877-625-2700
TRAVEL TIPS
CLIMATE
Climate throughout Europe varies significantly, especially between the four seasons. While it is usually quite cold in the north, it is very Mediterranean in the south of Europe. Italy enjoys a Mediterranean climate with distinct winter, spring, summer, and fall seasons. In winter, the average temperatures are in the low 40s, in spring the average temperature ranges in the high 40s to low 50s, the summer is very warm with temperatures on average in the mid-60s, and fall has an average temperature of mid-50s. The north of Italy is usually a little cooler than the average temperature and the south of Italy is usually warmer than the average temperatures.
CURRENCY
Most countries in Europe use the “Euro”, but some countries have different currencies, such as the UK which uses Pounds, or Switzerland which uses the Swiss Franc. The local currency in Italy is the Euro (€). You will find coins of 1,2,5,10,20, and 50 cents, as well as €1, €2, and paper bills of €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, €500. The exchange rate is approximately $1.35 per Euro. Credit cards are accepted at the hotels and some stores and restaurants. Travelers checks are a safe solution for cash necessities. They are often accepted for payment. However, for a better exchange rate, they can be easily exchanged at local banks or exchange offices (you will need to have your passport with you at the time of the exchange). If you intend to use you bank card, consult your bank before departure to ensure that your ATM (“bancomat”) card is internationally compatible.
FLIGHT TICKETS / AIRPORT CHECK-IN
All flight tickets will be issued as e-tickets. This means that there will be no paper tickets, and we will send you the receipt of the purchase of your tickets with your travel documents, only. To check-in with your e-ticket, simply go to the check-in counter of the airline you are traveling with, and present them your passport. If you would like, you may take a copy of your e-ticket receipt with you but this is usually not necessary. The reservation is confirmed solely on the basis of the passenger’s identity which will be proved with your passport. During the check-in process, you will be able to check-in your luggage as well. The airline service representative will hand you your boarding pass/es once check-in is completed. Those boarding passes are necessary to be able to go through security, and to eventually board the plane. You may receive more than one boarding pass if the journey to your final destination consists of one or more stops at different airports.
HOTELS
Caravelle Tours Inc has selected all of our hotels to be appropriate for your tour and for the destination. All hotels we offer or 4 star, 4 star superior, and 3 star properties. It's worth remembering that room sizes in Europe tend to be smaller than in many areas of the world, and the same type o room may be available in different sizes within the same hotel, particularly in older, character hotels. Single rooms are often significantly smaller than double rooms, and may be located in more remote areas within the hotel. Triple rooms may sometimes feature a roll-away bed as the third bed. All hotels have hairdryers and most have safe and refrigerator/bar facilities. What you consume from the bar will have a higher cost. Irons/ironing boards are not provided anywhere.
HOTEL CHECK-IN /CHECK-OUT
While hotels make every effort to have rooms ready when you arrive at the hotel, there is the possibility that your room will not be available until the normal check-in time which us usually 2:00PM. Check-out time is usually at 12:00PM, but you may request a late check-out (fee may apply).
INSURANCE
Most of countries of Europe have a socialized medicine system. Therefore, when in Italy, anyone requiring emergency or hospitalization will be accepted and taken care of in public hospitals. It would be wise to check with your personal insurance coverage, while traveling abroad. In any case we advise you to purchase a travel insurance which you can do directly on our website (see “More services”).
ITALIAN CUISINE
Italian cuisine is world renowned for its excellence. You want to keep in mind that in a restaurant, it is customary to consume a full course meal of a pasta dish, a meat/fish dish and vegetables. Optional is the “antipasto” and the dessert. Your average full meal runs from $30 to $50 per person, depending on the choice of menu and wine. Cafés are ideal for quick lunches, where you can consume from the “cappuccino” and “cornetto”, typical Italian breakfast, to a variety of sandwiches (“panini”) and pasta/salad dishes. You should know that most do not have sit down facilities and, if they do, what you consume will cost more due o service charges.
LANGUAGE
In Europe, almost every country speaks a different language. In Italy, the national language is Italian, even though English is commonly spoken in hotels, some restaurant, and stores. Two useful words known are “per favore” (please) and “grazie” (thank you).
LUGGAGE
For convenience and faster handling during your trip, your baggage allowance is limited to one checked-in and one carry-on. We will provide you with our Caravelle Tours baggage tag which will help you and your travel mates to identify your luggage more quickly. Please check the weight and measurement requirements of both check-in and carry on with the relative airline.
MEDICAL
No special vaccinations are required for travel to Europe. Anyone taking prescription medicine should be careful to bring an adequate supply for the entire trip and remember to pack it in the checked luggage. If is advised to bring a copy of your doctor’s prescription in case the security staff at the airport has questions regarding your medication.
PASSPORT & VISA
All U.S. citizens are required to have a valid passport. Please note that your passport needs to be valid for another 6 months after the end of your trip. A visa is not required to enter Italy for U.S. citizens. Non U.S. citizens must check requirements with their respective consulate.
PHONES
It is possible to make calls from all of your hotels. You will find it a bit more expensive as the hotels charge for this service, as in most parts of the world. Remember when you call the United States to dial 011 followed by the area code and phone number you are trying to reach. You can also utilize a calling card. Check with the calling card company to obtain toll free numbers to call from Italy and further instructions.
SECURITY CONCERNS
Europe, in particular Italy is quite safe. Like in all large cities, minor crimes such as pickpockets or robberies may happen in crowded, touristy places; however, violent crime is uncommon. In any case, we advise you to leave you valuable items at the hotel (preferable in the safe) and not to carry large amounts of cash with you.
SHOPPING
Italy is known for its fine craftsmanship in leather, gold, lace, and woodcarving. Even though you can find excellent samples throughout Italy, you will find the best assortment of gold and leather in Florence. Discover beautiful lave articles in Venice and an abundant selection of inlaid wood objects, in the Sorrento area. Fashion is another strong Italian product that you will find all over Italy. In Rome, you can purchase a great variety of religious articles.
TIME DIFFERENCE
Italy and other countries located in central Europe are 6 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST), and 7 hours ahead of Central Time (CT). The United Kingdom and Ireland are 5 hours ahead of EST, and 6 hours ahead of CT.
TIPPNG
In Italy, tipping is not mandatory. If you were very satisfied with the service you were given in a restaurant, you may leave a tip of a couple of Euros which you typically leave on the table before leaving the restaurant. A 10% tip is considered a good tip in Italy. In hotels, porters are typically tipped a couple of Euros after they have helped you with your luggage. It is common to tip tour guides and drivers (5-10% is sufficient).
TRANSPORTATION:
When using public transportation, please be sure to put everything valuable in a safe place, out of reach of pick-pockets that thrive in any large, tourist filled city. You may wish to make a copy of your passport to have with you and leave the original at the hotel. If taking a taxi, take only the official ones bearing a sign “TAXI” on top. They all have meters which should be turned on, as you enter the cab.
VOLTAGE:
The voltage varies between Europe, the IK and the United States. In Italy the voltage is 220 volts (in comparison to the USA which is 110 volts). Please make sure that your electronic devices can be used with the higher voltage without being damaged, or please buy a voltage converter before you go on your trip. Furthermore, the sockets in Europe are different than in the United States. In Italy, you will need one with two round prongs. Please make sure you buy an adapter which will fit the foreign sockets to be able to use your electronic devices.
17070 Collins Ave, Ste. 253
Miami, FL 33160
U.S.A.
Toll Free : 1-877-625-2700
Email : info@caravelletours.com
