At the beginning of your tour, your Tour Manager will distribute a personal radio and headset. You should wear them on sightseeing tours to make sure you can hear your guides clearly at all times. Please bring them with you every day. Your Tour Manager will collect them at the very end of your tour, typically on your last evening. You are responsible for returning these devices and will be charged a replacement fee should you fail to do so.

Thank you for choosing to travel with us and allowing us to guide you along this adventure! From the moment you step out your door, we strive to provide a comprehensive, stress-free, and unforgettable travel experience. To that end, the following features are included with your tour: motor coach transportation, accommodations, hotel luggage handling (porterage), select meals, admission to attractions as outlined in your itinerary, and gratuities for servers of included meals as outlined in your itinerary, bellmen, and door attendants.

If you chose to purchase a land-only tour package, you have opted to purchase your own airline tickets to and from home. In this case, we ask that you keep a few important factors in mind when booking your round-trip flights:

1) Please make sure your round-trip flights work with your tour itinerary. There may be scheduled activities on these days.

2) You must provide us with your flight schedules for the entire tour upon final payment. This ensures that we can arrange any other services you may have purchased from us, including hotel transfers, and that your Tour Manager will know when to expect your arrival. This also allows us to maintain contact with you in case of an emergency.

If you have chosen our air-inclusive tour package, you have opted that we take care of all your air travels from your home to the destination and back. This also includes any inter-flights from city to city within the tour package if applicable. We ask that you keep the following in mind:

1) In order to comply with Homeland Security’s “Secure Flight” mandate, you must provide full name (including middle name or middle initial, if applicable), as it appears on your valid, non-expired, government issued photo ID that you will show at the airport. The name on your airline ticket must be an exact match to this ID, or you may be prevented from boarding the aircraft.

2) If you are a member of a participating frequent flyer program, make sure to provide the number when you book your trip and retain the copy of your ticket and boarding pass so you will receive proper credit for your mileage. Please note that some air tickets are not eligible for mileage accrual.

3) Whenever possible, we will add charges for air departure taxes to your invoice. Some international arrival and departure fees are not included in your air ticket and must be paid by you during the tour in the local currency.

Your comfort is important to us. With that in mind, we charter coaches that are temperature-controlled. However, environmental rules in Europe limit the temperature difference between the external temperature and the internal one of the coach so that it does not exceed 10 degrees Celsius (that is a difference of 18 F between the external and internal temperature). For example, if the external temperature is 30 degrees Celsius (86 F) the internal temperature of the bus can only be lowered to 20 Celsius (68 F). There is no way for the driver to override this setting.

In addition, while equipped with toilets, you will NOT be able to use the facilities on the bus due to lack of waste disposal facilities. For this reason, restroom stops will be made every 90 to 120 minutes along the touring route for your comfort and convenience.

Change your seat, change your view! At least once a day, the Tour Manager will ask all travelers to change seats. This ensures that every traveler has an opportunity to enjoy a variety of views as they travel and a chance to get to know each other better. In fairness to all, there will be no exceptions to this policy.

In the European Union, the law states all travelers must wear a seat belt in all vehicles whenever one is available. Most of the motor coaches we use will have them, so if you see one, be sure to wear it. Failure to comply could result in a personal fine of up to €750 Euro. Please be aware that we will not issue refunds to travelers fined for non-compliance. While on tour, your Tour Manager will remind you to buckle up.

All of the hotels we use are equipped with air conditioning and heat. However, in an effort to be more energy efficient, the Italian government regulates the specific time of year when hotels can turn on their air conditioning and heating systems, regardless of actual temperatures. Air conditioning is only available between May 15 and September 15. Heating can only be turned on between November 1 and March 31. This means that during the spring and fall, hotels will not always have their air conditioners and heaters turned on.

Hotel rooms in Italy are significantly smaller than average, as most Italian hotels are renovated historic buildings which don’t offer a lot of space.

Please also be aware that many standard hotel rooms in Italy do not have walk-in showers, as the rooms will often have a combination bathtub/shower. Italian bathtubs have very high sides (2 feet tall, about 60 centimeters high) and usually do not have handles for support getting in/out of the tubs.

At the time of booking, you will be asked what type of room you would like.

A double room has either one large bed (Queen size, never King) or two cot-sized beds that are most often positioned side-by-side with only a couple inches in between them. Mattresses and linens are individual but you will be sleeping just a few inches apart from your roommate. Double rooms are perfect for couples or if you’re travelling with a companion and wish to share a room. There are plenty of double rooms available on our tours.

