SHOPPING
You will find local open-air markets to be some of the best places to shop for a bargain. There are good markets available in Florence and Venice. A small painting or some other remembrance of a specific place may be in order. If you have a larger budget to spare, you may want to shop at some of the finer Italian designer establishments in Rome or Venice. For gentlemen, setting a little money aside for a hand-tailored suit can be a worthy investment, or ladies might like to have a pair of shoes designed especially for their feet and shipped home. Otherwise, it doesn’t make a lot of sense to waste money on t-shirts, sunglasses, and other items that can easily be purchased at home. Spend the money on lodging and dining out instead. But if shopping for that special item is your thing, enjoy yourself. Just ask your Tour Captain to set some time aside for your shopping pleasure. http://www.queenslandertours.com/qtt/italy.htm
RESTAURANTS AND EATING OUT
During your Queenslander Tour you will have a certain number of meals that are provided for you, but there will be times when you are free to go wherever you like. On nights that a meal is not provided for you, you will be invited to go with your Tour Captain to a local restaurant. However, if you choose to go it alone, stay away from chain-type establishments. Instead, opt for the local experience. If you are uncertain, ask your hotel clerk to recommend a good place that’s close by. Stick with a “ristorante” or “osteria” for your evening meal.
For daytime, a “trattoria” or “café” is generally a safe bet. Even rest stops along the highway can have a nice choice of sandwiches and other fare. Some even have a wonderful selection of hot, home cooked meals. Don’t be surprised, however, if you have to stand in rest stops or coffee shops along the way. Most people in Italy will stand at the counter to have their coffee. If you want to sit outside, you may have to pay a small fee for the pleasure. In Venice, at the Piazza San Marco for example, you will probably pay a fee or “Musica Supplemento” of at least 5 Euros to enjoy the live music. Hey, it’s Venice! Spend the extra money, and don’t worry about it. Life’s too short not to enjoy these extra delights.
Thanks to the advent of Starbucks, most Americans are now familiar with ordering a latte, mocha, or cappuccino, but in Italy it’s generally bad form to order a cappuccino after 11 a.m. If you prefer a more American-style coffee, simply ask for a “café Americano”, which is basically an extra shot of espresso mixed with hot water. This was a local adaptation to accommodate the American GI’s during World War II. If you only order water to drink, you may be asked if you want your water “with gas” (carbonated) or “still”, meaning regular or “naturelle”.
When visiting these establishments, you will sometimes find that the restroom is cared for by an attendant. They may sit outside the door with a plate or dish and expect to receive a small tip. A few small coins will do, but don’t feel overly pressured to tip. If it feels appropriate to tip, please do so.
LOCAL TOUR GUIDES
One of the great features of a QueensLander Tour is the wealth of knowledge and experience you will get from your local tour guides, who work with your Tour Captain to make sure you have a great experience. These are people who live in the area and make their living by showing you around their city and country. They may even give you hints or tips about great places to eat or shop on your downtime. You will come to appreciate these people for the great professionals they are, and you will remember them fondly when you look back at your vacation photos. So, treat them with the courtesy and respect they deserve. They will do the same for you. And while all base tips are included in your tour, you may wish to go beyond that to show your individual appreciation. http://www.queenslandertours.com/qtt/italy.htm
GETTING AROUND
When needed, you will be met at your hotel in the morning by your tour bus, usually a large van or mini bus, and your local tour guide. You will rely on them primarily for transfers to your next destination, or day trips away from town, such as a side excursion down the Amalfi Coast, etc. Otherwise, you will meet your local guide at a location within walking distance of your hotel. And, unless you are engaged in a group activity, you are free to get around as you wish. In Rome, the subway system is clean and efficient. Otherwise, you may wish to try a Vespa, or scooter. But beware, traffic in Italy is crazy, and you can easily get run over if you don’t know what you’re doing. Do not allow yourself to get distracted by looking around. Keep a clever, watchful eye on traffic at all times. In Florence, taxis are probably the way to go for staying in town, or you may want to rent a Smart Car for a day trip to the Cinque Terre. Sidewalks in Florence can be extremely narrow, and cobblestone streets a hazard for certain lady’s shoes. In Venice, you will rely on boats and walking. And yes, be prepared to do a fair amount of walking throughout the trip. Comfortable shoes are in order! Once you get to your destination by transport, you will still be walking a lot to see places like the Coliseum or the Roman Forum. A little exercise routine prior to your Italy trip is not a bad idea just to get in shape. It will only improve your overall experience.
