travel experience, 12 Day Enchanting Italy with Amalfi. I absolutely loved it. The whole tour was planned, organized as well as executed perfectly! Bravo To Gate 1. However, in my experience, our Tour Manager, Dionisio, made the tour come alive! He made the tour the success it was, with his excellent explanations of history, cultural differences between the old kingdoms, and the formation of the modern Italian State in 1861. As we traveled through the country side, Dionisio shared a wealth of information about the experiences of Italy during the second world war. He was able to include some history of his own family during that difficult time. His grand father had been sent to a concentration camp by the Nazi's but was later freed by the Americans. He made us laugh with his humor. When it became clear that we could not visit Capri as planned because of the wind and rain storm, Dionisio organized a trip with sightseeing in Napoli on very short notice. I could mention a number of other things, where Dionisio excelled based on his wide experiences. I hope that one day I may have the pleasure to meet Dionisio on another Gate 1 tour again.
Alfred Z.
We recently had the pleasure of booking my dream vacation with Gate1, and I must say it was an absolutely remarkable experience from start to finish, thanks in large part to the wonderful guide, Dionisio (who we called Dio!) From the moment we meet until the last day of my trip, Dio went above and beyond to make my journey truly unforgettable. First and foremost, Dio's expertise and passion for the destination were evident from the very beginning. As my guide, he brought the region to life with his extensive knowledge, captivating storytelling, and infectious enthusiasm. Dio's deep understanding of the local culture, history, and traditions added a whole new dimension to my travel experience. Dio's warm and welcoming nature made me feel like a dear friend rather than just a tourist. He took the time to understand my interests, preferences, and travel goals, tailoring each day's activities to ensure that I experienced the very best the destination had to offer. Dio's thoughtful recommendations and insider tips made a significant impact on my journey, introducing me to hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path experiences that I would have otherwise missed. Throughout our time together, Dio's professionalism and attention to detail were exceptional. He flawlessly managed every aspect of the itinerary, ensuring seamless transitions between attractions and handling all logistical arrangements with precision. Dio's organizational skills and meticulous planning meant that I could simply relax and immerse myself in the beauty and wonders of the destination.
Saman G.
I cannot begin to tell you how satisfied we were with our Italy trip through Gate1. Our tour guide Vanni could not have been any better. He was accurate, on point, professional, knowledgeable, resilient and overall just a fun, loving gentleman. Our tour guides, Palo, Maria, Pepe, and I know there were a few more that unfortunately the names escaped me, but doesn't mean they that were not absolutely fantastic. We had some hiccups within our trip, but Vanni handled them like an absolute pro! The entertainment included with some of our dinners was phenomenal and a real surprise! I feel like I could go on and on about our experience. We highly recommend Gate1 and will be traveling with them in the future!!!
Theresa P.
The trip was great! The tour manager, Viviana, is really a star. I've taken many, many Gate 1 tours. Viviana is one of the best tour managers I've encountered. She is friendly, upbeat, knowledgeable, well-organized, attentive....I could go on. She made the trip special for everyone in the group.
Marie A.
The tour was wonderful. All participants were equally enthusiastic about it. High praise for your leaders Leo and Gaia. Gate 1 should continue offering hiking tours.
Guy G.
We wanted to thank Gate 1 for a wonderful trip to italy. It was our first Gate 1 tour and will not be our last. We can't say enough on how grateful we were to have a tour guide like Franceso, he was always super organized and went out of his way to make everyone feel welcome and enjoy the experience with a smile on his face . Our bus driver Miguel was a hoot and added a nice touch of humor to our excursions. The local guides were excellent in both knowledge and great attitude. We had a wonderful time with all the new folks we met. The trip well exceeded our expectations and we had perfect weather to boot. The food, the wine and the sights were perfect. Thank you again.
Morra N.
The documents you provided were perfect. Emails regarding our trip were very informative and helpful. We loved the hotel that was chosen for our independent travel and our flights were perfect. We had no issues using Gate 1. Hopefully, we can find more great, economic trips like the one we just took. We are so thankful for this company that makes world travel affordable to everyone. No membership required. Thank you for the priceless memories.
Tina D.
