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!

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 North America.

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.

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 seldom 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 be aware, 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 (about 2 feet/60 centimeters tall) and usually do not have handles for support getting in/out of the tubs.

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.

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.

You’re in for a treat as you explore the country that is so famous for its delicious food. 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, invented in the 1900’s by Italian immigrants to create a full dinner and not widely available there. Famous dishes such as shrimp or chicken ‘Alfredo,’ ‘chicken parm,’ spaghetti and meatballs or Tuscan salmon are not customary in Italy, unless you dine in tourist-oriented restaurants.

Some of the most common food misunderstandings are: Pasta Alfredo is typical of 1 restaurant in the city of Rome, it is made with butter and no heavy cream. In general, pasta sauces in Italy shun heavy cream as it is considered a way of covering up the flavor on not-so-fresh ingredients. “Marinara sauce” is not a red tomato sauce as we know it. The word “marinara” translates to “marine.” Any pasta "alla marinara” will be fish or seafood based. Spaghetti and meatballs is a dine at home recipe from the area of Naples and mostly unknown in Central and Northern Italy. ‘Parmigiana’ is only made with eggplants, and is for the most part a vegetarian dish. ‘Chicken Parm,’ ‘Veal Parm,’ etc are north-American variations that are not available in Italy.

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.

Thin pizza with an array of toppings is a local favorite. Pizza is always cooked to order, usually in a wood oven. Although the look may be similar to American pizza, the taste is very different. Also, grilled meats or seafood and fresh seasonal vegetables are available throughout Italy.

On this tour through Italy, local specialties include a buccatini all’Amatriciana in Rome, hearty Tuscan vegetable soup known as ribollita, pappardelle pasta with a wild boar sauce and local sausages and sheep’s milk cheeses, along with famous regional wines. In Venice, try some of the tasty “cichetti,” or small appetizers served at local bars, accompanied by a wine based drink known as a spritz.

Breakfasts are generally an expanded continental buffet with yogurts, fruit, meats, cheeses, hard boiled eggs, breads and cereals, but do not typically include hot items, as Italians typically enjoy their heavier meal at lunch time.

Coffee in Italy is also very different and commonly known as “cafe” (espresso). Italian caffé is much stronger than American coffee and can be ordered in a variety of ways. Caffé Americano is a very diluted espresso which may be more to your liking if you do not like strong coffee. Traditionally coffee is not enjoyed during dinner but may be enjoyed socially throughout the day. Traditionally cappuccino (espresso and steamed milk) is enjoyed at breakfast only and is never flavored with anything except for the possible sprinkle of cocoa. Coffee is rarely enjoyed after a meal in Italy. 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 staff that speaks limited English, so brush up on your Italian!

It used to be when traveling abroad, you had to go to a bank to exchange your home currency for that of the country you were visiting. Thanks to technology, those days are gone. Now you can use your bank card at any ATM in almost any city around the world just like you would at home. There may be a fee for this convenience, but it makes getting local currency quick and easy.

You can find ATMs in airports, hotels, and banks. Fees tend to be lower at hotels or within cities than they are at the airport. Many exchange bureaus in Europe will not accept $50 or $100 US Dollar bills. While most vendors accept credit cards, you may need local currency for lunch, gratuities, or for smaller purchases.

You can also pay with a credit card when travelling. The price will automatically be converted to your home currency by the system. Some merchants charge a fee for this service, but it adds an extra guarantee on your purchase, so it’s a nice option.

If you have a credit or debit card with a chip in it, it is recommended you use it rather than a card with a magnetic strip. The chip adds an extra layer of protection against fraud.

Many of our tours include optional excursions that are available for purchase. If you decide to go on one of these during your trip, please note, the credit card you use for payment must have an expiration date greater than 30 days from the start of the tour.

If you choose to review exchange rates or exchange currency before you depart for your trip, the currency in this region is the Euro.

If you plan to enter or leave the EU carrying the equivalent of €10,000 or more in cash, you must declare it at customs. Cash includes currency notes, coins, bankers’ drafts, checks, and travelers’ checks. If you do not declare the cash, customs authorities could take away your money, and you may receive a fine of as much as €8,000.