As far as amenities go, you will usually find modern toilet facilities readily available in the large cities. However, as you get out into the countryside and smaller communities, amenities can be substandard. You may find a ceramic “hole in the ground” to be the best toilet facility you can find, so be prepared for that event should it come. When you have to go, you have to go! http://www.queenslandertours.com/qtt/italy.htm
HOTELS AND ACCOMMODATIONS
On your Queenslander Tour, you will probably be staying in a four or five-star hotel, unless you are on the budget package, and then you will probably be at a 3-star hotel. Italy and Europe have different rating systems than America, so anything below a 3-star property can be highly questionable. If you are on the “Italy on a Budget” package and staying in a hotel apart from the majority of the group, be sure to have your Queenslander Tour Captain resolve any questions or problems you may have at the time of check-in, or before they leave you for the night.
In Europe, you will find that the first floor is not the ground floor, as it is in America, but rather what we would call the second floor. Elevators are usually much smaller than in the States, so if you are claustrophobic, you may prefer to take the stairs. However, you should find your room in the deluxe hotels to be spacious and comfortable, with high ceilings and large windows. You may even feel like the Pope in Vatican Square as you gaze out your window! And, to put you at ease, there should be at least one channel in English on the TV, such as CNN or the BBC.
You will generally find that extra towels, especially washcloths, can be in short supply, so you may want to pack a few just to have on hand. Also, don’t be surprised to come back to your room at the end of your first day to find a white cloth spread out on the floor beside your bed. This may seem an odd custom, but it’s merely so you have a place for your bare feet when you get out of bed.
Your deluxe hotel should also serve a very nice breakfast in the mornings. You will probably want to arrange to meet your tour group so you can dine together. Generally, there will be eggs and bacon, pastries and croissants, fruit, juice, yogurt, and cereal. Coffee or tea may be brought to your table by a waiter unless otherwise specified.
When you leave your room at the beginning of each day, be sure not to leave valuables behind. Lock your luggage when unattended. If you do have valuables, such as money and jewelry, that need to be safeguarded, have them locked up by hotel management in advance of your departure for the day.
ARRIVAL TO ITALY
When you touch down in Rome or Venice on the first leg of your trip, you should be met at the airport by your Queenslander Tour Captain, who will make sure you get to your hotel conveniently and safely. Your cab fare and tip are already covered by pre-arranged transfer.
However, if you are arriving alone with different arrangements, you should be able to get to your hotel without too much trouble. Generally, there will be transportation options available when you exit the airport, such as a train terminal within walking distance, or a taxi service. If you go by taxi, just tell the driver the name of your hotel and the street address, such as “Hotel Dei Mellini”, “Via Muzio Clementi, 81”. You may wish to have this written out in advance to simply hand to the driver. The word “Via”, meaning “place” or “by the way of”, will precede most street names. The street number appears at the end of the address. Be prepared to give the driver a nominal tip, but check the exchange rate first. Remember, it’s not play money, and you don’t want to tip too much. A polite “Grazie” (pronounced GRAH-tsee-eh) or “thank you” should also be rendered. http://www.queenslandertours.com/qtt/italy.htm
AIRLINES
For international departures, be sure to arrive at the airport at least three hours in advance. Allow yourself plenty of time for arrival, check-in, and getting through security checks.
If you are flying a reputable foreign airline such as British Airways, KLM, or Lufthansa, many times these carriers will partner with a U.S. airline, so be sure to take advantage of any miles you can earn through these partnerships. Do some homework on this beforehand, and always be sure to ask about it at the check-in counter. It’s always harder to get these miles credited to your account after your trip is over, and less likely that you will take the extra time to do so.
