Penny Scholz and Gwendi Rietz
September 15th – 25th, 2024
Your fascinating trip to Italy is on the horizon and what a memorable trip it shall be. Please read the following document carefully as it contains important information to help you prepare for the adventure ahead. If you have any questions at all, simply let us know!
You will need a passport to travel to Italy. Your passport should be valid until at least April 2025 and it should have 2 full empty pages.
If you don’t have empty pages, please contact us and we will send you instructions for getting a new passport in time for the tour.
Citizens of the USA are allowed to enter Italy without a visa. Italy is a part of the Schengen Zone, a European zone consisting of 26 countries. As a citizen of the USA, you are allowed to spend 90 days out of any 180-day period in the Schengen Zone as a whole.
Please note that both the arrival and departure airport for this tour is the Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO) in Rome and your flights should be booked from this airport only.
Currently, Italy doesn’t require any immunizations to enter the country. However, as is the case when traveling to any country, it is always good to speak with a medical professional about what immunizations might be right for you and to ensure you are up-to-date with standard immunizations such as Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A, Typhoid and Tetanus.
Get ready to embark on your 11-day journey through Italy, a country celebrated for its rich history and captivating landscapes. This experience is set to offer a blend of guided explorations in art-rich cities and leisurely days in picturesque towns.
Starting in the historic heart of Rome, your adventure will take you through the Vatican’s immense art collections and into the lively streets of Trastevere for an evening of traditional Roman fare. From there, the journey shifts to the charm of southern Italy, exploring Bari’s cultural heritage, Matera’s ancient cave dwellings, and the unique trulli houses of Alberobello. Your trip will also lead you to the baroque beauty of Lecce, the coastal allure of Gallipoli, and the serene beaches of Porto Cesareo, offering a rich tapestry of experiences that capture the essence of Italy.
As your tour concludes, you’ll find that the true highlight lies in the blend of Italy’s stunning scenery, the depth of its history, and the warmth of its people. With each day designed to offer both guided insights and personal leisure, you’ll have the freedom to explore Italy’s diverse beauty at your own pace. These moments, from strolling through ancient ruins to savoring a glass of fine wine by the sea, will deepen your connection to this magnificent country.
During this trip, you’ll be staying at comfortable 3-star hotels conveniently located in the cities of Rome, Bari, and Porto Cesareo. All accommodations will be comfortable and include private bathrooms.
As you journey through Italy you’ll use a mix of private and shared vehicles when needed, alongside two domestic train journeys.
In Italy, tap water is not only considered safe for drinking but is also renowned as one of the best waters in the world. You’ll encounter public drinking fountains in many of the cities you visit, which are perfectly safe to use and a testament to Italy’s rich tradition of providing accessible, high-quality drinking water to its residents and visitors alike.
The food in Italy is also both safe and fresh to eat. The country is known for its high-quality fruits and vegetables, many of which are locally grown, reflecting the diverse agricultural regions across Italy.
The local currency in Italy is the Euro (EUR). The current exchange rate is $1 USD = 0.92 EUR.
In terms of spending money, you should estimate an average of $30 – $40 USD per day for all of your needs. This would be for meals that are not included in the tour, basic purchases (laundry service, snacks, etc) as well as any activities you choose to do on your own.
Italy is mainly a cashless society, with credit cards serving as the primary method of payment. Regardless, it’s always a good idea to carry some cash with you in case of an emergency.
As for exchanging money, the best method is via ATM machines which are everywhere in the country. This is the easiest so that you don’t need to carry around large amounts of cash.
However, check with your bank at home as some banks charge high foreign transaction fees every time you withdraw money overseas.
If using an ATM is not an option, or the fees are too high, simply bring USD to exchange at money exchange offices that are located all over the country.