When traveling to another country, you may need an adapter and/or electric converter to plug your electrical devices and appliances into the local power grid. An adapter changes the plug so it fits into the outlet. A converter changes the voltage coming out of the outlet.

To determine what you need, first verify if the plugs on your devices fit the outlet of your destination.

In Europe, the plug type is C, which has two round pins. If your plugs do not match this description, you will need an adapter.

Next, verify the voltage of each device you intend to bring. You can find this information on the cord, plug, or on the device itself. Many devices are dual-voltage. For those, you do not need a converter. If your device is not dual-voltage and it differs from the voltage of your destination, you will need a voltage converter.

In Europe, the voltage is 220v-230v. If necessary, make sure to get a converter that converts to this voltage.

If you plan to bring a sleep apnea machine, please remember to bring an extension cord along with the adapter and voltage converter as not all hotels have sockets next to the bed.

The highest elevation encountered on this tour is 2,400 feet (732 meters).

If you have time before your tour begins to explore Rome, you'll find plenty to do! Rome is a city full of history and art. Here are some ideas of places to visit:

Bocca Della Verita: Visit the ‘mouth of truth’ made famous in the movie Roman Holiday.

Pantheon/Piazza Navona: The Pantheon is a magnificent Roman building, once a temple and now a church. Piazza Navona, one of Rome’s most elegant squares, is just around the corner and also worth a visit.

Piazza Del Campidoglio: Visit Rome’s Capitol Hill, realized by Michelangelo, but founded in ancient Rome. It houses three important museums.

Capitoline Museums: This is one of the most important Roman museums holding important works of ancient Rome as well as great works by Bernini and Caravaggio. Piazza del Campidoglio.

Roman National Museum: This Museum houses one of the most important archaeological collections in the world, with important sculptures, mosaics, and frescoes coming from Roman bath complexes and villas.

Saint Peter In Chains Church (San Pietro in Vincoli): Visit the church which houses one of Michelangelo’s greatest masterpieces, the statue of Moses and the original chains they used to imprison St. Peter in Rome.

Castel Sant’Angelo: This castle was built by the emperor Adrian as his mausoleum and now contains an art and military museum. See beautiful views of the Tiber River and Rome down below.

Borghese Collection: An art gallery containing a mixture of Roman sculptures and modern art collected by the Borghese family. It is exclusive and requires tickets to be purchased in advance.

Synagogue and the Jewish Ghetto: This beautiful synagogue was built in 1904 and houses an important museum with an exhibition dedicated to the Jewish Community of Rome. Don’t forget to walk around the old Jewish Ghetto (since 1556) if you are in the area.

Roman Forum Area: The forum was the center of daily life for the Romans. Many sections of the old city can be visited, including the Palatine Hill, Trajan’s Markets and the Imperial Forum.

St. Peter's Dome: Climb to the top of the basilica’s dome for the best views of the city of Rome and Vatican City down below.

Restaurants: Great areas to try for local restaurants include Trastevere, Piazza Navona, near the Trevi Fountain and the Campo dei Fiori area.

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 where possible will help to ensure you’re seeing everything you’ve intended to while in this beautiful destination. Liaise with your Tour Manager or local host when you arrive if you need assistance.

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.

Get excited – and get ready for your upcoming tour! As you look ahead to your tour, you’ll probably have some questions. Our team of travel experts assembled this booklet packed with answers so you can feel ready for your upcoming journey. Before you go, take time to review and get familiar with what to expect throughout your tour, and keep this information on hand during your travels.

By booking a guided tour, all the details of your trip are covered so you can make the most of every moment. You’ll join your tour group (a maximum of 44 people) to experience an expertly planned itinerary. Being part of a group tour is a great opportunity to meet new people and to share the adventure. You’ll also be accompanied by your Tour Manager, an expert guide who can answer questions and offer advice along the way. Get ready to see the sights, taste the cuisine, and explore the world – with all the logistics handled and in good company.