A single or solo room has only one bed and may be smaller in size. These rooms are first-come, first-served, as most properties have only a certain amount of these available. Single rooms are most often furnished with a single cot-size bed and are noticeably smaller. The supplemental cost is to ensure your privacy, not space.

A triple room usually consists of a standard double room with two beds. A cot or fold up bed may be added, but it depends on the room size and local fire codes. Triples are first come, first served, as they are also very limited. The number of persons accommodated does not dictate the room size. If you booked a triple and only a double and single room is available at a hotel, appropriate charges for the single and double accommodations will be assessed.

We will forward your request to the hotel and do our best to accommodate your needs; however, please know that we cannot make any guarantees.

In certain countries, the hotel rooms may not be as large as standard hotel rooms in your home country.

Here are a few details to keep in mind:

Check-in times are set by individual hotels and can vary, but most hotels offer afternoon check-ins starting at 3:00 p.m. Depending on your arrival time, you may have to wait before you can get into your room. Some hotels may be willing to store your luggage in a secure location until your room is ready. In these instances, the hotel will not be responsible for lost or stolen items and there may be a charge for this service.

Please observe check-out times at all properties. Hotels designate these as well.

Some hotels require a credit card imprint or your passport information upon check-in in order to activate telephones in the rooms and for potential incidental charges. Most hotels charge an access fee for using phones in hotel rooms. Please check with the front desk personnel at each hotel for specific policies. You will be responsible for all incidental fees occurred during your stay, and these must be paid at time of check-out.

Hotel membership programs are not applicable.

While in Pompeii, you have a choice between two walking tours, both guided by a local expert. In both cases your tour will visit all the must-see attractions of Pompeii.

Your first choice will move at a slower pace allowing more time to navigate the inclines, large cobblestones and steep sidewalks of the ancient city.

The Activity Level of the choice is a level 3.

You will experience a 90 minute walking tour over cobblestones and uneven terrain. A total walking distance of approximately 1 mile.

Your second choice will move at a faster pace, allowing you to explore some of the off-the-beaten-path gems of Pompeii, such as the Suburban Thermal Paths.

The Activity Level of the choice is a level 4.

This will be a 2 hour walking tour over cobblestones and uneven terrain. Approximately 1.5 miles, this walking tour moves at a faster pace, allowing travelers to see more of this vast archeological site.

One of the ways we encourage you to make your journey your own is with Choice on Tour, letting you decide how to experience a destination or site based on your unique interests.

It’s your choice! Included in your itinerary, there may be a day, or days, featuring a choice of two (or more) activities during a designated time. You may have selected your preferred option(s) when booking your tour. In most cases, your selection may be made upon arriving on tour and discussing it with your Tour Manager. If no selection is made during the booking process, the default option is assumed.

Peace of mind for our travelers is our number one priority. When you’re on tour with us, your only thoughts should be to immerse yourself in creating lifelong memories. Your Tour Manager is a destination expert on the people, places, history, and culture and ensures that you will have the best experience with us. Please utilize your Tour Manager’s expertise for any concerns or questions you may have while on tour.

Wi-Fi access has improved, with free or cheap internet available in many public spaces. Some restaurants, cafes, and hotels offer complimentary Wi-Fi, though at times it may not reach rooms in hotels. Wi-Fi may not be available onboard motorcoaches or other modes of transportation used during your tour.

The natural wonders of our planet are awe-inspiring. To ensure their beauty can be enjoyed for generations, we are committed to reducing single-use plastics on our tours and in our offices. On tours in this region, where the tap water is safe to drink, we encourage you to bring a reusable filter water bottle. Your Tour Manager will direct you to bottle refill stations throughout each day. By bringing your own bottle, you will reduce plastic waste and help to preserve the environment.

Thank you for helping us make the world a better place through travel and supporting sustainability!

Italians eat their meals in courses, especially lunch and dinner. Courses include an antipasto (appetizer); primo piatto (first course), which is often the pasta or risotto dish; secondo piatto (second or main course), which is the meat or protein; contorno (the side item, such as salad, grilled or steamed vegetables); and dolce (dessert). While you may not have all courses at each meal, you often will have at least three.