Tipping in Italy is not a big part of the culture, but it is always appreciated. Here’s a general guideline:
➜ Restaurants – 5% – 10% if a service charge is not already added to the bill
➜ Hotel staff – 1€ if someone helps you with luggage or anything else
➜ Your drivers and local guides – We suggest a tip of 10€ per person per day for each local driver and guide, depending on your satisfaction with their services
Italy is a very safe country and the chances of anything happening are very slim as long as you use the same common sense you would use at home.
➜ Watch your stuff – When wandering around crowded areas, it’s always a good idea to keep your wallet and phone in your front pocket or secured in a purse or backpack. The purse, backpack or shoulder bag should be hanging by your front hip, with zippers fastened. Keep in mind that when out and about each day, you may leave valuables in your room as the hotels we use are all very safe.
➜ Scams – Although rare, local scams can sometimes happen. Around public transport hubs, be wary of anyone offering unsolicited help with ticket machines or carrying your luggage, as they might expect payment afterward. Be cautious if someone drops an item near you or presents you with a “complimentary friendship bracelet”, especially around popular tourist areas like the Colosseum, as they will usually ask for money once you engage. If something feels off, it’s best to politely decline and keep moving. To avoid being overcharged by taxis, consider using Uber when available, or make sure that the meter is running. As with any travel though, it’s always good to be aware and if something doesn’t seem right, politely refuse and walk away.
During this trip you can look forward to experiencing Italy during a delightful time of the year. This month marks a transition from the hotter summer months to milder autumn weather across the country. You’ll find conditions ideal for exploring, with very little rain and comfortable temperatures. Here are the average temperatures of each destination you will visit:
➜ Rome: 81F/27C high – 59F/15C low
➜ Bari: 79F/26C high – 61F/16C low
➜ Porto Cesareo: 81F/27C high – 61F/16C low
➜ Population: 69.11 million people
➜ Religion: Christianity, specifically Roman Catholicism, is the predominant religion, reflecting in the country’s rich cultural and historical heritage with around 80% of the population identifying as Catholic. Other religious communities include Orthodox Christians, Muslims, and Jews, contributing to Italy’s religious diversity.
➜ Languages: Italian is the official language of Italy, although English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.
➜ Politics: Italy operates as a parliamentary republic, where the President, Sergio Mattarella, serves as the head of state and the Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, as the head of government. The country’s political landscape is characterized by a multi-party system, with frequent shifts in alliances and coalitions.
For the most part, wearing comfortable clothing is important. Please note that when visiting religious sites, you are required to wear pants below the knee and shirts that cover your shoulders. Additionally, it’s a good idea to bring some warm clothes for the evenings.
➜ Laundry – Laundry service will be available in most of your hotels. When available, it costs approximately 25€ USD per load.
We recommend packing the following items:
If you have any questions about other items you were thinking about bringing or not bringing, just send us an email and we’ll be happy to let you know if such an item is necessary for this trip.
Italy uses standard European plug outlets (Plug Types “C” and “E”), so if you’re coming from the US, you will need a plug adapter. You can easily find cheap ones online, so we’d suggest shopping around.
As for electricity, most mobile phones, laptops, and other devices can handle all types of voltage when charging. The standard voltage in Europe is 220v/50Hz. Check your chargers to see if they say 110 – 220V. If that range is listed on the charger, you will not have any problems charging your device while on the tour.
Italy has generally strong internet throughout the country and all accommodations will have WiFi.
If you wish to have a data connection on their phone throughout the tour, the easiest way will be to purchase an E-SIM before the trip, as this will allow you to stay connected from the moment you land at the airport.
You can also set up a local SIM card upon arrival at the airport. Just make sure you have a GSM-enabled unlocked phone in order to use a foreign SIM card.
Another option is to activate your home network’s ‘international plan’ which will allow you to continue using your phone as you would at home, with access to a data connection, for a fee that usually ranges from $5 – $10 per day.
That’s it for now and we hope you are continuing to get more and more excited about this incredible adventure, just as we are!
If you have any questions about anything, please reach out to team@wanderingearl.com