Tipping is a great way to show your appreciation for the people who help keep your tour running smoothly. Tipping is discretionary and should be on an individual basis.

Gratuities for hotel housekeeping staff, local sightseeing guides, transfer drivers, on-tour motor coach drivers, and your Tour Manager are not included in the price of your tour.

The suggestions below are provided in US Dollars to help you budget for your trip. Plan to convert the total US Dollar amounts into the equivalent local currency, which is generally the preferred option when giving.

Tour Manager: equivalent of $10 US Dollars per person for each travel day, given at the end of your tour. For this 9-day tour, this would amount to $90 US Dollars total per person.

Local Guide: equivalent of $2-3 US Dollars per person, given at the end of your day or time with them. There are 4 local guides on this tour.

On-Tour Motor Coach Driver: equivalent of $5 US Dollars per person for each travel day, provided at the end of your tour or time with your driver.

Hotel Housekeeping: equivalent of $1 US Dollar per day, per room, left each morning.

Airport Transfer Driver: If your airport transfer is included in your package or purchased from Collette, gratuities might already be included. Please reference the transfer information section for confirmation. If gratuities are not mentioned, the suggested amount is typically $3 US Dollars (or equivalent in local currency) per person.

Common Greetings in Italian:

• Hello/ Good Morning = Buon giorno

• Good Afternoon = Buona Sera

• Good Night/Evening = Buona Notte

• Goodbye = Arrivederci/la, Ciao

• Do you speak English? = Parla inglese?

• I don’t understand = Non capisco

• I do not speak italian = Non parlo Italiano

• Nice to meet you = Piacere

• How are you? = Come sta/stai?

• Good = bene Bad = male

• So so = cosi, cosi

• Thank you = grazie

Polite Expressions

• Yes = Sì No = No

• I don’t know = Non lo so

• Excuse me = Permesso

• Please = Per Favore

• Thank you very much = Grazie Mille

• You’re welcome = Prego

• No Problem = Non c’e problema

• I’m Sorry = Mi Dispiace

Shopping

• Do you accept credit cards? = Accettate carte di credito?

• How much does this cost? = Quanto costa?, Quant’é, per favore?

• I’m just looking, thank you. = Solo guardo, grazie

• Open = aperto Closed = chiuso

Getting Directions

• Where is… = Dov’é…

• the restroom? = la toilette?

• the Post Office = l’Ufficio Postale

• the Police Station = questura

• the bank = la banca

• the hospital = l’ospedale

• the pharmacy = la farmacia

• the hotel...= l’abergo

• Straight ahead = diritto

• Up = in alto Down = in basso

• Far = lontano Nearby = Vicino

Dining

• Breakfast = la colazione

• Lunch = il pranzo

• Dinner = la cena

• Please bring the check/bill. = Il conto, per favore

• Bread = il pane

• Butter = il burro

• Salt = il sale

• Pepper = il pepe

• Beverage = bevanda

• Coffee = caffé

• Tea = te

• Wine = vino

• Beer = birra

• Water = acqua

• Juice = succo

Signs

• Pharmacy = Farmacia

• Bank = Banca

• Market = mercato

In Case of Emergency

• Help! = Aiuto!

• Stop! = Ferma!

• Call an Ambulance! = Chiama un’ambulanza!

• Call the Police! = Chiama la polizia!

Numbers

• 1 = uno

• 2 = due

• 3 = tre

• 4 = quattro

• 5 = cinque

• 6 = sei

• 7 = sette

• 8 = otto

• 9 = nove

• 10 = dieci

Remember the 3-1-1 rule: Each airline traveler is allowed to bring 1 quart-sized bag containing no more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) of any liquids, gels, and aerosols in their carry-on bag. Any liquids, including water bottles, that don’t fit in the one quart-sized bag or are larger than 3 ounces will be discarded by security. Common items that must comply with this rule include toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, and lotion. For a complete list of what is allowed and not allowed to bring on a plane, visit www.tsa.gov.