Words can never express this amazing tour. From the moment we arrived at the airport until the van door shut to take us back to the airport, Francesca was by our side. I have never been on a Gate 1 tour and didn't know what to expect, it blew me away. The 14 days I spent in Italy with my two daughters provided a lifetime of memories. In my opinion Francesca should receive all the credit. She made sure everything was perfect, hotel rooms, tours ect...... you name it, she had it covered. Our entire group expressed great appreciation. Francesca and Gate 1 get a 5 Star Review all the way! Gate 1 is very lucky to have Francesca represent your company. Can't wait for my next tour.
Sophia P.
I just have to compliment Gate 1 on another outstanding trip (this was my tenth with Gate 1). During the first night orientation meeting, our guide, Mercedes, asked me which of my nine previous trips I had liked the best. My response to her was, "it has always been the most recent trip." Once again, that holds true. This time I traveled with my best friend (her first time with Gate 1), and both of us were impressed. Our guide was absolutely the best: very well organized, knowledgeable, fluent in English, personable, entertaining, an excellent time manager, and genuinely caring about us. She even contacted me at the ground transportation company's desk on our arrival in Venice airport to welcome us and ask if we needed anything. By the end of our trip she felt like a member of the family. We enjoyed the little "bonuses" that she surprised us with along the way, including a brief stop in the American Military Cemetery in Tuscany as we were driving to Lucca, various little treats on the bus, entertainment with our last dinner in Naples, etc.
Zita P.
I cannot even begin to tell you how amazing my first trip to Italy was. Also my first time using Gate 1. I knew I made the right choice when many of the people on our bus said that they have used Gate 1 multiple times. That being said. Myriam, our tour guide, was unbelievable. Everything was just perfect. Run like a smooth running watch. She guided us with so much knowledge, caring, and understanding for our every need. With confidence and comedy, our group along with the entire tour will forever remember her wake call on the bus Wakie Wakie :) She has so much energy and never missed a request. Her advice on off the patch places to see and eat were spot on. Our safety was never in question as Myriam had her eyes in the back of her head at all times. Not sure that anyone can have the patience that she has. I could go on and on, but when I am able (the plane ride was very difficult for me) I will without hesitation contact Gate 1. Your company sure knows how to run a tour. So to Myriam thank you with our hearts for your amazing love and guidance.
Mary Z.
This is our 4th trip with Gate One and we took part in the 9 days Essential Sicily trip on 27 Feb 2023 and we are so blessed to have Sergio as a our guide. Sergio left us and Sicily beautiful memories of the place - there is so much to write about him. Firstly, his patience and his humor, goes the extra mile to take us around in Catania, Ragusa and Palermo to help orientate us when we arrive. He also bought us local delights for us to try and truly grateful for that. He is always so bubbly, full of positive energy and patient and really humorous. You can tell that he is truly passionate about his work and puts 200% in his work and is very helpful. I think he is truly an asset of the company - he has just risen the bar for the rest of the guides moving forward! We will benchmark all guides using him as a comparison moving forward! We hope to discover the world more with Gate 1 Travel in 2024! Please convey how grateful we are to Sergio for leaving us the best memories of the trip! Also, the driver was also awesome! On time and helpful and I think he works very well with Sergio.
Yan C.
Our trip was wonderful. We have to commend your staff. We usually do not take group tours and were a little hesitant about going with a large group. Sergio, our tour director was exceptional and so was our driver, Giuseppe. Everything ran like clockwork and Sergio made everyone happy. We got to see so much of Sicily, with great local guides in each place. The hotels, too, we're excellent and very accommodating. We will definitely book another trip with Gate1.
Doris S.
It was amazing. Flavia was wonderful...she went over and above all of my expectations. She stayed with us until the very last day. Giuseppe are driver was also amazing. He was always in time and made sure everyone's luggage was in front of our rooms shortly after we arrived. I was very please with my over-hall experience and will definitely be traveling with Gate1 again soon.
Silvana V.
I would like to compliment Marisa our Gate 1 guide for the 9 day Sicily tour from 12/3 to 12/11. Marisa was exemplary and professional. She was very friendly towards everyone and made sure all were included in all activities. Her knowledge of the areas we visited was extraordinary and admirable. She delivered her material with enthusiasm and passion. She introduced us to some pastries and pleasantly surprised us all!! I am so grateful that she was our guide and friend for our tour. Would highly recommend her. She is a keeper..... I would also like to compliment our bus driver Gianni (aka "Cicio") for his superb driving skills and the cleanliness of his motor coach. He was always friendly and greeted us with a smile. Very much appreciate him!