Some of what you think of as traditional Italian food are actually American interpretations and not widely available there. Famous dishes such as shrimp or chicken ‘Alfredo,’ ‘chicken parm,’ ‘spaghetti and meatballs,’ ‘Italian Wedding Soup,’ or Tuscan salmon are not customary in Italy, unless you dine in tourist oriented restaurants.

Restaurants do not serve bread and butter, and not even bread with olive oil and balsamic dip. Italians only serve plain bread, as it’s used to soak up sauce or help push food on the fork/spoon, unless you specifically order ‘bruschetta’ (which is toasted bread with olive oil and garlic sometimes with additional tomato or other seasoning).

Our menu selection strives to make you experience the regional cuisine, which may often surprise you. We therefore encourage you to be adventurous and keep an open mind.

Restaurants mostly operate with a much smaller waiter-per-table ration resulting in slower service. For this reason, most or even all of your meals at local restaurants will be pre-set menus and even the ones with choice will require you making that decision at least 48 hours in advance. Your Tour Manager will inform you of these arrangements and ensure the restaurants are informed of your choice of fare.

Vegetarian and vegan options may be limited and repetitive. Fish is most often served whole, bone-in and with the head. Vegetarian options are typically pastas, risottos, grilled vegetables and omelets.

There also may be differences from the terms you expect. If you choose to visit a restaurant outside of the tourist centric areas of Italy, please be aware that many of them will not have an English menu and will have a staff that speaks limited English.

The food people eat is a window into their history, traditions, and values, and sharing food brings people together. One of the many wonderful aspects of travel is to experience as much of the regional cuisine as possible. Your tour includes many meals as outlined on your itinerary. Our team has carefully chosen restaurants that feature local ingredients and offer regional flavors.

For meals that are not included in your itinerary, your Tour Manager will be happy to recommend eateries and local businesses that best fit your taste and needs.

The average price for meals in Italy ranges from 15 to 25 US Dollars for lunch and 30 to 45 US Dollars for dinner. If you’ve enjoyed good service, it’s customary to leave a small tip at the table for waiters and kitchen staff. The amount is usually €1-2 Euros per person, unless you are dining at a fine-dining restaurant where you would tip up to a maximum of 10%. While the restaurant’s bill will list “servizio” and/or “coperto” these are charges from the proprietor, and not tips to the staff. Tips are always left in local currency and in cash.

All lunches and dinners included on your tour while in Italy include 1 glass of wine (or beer or soda) and water.

Lunch service in Italy usually begins around 1:00 p.m. while dinner service usually starts at 7:30 p.m., though sometimes we may dine earlier in order to accommodate our touring schedule. When dining on your own in the evening, please be aware most restaurants will not be open before approximately this time. For most of our included meals, we do ask for selections in advance of the meal, as Italian restaurants typically shop on a daily basis in order to use the freshest possible ingredients.

Coffee is an Italian tradition. Italian coffee tends to be strong, so you may ask for water or milk to dilute it, or order a Caffé Americano (a very diluted espresso which may be more to your liking if you do not like strong coffee), or if you prefer darker roasts, you can always ask for an Italian espresso or cappuccino. Coffee after dinner is not always served at the table, as Italians prefer to drink their coffee while socializing and standing at the “bar.” Traditionally cappuccino (espresso and steamed milk) is enjoyed at breakfast only and is never flavored with anything except for the possible sprinkle of cocoa.

Please let your Tour Manager know of any food allergies or dietary needs you may have at the beginning of your tour.

In order to avoid tax evasion by shopkeepers in Italy, the Guardia di Finanza (fiscal police) may stop customers on the streets to check that a receipt was given for the proper merchandise. It is the law in Italy for the shop owner or company to give a receipt or invoice to the customer. If a receipt is not given, and if the customer does not ask for one, both the shopkeeper and the customer may be fined. Please do not be alarmed if stopped, as this is just a simple check.

Also keep in mind that new laws in Italy do not allow transactions in cash for more than 2,999.99 EURO. Anything over 3,000 EURO must be paid for by credit card.

One of the best parts of traveling is coming back home with souvenirs that really reflect the place you’ve just been.

Italy is a great place for shopping, and each region has its own distinct crafts and local souvenirs. Popular choices of items while shopping in Italy are products made of glass, ceramics, leather goods, jewelry, fashion apparel, wines, gold, pottery, and cameos. Also look for specialty food products, such as packaged herbs, olive oils, and delicious jarred spreads for bread toppings.

In southern Italy, you will find hand carved cameos, inlaid wood and colorful ceramics. Your tour manager will be happy to make recommendations when you arrive.