Travelers flying to the United States from all international destinations will require extra screening when carrying powdered products weighing 12 oz./ 350 ml or more in carry-on luggage for security reasons. This added security measure will apply to all powders, with the exception of baby formula and medications. For your convenience, please consider packing any non-essential powders in your checked bag. Items that cannot be verified by a TSA officer risk being confiscated. Please visit www.tsa.gov for more information.

Your day of departure is almost here, and it’s time to think about what to pack. We have a few guidelines to help you. But before you pack anything, you must check with your airline for any luggage fees or restrictions. These can vary widely depending on your carrier and destination.

Let’s begin. The first thing to consider is how many bags to bring. Your tour package includes luggage handling for one checked bag per person. You will be responsible for your backpack or tote bag as you travel between destinations. It’s very important you keep this in mind. We have limited space on our buses, so limiting the bags ensures there’s room for everyone’s luggage.

Your larger bag can’t be more than 62 in/157 cm in length, height and width and cannot weigh more than 50lb/23kg. Your carry-on should be a size that you can carry comfortably. You will use this bag to hold your personal items during sightseeing trips.

Please note that if you bring more than one checked bag and one carry-on, we cannot guarantee there will be room for them on the bus. You’ll need to store or ship any additional luggage at your own expense. If there is room for your additional luggage, we will charge a fee of 10 USD per bag per hotel.

We recommend you consider using a TSA-approved lock, as a theft prevention measure during transit and during your tour.

It’s also very important that all your bags be labeled clearly. In your packet you will find a luggage tag. Please attach it to the bag you plan to check.

The name on this tag should match the information on your reservation exactly, so the Tour Manager and all baggage handlers can properly identify the bag as yours. This will ensure the bag is delivered to you quickly and efficiently.

Finally, we recommend you purchase travel insurance to ensure peace of mind while you’re on tour. We cannot assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to breakage, theft or normal wear and tear that results from hotel, airline and group carrier handling. But we offer comprehensive “No Worries Travel Protection” for your convenience. With insurance, you’ll be able to focus on creating wonderful memories, not worrying about your luggage.

Please note, some attractions do not allow large backpacks into their sites, so you may need a smaller bag for sightseeing.

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 or your tour.

Special Diet

North America offers diverse dietary options due to ingredient availability and acceptance of alternative diets. However, traveling abroad may pose challenges as menus reflect local tastes, alternative diets may not be common, and medical conditions requiring dietary adjustments may not be understood. Group meals typically offer a pre-fixed menu that cater to diverse travelers. It’s important to note that while some dietary requests can be accommodated, options may be limited.

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.

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).

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.

As you prepare to explore Italy, enjoy a casual dress style and be sure to pack comfortable walking shoes as there is a good amount of walking throughout the museums and hilly cobblestone streets. Shorts and sleeveless shirts are not permitted when visiting churches throughout Italy.

It is recommended to bring clothing that may be worn in layers that may be added or removed as the temperature changes.

The fall and early spring months can be rainy at times; therefore, rain gear is suggested. You will find items such as a raincoat, umbrella and waterproof shoes useful. In the colder months, it is not uncommon for Venice to flood for a few hours, in which case, boots can come in handy, which are also sold at many local shops.

For special evenings, smart casual attire is preferred. Jeans, shorts and sneakers are not recommended.

In many cases, laundry services (not self service) are available to you at the hotel, for an additional charge. Most hotels will have a plastic bag for your laundry as well as a list to mark the items being washed. Additionally, you must call or visit the front desk to advise them of your need for laundry service, or it will not be provided. If you plan on doing your own laundry, don’t forget to bring soap and dryer sheets, as not all laundromats will have these for purchase.

The Americans with Disabilities Act does not apply outside of the United States.

We will make reasonable efforts to accommodate the special needs of our travelers. However, if you require individual assistance you must be accompanied by a companion who is capable of, and totally responsible for, providing the necessary assistance. Neither our personnel nor the personnel of our destination partners may physically lift or assist clients onto transportation vehicles at any time while on tour. We regret that we cannot provide individual assistance to a traveler who has special mobility or other like needs.