Lourdes L.
I recently stayed with you and I want to express my deepest thanks for a fantastic vacation that we will remember for the rest of our lives. Visiting Italy was a part of my bucket list and I didn't know what to expect other than a clean room and simple buffet breakfast. We got so much more. Every aspect of our visit was well above expectations. The staff was the best I have ever experienced. Professional, engaging and willing to do whatever they could to help. The cleaning staff was also terrific. They readily engaged with us and always brought a smile to my face. All of you will remain in my heart and I wish to extend my deepest wishes for all of you to live a long and fulfilling life. This Thanksgiving will be filled with many of the wonderful memories all of you have provided. Thanks so much for the memories. A very warm and wonderful Thanksgiving to all of you. I am in love with Italy and all of you made my dream a reality.
Duard H.
I wish there was a word better than spectacular to express how we felt about this trip, but I can't think of one. Our tour guide, Raffy, was stupendous. She took such good care of us and knew everything, that I hate to imagine not having her at home with us. She went above and beyond with every single aspect of our trip and has set the bar very high for any other tours we will take. We have always enjoyed our Gate 1 trips, but this one has exceeded even our expectations. Our driver, Luigi, was also fantastic. I don't know how he manages to navigate the roads and traffic and still made us feel safe and get us to our destination on time. The local guides we had with each day were so knowledgeable and able to answer any question we threw at them. There were so many special little touches that just made things even better. We met such wonderful people who will now be lifelong friends and hopefully future travel companions. The pace of the trip was brisk at the beginning and much more relaxed at the end and it was perfect. We can't wait to book our next Gate 1 tour.
Lisa P.
This Sicily/Malta tour from Oct 12-Oct 24, 2022 was our first with Gate 1 and was led by Francesco. Our driver was Giovanni. Giovanni was amazingly skilled and experienced at driving and navigating our 40 passenger bus through narrow streets, winding turns, and hairpin curves. Giovanni scheduled a few ideal scenic photo ops including Modica and identified Mt. Etna in the distance. The tour group felt extremely comfortable through the entire tour duration from stop to stop. Our tour director, Francesco Fedeli was experienced, dedicated, knowledgeable, well organized, friendly, accommodating, gracious, helpful, informative, engaging, superb sense of humor, adept at cultural information exchange, and inquisitive about the American culture. He diligently worked and was thoroughly prepared for each day, anticipating any risks along the way. All work he completed behind the scenes was transparent to tourists. He freely shared his knowledge of reputable restaurants, ATM's, and pharmacy's in each locale we stayed at which enhanced our comfort and travel experience. Francesco informed us of myths, legends, and history preparing the way for an immersive experience in each area visited. Throughout the tour, Francesco demonstrated his caring, compassionate, and intuitiveness predicting the needs of his customers (now friends). Of particular note, Francesco averted what would have been a major negative impact to our tour as he identified an air travel risk, a possible airline strike going to Malta, and collaborated with Gate1 management to mitigate the impending risk. It did happen and there was zero effect on the tour experience. Gate1 was extremely supportive in rescheduling an earlier flight, prior to the strike window, and modified associated hotel accommodations in both Sicily and Malta. A heroic effort benefitting Gate 1 and virtually transparent to the customer! We thoroughly enjoyed his leadership, his companionship, and his guidance throughout the tour. Thank you Francesco!
Debora C.
What a fabulous time my friends and I had on the 9 Day Tastes of Tuscany tour. We wanted to stay an extra week to soak in more of the hospitality and culture. Carolyn was wonderful and met the needs of everyone. She was certainly well educated to the Tuscan area and gave us so much information and additional tips to maximize our trip. I would love to have Carolyn as my guide on future Italy tours. She was a GEM!!! The Francia e Quirenale was fantastic from the staff to the lodgings and meals. There isn't anything negative I could say. The location was perfect and convenient to all places. I would stay there again. The itinerary was well designed and more time in the Florence and Lucca would have been great. This was one of the best Gate 1 trips that I have taken. Kudos to Gate 1 and Carolyn!! Thanks so much.