Of course, today there is less and less value in airline travel unless you are prepared to pay for it. Especially on the European legs of your flight, don’t be surprised to pay up to 3 Euros for a cup of coffee, or even 8 Euros for a small breakfast plate. Visit QueensLander Tours for Small Group Tours to Italy: http://www.queenslandertours.com/qtt/italy.htm
MONEY
Traveler’s checks are no longer a good option for overseas travel! They are used less and less today in our increasingly electronic society, and we do not recommend them. It is becoming nearly impossible to find anyone that wants to bother with them, so do yourself a favor and get Euro currency before you leave. Your bank should be able to assist you with that, and ask them to serve you as a good customer and not charge you a fee for the exchange. It’s always a good idea to have some local currency on hand once you arrive in Italy, otherwise use your credit or bank debit card at an ATM instead. As usual, there will be a fee for withdrawals, most likely from both banks, your bank at home and the bank in Italy issuing the cash.
If you do have some old traveler’s checks you wish to cash in, there should be a currency exchange booth located in the international departures terminal from which your flight departs. That way you do have some cash on hand when you arrive, or to purchase food items while on layover in a European hub.
If you do need to visit the bank while in Italy, Deutche Bank, Banca di Roma, or some other large bank should be easy enough to find. However, you will not simply be able to walk in off the street. Most will have a revolving glass door that you will enter from streetside or just after you enter the bank. Security will check you out and then allow you to enter. Of course, be sure to have your passport with you for identification.
Be aware of pick pockets and other thieves, especially around bus stations, train stations, or any other public space where large crowds are likely to gather, such as Trevi Fountain in Rome. A money belt is a good idea for men. Wallets or money clips should be carried in the front pocket only. Never put money, passports, or other valuables in your backpack, where they can easily be pinched. Women should purchase some type of money pouch that can be worn about the neck.
Watch out for the “Roma” or “gypsies”. They can often be spotted with a small child or baby to gain your sympathy. Beware that they may be working a racket with someone who is prepared to step in and take your money without you even knowing. Another recent scam involves thieves who will jump on a train just before it leaves and steal bags from the luggage compartment. It has been recommended by some that a bicycle lock is a good way to secure your items to the baggage hold, thereby avoiding this potential problem. Chances are you will have no trouble at all in Italy, but it always pays to be prepared. Visit http://www.queenslandertours.com/qtt/italy.htm for a great Italy Tour Vacation.
Before You Leave For Italy,
Just A Few Tips Regarding
What to Expect
and Know About…
PASSPORTS
Be sure to check the expiration date on your passport well in advance. Most will expire within a 10-year period, so if it’s been awhile since you left the country, you will need time to get with your local passport office. In some cases, a new passport may have to be issued from a city afar like New Orleans or San Diego, so be sure to give yourself plenty of time to avoid a deadline crunch.
Make a copy of your passport and leave it in a safe place or with someone you know. It may come in handy if you lose the real one. When you check into your hotel in Italy, the desk clerk will ask to see your passport, so be prepared to hand it over. Most likely, they will keep it overnight to check with Immigration and Interpol, so don’t be alarmed. They are not trying to steal your passport or identity.
MEDICAL CONCERNS
Before you travel, make certain to visit your general practitioner or family physician. You may even wish to schedule a full physical to make sure you are fit to travel. Otherwise, check with them to make sure you have any shots or prescriptions you may need. Fill prescriptions in advance, and make certain you will have enough to sustain you throughout your trip. If you are traveling alone to rendezvous with your tour group, keep a list of any medical requirements on you in case of an emergency.
This will be mentioned again later, but be advised that you will walk quite a bit on your trip. It is minimized as much as possible, but it cannot be avoided entirely. This can be somewhat difficult for older travelers, so be prepared in advance the best you can. In the end, you know what your limits are, and we will do whatever we can within reason to assist you with your particular situation.
PACKING
Learning to travel lightly is always the goal, but often hard to accomplish. Aim for one suitcase, one rucksack or backpack for day trips or getting about, and one expandable bag to carry items you’ve purchased when traveling back home. Pack the expandable bag away in your suitcase, and only use it for your departure back to the States. This should be all that anyone needs. Of course, the lighter you can travel the better. If you can get by with less than this, go for it. While in Italy, Venice is not accessible by car, only on foot or by boat, so you will be thankful you decided to travel lightly when you get to Venice!