If your schedule allows, you may have selected to give yourself the advantage of an additional day or more in the starting or ending destination of your tour by booking a Pre-Night or Post-Night and arranging your flights accordingly. (Please note: A Tour Manager is not present during Pre-Night or Post-Night Stays.)

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.

Please note: The Vatican does not accept all credit cards for entry. Should you visit the Vatican, please be prepared to pay by cash for your purchases. Some gift shops will still accept credit cards, but not all.

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. Make sure you leave enough room in your baggage for items you take home with you.

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. Your tour manager will be happy to make recommendations when you arrive.

While in Rome, you can also purchase religious articles.

Florence is well known for its straw market, offering local crafts and hand made goods, such as ceramics, leather goods, and paintings.

Venice is famous for Murano glass, Carnival masks and beautiful lace and linens.

DVDs or other electronic equipment purchased abroad may not be compatible with your PC or home equipment. Music CDs are usually compatible worldwide.

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 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.

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 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.

We Want to Hear From You!

• A few days after you return home, you’ll receive an email from us with a survey asking you about your experience. Your feedback is important to us and we use it to continually refine our tours to bring you more of what you want when you travel.

• Be on the lookout for our email when you get home.

• We look forward to seeing you on tour soon!

Download the Collette Compass smartphone app and enhance your tour with this easy-to-use digital companion that never leaves your side.

Find Your Way Around

• Easily navigate your destination like a local with detailed maps and offline turn-by-turn directions, all without using Wi-Fi or cellular data.

Plan Your Free Time

• Discover exciting activities, dining options, and local attractions during your free time, ensuring you make the most of every moment.

Stay Informed

• Review your daily itinerary, on-tour inclusions, as well as information on your hotels and transfer services.

Record the Fun

• Create your own trip journal as you travel, including text and photos. Share it with friends and loved ones back home!

Live Flight Tracking

• Check in online* for your flights and stay up to date on your schedule with real-time** tracking of your flight status, gate changes, and delays.

*Online check-in subject to availability

**Requires Wi-Fi or Cellular Data

Italy is 6 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time and Eastern Daylight Time.

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.

We offer full-service transfers from start to finish. So, when you arrive at the airport of your destination, arrangements will have been made to transfer you to your first hotel on the tour.

If you purchased our air-inclusive tour package, you will enjoy this service free of charge.

If you purchased your air ticket on your own (our land-only tour package), you may purchase a round-trip transfer for a fee.

Meeting locations and times will be set up to accommodate your transfer arrival and departure schedules, which will be provided to you in your documents packet. If you decide to arrange your own transportation to the hotel, please make sure to check in with your Tour Manager once you arrive.

Here is a list of entities we recommend you contact before you depart on your tour:

1.) Your cell phone/mobile carrier if you are planning on using your device. You will want to confirm you will have access in the area(s) you will visit and inquire about any charges you may incur.

2.) Your credit card company for any card(s) you plan to use. Make sure the card company knows when and where you will be traveling to avoid any charges being declined.

3.) Your bank, so you can use your ATM/debit card worry-free. If you are travelling to another country, your bank will be able to tell you if your card will work at the ATM machines to dispense local currency, including if your PIN will be accepted. Also, indicate if you plan to use your debit card as a credit card if your card has that option. Your bank will advise you of any charges for each transaction as well.

Leave a copy of your itinerary, hotel list (included in your tour documents bundle) and a contact number with a designated person in case an emergency comes up while you’re away and someone needs to reach you.

We recommend you leave a copy of your passport at home in a secure location and bring an additional copy with you as a precaution.

During your flight, make sure to stand up and walk around as much as possible, and drink plenty of water. These simple suggestions will help you stay comfortable, particularly during long flights.

As an added measure of confidence while traveling internationally, visit www.travel.state.gov. The U.S. State Department offers a “Smart Travelers Enrollment Program” (STEP), which you may individually choose to enroll in. This allows the U.S. to better assist with lost passports or in the event of any emergency abroad.

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.

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.

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.