If you purchase DVDs or other electronic equipment abroad, please check that it is compatible with your PC or other home equipment.

Be advised that some food items, such as meats and produce cannot be brought into the US. Check customs regulations before leaving home.

It is advisable to bring cash for smaller purchases as not all vendors will accept credit cards. Discounts are sometimes offered for cash purchases.

Please note there are many conflicting and complicated regulations regarding the shipping of alcohol to the USA from overseas. Various state laws do prohibit it, and you are advised to research your state regulations before purchasing alcohol for shipping. Shipping alcohol is done at your own risk, and we cannot assume responsibility for any such purchases.

Should you have some extra time before your tour begins to explore Palermo, you’ll find plenty to do in this beautiful paradise that is rich in history and art.

Perhaps visit the Catacombs of the Cappuccini where bodies of priests and friars, aristocrats and wealthy citizens were dried by the Capuchins, dressed in their best finery, and hung up along the macabre underground passages in full view.

The Mondello is another great stop! This is Palermo’s charming beach resort area — a fantastic place to go get a bite to eat or walk along the beach-front sidewalk. Enjoy cafés, bars and street vendors. The views by the water are very clear and quite lovely.

San Giovanni degli Eremiti is a great church to visit. It is the symbol of the city and dates back to its Norman era. It is Palermo’s most romantic building, due to its small, well tended garden. Paths lead up through beautiful groves, lined with palm trees, and in the middle, the church stands, topped with five beautiful domes.

Visit the International Puppet Museum (Museo dei Pupi) which includes a delightful collection of puppets from Sicily and Naples, as well as from Africa, Asia and other parts of the world. It is located right near the port.

The Capella Palatina inside the Norman Palace is an exquisite chapel located on the 2nd level. Designed by Ruggero II in 1130, the Capella Palatina’s glittering mosaics, marble inlaid floor, and painted wooden ceiling stands as one of the best-known instances of the integration of architecture and the figurative arts.

If you need to take a taxi to explore on your arrival day or during your free time, the hotel will generally offer assistance in obtaining one for you at your own expense.

Additionally, if you plan to visit any museums or attractions that aren’t included in your tour, be aware that some entrances may have long lines. Purchasing tickets in advance whenever possible will help ensure you see everything you want to while in this beautiful destination.

Due to varied flight schedules and arrival times of our travelers, there are no scheduled activities prior to dinner on arrival day. Should your flight schedule allow for an early arrival, enjoy this opportunity for some independent exploration.

If you are staying post tour, your Tour Manager will be available to offer suggestions for your additional time in the area.

Should you have some extra time before your tour begins to explore Palermo, you’ll find plenty to do in this beautiful paradise that is rich in history and art.

Visit the International Puppet Museum (Museo dei Pupi) which includes a delightful collection of puppets from Sicily and Naples, as well as from Africa, Asia and other parts of the world. It is located right near the port.

The Museo Palazzo Abbatellis in Palermo houses the Virgin Annunciate by Antonello da Messina. Painted in the 15th century, this masterpiece captures the Virgin Mary’s serene contemplation with exquisite detail and light. It’s a must-see for art enthusiasts, showcasing Antonello’s profound skill and artistry.

The Capella Palatina inside the Norman Palace is an exquisite chapel located on the 2nd level. Designed by Ruggero II in 1130, the Capella Palatina’s glittering mosaics, marble inlaid floor, and painted wooden ceiling stands as one of the best-known instances of the integration of architecture and the figurative arts.

If you need to take a taxi to explore on your arrival day or during your free time, the hotel will generally offer assistance in obtaining one for you at your own expense.

Additionally, if you plan to visit any museums or attractions that aren’t included in your tour, be aware that some entrances may have long lines. Purchasing tickets in advance whenever possible will help ensure you see everything you want to while in this beautiful destination.

Our tours are non-smoking throughout. If you require a smoking room, please let your Client Care agent know when you book your tour. Please note, we cannot guarantee your request as many hotels prohibit smoking in rooms and on the property.

Please be mindful of other locations where smoking is not allowed. These include the motor coach, at dining venues, and any other restricted areas on tour. Travelers are responsible for any fines they incur for failing to comply with smoking regulations.

Included in your tour documents bundle is your personalized name tag. We ask that you put this on before your first gathered event and wear it throughout your tour. This helps your fellow travelers get to know you and for your Tour Manager to better identify you in large groups.