Wendy L.
My trip was excellent! Great itinerary with the majority of the hotels and meals exceeding my expectations. I would like to recognize Tour Manager , Condorrelli for her outstanding performance. She was highly organized and kept everything moving in a safe and efficient manner. Her communication skills were outstanding and she was very flexible if issues came up. Her knowledge and insight into Sicily's history was so interesting. I learned a great deal on this this trip. Our driver, Giuseppe, was highly skilled and navigated the bus safely throughout the tour. He was made sure all the guests on board were comfortable. Both Flavia & Giuseppe are excellent ambassadors for Gate 1 Travel.
Bart G.
The trip was amazing. The history and the culture continually amazed us. The townspeople and merchants were all friendly and gracious. It was a pleasure meeting and talking with all the other people on our trip. The scenery everywhere was beautiful and awe-inspiring. And, of course, the food and the wine were all superb. Carolyn and the other guides, but especially Carolyn, were extremely knowledgeable, took us to the right places, and provided an historical background for Tuscany in general and during visits to the specific towns. The history and the beauty of Cinque de Terre left no question as to why it had been deemed a UNESCO World Heritage site. We're very happy that we visited and learned the history behind the towns of Siena, Lucca, Vinci and the others. We documented in writing and photos every part of the trip, although it was a trip we'll never forget.
Thomas C.
Let me start by saying that I was hoping to have a nice experience with Gate 1, but what I had was a GREAT experience! Let me start by saying that we were met at the airport in Venice by a Gate 1 representative to guide us to our destination. Already a huge positive for me in that my family did not have to wonder and figure out what to do next. At our first meeting with our tour manager Viviana (Vivi), and our fellow travelers it was wonderful to hear that many had been on numerous Gate 1 tours and kept coming back. Next, what can I say about Vivi, she is EXCEPTIONAL! Not only did she communicate every step of the way, it is clear she loves her job. Her genuine interest in assuring we had a wonderful trip came through loud and clear! All her little personal touches were so sweet and her attention to detail made all of us feel secure and comfortable. She is a treasure! The tour guides were outstanding! I expected to see the cities on the tour, however what the guides gave us was a real education. They not only knew their cities, you could see they had a real love and pride in telling us all the information about each site. Riccardo, Paulo. Vanessa, and Guiseppe were amazing. They were able to communicate the facts with humour and wonderful stories. My daughter and her friend are both gluten free. The care that Vivi showed in making sure they were taken care of was wonderful. Lastly, let me say I will absolutely travel with Gate 1 again and have already given it the highest endorsement to my family and friends. We will definitely go back to beautiful Italy again! Thanks Vivi and company for the great experience!
Yolanda G.
Wanted to let you know how wonderful it was having Maurizio as our tour manager. He is very knowledgeable about Italy, obviously, but he has the best personality and made everyone feel welcome. He shared so many stories with the group....his knowledge of gelato is impressive! I've already made pasta sauce the way he explained it to us. He made our first trip to Italy so memorable!
Carol R.
Our first trip to Europe was outstanding! Couldn't find anyone nicer, more knowledgeable, helpful etc than our tour manager, Susanna. The same goes for our driver and local tour guides. Our time was used wisely, never waiting - so organized. Well done Gate 1, this exceeded my expectations.
Fay D.
Well our Gate1 16 day romantic Amalfi with lake region and Rome was fantastic. Firstly, our tour guide Remo was so good and we had so much fun with him. His knowledge of geography and history was incredible. I certainly would like to have him as a tour guide again on another Gate1 trip sometime. Our hotels were first class, the bus drivers were all very professional, our meals included were very good and all the sights we saw were very enjoyable. You can never get enough of Rome. And the weather was in the 70's the whole time. Perfect. Also, all the local guides were very good.
Janice N.
Our tour guide in Sicily and Malta was wonderful Antoinette (Tony) was very accommodating. Tony helped us understand some Italian phrases, worried about our safety, picked up on conversations on things our group liked to do like sing and listen to special songs while on the bus. Tony was very good about explaining everything we were going to do, when we would need to dress differently for our tours and paid attention to details that made us more comfortable and ready to tackle each day. Can't say enough about Tony, she makes Gate 1 look great!
Lynn R.